Essence of Hip-Hop Vol. 2: The Writing Process

As a listener of music, haven't you ever wondered what went into the writing of your favorite songs? What in the world inspires artists to write what they write? Or even the random places they have written music? Well, below is an interview with four very talented hip-hp artists (Allen Poe, Tino, Joey Aich, and Kwab aka Y.e.S) who all have different versions of the writing process. They were all asked the exact same questions, yet in their answers you may note some large differences. Compare and contrast all of the answers, and see what these guys go through in order to pen your possible next favorite song! The artists will be color coated to make reading this article a bit easier, so give it a glance, and be sure to comment any thoughts below!

Tino-T     Allen Poe-AP     Joey Aich-JA     Kwab-K

1.) Introduce yourself (name, where your from and how long you've been making music)

T-  I'm Tino.  I'm from Cleveland Ohio, but now live and operate out of Dayton Ohio. I've been writing music for five years now and I've been a serious musician for three and a half years.

AP- I'm Allen Poe, MC from Frankfort, Kentucky.  I've been rhyming since '95 and dropped my first record in 2011.

JA-  I'm Joey Aich, a starving artist from Cleveland trying to get free chipotle. I'm been recording music since I was 15 years old. 

K- My name is Kwab aka Y.e.S! and I am originally from Ghana, Africa but I currently reside in New Jersey. I have been making music for about 8 or so years.

2.) What made you want to begin making music?

T-  I started writing while on vacation for a friends destination wedding. I wasn't a fan of the Florida's climate so I'd stay inside most days and have the whole condo to myself. It was during this time I could play my music as loud as I wanted. While listening I just started writing one afternoon and haven't stopped since.

AP-  I used to like to write poetry in school when I was young.  Once I dug into hip hop and started getting my hands on instrumentals the writing naturally combined. 

Tino

JA- I always wanted to make music because music and performing have always been a big part of my life from church choir to school plays and what not, but it wasn't until my grandmother passed away in my senior year of high school and I finished a verse to a song (Exhibit J) in dedication to her that I knew I wanted to continue to pursue music. I wanted to actually get into a studio and publicly release songs and embrace the biggest critic in the world today, the internet. 

K- Always had a passion for it and enjoyed the culture. I was always writing bits of poetry and lyrics when I was younger because it was always good outlet to get my ideas out. It eventually evolved from that to house party rap battles to putting together tracks for different projects. 

3.) Where do you get ideas for songs, lyrics, and hooks?

T- May seem generic, but life inspires what I do. It can be my life which fueled the creation of songs like Time Clock Blues which is about hating my old 9 to 5, and Bonus Stage which is about my love of video games or it could be life as a collective which has been the base for my more socially conscious subject matter.

AP- I get them from everything I see and think and feel.  The beat will give direction too.

JA-  I get most of my inspiration for songs through living life. My music is a strong reflection of what I'm going through or thinking about.

K- I always incorporate my life into my music so my ideas usually come from a personal perspective even if its just a braggadocios track. I always try to listen to different genres of music to see if I can incorporate it my music and style. I also try to be in the company of talented (not just music) people around me in order to get different types of ideas, perspectives and inspiration.

4.) Do you have a certain routine when writing new music?

T- I used to write really late at night. There is something special about that state of thought just between sleep and awake. Now my writing is much more free form.

AP- A few songs might not be wrote to the music, but mostly I listen to the beat and try not to think about anything else.  Once I get a feel for it the writing begins. 

JA- I try my best not to force it. I feel like when I sit down and say "I'm gonna write this verse today," I fall short and end up forcing lyrics and concepts. I usually jot down all my thoughts in the note section of my phone to keep ideas while I'm mobile or just not in a writing mood and revisit them later. Also, since I'm still in college finishing my senior year at Denison University, I keep a notebook and during class I'll flip to the end of book and just write what ever comes to mind. If you look inside of a notebook of mine you'll find drawings, lyrics, ideas, anything music related. 

Joey Aich

K- I usually get a concept or direction in mind and listen to the beat a bunch of times to get a feel for it. Then I usually go about putting together my verses and hook. Sometimes its a free flowing process and at times very methodical depending on the track. Some tracks just come easy and I am able to complete it in a short amount of time without any changes. Very personal and introspective records usually take a while to write because I tend to rewrite things if it becomes too much or "regrettable".

5.) Where do you normally write your music at? (Weirdest place you've ever written at?)

T- I normally write most of my music from my couch. I'll also write where ever a line comes to me, that could be the car, a concert, a wedding, in the line at Chipotle . Almost anyplace where there's music is a place a song can be birthed.

AP- I write at night at home most nights.  I try to write in different spots when I can.  Different settings can add different color to the track.

JA-  Usually just in my notes on my phone or in notebooks. The weirdest place I've written at isn't really that weird but I was at dinner and just wrote on a napkin. As far as places I write. In bed at night is probably the best place I get thoughts. 

K- I usually write anywhere I am able to zone in and focus. I have written songs in different places such as during recording sessions to crowded train rides. I don't really have any weird places that I have written music in my opinion. Whenever I am able to just lock in and focus regardless of the outside distractions is when I am at my best writing music. 

6.) When writing down verses, what materials do you use? (phone, pen, computer, etc.)

T-  I was a laptop writer, but when it died I switched to my phone and have written on it exclusively. It's nice to be able to capture whatever thought, line, song title, or melody immediately.

AP-  I always use my phone.  I just started working on something and I'm going to write with pad and pen only for it.  The phone is convenient but I think something might be getting lost without actual 'writing'.  

Allen Poe

JA- Just phone and pen.

K- I usually write on my phone because it is easier to jot down ideas, lyrics and concepts right in the palm of my hand. It makes it an easy process compared to writing on paper and I have the lyrics saved right on my phone in case I need to make improvements or reference from it at a later time. 

7.) You're a rapper, but could you write for other genres or artists?

T- I write melodies for hooks to be sung by other artists for my projects and a few of my songs could easily be sung so I believe I could do some R&B writing if my heart was in it.

AP- If it were a homie and we were collaborating or there was a hook written for somebody else, I've done that a lot.  If another rapper felt like their money was worth my rhymes I'd  be interested.

JA-  Could I write for someone else? I doubt it, but could I write for my self in a different genre? I believe so. I'm actually trying to get into country music. I think I would get a greater attendance at my shows I don't know just a thought haha.

K- Yeah I believe so. I listen to other genres such as R&B or soul music in order to draw inspiration to my own work so if need be I could put together something for another genre. 

8.) Do you write verses before or after you find an instrumental to work with?

T- On occasion I'll write a few lines without music, but I believe instrumentals and verses should compliment one another and even a dope verse may never find a home without the write production to accompany it.

AP- It can be before but usually it's after for me.  The instrumental gives so much energy and influence to the overall song it seems it should be part of my creation process.

JA-  Depends. Sometimes I find inspiration through the beat. I'll hear a beat and I'll say "I know exactly what I want to say on this," or I'll write something just in down time and when I hear a beat I'll find a way to get them to work together. 

K- A bit of both. Sometimes I have verses written that my producer is able to craft a beat that fits the idea and concepts. Other times I draw inspiration from the beat and go from there. 

9.) Where was your best song/verse written?

T-  Back in 86, one of my best songs was written at my girlfriends townhouse.

AP- Probably at home just by volume of where songs have been created.

JA- The best song I've written? Damn that's actually tough. There are some that I just feel very passionate about like Exhibit J, Smooth Hardcore and Acknowledgement. and there are others where I just have a lot of fun with like Early Bird, Loading, Greyhound, or 40oz. To me one of my favorite verses is my verse on The Pleasures off the Knock 5 Compilation album. I just feel like that verse screams Joey Aich. Its me, its my dreams, its my goals, its just a Joey Aich ass verse haha. 

K- Probably at my dinner table at like 3 or 4 am. I was going through some things and spent the better part of the night and morning just writing songs for a previous project. I was able put together a couple of my favorite songs that night. 

Kwab

10.) Any advice for up and coming rhymers that may struggle with the writing process?

T- I think the biggest mistake any artist can make is lusting for results. When you want to write hits and focus on getting plays is when you taint your process and impede your ability to do so. I would also suggest doing something outside of your comfort zone when you experience writers block. Doing something you're not familiar with can help you develop a new approach to your traditional style or help you incorporate a new style altogether.

AP- Be alone some to read and think.  Write a little bit everyday, consistency is king.

JA- My biggest advise is write write write, but don't force it. Let it come to you. Let the ideas come organically. Like I said before some of my worse verses come when I sit down and say I am going to write this verse. Another bit of advise is to be creative and push envelopes as much as possible. 

K- Practice and patience. Its okay to struggle but just keep at it till you are satisfied and even then keep going. Writing can at times be easy but there are times you will hit a block. Just keep at it and keep the same passion you have mentally regardless if you are struggling. 

11.) Do you think other artists will have similar or the same answers? Why or why not?

T-  I think there will be some similarities, but nobodies process is the same. I know emcees who don't write, ones who only write in notebooks, and some that write in a phone like me. It's all about what's comfortable and works best for you which isn't a one size fits all type of thing.

AP- I think creation is unique to the creator so I would expect some variation, but at the end of the day it's putting thoughts into written form so it all comes out the same.

JA- For some yes, for other no. I think everyone has their own unique regimens yah know. Like every batter in baseball has a different batting stance or routine as they approach the plate, but the goal is still to get on base, score runs, and win games. 

K- Yes  and no. I think all artists are similar at times when it comes to the writing process. They usually have to write ideas and lyrics or at least make mental notes when they get inspired but everyone has an overall different routine and process.

@hiphoptino | @AllenPoe_ | @JoeyAich4 | @kwabakayes

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Interview With James Gardin

One of the more recurring names that can be found on this site, is James Gardin. He made his first appearance with his project Moleskines & Pocket Squares, and even ended up on one of our 2014 year end lists! Lately, however, he has been highlighted for the singles leading up to his most recent album, Living Daylights, and then the album itself! Gardin is a unique, talented, and soulful artist and he was kind enough to answer a few questions in regards to his latest release. So check out the interview on Living Daylights, and be sure to check out Gardin and his full catalog for some great tunes!  

What was the inspiration behind your last project Living Daylights?

Living Daylights was inspired by this idea that we are all called to be beacons of hope , light, and inspiration with what ever vocation or skill-set we have. I also lived in South Africa for 3 months while writing some of this record so that time inspired a lot of the content ,and honestly life inspired it. Times when I was happy , focused, slacking depressed ... all that inspired this record

 What does this album mean to you?

At one point I felt this was one of those albums  I was born to make, and I feel like it still is. This album is not only pivotal moment in my career because I feel like I'm starting to gain clout and traction , but this album is me really getting comfortable with who I am. I know that in previous albums I was still comparing myself to other artist and I'm finally learning to not care ... FINALLY

Any challenges you faced while making this album?

One of the biggest things was trying to find a label to pick up the record . I sat on the record for 2 years shopping it around, until I decided to just put it out myself. I also went through  losing my management and going back to doing everything myself during the planning of Living Daylights release.

How does Living Daylights strengthen your musical catalog?

I think Living Daylights is my own sound, of course with KuroiOto but I think we finally found a sound that's starting to mix all of our influences . I think this album shows a lot of growth compared to my previous releases and it's only a preview of where I plan on going musically.

How did you know when this album was complete?

When I realized it told the narrative I wanted to convey . I don't know the exact moment but at one point I looked at all the songs I had and I was like this feels right I don't need this song or this song but these other one's are perfect to inspire and send the message I want to with this record. 

What's your favorite track on Living Daylights?

My favorite song on Living Daylights is No One. It's crazy because when I wrote it I was super apprehensive in sharing it ,because when I wrote it there weren't a lot of rap songs where your actually trying to encourage people and challenge standards of beauty in a more sensitive tone.  But I feel like that song challenges a lot of societal norms and it's a record that's need in our time.

Is Living Daylights your best work? Favorite?

I think it's my best to date , which I hope all artist feel with their most current release. I also feel like my next release will be better. Is it my favorite?... right now it is but I ended up growing out of my own records so only time can tell. 

What's else can we expect from you in 2015?

I plan on dropping more songs, another project this year , and Lord willing some touring this fall. I'm trying to work harder than I ever had there's so much work to be done and if I'm breathing it's going to get done

@JamesGardin

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Interview With Producer, Mike Mo Beats

 

Recently, I was able to conduct an in-depth conversation/interview with one of the best young producers around, Mike Mo Beats.  Mike is an extremely underrated talent, and his sample heavy boom-bap style is one of the sharpest around. This is a bit of a lengthy article, but it should be a fun and interesting read. Be sure tp comment your thoughts and to check out Mike's music!

@MikeMoBeats | Bandcamp


First off, could you introduce yourself?

Name is Michael Moreland aka Mike Mo Beats. Been making beats for a little while here, I'm 22 years old and been making beats since I was 14 or 15, kind of freelancing and throwing stuff online for a couple years now and just seeing where it takes me.

What got you into making beats that early?

Man, I was just a huge hip-hop nerd. I would get all my stuff with LimeWire, probably shouldn't tell all my stuff, but all the 9th Wonder, Little Brother, Pete Rock, J-Dilla, DJ Premire, and I was like, "Man, I want to do that" so I got a little computer application, like a $20 one that had all the loops preset and eventually worked my way up to getting the real software and figured it out on my own and took tutorials online.

Now most people, when they're younger, want to rap and I know you rap as well, but you mostly make instrumentals, so what made you want to make beats first instead of rap?

Yeah, I kind of come from a more musical background. I grew up playing the sax, and the recorder when I was a little kid, and I didn't really have too much, but I wrote every now and again, but it was easier for me to make beats than to rap, I guess it just came more natural. But yeah it is a little different than the traditional story of people just trying to be a rapper, I guess I just gravitated more towards making beats for whatever reason.

Do you remember the first beat you ever made?

Haha, ahh man I'm pretty sure it was terrible! The first beat I made, if you could call it a beat, it wasn't really anything that I made, but it was a program that had all these preset loops, and it had drum loops and horn sounds, and everything was out of key, but it was just cool to me to have something that I created and manipulated and put it on an mp3 and listen to it on the way to school. Even though it was terrible I still got a little high from it.

You talked about what you used to use to make beats, but what kind of equipment or software do you use now to make your beats? 

Right now, I'm strictly FruityLoops man, good ole FL Studio. I believe it's FL Studio 9 or 10? I think I'm on FL Studio 10 right now so I'm a little behind so I need to update, but yeah no hardware just software.

I hear you man. Now one question I've always wanted to ask someone who makes instrumentals is, where do you come up with the names for tracks?

Man that's probably one of the craziest things. Like a lot of times, the beats will be untitled and I'll just hurry up and name them after a sample I used. I like to get everything in order, like 10 or 12 beats that all have the same vibe to them, and just listen to them, and whatever pops into my head. For example, from backpack (his instrumental project) I just thought about how I grew up on the backpack. I mean I'm a college kid, still got a year left in school and it kind of had that sound, and the actual track titles are kind of random, but I tried to add a little meaning to it and kind of leave it a little mysterious for people to kind of derive their own meaning to it. Nothing too calculated.

Could you take me through your beat making process and what that's like?

Yeah for sure. Mostly, I'm pretty sample heavy, I try to branch out, but I'll just be digging through records man. Lately I've been using YouTube, I had a record player and it broke so I'm kind of stuck to the digital files. But I'll just listen to tons of records and see if I can find a loop I like, and from there I'll usually start with the loop and either chop it up or pitch it and then I do the drums last. Some people start with the drums first, I like to have the sample first, and have the drums fit in the pocket of whatever the sample or loop I use.

How long does that usually take?

It can vary. A lot of times, I'll probably sit with the sample if something pops or I kind of like the drums I do. I can make a beat in 15 minutes and sometimes I'll just take way longer than that to perfect it and get all the mixing right, but a lot of times I make it quick, then come back to it maybe a week later and add stuff in, and see if I can hear something else in. Y know make something pop a little harder or maybe make the drums hit a little harder or turn the snare up, but it kind of depends on the mood.

Do you have a favorite artist to sample from?

Ooh that's a good question. I'm thinking who have I sampled a lot from? There's kind of a lot of people that I use. I guess one guy is Lonnie Liston, he's got some cool stuff. A lot of Roy Ayers, and obviously guys like that have been sampled like crazy, Guys like Grover Washington, and you know you always got the old school soul stuff like with guys like David Ruffin, who just put out crazy amounts of music so you have so much to pick from, but I don't necessarily have a favorite. I try to change it up and sampled something that no one else has sampled, but if I do sample something that someone has already sampled, I'll try to find a different loop or chop it up differently.

Now you said earlier that you listened to Little Brother and 9th Wonder, would you say he was your big influences?

Oh hell yeah man. My first 30 beats were all ninth wonder bites. Ya know, I went online for a 9th Wonder kit to get the snares and all that. he's probably one of my favorite producers for sure, top five for me.

Since you said it, who are your top 5 producers?

Ooh on the spot, I set myself up man haha. Number 1, I got to go Dilla. Then I might even go Kanye, then I'll take it back and put DJ Premier up there, Pete Rock, and I'll throw 9th in there and give him the five spot.

9th is probably one of my favorites as well, so what's your favorite 9th Wonder beat?

Man he has so many, I'm trying to think off the Little Brother albums, and the whole The Listening and The Minstrel Show albums were crazy, but I would say "Lovin' It" maybe. He had this one album where he remixed God's Son by Nas, and all those beats were crazy. and to me his was a better album than Nas' actual album, and I was actually listening to those earlier today.

So your top five are the guys that you listened to early, and got you to where you are now as a producer?

For sure. Yeah definitely, the way that they took a sample and didn't just loop it, well sometimes they would loop it but they would make it their own. Guys like Madlib, even though he just loops it, he still finds a crazy way to make random parts of the song mesh, but yeah man I definitely look up to those guys. They do things like filtering, ya know like low pass filter to give that underwater effect of the sample, and the bass-line, and they get the drums to sound not programmed even if they're using an MPC or FL Studios it still sounds like a real drummer with that live feel and bounce to it. Definitely something I try to emulate.

To switch gears a little, I'm curious as to why you'll often release you're projects for free for just anyone to download?

For me man, the biggest thing is, and I don't want to be the hipster guy, but I just do it for the love of it, it's something I just do regardless. I'll probably be like 80 years old making beats probably still on FL Studio, but I just want to be heard. It bothers me, and I know people are trying to hustle, but when dudes that aren't really that known try to charge for their music, it's like c'mon man. Big name artists, and even producers put out stuff for free, so what do I look like trying to charge? I'm just little ole me from Portland, Oregon ya know? I just put it out and maybe I'll get some clientele and increase my audience, but it's not something I'm stressing too hard,

I hear ya man. So what big plans do you have to make 2015 your year?

That's a good question. I've been actually sitting here trying to ponder some new years resolutions and think what I want to do, but one thing that I  want to do is try to get a bigger name placement, and I might have to change my style up a little bit, because it's not something you can market as well as a beat that Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan would rap on, but I've been sending beats out to these A&R places and to some people on twitter, so hopefully that works out. If not, I kind of want to do my own thing and since I've been handing out my beats over the years and networking, I want to do something like Jake One and his White Van Music or 9th Wonder's album that he put out where they did all the beats and have people rap over them. That's definitely something I want to do by the end of next year, I might even throw a couple verses of my own in there.

Might throw in your own verses? Which do you think you're better at, rapping or making beats?

I think I'm better at beats, it's definitely easier for me. Writing raps is a lot harder than chopping a sample and putting drums on it.

A bet a lot of people would argue otherwise. Also, you're a collegiate athlete, can you tell me a little about that?

Yeah man, I couldn't give up my hoop dreams. I played 2 years at a D3 school, and ended up transferring to an NAIA school out here in Oregon. I played last year, I did basketball and I do track as well. Not doing basketball this year, but I've got a high jump meet coming up, and I'm going to try and max out for senior year. So I've been crazy busy trying to be a producer, student and athlete at the same time.

How do you balance it all?

A lot of Red Bull man. I've got to keep the mind right, so a lot of Red Bulls and swishers every now and again to keep the mind right. I'd rather be doing a lot of stuff than sitting around being lazy all day, it keeps life interesting.

Now what's the hip-hop scene like out in Portland?

It's kind of interesting. There's a lot of talent out here, but it's almost like the crabs and the barrels type thing. People don't really network much and just other factors too. Portland doesn't have its own distinct sound, but there's some cool guys. Like there's a dude named Illmaculate, he's a battle rapper and he's actually pretty common in the battle rap scene. Then there's this guy named Luck-One, and I gave him a couple beats on his last tape there's a lot of people poppin'. Actually a couple dudes were on XXL and getting love on 2DopeBoyz and OkayPlayer. It's coming up, but traditionally it has not been a mecca for hip-hop.

Who is your favorite rapper that has rapped on one of your beats?

To be real, not just because I'm doing an interview with you, but that Xc song was really cool. It wasn't super mixed and mastered but he killed that "Close Encounters" beat I gave him. Other than that, there's this dude named Luck-One that has been grinding in Portland for a minute, but he's out in New York now. We did this song Malcolm X Blvd that had some really solid social commentary and just some really quality bars. He's dope man, super dope.

Now have you ever had a rapper destroy your beat in the bad way? Just did awful?

It happens all the time man, it's the funniest thing. It's a little bit of a struggle because a lot of times when I do make money off beats it'll be some 15 year old kid with his mom's credit card like "yo man your beats are dope bruh"(Mike said this in what I believe to be his nerdy white boy voice) and I was just like alright man for sure and they'll send me the track back and I don't want to like kill nobody's dreams, and I respect the passion, but I put so much stuff out for free like on YouTube, SoundCloud and Bandcamp and I'll look up stuff and and find tracks people did that's just so bad and I try not to laugh but it happens all the time.

That's all the questions I have man, but is there anything else you want to say or let the world know about you before I let you go?

Not really man, I don't like to talk about myself too much. I just kind of do my thing and if people rock with the music they rock with it, and if not then it's all gravy I guess if you're reading this and checked out my music, then I appreciate it. That's kind of what I do it for, not to be cheesy but I like the slow music you can listen to and get a little feeling from it, and that's what I came up on, so if I can do the same thing then I'm definitely honored if that's the way people think about my music.



*Thank you Mike for taking the time to do this, it was a blast, and we'll have to do another one soon!

Check out Mike's bandcamp page and be sure to follow him on twitter @MikeMoBeats

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Q&A With Von Pea (of Tanya Morgan)

      

I was recently able to shoot some questions over to rapper, Von Pea (of Tanya Morgan) in regards to his upcoming album, To:You, which is entirely produced by production duo The Other Guys. Within this Question and Answer session, readers should be able to get a bit of an inside look at what went into the making of this project, and even learn about the recording of a track that took over seventy tries! Check out the interview below and feel free to comment your thoughts on the article!

You've worked with The Other Guys in the past, but what made you want to release an entire project with them?

-It was timing really. Usually I'd say no to a collaborative album unless it was with some old friends I'd worked with for years but I'd just left a show and was inspired based on what I saw and heard. They sent me some music that felt like the show and it made me consider it. About a week later I said yeah to it!

You're in Tanya Morgan with Donwill, and you both will have released a solo project this year. How is it different making an album without him?

 Any similarities?

-Donwill and I have a similar sense of humor...that might be the secret to our success actually. Haha...there are things the group does that may begin as a joke then become a thing for us. When we're alone it's all your own ideas. I was there when he recorded the Don Speaks project and I'm a fan of his solo ideas. Shit like "RGFN". Its subtle for me, hard to explain it really.

Where does the album's name, To:You, come from?

-Its an album that I made based on what I thought the listeners would want to hear. You'd assume I always do that but stuff like "Duly Noted" was more therapeutic and for me, while hoping people just feel me. This time was more thinking about what people might want to hear first. The Other Guys are fans of TM so they were like the focus group in a way.

A few of your HIPNOTT label mates are featured on the album, what was it like working with guys like Substantial and Jermiside?

-Its dope working with them.

What's was your favorite part about creating this album?

I always enjoy working on the sequencing. That's always my favorite thing to do on any project so Id say that was my favorite part.

Did you come across any bumps or curves while making To:You? 

(If so, how did you work through them?)

-I wanted to record "So East Coast" in one take. As in, one recording all the way through the whole song, chorus and everything. So that took over 70 tries as my tone would change, or id rush one part or fumble one word and I kept doing it over and over. I gave up and recorded a version that was the usual multiple recordings for the chorus alone, verse one alone, etc. but id felt like Id given up on the plan so I kept at it until I got it right.

What does this project mean to you, and how does it further expand your vast catalog of music?

-This album was fun. Its another collaborative project that came out as quality...I look at albums like actors doing movies. You can have a favorite movie that you've seen like, 4 or 5 times but you know you like it a lot. That's kind of how music is now so that's how I look at it. If anyone ends up playing this 100s of times that's great too!

How long did this album take to make?

-About a month.

What's your favorite track on the album?

-Might as Well and Connect Four.

How do you personally chose the album artwork for projects? Is there a process, or just whatever you like?

-Once the album has a mood I search for a cover that seems to match the mood by color, and if there's a concept then the cover has to match that concept. This time the cover came from the video shoot and it had a classic rap look to it, then The Other Guys added the blue note touch.

Any last comments on the album?

-November 25th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@VonPea | @OTHERGUYSMUSIC | @HiPNOTT

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The Essence of Hip-Hop: Interview with Sundance, P.A.T Junior, Descendant, & Brazy

      Recently I tweeted that I wanted to do an interview with an artist on the culture of hip-hop. To my surprise, I received a high number of responses from artists wanting to be apart of this interview. It then occurred to me that I could use all of these willing participants to conduct a study on hip-hop as a whole. I then sent four artists the exact same questions, and awaited their responses. Through this, readers will notice parallels and polar opposites in the artists, though they all work in the same industry. I find it fascinating that four guys all working the same job can think exactly alike on one aspect of hip-hop, but completely disagree on another, it's truly awesome!
     To make this more interesting, I used three artists that have been featured on the site, and one that hasn't. Additionally, none of the artists names were released to each other, and all of the artists span from all over America. Give this article a read, compare and contrast the responses, and comment what you think about the post! Additionally, I want to send out a BIG thank you to Sundance, P.A.T Junior, Descendant, and Brazy. You guys are awesome for taking the time to make this work!

D=Descendant, S=Sundance, P=P.A.T Junior, B=Brazy

Can you first introduce yourself? 
-My name is Descendent from Newport News, VA, I been making music for over 10 years. 

-Sundance, a producer/emcee currently residing in Missoula, Montana, but originally from San Diego. Been at it seriously for last 15+ years. 

-My name is P.A.T. Junior, I’m originally from New York but have been residing in Raleigh, North Carolina for some time now.  I’ve been making art (seriously) for almost 3 years.

-My Name is Brazy, I was born in raised in South Los Angeles and have called Las Vegas home since 2005. I've been rhyming since 1992.

What makes hip-hop so appealing to the younger generation?
D-The reason why hip-hop is appealing to the younger generation is because the culture started from the youth. They took away the instruments and after school programs in the schools and the youth had nothing positive to do, being that it was a lot of negative images around with the gangs and violence. The blacks and Latinos created hip-hop a way to express themselves without violence. Its all about style, having fun, and being original which most youth want to have.  

S-Probably depends on where the fans come from… for some, it's the attraction to the "sound of not giving a [bleep]", to others its the idea of elevation from negative surroundings (which I gravitate towards), and then to others still…it's like an arena in Ancient Rome. They are here for the spectacle of it all.

P-If we’re talking about the negative side of Hip-Hop?  Money, popularity, fame, half naked women, cars and all that other stuff some rappers do in their videos.  But, if we’re talking about the art form?  The more mature “younger generation” are drawn to hip-hop because there is freedom of expression and the style of music.  Also, Hip-hop/rap is the only genre of music that can take a pop song, rock song, or any other genre and make it hip-hop.  And that is what pull a lot of people in, the dynamics of the Hip-Hop “sound”.

B-I think HipHop appeals to all generations, just like all other types of music. But if you are specifically talking about what the music industry is pushing on the radio and tv, first off it's not HipHop and second, they market it to your people, plain and simple.

Why do you think older generations have a hard time connecting with hip-hop?
D-Well since the beginning of the hip-hop culture it was always look down upon because where it came from. Other genres, record companies,  and America look at it as a fad and will be over soon. On the other hand Hip-Hop is not even 50 years old yet so its still a young genre, they didn't understand the scratching of the DJs, loud music, or the way we wear our clothes. But if you look throughout music history just about every genre had that problem until it was world wide. As Hip-Hop gets older so will more generations to come. 

S-Oh man, this could be a 10-paragraph answer hahaha! 

I'd say firstly, they are only exposed to RAP. They don't really know the culture, or history of HIP HOP. The typical older generation is only exposed to what these media oligarchs want them to hear… but unfortunately, this first exposure is a complete betrayal of what it really is, and probably turns them away before they can discover the huge amounts of good stuff that exists out there.

P-Everything I said in the previous question.  I just had this discussion with my wife not to long ago.  There are plethora of people who only see the surface of Hip-Hop music.  They see the rap videos with all the half naked women twerking before the see the Lupe Fiasco’s and Shad K’s.  Why? Ratchetness is more appealing to the masses.  The masses (majority) then disseminate what’s appealing to them across culture and amongst their circles.  Then somebody’s grandma sees the video with all the negativity, inquires about it and it becomes her first and last impression of Hip-Hop. 

     Then you have older people who say rap is “loud” and rambunctious. But what genre music isn't “loud” and rambunctious at times? 

B-I don't think they do, I think HipHop appeals to all generations, just like all other types of music. But if you are specifically talking about what the music industry is pushing on the radio and tv, first off, it's not HipHop and second, they market it to young people, plain and simple.

What is your definition of hip-hop?
D-Love, peace, having fun, freedom of expression and rebellious from a system that does that want us here. 

S-"Rap is something you do, hip hop is something you live." -KRS

P-A genre in which artists are responsible for expressing truth and hope, while still making good music/art.  It’s a culture of individuals who are responsible for teaching those who are up and coming artists how to create new avenues of expression for themselves and set an example generations to come.  It's a culture of individuals who are also responsible for teaching the up and comers on how to communicate effectively through their art.  It's a voice for the poor, the broken and the misunderstood.

B-HipHop is a culture. The music of HipHop culture is two turntables and a microphone, being used by a DJ and an MC. 

What sub-categories are there? Which do you classify your music?
D-Honestly, I don't like sub- categories because it all falls under one element of the Hip-Hop culture which is rap music. I like to classify my music as soul music and leave it up to the fans to classify my music. 

S-Bro…I can't call it. So many categories, so little time. Seems like everything mainstream is some derivative of club music though lately, while underground still has that classic sound. I'd say my last album was more jazzy Boom Bap mixed in with Downtempo stuff.

P-Too many to count (lol).  That can be a good thing and a bad thing for Hip-Hop.  I’d say my music is Hip-Hop/Eclectic.  I love underground, boom bap(ish) hip-hop. But I think there’s a place for it.  When it comes to music, I really don’t have a “taste”. If it sounds good and its saying something with substance, I rock with it.  So because I’m influenced by various genre’s, I’d say Hip-Hop/Eclectic.

B- I don't think there are sub-categories, it's either HipHop or it isn't. I make HipHop music.

Is hip-hop for everyone? 
D-Hip-Hop is for everybody but everybody may not understand. It is a lot of closed minded people which will see the industry which does not represent the culture and think that's what Hip-Hop is all about and that is not true.

S-No. The real strength of hip hop is unity through struggle, and in order to embody that, you have to be willing to face yourself, people's perceptions of you, and your past to learn how to create a better future. Not everyone wants that...

P-No.  There are people who consume and hate both aspects of its negativity and positivity.  That’s just how the world works.  If everyone loved Hip-Hop, I wouldn't want to be apart of it.

B-HipHop is by the people for the people, so yea, it's for everyone. 

"The minority speaks for the majority." Is this statement true or false in regards to hip-hop? Why or why not?
D-Well, in reality if you really look at it, the so called "minority" is really the majority but I do agree with that statement. Because there is more oppressed people in this world and I feel Hip-Hop speaks to those people worldwide! No matter what culture, race, or how you were raised it reaches you. Hip-Hop is universal!

S-False. I feel like those who control what the majority hears, suppress the minority voice in favor of what's the most marketable. They are selling a giant fashion statement. This statement is dressed in something not too far from Little Brother's "The Minstrel Show"- claiming freedom from the struggle in one hand, while locking us up in chains on the other. Funny thing is, the people who really believe we want to see this mockery of our art are the TRUE minority. Most of us are starving for a change, and I believe it will happen soon.

P-I’d like to think so.  The minorities in Hip-Hop are the Shad K’s, Kendrick’s, LeCrae’s and Propaganda’s.  Even though Kendrick Lamar is “popular”, he’s still a minority in that his content has substance.  Its conscious, positive etc.  Artists of that nature understand what the purpose of Hip-Hop music is for; they understand where it started and they’re preserving the hope of its essence and adding more too it.

B-Not sure I understand the concept of this phrase. But with HipHop consisting of people from all walks of life and each person having their own thoughts and beliefs, I would have to say no.

Is there a difference between rap and hip-hop? Or are they one in the same?
D-In the words of the great KRS One " Rap is something you do, Hip-Hop is something you live." Rap music is just one element of the Hip-Hop culture. 

S-For sure. Like I said above, I think a lot of people are just playing dress up. They're co-opting a form of struggle into their own identity and make believing they understand something when they probably don't. They are into RAP, and will probably outgrow it when they "decide to get serious" with their lives. But Hip Hop is much deeper than that. Hip Hop shakes free from the oppressor's mentality, and claims a new life. Graffiti deconstructs our nation's historically spotty definition of property, and turns it upside down. Breaking does the same with movement. DJ'ing does the same with musical structure, and MC'ing does the same with words...  

P- Yes. Simply put: Hip-Hop is the culture and rap is one of its communication forms.  However, rap was its first form of communication.

B-Rhythmic American Poetry, as the D.O.C. says. I've always thought that Rap was what an MC does, as a part of HipHop music. But as the music industry created the crossover mainstream copycat they try to call HipHop, I've taken to the 'I don't Rap, I Rhyme' mantra. I let the suckas have Rap, while we kept HipHop.

Why did you chose to make hip-hop music, out of all the other genres out there?
D-It was the first genre of music I fell in love with. I remember at the time chillin' with my uncles, my father, or going to school talking about the Hip-Hop culture. Weather it was lyrics some of our favorite emcees said, different styles, and dances etc. I started to write poetry then it turned into writing my first rhyme....but when I performed for the first I had to be apart of the Hip-Hop culture!

S-I just identified very early on with the concept of making something out of nothing, I guess. 

P-I’d say Hip-Hop chose me.  This goes back to what I said about first impressions.  I wasn’t exposed to what the masses hear first.  My mom introduced me to Hip-Hop. Tupac, Biggie, Tribe Called Quest, Talib, Common and others in the same circles/in the same vein of communication.  I was immediately drawn in by the sound and I’ve loved it ever since.

B-I've always listened to and enjoyed all kinds of music. But I didn't like to sing and never learned to play an instrument. Then Cypress Hill dropped their first album and it was the first time I ever seen/heard people who looked like me rockin the mic. That was the first time I ever thought about writing rhymes. As I began to capture my thoughts on paper, on a regular basis, it became an outlet that kept me sane through the years.

Do you think that other artists in the industry would have similar answers to the same questions? If not why?
D-I think you will get a little of both. Some you will get similar answers and some will be totally different. It really all depends on what that artist wants. Some are about contributing to the culture and some are just about the money.

S-Maybe... it's such a nuanced conversation though, it'd be tough to say. I personally know that everyone in my camp (Boombox Titans, Illect Recordings) feels the same way, but for others, they might see it different. But I'm all for healthy discourse. That's how we grow.

P-Definitely.  I know this because many of the artists I build with agree in many areas of our view on Hip-Hop culture and music.  Some of the same questions you gave me, they’d answer somewhat of the same way.

B-Sure, but it depends on their motives for doing what they do. If they trying to make the next one hit wonder, they will not. But if their appreciation for life is rooted in this culture we call HipHop, then yes.

*Thanks for checking out this article! I'd love to see everyone's responses to the interviews, so please comment your thoughts below!

@descendentMC | @iampatjunior | @SunDiesel | @_Brazy

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The Other Guys Talk New Album, HiPNOTT Records, and More!

Mighty Joe and Isaiah "Insanate" Mensah are gearing up for their debut album on HiPNOTT Records, and I was fortunate enough to get in touch with the duo and get some exclusive and inside info on the upcoming release. Not only did we talk about the album, we also talked about future works, how they got signed by HiPNOTT, how they got started making music, and a whole lot more. This may have been one of the most fun and informative interviews I've ever conducted, and to hear the chemistry between the two even while talking is truly amazing. This interview is an all-around great listen. It may be a bit lengthy, however, that is due in part to the amount of fun we had talking about anything from past albums, to favorite artists! I hope everyone takes the time to check out the interview, share it, and leave a comment! Don't forget, Seeds of Ambition drops July 15th!

@OTHERGUYSMUSIC

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Artist Spotlight: Precise

Below is a quick Q&A with Chicago native Precise. He is one of the good guys in hip-hop making music that shows more positive vibes rather than negative. In a genre that has been said to spark violence in people, it's refreshing to see that there are artists that genuinely care about the future of hip-hop. I hope you enjoy this interview as well as check out his music. Comment below with your thoughts!


Introduce yourself:

Peace, I am Precise from the Southside of Chicago.

Where did you get the name Precise from?

When I first started rhyming I went with a few different names. The first one I chose was Steele, like the brother from the movie Juice. It’s funny when I think about it now.

I am a huge fan of Gangstarr and Guru and they have a song called “Precisely the Right Rhyme”. I have always been drawn to the song. I decided to make Precise my name because of how I view my style, sharp, exact and direct.

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Artist Spotlight: Rem Steel

Rapper Rem Steel is looking to make a big splash with his upcoming album AM2AM set to drop on April 12th. Rem Steel is a very personable artist, meaning he's someone people can get behind. He creates honest music with styles for all regions of the Hip-Hop fandom. This edition of "Artist Spotlight" will give all the readers a glimpse into what this album is all about, who Rem Steel is, and how you can hear his music. I hope everyone enjoys reading this and feel free to leave a comment below!

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Artist Spotlight: Cheer Dolor

The Hip-Hop scene is filled with young artists all itching to be heard. These young artists must find their niche and make music that is not only true to themselves, but also separates them from others. One of the artists who has a one of a kind sound is rapper/producer Cheer Dolor. CD has been featured on the site prior to this interview, and I can't get enough of his sound. He doesn't pay much attention to whats "in" he simply makes music that is rich in quality and style. I hope you take a minute to read the interview I had with Cheer Dolor as he gives us a glimpse into his world, and lets us in on exclusive information that can only be found when you look past the initial surface that is his music. Let me know what you think of Cheer and this interview by commenting below. Thank you Cheer Dolor for taking the time to answer these questions and I can't wait to work with you in the future!

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