SOUL (Short Film) by Descendent

Something we here at The Under-Cover Album Review will always support, is the quality artist, regardless of their popularity. One North Carolina rhymer who is a great embodiment of "quality" is rapper Descendent. While his current catalog is relatively small, he chooses to focus on said quality, rather than quantity. Not only that, but he is an activist for the many things he is passionate about, and is always striving to do more. His latest example of that, comes to us by way of the short film, SOUL which was written by Descendent himself, and is based off his single that bears the same name. This video is powerful and moving, and watching it is a great way to show support for an awesome artist, and an even better guy. Give it a play and feel free to comment your thoughts!

@descendentMC

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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 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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2013 UCARB Artist of the Year: Andy Higgins

     When I decided to do an AOTY award I had tons and tons of artists in mind. There were so many artists featured on this blog that really had a big year and are now preparing for an even more promising 2014. After a few days of pondering who should get this award I finally came to a conclusion. As I was typing up the e-mail to send to this artist I was listening to my Ipod and on came the song "Thoughts" by Andy Higgins. This song is one of my favorites off his latest album Progression and then it clicked for me; Andy Higgins is most deserving of this award! I quickly deleted the e-mail I was about to send to this other artist and called Andy to tell him the news personally. Now, a lot of you may not be familiar with Higgins, or maybe you are familiar you're just wondering what makes him so deserving of this award. Written below are my reasons for naming Andy Higgins the 2013 UCARB Artist of the Year.

     It all started in 2012 when Andy announced he would be making a full length album. This was big for him because all of his previous mixtapes were mostly him over other beats and just making remixes. I got extremely pumped for this tape and not too long after he announced that, I made this site. The album was set to drop in January and all too soon January came and went, with no album release. This delay was due to Andy losing his best friend/business partner in a long boarding accident. Andy told me that this is something he is still dealing with because the two were best friends since they were 13. Andy also said that he decided to go through with what they planned. He stated that "Working with literally no budget is tough, but I successfully released Progression." This is just one reason Andy is deserving of this award. He faced a huge obstacle in dealing with a death, and he pushed through.

     Onto the album Progression, this was truly a great body of work. Listening to this album will clear your mind and provide an amazing listening experience. Since the album released I have yet to find a better debut album from 2013. Though, not everyone sees this. Sadly, Progression is completely under appreciated. Andy was literally giving away the album for free and still people didn't want to take a chance. Progression is more than a rap album, it's a story of how Andy has "progressed" from someone who enjoys making mixtapes and rapping, to someone dedicated to making a career of making music. I want to really challenge people to download this album, and then listen to his previous work. It's not that his previous work was bad, it's just that this album is exponentially better than prior tapes. Progression is a fun, care free, relaxing album that you can find yourself in. If you say you like hip-hop then get this album...simple as that.

    Andy Higgins is a great person all around. He's what you want out of a rapper; someone who has that charisma, that mic presence, stage presence, drive, potential, and no matter what success he gets, he remains humble. He is a peoples rapper, now it's time the people say thank you. 2014 is right around the corner and Andy has big plans. This is a train you won't want to miss. Don't forget to tell Andy Higgins congrats on being the first UCARB Artist of the Year.


* www.HigginsBoy.com
*AndyHigginsNC

*R.I.P to Andy's fallen brother, Greg Miller

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Interview with Yamin Semali

@YAMINallday

 Some of you may be familiar with emcee Yamin Semali, some of you may not. Those of you are who have heard the awe-inspiring music by Yamin know just how good he is. To the very unfortunate ones who have not heard any of Semali's music, now is a great time to start! He just released his second full-length album of the year and this interview is sure to give you a better understanding of what Senior Dues is really all about. In my opinion Yamin is one of the best underground artists I've heard. I feel that Yamin has all the right skills and a connections in line to make that next big advancemt in his career, he just has to get over that last hill and this late 2013 release starts his climb off strong. Semali is sure to be your next favorite rapper, all you have to do is listen to his music and you feel like you know the guy! I hope EVERYONE downloads Senior Dues and I hope that this interview helped give you an edge on your listening experience and you check out all of Yamin's catalog, I gurentee you won't be dissapointed!

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Interview with the rapper Real

     I was fortunate enough to have a "Q & A" session with hip-hop artist Real. Real is preparing for his newest album titled Be Real which is scheduled to release on December 17th. Real is not only an artist, but he's a full time collegiate athlete and is published author. Real has big dreams and ambitions, and is a very intelligent and driven young man who will make sure that all of his dreams and ambitions come to fruition. Be Real will be a coming out party for the young artist. This release will open you up to many different variations of rap, all in one album. The versatility in his lyrics are nothing to sneeze at and his upcoming album is one that you won't want to miss. That being said, here is the interview I had with Real and hopefully this gives you a glimpse into who he really is and at the same time gets you pumped for his album!

Q) Introduce yourself

 Matt G aka Real

Durham, NC (919)

 Q) Tell me about your upcoming debut release, Be Real:

 Be Real is an 8-track journey through the mind of a 20 year old college student-athlete transitioning into adulthood.  Emotionally, I’ve been through many ups and downs trying to make this release as successful as possible.  I’ve surrounded myself around people who have given me nothing but honest feedback and have pushed me to be better.  I want this album to really show my
growth as an artist and to show people that I’m one of the best young artists there is. 

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Artist Spotlight: Madison Jay

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Hopefully you spend it with loved ones and create some memories! After you're done eating all that turkey, ham, stuffing and all the fix-ins do yourself a favor a download Trapped In The 90's pt.2 by Madison Jay. Jay has been featured on the site many times mainly because he is a great rapper. I wanted to give the listeners of his music a chance to get to know him better so here are a few questions and answers that should help you get to know him better while you listen to a great album!

*Download Trapped In The 90's pt. 2 here!


Q.) Introduce yourself ( name, birthplace, and label affiliates)

Madison Jay; Raleigh, NC; HGS

Q.) How long have you been making music?

10 years

Q.) What got you into rapping?

My brothers inspired me to rap. Knowing we could do what our hero's do.

Q.) If you weren't rapping, what would you be doing?

I'd be a wrestling commentator or basketball player

Q.) How was the response to your latest release, "Trapped in the 90's"?

the response was so warm and positive that I can only imagine what will be said about the 2nd volume of the series.

Q.) What artists (of any genre) do you constantly listen to?

Nas, Jay-Z, Redman

Q.) How much does being from the south play into your music? Or is Birthplace irrelevant in rap these days?

I'm from the south but I'm influenced by cultures of all walks of life.

Q.) How is "Trapped in the 90's Part Two" going to take your name and brand to the next level?

Trapped 2 will set me apart even more lyrically from other artists as well as give people a glimpse of my new direction of sound.

Q.) Anything you'd like to tell the readers who have never heard of you?

for people who don't know me, it's never to late to start now. I love to rap and SOLELY just that: RAP! my entire catalog is creativity at its finest essence. Trapped In The 90's II drops November 28th.

Q.) Where can people hear your music and stay up to date with all things Madison Jay?

 Follow Me on Twitter @themadisonjay, Tumblr - HTTP://RapsLikeWrestling.tumblr.com, or Google Search - Madison Jay.

*Download Trapped In The 90's pt.2 here!

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Artist Spotlight: R.O

@ROME845

    Recently I was able to get together a Q & A session with Charlotte, NC rapper R.O. He is extremely gifted in making music and is gearing up for some great releases coming soon. Links will be posted following the article that will direct you to places where you can hear his music! I hope you enjoy this read, because R.O is a really great artist, and a great and genuine guy.



First off introduce yourself to everyone

R.O) If you're reading this you're about to get put on to one of the best underground M.C's out... me! Haa but thank you for checking this out I go by R.O. Poughkeepsie, NY & Charlotte, NC's finest. Shouts to everyone rockin with me. S/O Soul Survivor Ent, MTTS, Team Beats & Byroniks.

Where are you from and when did you get into rapping?

R.O) I'm from Poughkeepsie NY aka Power Kingdom. It's a small town in upstate NY about a hour from NYC; shout out my people in the 845. I started rhyming in middle school with my boy S.I. We'd write raps in class and cypher after school. Around that time I just started listening to hip hop. I wasn't taking rapping seriously it was something we did for fun when we weren't playing ball or chasing shorties.

Who were your influences when you first started rapping and have those influences changed?

R.O) I was influenced by 2Pac man. The 1st album I ever copped was R U Still Down Remember Me? I didn't really "get" what he represented until I got older then incorporated that into my music. Early on The Lox, Jay Z, Dipset, Cash Money & No Limit influenced my rhymes. Back then I was rhyming about shit I didn't do until I got older. Alot of materialistic rhymes about ice that I rocked that was fake. Of course alot of punchlines & battle raps. To be real my music was more generic then cuz simply I didn't know better. Getting older my influences changed to Nas, Lupe Fiasco & Andre 3000. Just the way they incorporated imagery, story telling & views that weren't typical made me more interested in there music. Me maturing and dealing with different situations changed my direction musically. Listening to my music now you can hear their influences.

Since you're from the north, but reside in the south, does that have any influence on your music?
R.O) Somewhat but for the most part I'm staying true to my roots. You'll always hear that NY influence with my delivery & flows. A lot of my records don't have a sound that's catered to a specific region tho; they're catered to people who love hip hop period. I can't front when people hear "Big City Bright Lights" they'll be surprised I took it there on that one...

What do you do to separate yourself from every other rapper?

R.O) I'm telling MY story. This is the soundtrack to my life & the people I know. I'm not trying to emulate anyone else in my music. Most of these rappers talk about the same bullshit that means nothing. My music is so versatile & I touch on topics that most don't. Most rappers can't put out a album solely about relationships without it sounding generic & then dropping a straight up hip hop album that's unlike the majority of releases today.

Any upcoming projects and how are you going to make sure that they take off?

R.O) I have 2 new projects being released this year. The 1st is Love Defies Gravity dropping November 30th for free download. That project is a story about meeting someone, falling in love, not being ready for the responsibility of maintaining that love & wanting a second chance. It's a smooth project & a lot of songs about fucking to be real. It's something different from me musically. I never wanted to be one dimensional. The 1st single "Love All Night" produced by Young Zack has been getting a great response & being played on several online radio stations.

In terms of how they're going to take off I have a few ideas in mind. Shout out to my supporters they're already anticipating both projects. Of course videos & shows through out December into the new year. I've aligned myself with some great people who will be helping me in a few different ways. Shout out to Ty Bru & MTTS, Boss Lady, DJ KG, Soul Survivor Ent & Tilted, who executive produced both projects. We have a few opportunities on the table that I won't discuss until everything is finalized but they look promising. I will be performing in Charlotte & Atlanta. I will also be going to the Bronx to Diamond District Studios to build with some great people.

What do you feel is keeping you from elevating your career and how do you plan on overcoming that?
R.O) I think it's about exposure. Finding the platform where my music can be heard by the masses is always the challenge for Indie artists. My music's been dope it's just about reaching more people. Anyone who really fucks with hip hop will be a fan of my music. My team is reaching out to different outlets to get more exposure online & also at major shows. Networking is huge and that's something I've been focusing on. I've been grinding & it's about sticking to it.

In 5 years where do you see your career?

R.O) Multiple classic projects under my belt. Touring, a larger fanbase & living off my music financially.

What so far has been the highest point of your career?

R.O)There's a few high points that I've had but what means the most to me is when people really feel a song that I put out. I've had people from all over the country and overseas show love telling me how they can relate to my music. My younger brother is autistic & I've had someone tell me that he has a relative in his family who's autistic also. He said that my lyrics in "Due For Reimbursement" about my brother really touched him; that meant alot to me. No award or accolade can't amount to connecting with the people.

What's the biggest challenge about being an artist who for the most part is relatively unknown?

R.O) Like I said before it's about exposure. Some people may not want to listen because they never heard of you but it could be one of their favorite fuckin albums if they gave it a shot. Most people now just pay for the name of a big artist & rightfully so. If they've put the work in they already have that fanbase that will support. But at the same time they can put out a mediocre album and people will still buy it because it's *insert overrated rapper here who fell off* album. Besides that I'm good. I enjoy being out in public and people not causing a riot because they see me. I get to make the music I want to make. I have 100% creative control. Alot of artists in the game can't say that. I do this because I love music especially hip hop; everything else that comes with it is a bonus.

Can you give me a little insight to your next project and how this one will be different from previous projects?

R.O) My next project I'm releasing is "Hope Inside Pandora's Box" dropping in December. It's FUCKIN DOPE. This project is a follow up to my last mixtape "Capture The Essence". There's alot of growth on this project with what I'm talking about. Even the production is different. "CTE" was sample heavy but "HIPB" has more original beats. The theme of this project is trying to find something positive in a dark world or situation. I'm telling more stories on this album & you get to know where I've been since CTE. I can't wait for people to hear songs like "Pandora's Box", "The Assassin's Bullet" & "Dreamz Deferred". The music on there will force you to think like "The Image Of Gods" for example. After HIPB I have a few tricks up my sleeve. You'll be hearing alot of new music from me & my team trust me...

*Check out R.O's music here

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Interview with Madison Jay

@themadisonjay

On 9/1813 I was fortunate enough to talk to North Carolina lyricist, Madison Jay. Madison Jay just released Trapped in the 90's and is gearing up for his Thanksgiving Day release, Trapped in the 90's Part 2. Listen to the full interview here, and check out other great interviews on the soundcloud page.

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Artist Spotlight: Drew Reigns

    Recently I had the pleasure of getting in-touch with Movado Music Group artist, Drew Reigns, and let me be the first to tell you that this guy is going places, and fast! Drew is not your everyday rapper, get to know Drew Reigns and make sure you check out his music today.



Q: Introduce yourself

A: Drew Reigns, Front Royal, VA (Helltown), 23

Q: How long have you been making music?

A: I've always been around music. I got my first drum kit when I was real young, like 3rd grade or so. Went on to song writing and playing the guitar. I always had an interest in rap. I wasn't allowed to have "secular" music growing up so when I couldn't get an album I'd download the instrumentals and rap the artists lyrics over his beat. Then I started writing to them for fun. Ages 13-15 that was my shit. I never took it seriously till I was almost 21. Now it's my life.

Q: What was your most recent album, and how was it received?

A: "Moon Walk" was my debut tape. I'm still shocked at all the love it got. I'd been rapping in the basement for a year, dropped "Moon Walk", and it almost got 1,000 downloads by word of mouth. Every ones support was really instrumental in my progression on my sophomore tape, "Now They Know".

Q: What separates you, from other rappers?

A: A few months ago I couldn't answer that question without completely bullshitting. But I've come to realize the thing that separates me from the rest is my mindset and message. I want to inspire progress, change, hopes, and dreams. I'm tired of hearing why WE can't be kings and queens in our own right. Everyday I tell someone I see "I'mma be the greatest." I want to live in a world where someday someone walks up to me and says that.

Q: What is your biggest show to date?

A: Biggest show to date was definitely opening up for Webby. It was wild. The crowd showed nothing but love and I gained some true fans from it. I HAVE to show love and say thank you again to Sierra LaMendola and her brother. They drove 3 hours for that show, saw me perform, got a quick picture and drove 3 hours back home to make it in before curfew. It really touched me and gave me a new energy.

Q: Who are some of your influences?

A: JAY Z is by far the person I study the most. You won't hear his style in my music at all. I just tend to study people I want to be better than. Musically, I listen to a select few that inspire me. Day to day I listen to Wale, Kendrick, J. Cole, Drake, Joe Budden, Nipsey Hussle, Chevy Woods, and Fat Trel.

Q: What's next for you? (next project or tour etc.)

A: My sophomore tape "Now They Know" is coming out this fall. I'm anxious to show my fans I've progressed and gain new support for the whole MVG family. I recently dropped the first single "Livin Out Loud" feat. Trippz Michaud and Dizzy Wright and the response has been great. I'm hype to start releasing the visuals!

Q: What message do you try to convey to the listeners?

A: Truth. I'm completely honest when the beat drops. I'm from a really small town and all I heard growing up was nothing good ever came from this town, and nothing good will ever come from this town. Believe it or not, that's the mentality of a lot of people. They feel like because of different circumstances and situations they can't ever be their "dream self". I want anyone that hears my music to feel like they can chase their dream regardless of their current situation. We're all victims of our beginnings; we're all the authors of our ending.

Q: What is your ultimate goal for your career?

A: Three simple things: I want to make timeless music. I want to inspire greatness. I want to be the greatest.

Q: Where can people hear your music?(websites, shows, download pages etc.)

A: You can hear all my music and watch my videos at www.drewreigns.com or follow me on Twitter @drewreigns

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Artist Spotlight: Sosa Hawkins

For July, the Artist Spotlight is on North Carolina artist, Sosa Hawkins. Sosa Hawkins has a very unique style of southern hip-hop that I really enjoy, so get to know Sosa and check out his new mixtape here!

Introduce yourself to everyone.
My Name Is Sosa Hawkins I Was Born In Elizabeth City, NC and Raised In Raleigh, NC And I Make Down South Hip Hop Soul

 When did you get into music and who were your influences?

 I actually had love for music my whole life and have had an ear for it but i was so busy with sports i didn't actually try to make music until i was 16. My big cousin Romeo (Broadway Joe) influenced me a few years before i even took a crack at trying it myself. It started 1999, when i went to Ohio for the summer to go stay wit my fam and I could remember my cuz would come over my aunt crib and let me hear the songs that he did and i saw how connected he was to it, I wanted that for myself he used to tell me i could do it but i was like yeah whatever.

What was your latest release?

My latest release Is Old Schools & ThrowBacks, which was mostly produced by myself as well wit the exception of a track from Broadway Joe (track 5 Focused) and my homie ALT J Productions (track 2 Stop). I called it Old Schools & ThrowBacks because most of the beats were either sampled from sum old school joints or they got that vibe to them and i used a few throwback instrumentals as well. I also feel the title of the of the tape refers to my style as well, I see it like my style is old school in the sense that I'm spittin how i want to I don't approach the music with a formula or oh I'm gonna make a song for the ladies etc, i just go where the beats take me, and It's throwback because i feel as if I'm innovating like the MC's before me from the 80's And Early 90's, I just do me. This mixtape is just me sharing with the people my passion, my love, and my respect for hip hop while at the same time making it my own.

What do you have in your music, that separates you from other artists?

My perspective on life, my heart, my soul, my voice, my passion, my diversity and the type of word play that i use on top of all of that.

What is your ultimate goal with music?

My ultimate goal with music is to touch as many people with my gift as possible, continue to evolve with my sound and never become stagnant with my music

Why should people listen to your music?

People should listen to my music because I will never settle for mediocre, I will always give 100% and the best has yet to come

Where can we fhear/download your music?

People can hear/download my music at:

http://www.reverbnation.com/sosahawkins
https://soundcloud.com/sosathaproducer
 And Download My Mixtape At:

http://www.datpiff.com/mixtapes-detail.php?id=490446
https://soundcloud.com/sosahawkins919
http://sosahawkins919.bandcamp.com/album/old-schools-throwbacks
You can also download my app in the google play store just search Sosa Hawkins and I will be there

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Artist Spotlight: Cymarshall Law

 I had the great pleasure of getting in touch with artist, Cymarshall Law and told him I wanted to make him the Artist of the Month for April, but also that I wanted to try something new. This "something new" is called, Artist Spotlight, where I ask some questions to an artist so that people can get to know who they really are. I plan on doing this for every Artist of the Month in future so leave a comment and tell me what you think. Cymarshall Law is a really great guy and a great artist so I hope you enjoy!

 1.) Please Introduce yourself to the readers:

Real Name : Cymar Simmons , MC NAME : Cymarshall Law , I was born in England by way of Jamaican parents , but then moved and was raised in Central New Jersey.

2.) How did you get into music & who were your early influences?

My biological older brother is an MC by the name of Skit Slam and I was first inspired by him and his then crew Intergalactic Federation. My friends and I, in middle school were all into Hip Hop , one of my friends named Broadway made beats and was DJ so we used to go over to his house and record on Cool Edit , from there it just grew I became a writing beast, like insanely writing whenever I had a spare moment or not, In the beginning I got fired from several jobs for writing rhymes on the job and not focusing on my work. When I heard Keith Murray's song "The Most Beautifullest Things in this World" is when I truly decided this is what I was going to do.

3.) Any current projects we should be looking for?

I have a DJ Premier Tribute Mix CD I've been working on for a while now, I have a street album in the works , as well as my next solo album , Hip Hop in the Soul 3 with Mr. Joeker , as well as Cyology 4 Mix CD. I know it might seem crazy I am working on so many at once, but I am really in a good space where I don't feel rushed at all and now more than ever I am making the music for me, I plan share all of it of course, but what I am saying is that the writing is really therapy for me.

4.) What album that you've made is your favorite, and why?

Freedom Express Line , It is the most original, we used all Jamaican samples besides one or two songs , those samples I handpicked, then flew to Sweden were The Beatnikz made the beats with the samples I gave them, but I was involved with most of the tracks letting them know how I wanted the tracks to sound, and they were superior at bringing what I had imagined to life. In addition, it is a high tempo album through out, which I have never heard done before. It was my intention to make it a socially conscious record to give balance to force that is Hip Hop. So its music with a message that you can move too. Hip Hop in its purest form.... I dedicated that album to my parents. Everything on the record embodies what I learned from them and what I would like to share with the world.

5.) If you weren't in music, what would you be doing?

I could have been a professional soccer player, maybe... ha I was really good, but I love movies and now I also shoot and direct video, so I am into the whole media aspect of things as well. I feel very comfortable on stage , and I always have , its funny because I am not the type of guy who needs the spotlight on me all the time or who even wants it, but strangely when It is on me, I embrace it.. like a kid who you think may not be able to fight, but when you trouble him he turns into Bruce Lee.

6.) What does your music have that is exclusive to Cymarshall Law?

My Voice for 1 I have been told is one that is high recognizable, and my accent if you could say I have one, is quite original, when I am in England they say I don't sound American and in America they say I don't sound English, and sometimes you hear hints of my Jamaican background. Also most MCs stay in their lane, I have no lane, there is nothing I can't write. I can be intelligent or I can all the way hood, It is really who I am, I walk that fine line, but Its always truly me. One might say I have an alter ego, but whatever they say, they should know its never a front, it is me.

7.) How has your music progressed from your first album to your latest release?

When I was younger I had a hard time controlling the pitch of my voice , now I have it on master lock. Also traveling the world touring made me realize I had to write in way that no matter where I was people had to understand what I was saying. I learned that from first going on tour in Europe and when I would hit a punchline I would tell sometimes the crowd wouldn't get it like an American would because we see different things on a daily basis.

8.) What do you try to convey with your music?

Love. Love for myself, The world , the people in it , the Art Form of Hip Hop. I try to convey I do my best to be a good man, but sometimes stumble on the path of the righteous man. Sometimes I think some artists are way to righteous and I think its bullshit because we all have demons , other times I think some artists are way to Gangsta as if they talk to there Grandmothers like they talk on their songs. I try to convey that I am ordinary guy who has always had ambition to do extraordinary things. I try to convey my originality because I feel no two people on earth are exactly alike, so If anyone of us shows our individuality and nurtures it , some special will always arise.

9.) Where can people hear/buy your music?

Select Best Buy stores , Wal-Marts , Barnes and Nobles, ITunes, http://cymarshalllaw.bandcamp.com , Amazon, YouTube , it shouldn't be too hard to find if you just look. Thank You for allowing me to share my voice, One Love.


@cymarshalllaw 

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Interview with Xc

On  4/22/13 I was fortunate enough to have a "Q & A Session" with rapper Xc. If you visit the blog frequently then I'm sure you read the review I did on his previous album, G.O.N.E. Xc is an extremely talented emcee, and an all around good guy, definitely check out his songs here, and I hope you enjoy reading the conversation we had. This is NOT the full interview, to listen & download the entire interview click here Follow him on twitter @FlightSchoolX






Me: First off I just want to thank you for taking the time to do this.

Xc: No problem man, it's a good look for me too.

Me: Yea man, we're building up the blog,getting a lot more views since last time you were on. Anyway lets get right into it: First off just give me a little background about yourself, like where you were born and raised and how you got into music.

Xc: I'm from Detroit, born and raised in Detroit, and I got into music because of my brother, and he raps, and stuff like that, and I used to listen to everything he listened to, to people I'm ashamed to say like Ma$e and people like that, then once I got 12 or 13 he listened to a lot of Jay-Z and Eminem so I was a "rap nerd" and as I started getting older I started enjoying those guys for my own reasons and Jay-Z mostly because ya know some people think of him as billionaire mogul Jay-Z but the first song I fell in love with from Jay-Z was the song, Blueprint, on the Blueprint album ya know, and it just comes on, "Mama loves me, pop left me" and I was like 14 years old and the only reason why you'd listen to The Blueprint was because of "Renegade" and one time Renegade ran too long and that song came on so I was just listening to it and I was like "man, that's what I want to do" and as I got older I just fell in love with the Lupe Fiascos of the world, Joe Budden, then guys like T.I, Fabolous and all.

Me: I can definitely relate, my brother introduced me to most everything growing up so I know what you mean. Now lets get on to your upcoming album, what is the title of it, and when is the expected release date?

Xc: It's called Tune Up and as far as release date goes, I want end of July, early August. It's called "Tune Up" because as an artist,  especially with G.O.N.E even my friends say that's the type of music they want all the time, and as an artist I feel like I should be able to let you know what goes on everyday in my life and I should display that through the music, so with Tune Up it's like 20, 21, 22 tracks so far, that's too much for me but that's how much we got so far, and I wanted to give you (the listener) everything, I wanted to give you from the rapping, to the motivational music, to the radio friendly music, just all of it on the first one, (referring to his first album G.O.N.E) because as a fan of certain rappers like J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, I've listened to them for so long, I feel like some of the fans get upset when they hear "Workout" because they feel like its just for the industry, and on the other end of the spectrum from the Ludacris and those guys people hear continuous radio friendly music that when they try to tell a story people say ahh its fake it's not real.

Me: I definitely understand that. Now G.O.N.E was a free download will Tune Up also be a free download?

Xc: This one's going to be free, but G.O.N.E was actually just a spur of the moment. We had beats laying around, and I was working on Tune Up since before G.O.N.E and it was just a spur of the moment, like I was getting dope beats from guys, and I started writing songs spur of the moment, to motivate the people around me, and with G.O.N.E, we did that in 2 and a half, 3 weeks and just rushed.

Me: That's crazy! G.O.N.E is one of my favorite albums on my ipod right now.

Xc: I can't listen to it anymore, I mean I love "Forever" because it brings me back to that moment and it's just a positive vibe, and it brings me back to my friends as I was recording and it talks about past relationships, and that story I told in "Forever" actually happened a few days before I recorded it, and I came out the booth and they were like "We were just talking about that the other day." and "Live From the Bottom" is just...

Me: Actually, I have a few questions I wanted to ask about your song "Live From the Bottom" and "Live From the Bottom" was one of the realest songs I've ever heard, and my question is, are the people mentioned in this song real? If not how do you even come up with that? Because that is one of the most genius songs I've ever heard!

Xc: Thank you, I appreciate that a lot. The last guy mentioned in the song was more real, because he was based on a person I know, and some stuff like the grandma raised him, that's not true. None of the stories in that song are "real" but they're based on people I know with situations I've seen and actually "Live From the Bottom" started out as a song on Tune Up and a verse just starts with it ya know "Reporting live from the bottom" and I thought it'd be dope if I made a song like that and that song was also rushed. Actually we're working on, part 2, I got the beat the other day, so we'll see.

Me: I'll be looking forward to that. How has your music progressed since G.O.N.E?

Xc: My writing process is different. Leading into G.O.N.E all my songs were structured a certain way, and when your new, you get a lot of opinions from everybody ya know like "make songs like this, make songs like that, hooks are supposed to sound like this, 16 bars hook, 16 bars hook, 12 bars hook, 12 bars hook." So what I did after recording G.O.N.E was I just listened to a lot of music, a lot of older music, not just because it's old, but because it was just some of my favorite albums.  I listened to Eminem, Blueprint, Black Album, and when I listened to Kanye's first 3 albums, I noticed Kanye doesn't do a lot of 16...hook, 16...hook he just goes! So as a rapper I wanted to do more of that, I wanted just to make a good song where if the verses stop, then it stops and if not, then it keeps going. I just kinda want to "be me" on records.....

*Listen to the entire interview I had with Xc on our soundcloud page

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Q & A Session with Javier Starks

Javier Starks is a good friend of mine, as I am a big fan of him. He is putting out a new album in the near future, and in this interview you will know all about how sick this album will be, and how awesome Javier is.

Me) What is the title of your upcoming project & when is the anticipated release date?

Javier) The title is Radio Ready and it was originally set to release in February, but we found a few gems to add and we pushed it back to March

Me) What does the title mean?

J) I think of it as a soundtrack to a short film, because its a concept album of going through my day and its also a public message to everyone.

Me) What is going to separate this project from your other two albums?

J) Forever Amor was a love project for the true hip-hop fans, while Faces of Change was a compilation of songs featuring long time friends of mine, so Radio Ready is my first time being able to express myself as an artist on an album that offers a little bit of everything, all without any cursing)

Me) Are there any big names featuring on this album?

J) I want to leave that up to speculation, but you will hear one or two new voices you may not be familiar with..

Me) What is your number one goal with this album?

J) That's tough, because I think so broad, but I would say my number one goal is to give every body something they can love, without compromising who I am.

Me) Anything you would like to say about the album to the readers?

J) Radio Ready will be one of the best projects you've ever heard. Its also real and not diluted, and "dope" is an understatement on this album.

 We’re going to switch lanes from the album to get to know the real more about you.

Me) What keeps you motivated to continue to make music?

J) I was a born again Christian in 04, so my views on religion have grown, and I'm more open to things and the idea I'm creating a difference by being myself and if Radio Ready is successful and I continue to grow to the youth, then I am a living example that you don't have to be negative to be successful in this current industry. Also just making music all people can love and appreciate while I'm being myself.

M)e What would you say to people who are skeptic about your music?

J)What I say when I talk to them is I relate to them, and say that if things in rap are out of proportion, wouldn't you want a rapper doing something about it in a positive way?

Me) What is your favorite part about being an artist?

J) I love hip-hop culture, just in all and everything about it, I just love hip-hop

*I would like to thank Javier for being such a stand-up guy and doing this interview with me. This project will be incredible and if you want to check out the review on his last album click here.To listen to the FULL hour long conversation/interview I had with Javier click here.
*Check out his bandcamp page here & his twitter here. I hope you enjoy this read and I hope even more you support Javier, he is more than a rapper, he is a role model!

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