Author: Admin

Kobenz – Gothbxch (ft. Spaceman Zack) [Interview]

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You have mentioned that you have been inspired by a previous tumultuous and toxic relationship. Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I would have to say the sentence that hits me the hardest is probably one from my new song Sour Lemon, “Counting all the days I’ve been trapped inside your cage, clipped my fucking wings then you told me I was saved”, This one is just so true, after my first crazy ex I got back together with another one. I was really vulnerable at the time and I couldn’t eat, drink, or do basically anything at that point. At first she came across as if she was my white night swooping in to save the day, however I would soon learn, despite the false promises she was the same controlling, manipulative, toxic person she was when I first broke up with her. Even though we weren’t right I will still always appreciate her being there for me and wish her no bad blood. We have always made great friends.

How to support someone who feels suicidal?

Oof, well everyone is different, all I could recommend despite being there for them is to really listen to what they’re saying. If they are serious and are confiding in you with that type of trust, don’t just nod your head or try and make their feelings seem invalidated. A lot of the time someone is suicidal, a big part of it is usually that they feel alone. Isolation can really tip someone who is on that course over.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion? And what emo rap brings to the game?

To me hip hop symbolizes poetry and a cohesive way to tell a story. I chose hip hop because I felt it was the easiest way for me to tell my personal truths in a way that just structurally made sense. As far as emo rap? I don’t consider myself as part of that genre, I feel that the genre is very general in terms of being an umbrella term for all of the different genres of alternative hip hop. I know artists like Lil Peep and Ghostmane are usually referred to as emo, but I wouldn’t call it that. If anything Peep is more grunge/pop-punk and Ghostemane is metal. I’m usually referred to as a “goth” and while I definitely have some goth influences in my style and sound, I definitely wouldn’t say I’d fit in that one category.

Why sexism, and even outright misogyny, is so pervasive in Hip Hop culture?

I couldn’t answer that question to be honest. If I had to take a guess I would say its the seeing attractive women as trophies. I’m not about it. I get criticized for my song gothbxch once in awhile, but I don’t think many people really analyze lyrics as deep as I do. Gothbxch is actually a satire on the modern festishization of mental illness and E-culture. I really find the whole “simp” “liltiddygothgf” bullshit cringe as fuck.

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

Definitely, but you won’t hear it unless you spend a couple hours searching through SoundCloud. Truly underground music doesn’t stand a chance in the mainstream. Everyone wants catchy, simple, melodic, and repetitive. That’s the formula to a successful hip hop song.

When not writing music, how do you spend your time?

When I’m not writing music, I spend time plotting world domination.

Best music related film?

I love montage of heck, but it’s all bullshit. Most of the information given about Kurt is stuff Kurt said to mess with people like the ones who exploited the hell out of everyone involved to keep them Cobain dollars coming in. It’s truly beautiful.

Thank you!

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Joey Capo – 6ixth Sense [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Melodic, Chill, R&B

Do you trust your 6th sense? Tell us a few things about your new song titled “6ixth Sense”

haha I definitely do trust it. 6ixth Sense is one of those records that was together like a conversation. It talks about seeing someone for who they truly are. Looking past what the world may see and taking the time to see the real in someone.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

favorite lines in the song would have to be the opening of the record where I say “Soul seeker yeah, not that avid reader yeah, still I never judge a book by its cover”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Favorite rapper: Big Sean
Lyricist: AfterTheParty
Producer: Boi-1da

Best Hip Hop album ever?

The best hip hop album to me would have to be Ready to Die By Notorious BIG

What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?

During quarantine I started diving into a bunch of 80s movies. The really brought a lot of good inspiration to the production I was making over that time. But one movie that really stuck out to me was The NeverEnding Story.

Future plans?

I have a lot on the way this 2021. Lots of new music, visuals with a lot of the records, and hopefully we can start doing live shows again. But if not I do have a virtual show in the works as well.

Thank you!

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Titus – Closure [interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Relatable, smooth, and Passionate

What is your creative process like?

My song writing always starts with the beat selection. The beat makes the song a lot of the time these days so if I can find a good one, I’m in luck. Then I freestyle on the beat a little to find the subject matter and the flow(s) I’m going to use. Next I go to the studio and make a hit lol.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Wrote a thousand raps in the notebook my own pops don’t know about; Thinking if I tell him ‘bout the vision he gon’ kick me out”

Favourite album of the past decade?

I have to go with Blonde by Frank. I first listened to this album when I was still going through hard times in my younger years and some of the songs on there are deeply emotional for me not only because they bring me back but also because they remind me where I come from. Not to mention it’s a literal classic and a lot of people’s fave.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Somewhere iconic like Madison Square Garden or the Rolling Loud Stage. Somewhere legendary artists have performed before me.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I would definitely still be in college trying to find something to be interested in besides girls lol. I think I would make a decent psychiatrist because I’m a good listener and like hearing about people’s issues lol.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m way more than a rapper or singer or musician. I think art knows no bounds and my goal is to create my own world where I can reach people at a global scale to experience different points of view and perspectives.

Thank you!

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Flash J – 2AM FEELs [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Vibes, Passion and Relatable

Tell us a few things about 2AM FEELs. What is the main idea behind the track?

It was based on having past relationships rather long term or for a night. When you know only thing y’all can offer each other is a moments time but you forget that and emotions get involved. Though you want more than that, you both understand that’s all y’all can offer at the moment. But throughout the verse you’ll hear both sides male & female both feeling as if they were victims of a bad connection not realizing it takes two.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I can move on at a “snap” , Poetry in motion, probably would of been on “snapped” with continued devotion,
Then posted you on my “snap” cuhz now you looking ghostly,
For awhile you been empty, a
“shell “ mostly.”

I really tried to dig in with creativity especially when representing the complexity of a woman’s nature/emotions. Snapping is what they do when you recite some great poetry material , snapped was a old tv show, and the last snap is “Snapchat abbreviated. And I brought some anime in it with “ghostly” and “shell” (ghost in a shell). Which is a female assassin I imagine a woman scorn acts in a similar fashion for “the get back” lol.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Human life, constantly adapting to the times even when it doesn’t seem appealing. A lot of time ugly things happen in life and what better way to be informed than through rhythm and sound. Especially one as influential as HipHop you might not like what you hear but it may save you from experiencing it.

Favorite album of the past year?

I have more than a few but if it’s okay I’ll just name two of them.

Nas – Kings Disease
Don Tolliver – Heaven Or Hell

What would you change in the music industry?

Not much I feel like the changes test my abilities as an evolving artist even if Im not directly in the midst of top artist. Ill still make enough noise to be heard for eons and that’s what matters most. When we break through and are able to survive in space I want them to be jamming to my stuff lol that would be epic.

When not writing music, how do you spend your time?

Family, meditating , committing to the success of creating my future businesses. And just becoming a better student of life.

Thank you!

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V – No Church On Sunday [interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

HELL in DIGITAL FORMAT (lol).. Sike naw.. In 3 words – Revolutionary, Melanated and Unapologetic..

Tell us a few things about your song “No Church On Sunday”. What is the main idea behind it?

#NCOS is a revelation.. Truth and reconciliation.. Divinely designed for our time and generation.. The main idea

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

It used to be culture.. Now it’s a weapon.. One that we created but no longer control.. The opps have been monetizing and manipulating off of it for long time but all tides change and this is the wave right here – 40M..

How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?

Depends on the artist and what they have to say.. Entertainers are now cultural and generational leaders, not necessarily the voices OF the people but moreso voices FOR the culture with millions of followers.. If they use a certain word, their followers will too.. If they wear certain clothes, then their followers will too so its only logical to think that the same applies to politics.. I can write a book on all that but to keep it brief, Donald Trump didn’t use his last act in office to “pardon” Lil’ Wayne and Kodak because he’s a fan or because he “sympathized” with them.. Just think about that..

For which lyric you are most proud of?

(lol) To keep it a k, I am proud of all of them.. But as far as #NCOS, the most important takeaway for my people would be – “still today, still today – you’re still a slave to your religious ways.. Meanwhile crackers sin away and give a f* if n**s really feel a way..”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

I don’t actually have a favorite rapper but we’re heavy on the drill vibes as you can see and we support any of our people pushing the culture forward, especially on some revolutionary s***.. Favorite lyricist would have to be Bob Marley and my favorite producers right now are Saint Cardona and Sammy Samples obviously (lol)..

Any future plan?

Yeah, organize my people and initiate the first successful revolution of “Blacks” in modern history.. In the meantime, we have a series of singles we’ll be releasing over the next year leading up to a mixtape in 2022.. It’s going to be crazy too, Big 40M s***!

Thank you!

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D-Kel & Los Bandidos – 2020 Flow [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Original, London & Balanced

Tell us a few things about your new song “2020 Flow”. What is the main idea behind it?

DKEL: From my part, it was pretty much the frustration I had/have during lockdown, personally I’m struggling to be as creative and I guess you have a lot of time at the moment to over-think, and it’s that idea of questioning so much that you don’t have the chance too when your in the ‘rat-race’ also I just wanted to vent and take it back to the basic, straight bars.

You have been involved in the #SaveOurVenues campaign. How important are the small venues to the UK music scene?

DKEL: For band like ours, without small venues, we are pretty non existent. We really depend on grass roots venues to grow as a band, they are the foundation of band music in the U.K.

Can you share something funny that happened during one of your gigs? And what would be your dream performance venue?

DKEL: Ha, that’s an easy one, it was our first gig and I will let Ryan tell the rest…
Dream venue? I would of said KOKO but that’s no longer so I’d go with The Roundhouse

Ryan (Guitarist/Producer): It was our first gig and right as I hit the first note of my ‘big’ solo my guitar strap came flying off. Needless to say the guitar then swan-dived into the stage floor. I died inside, but everyone in the band laughed their ass off as I had to pick up my guitar and try to play on. (They still take the piss out of me for it 3 years later)

Is London the world’s music capital? If yes why and if no then which city is..

DKEL: For me it is London, there’s so much history of subcultures that brought amazing music, not to mention all the great artists to come from this city but even artists who made a name for themselves in this city.

Favorite hip hop album of the past year?

Knucks – London Class, a perfect example of current British lyricism

Any future plan?

Prayer hands together, fingers crossed, eyes closed, GIGS! Well that would be our ideal future plan, but we got some great singles we are preparing, we just hope we can release them in the way we want, with some great visual concepts and fingers crossed we can make up for last years lost gigs and festivals

Thank you!

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Drissy Parker – Night/Fall [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new EP “After 12”. What is the main idea behind it?

After 12 I made it in a week, when I get inspired I can create very rapidly. I would make a beat, freestyle the song and then write down certain lyrics to record if I felt so,
and then mix it. It was inspired by the lockdown, just what goes on late in the night, linking someone you have relations with,the thoughts you ponder during that time,
the vulnerability of being alone not just with your thoughts but your feelings.

Your music has definitely a late night vibe. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I always imagine my music being played after the club, during a late night drive, or while just chilling in the evening, so I’d say the states of reflection, relaxation,
all the way to states of nostalgia in the relational sense.

Does your music reflect you? Are you losing faith in love?

Most definitely, I write music from experience, and 95% of the time I’ll be in that exact situation or scenario. While creating After 12 I was definitely reflecting on that feeling of
not being optimistic about love but I think since then my view is a little different currently haha.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Ironically I don’t really see myself as a performer, more of a mood maker, but I’d say O2 most definitely, that’s the big one, I went to see Drake & Weeknd there once and it made me imagine what it must be like to see a crowd watching you from stage.

Favorite album of the past decade?

PARTYNEXTDOOR – PARTYNEXTDOORTWO – It’s what shaped how I wanted my music to sound

Future plans?

I just started working on a new EP which is a sequel to my previous project Talking Stages Vol 1, hopefully it will be out by Summer. Music videos and working on production for other artists. I’m looking to make my name a bit more known not just on the indie scene.

Thank you!

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Pharaoh Santana – PLAYBOY [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

West Coast Conscious

Tell us a few things about your new song Playboy. What is the main idea behind it?

Playboy is the embodiment of walking the walk and talking the talk. The idea behind it is really just an acceptance of who I am, the people around me, and a statement that none of that is going to change. I am who I am.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

In Playboy specifically? Probably “he think he chosen / he Chris Nolan/ how he stand on his tenets”. I love double entendres, wordplay. Also Tennet was a dope ass movie, and obviously there’s the real definition for tenet that pertains to your set of beliefs etc. You get the point haha.

How do you relate to the Los Angeles music scene?

Good question. I think I relate in the sense that my sound is definitely west coast inspired, but I think my sound is a lot different from what’s bubbling in LA currently. I think I just represent a different side of LA that hasn’t had a voice in the past couple years… That being said, A lot of the artists popping off nowadays are friends of mine, or people I know from around the way. Whether it be from local shows, word of mouth, etc. so in reality we’re all connected.

Does Being An Actor Compromise Your Rap Career?

Not at all. If anything I think it helps it. I work a lot off of feeling and inspiration, I like to just let the words come and not force anything.. So I think acting helps me tap into a different side of myself which in turn helps my writing. Sometimes when the music isn’t exactly clicking I still have an outlet to be creative, and usually that then inspires something back to the music. It all works hand in hand.

Best music related film?

Ooooo. Fantasia. and Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Dead tie.

Future plans?

In the immediate future I’m gearing up for my next project “PSP”, a 5 track extended play that piggie backs off of my debut project “PS1” from last year. I definitely want to do more acting as it relates to my music this year, I.E longer music videos that are more plot driven and narritive, etc. I’m really just trying to bring all my skills to the table.

Thank you!

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Papikaiser – Focused [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

Bilingual, Urban, Tropical

Tell us a few things about your song “Focused”. What is your way to harness your determination and stay focused?

This song is about my dedication and concentration with my music and what my goals are. My story in my own musical way. The way I harness all my energy is to be alone in my room writing and recording my music.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop for me symbolizes a culture and a way of life. Telling your story threw your music.

Puerto Rico vs New York. What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

Puerto Rico, I love everyhting: My people, food, music, beaches, women. New York, I love the movement, the opportunities, different styles and different people. I don’t like the cold.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I’m proud of all my lyrics becuase they come from my heart and soul.

Best music related film?

8 Miles

When not writing music, how do you spend your time?

Gym and hanging with my family and friends.

Thank you!

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Xperience – Regal Blue ’84 [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful, Authentic, Love

Your album has some interesting features. What is the most challenging part of letting others into your creative process?

The most challenging part for this project was the impact Covid had on meeting up at studios and sessions. But we made it work with home studios and creativity. Thats all you need!

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“I just want to live in the past, and die like the stars.. “

Which is your favorite r&b album of the last decade?

Another Life by Bilal, the best ever.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Madison Square garden of course!

What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?

American Skin

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m pursuing some big things in the video game industry, you might here something soon!

Thank you!

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