Tag: Hype

Kubota – Zen EP [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new EP Zen. What is the story behind it?

I’ve been planning the Zen EP since the start of 2021 after I signed with Pacific Records at the start of 2020. It was around this time that I really started to carve out my style and find my voice in music. And although the EP is new to everyone, it’s a compilation of songs that I’ve been sitting on for a long time. I’m just stoked to finally release it. The story behind Zen is just my journey in finding happiness within myself. It’s a very introspective and self-aware EP, and what I’ve realized is I write best with subjects that are relevant to people who are conscious of their own self-care and self-love. So you can expect a lot of that in it.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

All of the songs show a glimpse of myself but I think I’m the most vulnerable in “Who I Am”. “Zen” probably comes right after, but “Who I Am” really discusses my exploration to find self-love and try to be happy with myself. It’s especially close to my heart because it’s an overview of why I started focusing on my mental health and self-love.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I think a lot of my current musical influence comes from Kota the Friend, Cory Wong, and R&B/Soul groups like Durand Jones & The Indications and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. But Kota definitely inspires me the most.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?

The biggest challenge I had faced and continue to face is the uncertainty of all of this. “What if this music stuff doesn’t work out?” is a thought that regularly enters my head, and I’m sure it’s the same for a lot of artists. I think it was partially what kept me from switching gears and putting my all into my music. Prior to 2020, I had been making music for more than 10 years but it wasn’t until recently that I made the effort to put my music out there. I think I’ve put myself in a situation where I’m closer to saying “At least I gave it a shot” than “What if this doesn’t work out?”.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You’re going to f*ck up a lot, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it… it’s not really advice but I think it would help with my self-criticism.

What is the story behind your name?

Kubota is my last name. Growing up as an Asian-American, I didn’t have a lot of Asian role models. Representation in media was sh** for us. What I saw on TV was what formulated the perception of Asians in other kids’ minds, so my ethnicity made for easy points as insults. At a very early age where I was trying to assimilate with American kids, I began to disassociate from my own ethnicity and ultimately lost interest in my culture. As I grew older and began thinking more independently, I learned to be proud of my ethnicity. I feel embarrassed to have thought otherwise and my friends probably don’t even know I went through this, but now, they know damn well that I’m proud to be Japanese/Asian-American, and I’ll carry that proudly within my name. Sorry for the long-winded story. There’s still a lot to it, but that’s why I chose Kubota as my artist name.

One last thing we should know about you?

I genuinely don’t know what I’m doing with my life. 😀

Thank you!

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Kenn Farr – Good For Me [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Bass Shaking Hip Hop.

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘Good For Me’. What is the main idea behind it?

Good For Me is a hard hitting song that was derived from the old saying of my mother and grandmother about the Lord.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

If its Good Enough For My Mama, It’s Good Enough For Me.

Your music has an old school vibe. Are you into today’s Hip Hop? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?

Yes, I enjoy new hip hop like Little Wayne, Kanye, T.I. and Slim thug and more. I listen to everything from Stevie Ray Vaughn, Snoop Dog, Marvin Winans, Queens, Elton John including the Carpenters and Garth brooks.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop symbolize the hottest music on the planet that inspires you to another musical level.

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

I spend my time practicing on my flying plane simulator (private pilot license).

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

I plead the Fifth (lol).

Thank you!

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Tre K – 2 Cups [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

rage swag rap

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘2 Cups’. What is the story behind it?

its a fun song. my childhood friend Kanayo (the producer) gave me the melody for the hook and I ran with it. the story of 2 cups is about a girl stressing me out when all I want to do is party and live the good life.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

my favorite lyric “out of my mind drafting up another crime”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

favorite rapper is Young Thug, Lyricist Jay-Z Producer Dreamer$ Paradice

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

hip hop symbolizes freedom

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

lmfao never thought about that. music is music but 2 cups I would imagine people could listen to if they were going through a break up

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

lmfao.. no comment

Thank you!

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Jōviky – Feeling Is [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new song “Feeling Is”.

. “Feeling Is” is literally me grappling with a bunch of intense mixed emotions and trying to make some sort of sense out of it all.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

In its purest artistic form, Hip hop symbolizes the voices of those forgotten or misrepresented by society at large. I believe the music and the culture itself breathes new life into the world and reminds us all, no matter our background or socioeconomic status that we have something to offer that’s worth paying attention to.

Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?

I love the idea of collaborating. In 2022, my goal is to collaborate with more artists and producers and build community. I believe songwriting can be lonely but that is kind of the beauty of the process. Delving into one’s own psyche and letting yourself be vulnerable is crucial to creating something heartfelt and meaningful.

What is the first album you remember hearing as a child?

My Mom loves Motown and classic soul music. I remember riding in the car and listening to “Just My Imagination” by the Temptations and “Baby Love” by the Supremes. Those are fond memories and that music still resonates with me today.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?

. Jōviky’s biggest challenge has been finding the strength and courage to be unapologetic about the marketing and promotion of myself and my music. I’m just a laid back chill person and I don’t really enjoy talking about myself or bragging about my accomplishments. I recently watched the Kanye documentary on Netflix and was inspired by how focused Kanye is/was on getting people to listen to and understand his music. I’m trying to be more like that but it’s hard for me…

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I don’t know the exact state of mind, but I want people to feel and be in touch with their emotions when they listen to my music. Music and art in general is a conduit for emotion and I just want to help people to get in touch with that side of themselves.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

Whoa! This is an interesting question… I set my desk on fire when I was in 1st grade. It was completely an accident and also a very long story. But I got in major trouble for that. Don’t worry, I’m not a pyromaniac or anything. At least I don’t think I am… 😉

Thank you!

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Pyano || – Way I See It [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

One. Of. One.

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘Way I See It’. What is the main idea behind it?

People only love you when you carry their burdens. Hard work pays off. But then the pay off can either make you or break you. It never really ends. It’s a lifestyle, success and failure aren’t destinations, they’re lifestyles. And that’s the way I see it.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Hard times create hard people. Tough people create good times then good times (can) rebirth weakness.

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

Yes for sure. It’s thriving. But is there a collective underground hip hop sound? Not really. You can’t put underground hip hop in a box. It’s very geographically/socio-politically different. Toronto’s underground sound is much different than London’s or New York’s. What all underground music has in common though is that they report what’s underground, what’s happening on the streets, in their neighbourhoods, amongst their peers etc. Versus commercial stuff that’s not as deep content wise and more aimed at the general listener looking for a good melody or a catchy hook.

What would be your dream performance venue?

The TD place in my hometown in Ottawa for sure!

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

I made my come up off soccer so playing footy for sure! Don’t get it twisted, I’m a footy boy for life! Shout out St Anthony FC and YSSA back home. Wouldn’t be where I am without these two organizations.

You’d give up making music for…

Nothing and nobody!

Thank you!

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Sk33t – Reality Rap Highly Anticipated Mix-Tape EP [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Melodic Trap Soul

Tell us a few things about your new mixtape ‘Reality Rap Highly Anticipated Mix-Tape’. What is the story behind it?

Texaco Dreaming was a resurrection of the original blueprint. Process growth evolution…To release this project 15 years laters after the SWAGGA EDITION MIXTAPE… and to do Texaco Dreaming the same way with the same peoples was history in itself

For which lyric you are most proud of?

In monarays two stepping like it’s calabasas “errbody”

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

I do however I don’t think it’s a specific sound or one sound in particular it’s more of like the rawness

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

Spotify is the modern day Dj…this is where records are broken if they aren’t being played in the clubs and in radio

What advice would you give to your younger self?

The best advice I would give my younger self would be embrace the process and the journey

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

I went to prison for 8 years

Thank you!

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Harun Rune – MOSCHINO (for Vogue)

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Harun Rune gives us a taste of his style and a touch of sauce, with single ‘Moschino’, the first single from his debut project GOLD. His unique & distinctive flow glides effortlessly over this RAW Composition produced by Sekko. Delivered with a clarity that allows you to take a peek into his world.

Born and raised in London, Britain Artist/Creative Harun Rune has seen much progress over the years. As well as being active in fashion appearing and performing at various events and venues including the Legendary ‘Camden Jazz Cafe’; Alongside artists such as ‘Hardy Caprio’ and ‘Klashnekoff’ he has also featured on BBC Introducing, working in various studios (such as Powerhouse and EMI studios) Recently he has been spraying independent releases as tasters for highly anticipated projects. Working with Timeless in 2021 to present collaborative works with various producers including Chicago Native ‘Bitoy Beatz’. Featured on AJBOXING (Anthony Joshua Boxing) with musical contributions. Get listening and expect more as the highly anticipated GOLD Project draws nearer place him on your websites, editorial and social media networks to unlock an exquisite audience receptive to the new waves formulating and emerging worldwide .

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DJ PIERO – Hood Politics [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

Unique, Memorable, Fresh.

Tell us a few things about your new album. What is the story behind it?

The album is titled Hood Politics as it reflects the experiences of those that have lived in the hood and the street politics that exist there. As someone that has grown up in unprivileged areas I wanted to tell a narrative based off 1st hand and 3rd person experiences.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

“Loading” is the track that reflects me the most as it highlights how hard I work to achieve my goals and the experiences I’ll go through to reach them.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Favourite rapper: Abra Cadabra
Favourite Lyricist: Dave
Favourite Producer: The Fanatix.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop symbolises a movement of freedom of expression and a energy that bonds people together through ever changing times.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell the younger me to pursue my passions wholeheartedly and not be afraid to take risks.

You’d give up making music for…

I’d give up music if it meant absolute happiness for me and those I care about or things like world peace and and end to poverty.

Thank you!

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ASM (A State of Mind)

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ASM (A State of Mind), the international hip hop collective composed by Green T, FP, and Rhino is launching a new project in collaboration with CMR (Chinese Man Records) called “Origin & Juice” to combine their love for music, food, and natural wine.
The project comes in the form of a 6-part video and single series, in which each episode explores a different country to celebrate its natural winemakers, culinary traditions, and musical history reinterpreted in ASM’s unique ultra-lyrical boom bap style.

The culmination of the series is an EP release of the 6 tracks in digital format and in an exclusive bundle containing vinyl EP and 6 bottles of natural wine curated by ASM.

Dumplings: A hypnotic vibraphone channeled into an unapologetically straight-up hip hop context, both deep and rugged and bright and jazzed-out. Lyrically, this is for the babies, or dumplings, who are inheriting a flawed planet full of beauty and wonder.

For this episode, ASM explores the tastes and sounds of the Czech Republic with the track “Dumplings”, based on a twinkling jazz sample from Emil Viklický and SHQ. The result is a hypnotic joint with a deep and rugged groove for the next generation of humans on earth, aka the dumplings. The wine pairing comes courtesy of Bohemian natural wine king Milan Nestarec, known for his radical experimental juice, and Green-T gets busy in the kitchen with his interpretation of a traditional goulash with Carlsbad bread dumplings.

Tapass: A soulful neck-snapping Fender Rhodes jam with warm rolling sub bass, off-kilter J Dilla type drums, and a lonely rusty trumpet weaving through the tapestry. Stylistically, think A Tribe Called Quest meets D’Angelo. Lyrically, this one is dedicated to the beauty of the feminine divine, with ASM spinning food metaphors into visions of the tastiest of worldy treats.
Origin & Juice – Episode 3: ASM takes us on a journey through the sounds and tastes of Spain, centred around the soulful Dilla-esque joint “Tapass”, based on a sample from La Revolució by Spanish jazz composer Rafael Escote. The track is paired with legendary natural wines of Partida Creus from Catalunya and some tapas dishes that are fun and easy, but packed full of vibrant smoky flavors, courtesy of Green T.

Efcharisto: A dirty driving psychedelic guitar anchors this energetic and funked-out joint that will spare no neck joints this side of the Acropolis. Rhino provides the sonic playground, and FP and Green leave flame-scorched earth in their wake. Badass sure shot banger.

In this round of Origin & Juice, ASM takes on an excursion to Greece. The track at the centre of the episode is the psyched-out reinterpretation of Greek Folk classic “Karagouna” by Mimis Plessas & Orbiters, as reinterpreted by ASM into the gritty funk jam “Efcharisto”. In the bottles and glasses is the sensational juice of Ktima Ligas using indigenous Greek grape varietals and low-intervention winemaking principles. ASM accompanies the sounds and juice with classic grilled souvlaki, bright greek salad, and freshly baked fluffy pitas. The primal force of the flame lays the guiding thread.

Give a Schnitz: A melancholic and reflective jazzed-out hip hop joint with wistful horns and a recurring cut from the late great MF DOOM. FP and Green bounce back and forth painting a path from the past to the present with swaggering nonchalance. To not give a damn feels so good.

With the single Pork Belly, ASM is back in their storytelling zone, which has been a hallmark of their repertoire since The Jade Amulet. The narrative spun here is based on true events one summer evening during their high school years – A quintessential hip hop kid tale involving spray cans, bags of weed, too many beers, and a spin in Green’s first whip that ends in drama. A mystical driving bassline underwrites this deep cerebral head-nodder.


Mars Valencia – Nomads [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Spacey, chilled and relaxing

What is your creative process like?

I create the beat and melodies at the same time, while I’m working on the beat I’m also thinking about what melodies would work best and build the song as I go along. Once the rough demo is created I’ll take it to the studio and record it professionally.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“I was doing road with the Nomads, vision never been so clear”. This is my favourite line because its so real and brings back so many memories from my time in China. I saw things that you would have to see for yourself to believe, I left the country incredibly inspired and my outlook on my music and career had changed drastically.

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

yh of course, if you look for it you will find it, theres so much more music out there aside from what mainstream media feeds us, and usually underground music is better.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

HipHop is self expression, its unique to each individual which is why the genre of Hiphop is so vast and it continues to grow and push boundaries.

Favorite film ever?

The lord of the rings, God tier movie.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

next question your honour

Thank you!

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