Hip hop has come so far over the last 20 years that it sometimes boggles my mind. I guess that’s why it makes me so happy to see Canadian talent making major moves and putting on for their city. Toronto’s femcee Eternia has been on the scene for years, but recently linked up with producer MoSS and the rest is history. At last, no pun intended is their new album and has been all over the internet with huge singles featuring the likes of Joell Ortiz, Lady Rage, Rass Kass, Jean Grae and Rah Digga. If you like quality Hip Hop, I mean solid flow and punchlines over banging beats… make sure you purchase the At Last album and help support the Independant.

This is what Eternia & MoSS had to say…

For those who have never heard of Eternia & MoSS, tell us a bit about yourselves…

E: I’m an emcee born in Ottawa, raised mostly in Ottawa & Toronto, currently residing in NYC. Been doing this professionally for over a decade. It’s been an interesting ride.

M: I’m Moss from Toronto, Canada. I grew up here, but I lived in Montreal (Lakeshore area) and Ohio for parts of my life. I’ve been digging for 17-18 years now, making beats for around 15.

There are so many people rhyming these days… What sets you above from the rest?

E: I don’t really think about it in a competitive way. But I can say that noone else has experienced my life thru my eyes. And being that I rap about that (my life thru my eyes) I’m the only person capable of doing that. Although it’s relatable across the board. We also just make really good hip hop music. Don’t take my word for it, listen for yourself.

Hip Hop has come such a long way since ‘79. What’s your opinion on where the game is now?

E: It’s like any culture or sub-culture or artform: it grows, evolves, changes. I’m not a part of the “hip hop is dead” camp… just because Hip Hop is changing doesn’t mean it’s dead. Everything must Change.

M: I think music in general is a bit lost. I got my first hip hop album as a birthday present when I was young, and it was from a close friend at the time. He got me a copy of Whodini’s Open Seseme. Those days were interesting to me because hiphop was more a movement and a form of expression. I took to the music because it was unique, and because it had purpose, or seemed to have purpose. A lot of this is probably because it was still mainly an independent scene and labels hadn’t taken control yet, but that’s the perception I had at the time. Hip hop’s now driven by market share and marketing teams, so the underlying purpose has been lost. There are obviously still people doing music for the same reasons, but the majority of music that people hear and generally associate with hip hop has lost it’s soul.

Fat Beats has been doing it big on the Independent level for years now. With most record labels stressing right now, who do you think really has the power?

E: I think the people who purchase really possess power. We influence if labels still put out music like ours, or not, by buying it. That’s power.

M: The consumer. I think there’s a bit of a misconception that the internet has given power to the independent artist. I agree that we’ve seen some people like Drake and 50 really go from Indy to major in what seems to be overnight, but more often then not people aren’t getting to those levels. I’ve been fortunate to produce Indy music for many years now, including labels like Hiero, ABB, Fatbeats, Traffic, E1, Koch and many others, as well as worked on projects with Stones Throw and other indy outlets. They’re feeling the crunch as much as anyone now, if not more then some majors. It’ll be interesting to see how people survive in the future.

We have all heard the magic in the product, but how did you two end up working together?

E: I met MoSS in Winnipeg in the summer of 2007. I was opening for EMC (Masta Ace’s group), Torae, Marco Polo, Mr. Attic & MoSS. We knew each other, had a mutual respect for each others’ music, but had never met until that night. MoSS saw me rock and the rest is history, as they say Very organic.

M: First, I appreciate the feedback. As to how we met, I actually ran into Eternia in Winnipeg of all places. I was on tour with EMC (Masta Ace etc…), Marco Polo, Torae and Mr Attic. I guess she was going to open for us in that city (she had done a show the night prior) and she did sound check. When I saw her perform I was really captivated, so I approached her and we went from there.

I’ve heard some great cuts from your album “At Last” so far. Which is your favorite song on the album?

E: Hard to say, that’s like asking ‘who’s your favourite child?’ LOL (I view my music like my babies). On any given day it changes. I think “THE HALF” (a single we leaked June 22nd, a week before the album dropped) is one of my personal faves. It’s a Half-sibling anthem, and most of my peoples’ can relate. Very personal.

M: To the Future. I like the fact the beat isn’t typical, but more so Eternia has a lot of courage to say some of the things she did on that song. She really opened up her life for people to hear and potentially criticize.

Being from Toronto and going down to NYC you see firsthand how far behind we are up North. What do you think is the main thing holding back our Canadian hip hop market?

E: Hard to say, because it’s not just ‘one thing’. It’s a multitude of reasons, most likely. The fact that our Canadian ‘identity’ is hard to describe, let alone reflect in our music sometimes… so we just get compared and bunched in with American acts, and its hard to compete from here. The fact that we have less people in all of Canada than in the state of California alone… so our market is a lot smaller and a lot more spread out, therefore harder to really make a living on. The fact that I think one aspect of Canadian culture is humility – in a sense. Like we don’t like to talk ourselves up, we like our product to speak for itself, which is hard to compete with in a highly market/promotion/gimmick-driven U.S. market. I’m generalizing of course. Those are just a few reasons off the top of my head. There are likely 100s more reasons.

M: We have too many workshops (at least in Toronto) that are full of shit. I’ve been to some, and the shit people try to advise people with is laughable. Music isn’t difficult, just make it. I think people need to stop over thinking and making the music they know how to, instead of trying to sound like what’s hot. Overall however the biggest issue we’ve had to this point is the border. The US border is much bigger and more important than most people give it credit for. It’s a huge barrier to entry, but with the internet and people like Drake it’s helping to bring those walls down.

When you’re picking beats, how do you know you found the one?

E: When I fall in love. When I feel like I have to write THAT EXACT MOMENT (that I’m listening to the beat). It’s not like an ‘ehh, maybe’ response. It’s like love at first … listen. Everytime. I don’t like to settle for less. At least not now.

What should we expect in the near future from you? Any big plans in the works? In other words.. what’s next?

E: I am not sure. It’s really where God takes me. I wouldn’t mind going ina couple different directions that aren’t Hip Hop related at all – school, family, who knows. I’m ready for a change I think. It’s really in God’s hands though. Lets just say: I won’t be upset if this is the last album I offer the world.

M: I’ve got beats on Joel Ortiz’s album, AZ’s album and I’m working with Cormega. I also have my album coming, which is a producer album featuring artists like Joel Ortiz, MOP, Joe Budden, Termanology, AZ, Skyzoo, Cormega, Kool G Rap and others.

If you could give any advice to aspiring artists, what would that be?

E: Know Yourself. Have a Tough Skin. Don’t let your music career define your Happiness. When you Let Go…. It comes.

M: Do you. If you try to be something you’re not, people will see through it. It’ll also catch up to you in the long run, and you’ll be forced to chase trends rather then make the music you know how to.

Anything else you would like to add, and let your fans know?

E: we just really want to implore folks to LISTEN to the album… straight thru. These days its so easy to overlook strong projects because we’re just oversaturated w/ releases. Don’t overlook this one. We think the music truly does speak for itself. June 29th the album is available, online and in stores worldwide! If your record store doesn’t have it, tell em to order it in! We have worldwide distro!

SPECIAL ROUND

1. If you could have anyone as your hype man, dead or alive… who would that be?
E: Not sure. I havn’t met my match yet. LOL. Wow. That’s tough. Can I come back to u on that?
M: Greg Nice

2. Beats : DJ Premier, Kanye West or Dr. Dre?
E: c’mon, that’s easy. Premo.
M: Premier

3. In one word can you explain the tight pants movement?
E: 80s
M:  I mean, if you like tight pants do your thing, but don’t wear pants just because of a trend. I think trends in general bother me more then any specific fashion statement.

4. What is the most over-used word in Hip Hop right now?
E: Soundscans

5. Best Ever : Big, Pun or Pac?
M: none of the above….

Eternia’s Official MySpace | Eternia’s Official Website

Below is the video for “At Last” featuring Reef Tha Lost Cauze & Termanology.

It’s been a long and bumpy ride for Joell Ortiz, seasoned New York MC’s MC and one quarter of the Slaughterhouse clique. His freestyles can be streamed all over the ethernet with bars crunching the worst pains of poverty with the prowess of punch line pandemonium. From being signed to Aftermath to being part of one of Hip-Hop’s most lyrical independent groups of our era, Ortiz has travelled to the extremes of the music industry and back. Currently on tour through Canada with his brothers in arms, I got the chance to polly with Joell about his bat signal (”yaaawwaa”), his career and his dreams.

Last book you were reading: Conversations With God by Neale Donald Walsch
Last song you performed: “The One” with Slaughterhouse
Last song you heard: Trey Songz “Neighbors know my name”
Favorite album of the moment: I would have to say, uhhhh boy, that’s a good one…Trey Songz joint.

Narcy: Royce sounds vicious on Dj Premier beats. Project boy, your latest video and song with Preemo is heat! Can we expect more collabos? Slaughterhouse x Preem?

Joell: Ummmm, Slaughterhouse I can’t speak on because we haven’t locked in for work on the second album yet. As for Joell, yes. Preemo was happy with how it came out. It was a good match- his gutter element, my hood talk. The record and video made waves so, if somethings broke you don’t fix it. Definetely.

N: You’ve been through ups and downs with majors and the indy route. all spectrums in a short period of time. Which one do you prefer and why?

J: Well, I don’t think I have a preference between major or indy. One thing you have to consider is who is going to believe in you and what you do and really invest time, effort and money into you. If you’re on a major and they lose interest, you’re done. If you’re on an indy, they will drop your album and do nothing else. Wherever you end up, it’s all on you. I wouldn’t have it no other way, I saw both worlds. It taught me a lesson; you gotta do everything, excite people in higher places than you and have people believe in you and your project. Thats it.

N: It’s almost as if the lines between underground and commercial have converged. The music scene, since the digital age took over, has become really communal.  By that I mean, a commercially successful artist can collaborate with an upcoming one and the song gravitates somewhere in the middle. What would you say originated this and do you see it as beneficial?

J: It’s very beneficial. Underground artists used to think “shit man, if I collabo with them, then I’m gonna alienate my peoples and they’ll say I sold out!” But that doesn’t happen anymore. If two artists get it and respect each other’s craft mutually, then they can work together. The internet did that, it makes everyone feel like a neighbor.  You know, I can be across seas and feel like I’m in New York because of the blogs. Of course its beneficial, now underground artists work with major artists, they get to rock bigger crowds without them compromising their art. You can do what majors do on the independent grind now because of the net. On every level, you can sell things, hit up blogs to get noticed, you can promote heavily through twitter and sites like that- it’s a whole new age. I dunno, maybe the best thing for an artist is not a record deal anymore…it’s going underground right off the rip…

N: Speaking on collaborations, what producer would you like to work that you haven’t reached yet?

J: I don’t think anyone is unreachable, it’s about them being interested in working with you.. One of the dudes I want to catch up to is Just Blaze.

N: Yes! That makes sense…

J: Most Definitely Makes sense…

N: Where did the Joell Ortiz sound originate from? By sound I don’t mean your music but the ‘yaaawaaa’

J: ‘yawa’ originated in my projects. It happened on a drunk night in a staircase lobby where one of my boys was twisted and instead of saying “yaw yaw” he said ‘yawaaa” haha. It went from my project call to my block to my neighborhood to brooklyn call to people in new York saying it..

Catch Joell Ortiz, alongside his Slaughterhouse partners and Pharoahe Monch this Saturday April 10 at Theatre Corona, details and tickets are available here.

Also check out Joell’s newest video, and his other links below…

Blog | Myspace | Twitter | Wikipedia

Interview by Narcel X

My mandate here on escapemtl.ca, Montreal’s finest urban blog, is to interview up-and-coming artists.  Fashawn is the definition of this, although it can be argued that he’s already up and here.  His debut album was widely praised by critics and it’s said he may just be the leader of the younger generation of quality hip-hop artists.  That’s right, this guy is born in 1988 – listen to his album and you won’t believe it.  He’s going to be performing here Sunday, April 11th at Foufounes, with Brother Ali – a show not to be missed.  We spoke on the phone about his career, about his hometown – Fresno, California – and what he plans to do in his new-found role as leader of Central Cali’s hip hop scene.

So first off, congratulations on Boy Meets World, very good album. In fact, it got an XL rating in XXL magazine, which is not too shabby!  I was reading the review online and someone commented that that was a big rating for such a young artist.  What does that mean to you?

It means a lot.  I mean, I came from the era where you got 5 mics, you got XXL, you was that rapper.  You know? You were that dude.  For them to give me that, it makes me feel good.  Now I’m up in the club you know, with the rest of the cats that got XL, and I feel like I belong.  I feel like I earned that spot.  It wasn’t just given to me.  I earned it.

And, in the same topic, you’re only 23.  Like many other people when I listen to your music there is so much wisdom and maturity and I couldn’t believe it when I found out your age.  Especially when you compare what you’re putting out to the stuff a lot of artists your age or way older are putting out, it’s really impressive.  Why are you different?

Well, when you grow up in a fucked up situation, it makes you more mature than the average kid you know.  My music reflects my life.  My life is not loud, it’s not over the edge, it’s nothin’ crazy.  It’s about me, my family, and my career.

I would have to say that that in itself is mature.

Yeah, I guess it is.  I guess that’s the difference between me and these other rappers out there.  They’re doing this for the fame you know, for some other reasons.  I do this shit to stay sane, I’m serious, I’d go crazy.  If the money comes, that’s cool, but I want to make incredible music.  Music with substance.

A lot of the stuff on the album is about life in the hood and whatnot, but you also have two tracks, Life As a Shorty and Hey Young World that are positive and geared towards the youth.  How important is it for you to do these kinds of songs?

It’s very important to me.  I feel like it’s a responsibility.  To reach out to a younger generation, you know, these are the kids who are gonna run up on you for an autograph.  It’s a responsibility to talk to them, to give them something positive – a positive message.  They need this, ’cause I know how hard it is you know, when you have all imagination, and people tell you you can’t do something.  Now I can be that, that person to encourage them, to be that big brother figure, to reach out to all my little homies, all the little boys and girls.

To some people, the West Coast is L.A. and that’s it.  But some artists do make an effort to rep Central Cali specifically, Planet Asia is an obvious example.  One of my favourite tracks is Day in Sunny CA, and I notice in this track you really make a distinction between Central Cali and LA – you even mention the exact number of miles between Fresno and LA.  So how important is it for you to rep Central Cali specifically?

Yeah, the precise location where I’m from… it’s very important you know.  I’m a voice for the voiceless, most people don’t know about Central Cali, the culture… I’m very proud.  Fresno!  I’m proud to say that.  Now you can’t mention Fresno without saying my name.  Actually, you can’t mention California without saying my name, and I say that in the most humble of ways, but it’s the way it is right now.

Speaking of Planet Asia, we’re big fans up here in Canada, and he puts on a great show, I saw him a couple years back.  I read that you got your break from him, how did that happen?

Yeah, wow.  I mean, we’re from the same hometown. And he was like that dude you know?  We heard there’s murals of him in Europe and shit, like crazy stuff.  I rhymed for him once.  Then a while later, I put out a mixtape, Grizzly City 1.  And he found me again, on Myspace, when that Myspace shit was just poppin’ off.  He was like, “Yo, I remember you.  Come on tour with me.”  I was 17 years old, like let’s do it!  I’m packin’ my bags.

A dream come true?

Yeah, a dream come true.  I mean Planet Asia.  He’s a big dawg.  And since then, I just haven’t stopped.

Amazing.  So, you have a really East Coast style in many ways, how did that come about?

Well basically, I’m a fan of hip hop.  And correct me if I’m wrong, but NY is the birthplace of hip hop.  I believe in doin’ your history when you’re doing something, so I did.  So in like 2001, when I was in high school, I was listening to Illmatic, you know, stuff that had come out a decade prior.  I love that shit.  Rakim, Black Moon.  So I was like inspired by them, but at the same time, influenced by Kurupt, you know?  So that’s it.

I also read somewhere that you are something like the leader of the Central Cali hop-hop scene.  What does that mean, and what do you intend to do with that role?

I want to keep it in motion, keep bringing in new artists from Central Cali, like my boy Grafik, watch out for him, just keep that Central Cali thing going, with this whole new flavour we’re developing.

You put out a mixtape called the Antidote, entirely produced by the Alchemist.  It was all original production, top-knotch stuff that sounded like an album, available for free online. So how did that come together?

Yeah, that was cool… I was on tour with Evidence, and he passed my music on to Alchemist, and he instantly became a fan.  And he was like, you’re so young! Do you even know who you’re rappin’ to?  And truthfully, I didn’t, I wasn’t born yet when some of that stuff was made. So he was like, I gotta cook up some samples to see how your mind will react to it, I wanna see how your mind will respond.

So you were basically Alchemist’s experiment?

(Laughs) Yeah… I did it in two weeks.  I always say Boy Meets World took twenty years to create, well the Antidote took two weeks.  He called it the Antidote ’cause he was sick of the shit being put out, the shit on the radio, just sick of it in general.  So it was an antidote to that.

You’re gonna be here in Montreal pretty soon, every been up here?

No, I haven’t, but I am definitely looking forward to it!

Okay, now we do something of a flash round, short answers.  What’s the next step for you?

The Ecology. (His next album scheduled to be released in 2011.)

What’s you’re favourite track on Boy Meets World?

Stars.

If you could have anyone as your hype-man, dead or alive, who would it be?

Damn.  Spliff Star, or Flava Flav. But young Flava Flav, not old Flava Flav.

Most overused word in hop hop right now?

Swag!  (Laughs).  Definitely swag!  And geeked up… but that’s not everywhere yet. That’s some Cali shit. Geeked up…

Don’t forget to catch his performance, alongside Brother Ali and BK-One, on April 11th at Les Foufounes Électriques (87 Ste-Catherine St. E.).  Doors open at 9 PM, tickets are $11.50 and you can pick’em up at the following locations:

Downtown:
Foufounes Electriques
Off the Hook (1021a St. Catherine O.)
High Times (1385 St. Catherine O.)

Plateau:
Lunetz (4269 St. Denis)
G&G Barbershop (28 Des Pins E.)

Check out the Facebook event for it at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=378834778915&ref=ts

Interview by Killa Kellz

Young, talented and driven….Didier Tovel is all that and more. Find out what he had to say about music, the industry and the keys to success.

Q. First off welcome to Morburn, what’s good, how you feeling?

A. Thanks for having me. I’m feeling good these days and excited to reveal some of the projects I’ve been working on for the last little while. It’s been a long time coming but I’m more motivated then ever.

Q. Let’s start with the name “C4” (I’m thinking dangerous, volatile, explosive) how did you come up with that name?

A. That name is something that stuck with me since I was 14 years old. I used to record my friends rap and my best friend Sagitair came up with the name based on the fact that my temper can be somewhat explosive. Over the years, it’s become more of a trademark for my beats. Every track you will hear from me has to hit you with impact. I work very hard to make sure you feel like you are witnessing something powerful.

Q. Reading through your resume, my first impressions where like….Damn this dude has done so much so young! Are you surprised at your level of success thus far?

A. I’m thankful for the success level I’ve been able to achieve thus far but I know I still I have a long way to go. If anything, it’ll only make me work harder. Every time one obstacle is cleared, I just go for the next. It’s a sickness, but It’s probably the reason I have made it this far. I don’t come from a wealthy family and I never had formal musical training. I chose to jump into music production full out and I plan on proving that this is where I belong.

Q. Can you talk a bit about the differences of working in Toronto vs. Montreal?

A. After living and working in Montreal for my whole life, moving to Toronto was a huge change. I landed here without knowing a single person so it was really a challenge. Although a few people welcomed me into the scene, I quickly saw why Toronto calls itself the screwface capital of the world. Regardless, I was able to see potential in Toronto and that’s why I’ve stayed. I feel like people are very motivated here and work hard to achieve their goals. I’m now looking forward to expanding my networks over to New York, Los Angeles and Europe.

Q. You tell me what you think is your biggest accomplishment to date?

A. Being able to wake up in the morning and make music. My line of work has given me the ability to find many different ways to making a living off the music industry and I remember how much time I spent trying to figure out how I was ever going to be able to make a decent living in this field. Aside from that, winning the first ever production competition,”Art of Producing” beat battle in my hometown was one of the best nights of my life. It was great to come back home and show my peers what I can do. Producers are usually in the background and this was an opportunity to feed off the crowd and I’ll never forget it.

From a professional standpoint, I produced and sang on a spot for Scrabble with a British accent that got quite a bit of buzz worldwide… That job got my shortlisted in Cannes at the international advertising awards and won best of show at the Eurobest awards this year. The song was something was something nobody really expected from me and allowed me to get more jobs and an agent for voice work. Now, with over 40 ad placements, I feel like there’s no limit to what I can do as long as I channel the doubtful part of my brain. I feel fortunate and that’s why I work so hard to keep it that way.

Q. What are your feelings on the state of hip hop in Montreal and in Toronto?

A. I think that the goal should be to unite Canada as a whole and do our best to participate in the global music industry. The game has changed and although that means that record sales have gone down, the advantage is that we have the ability to reach billions of people independently. Drake’s success has already opened many doors for artists and producers in Canada and I hope it’s just a start of what’s to come. People have to step their game to keep up!

Q. Do you think Montreal will ever produce an emcee capable of holding his own against anyone?

A. I can’t think of a single reason why it couldn’t. Montreal’s got talent, more people just have to give themselves a real shot at it by working at their craft, adapting to the times and learning. The problem with many mc’s is that they think they are the best right off the bat. If they humble themselves and act as a student of the game, I think they’ll be able to create originality as opposed to following the masses.

Q. What projects are currently working on and when can we expect a release?

A. I’m always working on new ads and this week it’s for companies such as Bell and MTV. I’m also really excited about a project I’m doing for a young boy named Miles. The Make a wish foundation approached me and asked if I would produce a song and campaign for him. I thought it was a great opportunity to help someone early on in their career so I’m coming to Montreal this weekend to put the finishing touches on the job and record his vocals.

In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be releasing the first installment of “The C4 Experiment” hosted by none other then Christopher Walken. It’s going to have tracks by most of the rappers I’ve worked with in Montreal and Toronto such as Jd Era, D-Sisive, Bless, Rich Kidd, Troy Dunnit and others. Watch out for the first single off the tape called “Real City” which will feature Montreal’s best: Magnum 357, I.Blast, Bad News Brown and more. There’s also another “experiment” in the works that you’ll be able to get this summer!

Q. Morburn Music would like to thank C4 for chatting with us. Do you have any last words for the massive?

A. All I have are words of encouragement for people working at their art. Don’t quit. Don’t do it for the money, do it because it makes you happy and the money will come. Also, brush your teeth 3 times a day and call your mom once in a while.

Checkout C4’s official websites below…

www.imyourproducer.com
twitter.com/c4music

Interview by
MrHookupz

via Morburn Music

In today’s Auto-Tune flooded “hip-hop” industry, it’s so refreshing to come across what rap is supposed to be about – dope lyrics over dope beats. Torae has been providing us with just that since his very successful 2008 street album Daily Conversation. Then he really stepped it up when he hooked up with Canadian producer Marco Polo to release their critically-acclaimed collaborative album Double Barrel under Duck Down Records, who you know always go hard (some of their labelmates include the likes of Smif N Wessun, Sean Price, and Boot Camp Clik). Even better, Torae is also a super smart dude who gave us some great insight into his career and the game.

Double Barrel was described as the kind of rap that everyone these days craves – music that resembles the “golden era” of hip-hop of the 90s, but that is still very relevant to today’s times. Was this something you had set out to do, or that just happened?

It was absolutely something we set out to do. There was a lane wide open. People were not being serviced the type of boom-bap hip-hop music we craved, so Marco & I decided to stand and deliver.

DJ Premier cosigned your album. The beginning of the album even begins with him saying, “You know if I cosign, it’s gotta be real.” Tell us about his contribution.

Well me & Preme go back to “Get It Done” & “Click” so he’s someone that has been very helpful in my career thus far. Marco & Premier also have a working relationship so when we decided to do an album like this it was a no-brainer to have Premo set it off. He’s also a genuine fan of the music & enjoys the album which makes his “co-sign” all the more valid.

There were quite a few interesting collaborations, such as the track “Smoke” featuring Lil Fame of M.O.P. and Rock of Helta Skeltah, as well as “Crashing Down” featuring Saukrates. What do you get out of working with other artists and how do you choose who to collaborate with?

The main goal on the records with features was to collaborate with artist that a) made sense & b) that wanted to be a part of what we we’re doing/ It wasn’t about cutting checks, or getting the trendiest artist of the moment to rock with. It was about getting the dopest artist for the song & making a banger. Plus every feature on Double Barrel is someone Marco or I consider to be a close homie so it was nothing to reach & out get these joints done.

Canadian producer Marco Polo is the other half of the duo behind Double Barrel, and you’ve worked with him for some time now. How did you two hook up in the first place?

We met at the studio, we were both called in by Masta Ace to work on a skit for the eMC album & then after that I went by Marco’s spot with a good friend of mine Emilio Rojas & we just started kicking it from there.

You and him obviously make a great team – what’s the dynamic like when you’re working on a project?

I know Marco’s coming with hard hitting production. From the kick, to the snare, to the sample it’s all gonna be some hard hitting dope shit. So I have to come in & match that intensity or I’m going to be an after thought on the record. We make a great team together. The perfect blend of beats & barbarian bars.

Working with him probably means you know a lot about Canadian hop hop. How would you describe the game up here right now, and what would you say is our strength?

Well I think with Drake’s success the whole world is aware of Canada right now, but without Drake there were still dope artists like Sauks whose on our album. You guys have Kardinal who is super dope also. The Rascals, Choclair the young homie Promise is making some noise right now too. So the scene is solid, I’m not there enough to see the full impact as far as strength or weakness I just know slowly but surely the music is making it’s way down here to the states.

Flash round:
What’s the next step for you?

Right now I’m working on a new mixtape, that should be out about late March.

What’s your favorite song on Double Barrel?

I don’t have a favorite on Double Barrel, it really varies with each listen. I think that’s the true test of a solid album is when each track can stand on it’s own.

If you could have anyone as your hype man, dead or alive, who would it be?

Hmmm, Spliff Starr was always as important as Busta Rhymes to me when it came to a stage show. Vin Rock was Naughty was ill too, but hypeman of all times has to be Flava Flav, so I’m going with Flav…yeeeeeeeah boyyyeeee!

Most overused word in hip-hop right now?

Swag/Swagger/Swagga has got to be the most over used term. And the funny part is most of these guys talking about their swag are super corny people. Like minus the money & jewels these guys are super lame. FOH!!

Watch out for Tor’s next mixtape with DJ Blazita that should be dropping before the end of March. The first single is featuring Mike Shorey, and will surely be fire. Last but not least, make sure you support real quality hip hop and go out and buy his Double Barrel album with Marco Polo by clicking here, or you can download the DJ Critical Hype blends tape that Torae hosted here.

Check out his official MySpace, or follow him on twitter.com/torae.

Interview written, and conducted by Killa Kellz.

While the rest of the city was sleeping Dirtwork Productions was making moves. Morburn got a chance to chat with the super-producer to find out what Dirt Work is all about.

Q. First off welcome to Morburn, how you feeling right now?

A. I’m feeling great right now; we had a good and productive year in ’09, time to start 2010 with a bang. I got a lot of work coming up so I’m just trying to stay level-headed and motivated.

Q. Take us back, it’s 2001 you guys are putting in work. How did it all start?

A. 2001? Wow, that’s the year I actually started producing so I don’t know if I was putting in working like that lol. I was 17 in 2001, so I was probably still trying to rap or become a basket ball player lol. I really started taking the music serious at about 19-20 but I always had a good ear for what’s hot and people would always tell me that even my skeletons were way better than most of the stuff other local producer were coming with at the time. I got tired of looking for original beats to spit on so I took it upon myself to start producing, gave up rapping and it’s been history ever since.

Q. In a time when everyone wants to be a rapper, producing sort of flies under the radar. Can we get into the mind of a producer; tell us what the process of producing a track is?

A. For me, it all starts with a vibe, I might be listening to some old soul joints and catch an idea or it might just hit me when I’m walking down the street and a melody pops in my head. I don’t usually start with the drums though, I like to hear to orchestration first and base my drums around it. Back when I first started I used whatever I had at the moment to make beats, I used to 2 tracks my karaoke machine, stop and pause tapes, and my first beats came off this program called “Music Generator” for Playstation 2.

I wouldn’t tell anybody though lol. The sound was horrible and I couldn’t get any wave files out of it so I would record them from my TV onto a tape deck and sell them on cassettes. That must have been back in 2002. It became a problem when I couldn’t give anybody the individual files and I missed out on a couple of album projects therefore I missed out on money so I had to upgrade my equipment. My first piece was the Roland MC 303, I still actually used it for certain things today. I’ve been upgrading ever since but I think I found my formula now so I’m gonna stick with it.

Q. Who were some of the artists that you have produced tracks for?

A. I worked with everybody that’s doing it in MTL on the English scene at some point or another, but I mostly keep it in-house with my Revolver Muzik team. I did a couple joints for Jay Bezel back when he was with Dipset. I was working on a project with Planet Asia called Laws of Power so I got a couple of unreleased tracks from him. I did 3 joints on Bad News Brown’s album (Born 2 sin). I did Sans Pression’s title track for his last album.

I recently produced a song for Wordsmith out of Philadelphia which features like 7-8 artists from out there (Jack Frost, Philly Swain etc…). I did all the original joints on Magnum’s first 2 mixtapes and also Novakane’s first mixtape. I’m sure I’m missing out some names that I can’t remember right now but basically I’ve been putting in work over the years. I’m currently working on Mayhem Morearty next single called “Go DJ” which will be bananas. These days, I’ve been branching out to Toronto a lot because they have an actual industry and budgets over there. So far the response I’ve been getting is nothing but positive so I gotta keep it up and stay focused.

Q. Aside from producing Dirt Work is also a management company. Can you tell us about some of the artists that you are currently handling?

A. Yeah, I manage Magnum 357, so right now that’s my main focus and I don’t want to take on other artists careers until I succeed with him. However, I always keep my ears open for new talent and I do help out other artists with the direction they are trying to take.

In this game these days being a rapper of a producer isn’t enough, you gotta multitask to reach the next level. I play every position when I have to from Producing, Managing, Engineering, DJ, Writing to being a hypeman at shows. We’re a 3 man team at Revolver Muzik Records and like to keep everything in-house so whatever needs to be done we handle ourselves. I always had plans on starting a management company with Dutch from Escape Entertainment, so that’ll take place in the near future.

Q. Many of us felt that Montreal is an untapped market in terms of talent. How do you feel about the scene in Mtl and what will it take for our scene to get more exposure?

A. The scene is definitely building and developing itself these days. A lot of fresh talent is popping up and I’m glad to see MTL grow artistically. The thing we lack is resources to take us to the next step, we don’t really have any serious investors nor do we have a 24/7 urban radio station which has been a problem forever.

The French scene is great but for the English cats trying to make it’s a huge challenge due to the language barrier and it’s nearly impossible to get any video grants for an English artist in this province. The support just isn’t there from the higher power, that’s why I can’t even name any English rappers that ever made it out of MTL. Bad News Brown is the closest one, he’s toured most of the US and Europe but he’s an exception because I don’t consider him a rapper.

We still have a lot of growing to do and it will take time but I do think that MTL will eventually get its respect due. Its funny because when we go out of town everybody knows Magnum and shows him love just based on his mixtapes and internet videos, just think if we actually had big budgets, real investors or grants backing us In MTL we also need to get off that “Crab in the bucket” mentality, Montreal doesn’t really have a big hip-hop scene right now and everybody kind of knows each other one way or another, therefore people don’t want to pay to get into local shows or buy mixtapes. Everybody feels like they already made it because Don Smooth or Mike Mission played their song on the radio or they were featured on 514smoke and now they’re too BIG to support other local artists.

We gotta set a hip-hop standard in MTL, we need a committee. There’s too much bullshit out there and it’s over crowding real talent. If everyone learns to support each other then we can keep all the money in a circle and actually generate fans and potential investors, that’s how the south took over hip-hop. That’s how artists down south can actually sell 30,000 mixtapes and have sold out shows in their own regions.

Q. We see a lot of artists some with un-original style, claiming they drive big cars; have a lot of money and ishh like that. In a way it sort of masks the fact that they have no talent. What in your opinion separates an average artist from a great one?

A. A true artist spits about his experiences and what he goes through rather than what he sees on TV. I respect artists that stay true to what they know, if you lived a street life and have to go through it everyday then that’s what it is. But the truth is most of these MTL rappers that spit that gangsta shit have 9-5 jobs and live in the suburbs.

Everybody wants to come off hard and think that just because it sounds good on the mic people will take it in and respect it. When in reality MTL is small and people know who actually puts in work on the streets. Sooner or later your card will get pulled and your career is over.

I love it when rappers spit about ballin’ and making money because I get to pull their cards when it’s to buy beats. Like how you gonna rap about driving a Bentley and flying G5’s but you can’t come up with 500$ for a beat lol. C’mon son!

Q. Who do you feel are some of the top emcees in Mtl right now?

A. Obviously, this might sound biased but I feel like Magnum is carrying the torch right now with all his accomplishments over the last couple of years. He’s well respected outside of MTL and I haven’t met anybody that had anything bad to say about him. I really like the direction Bad News is going right now; I believe he’ll become an international artist real soon. I’m feeling what Milli Millz is doing right now, i.Blast is killing the streets with his latest mixtape. Mugz is doing it right now, I like the fact that he stays true to himself and is keeps it real.

Novakane is gonna have a sick project dropping soon, I used to like what Justice (Northern Lights) was coming with but he fell off the radar. Troy Dunnit is on that different shit but I respect it. DPC (The NDG one) are pretty consistent with projects. I actually really liked Narcy’s album and he’s got a crazy live show. Loe Pesci is probably the best battle rapper in MTL right now. I know I’m forgetting some names so don’t catch feelings if I didn’t mention you; it’s been a long day.

Q. It’s been almost 10 years in the game, what would you like to accomplish in the next five?

A. In actuality in been about 5 years that I’m taking it serious, I was signed to Round Da Clock entertainment as an in-house producer for 3 years. My contract just expired last summer so it’s been about 2 years that I’ve been focusing on building my own brand. In the next 5 years I just want to make sure that I become an established producer in the biz. We seen it happened almost over night with Boi1da from T-dot, he’s nominated for 2 Grammys and we were featured in the same magazine as next-up producers so the motivation is there.

I definitely want Revolver Muzik Records to jump-off and become a house hold name in the urban market. After Magnum’s album drops we’ll be looking to recruit new talent and build careers. In the next 5 years I wanna make sure that MTL blows up and people recognize me as one of the heads that made that possible. I also haven’t had a real 9-5 job in my life so I hope to keep living off of music and not have to worry about anything. I also became the director of operations of Montreal for Creamworld Magazine (www.creamworld.ca) based out of Toronto so I’ll be focusing on that and try to make something out of it.

Q. Morburn would like to thank Dirt Work Productions for chatting with us. Dirt Work, do you have any last words for the massive?

A. Look out for Revolver Muzik Vol.3 droppin’ real soon that will be the final one with end off the trilogy. We’re currently working on Magnum’s debut album as well as some videos.

If anybody wants to get at me for production the email is dirtworkproductions@gmail.com or hotmail.com if your serious about your craft its time to invest into yourself, we can always work around your budget. Also check out www.Revolvermuzik.com for constant Magnum updates. And shout out to Morburn for reaching out to me for this interview. 100.

Interview by MrHookupz

Dirt Work Productions

Interview by
MrHookupz

Glasses Malone - otherwise known as G. Malone – hails from Watts and Compton and is the next artist to drop an album with the currently unstoppable Cash Money Records.  With his smooth, steady flow and slick style he’s about to breathe some fresh air into the West Coast rap game.  He talks to us about what’s behind the name, what he’s learned so far about the rap game, who he’s enjoyed working with, and what he knows about rap up North. Stay tuned for his debut album Beach Cruiser, coming soon.

So what’s behind the name Glasses Malone – it’s pretty unique.

It was a name given to me by an OG. It really refers to my bad vision. I lost the only pair of glasses I owned at the time. “Where are your glasses?” everyone asked me. Kinda just stuck.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

A very detailed artist. I believe in hiding the complexity to give it longevity. The majority of my songs require multiple listens to comprehend everything fully.

How do you know when you’ve found the right beat?

It just touches my soul.

You signed with Sony in 2005 (after turning down offers from several other record labels) under which you were supposed to release Beach Cruiser in 2007.  Then the subsidiary of Sony that signed you shut down, and you ended up signing with Cash Money and will be releasing the album soon. What happened with that and how did it impact you and your career?

I was able to leave Sony with my masters and negotiate a new deal immediately. The whole Sony experience just gave me a crash course in the music industry. I had to grow as a business man overnight. It made me realize I had to be in control of my moves, also keep a closer eye on people making moves in the name of my career.

Tell us about working with Cash Money.

It’s a dream come true. It’s the number 1 label, with the number 1 artist, and the number 1 movement. Everyone is easy to work with and talk to!

You signed a four record deal with them.  In the age of Internet-downloaded music, what do you feel is the key to selling albums?

Put out great music. Constantly.

You come from Watts and Compton.  There’s always talk about West Coast rap – how would you describe the rap game out there right now and where it’s headed?

It’s heading in the right direction. People out west are getting that hometown pride again. It’s only a matter of time before hip hop is booming commercially out west again.

You worked with a lot of different artists for Beach Cruiser.  What collaboration did you really enjoy?

Certified! Akon, who was exploding commercially at the time came in and worked with me like I was a superstar. I’ll never forget that experience, and will always be thankful to Akon.

What’s behind the title of the album?

It’s just a metaphor for Glasses Malone’s style of music. I want my music to be as timeless as a Beach Cruiser. No matter how many trick bikes, mountain bikes, and 10-speeds come out people will always ride Beach Cruisers. It also speaks about the smooth and steady way I flow. Smooth and steady sound of the music. Beach Cruisers are the gangsta vessels of choice. Beach Cruisers just represent me and my music.

Have you ever been to Canada?  What do you know of/think of the hip hop scene here?

I’mma fan of Swollen Members. My label mate is Drake. I’m fairly aware of what’s goin’ on in Canada.

On your Myspace page it says that “when rap is at its best, it’s cinematic.”  That’s a very interesting quote – can you describe a little what that means to you, and an example of another artist whose music you would describe as cinematic?

I’m referring to the way you can paint a picture vividly with words alone. I really work hard on placing you in the scenario I’m rapping about. Emcees I get that cinematic style from would be the great Scarface, B.I.G, and Ice Cube.

We know you were a very strong student, and that your parents were both hustlers. Can you talk a bit about your early life and how it led you to doing music?

Street life, Street life, Street life. Music was fun at first. Battling with a couple friends. Then it became a thing I would do with my lil bro to keep him out of trouble. As all these things came together, they made me pretty ill musically. Between the talent and getting tired of going back and forth to jail, I decided to give it a try.

For more info, check out http://www.whoisgmalone.com or   http://www.whoisgmalone.com.

Nightmare on Seven Street the mixtape is out now and Beach Cruiser is coming soon, don’t sleep!

Interview by Killa Kellz

Since the seminal release of Liquid Swords, The Gza/Genius has been one prolific in-the-cut kind of dude. With the tsunami of rappers coming out these days, only a few know what the worth of one’s word and how not to drown in the abyss of ‘fake shit’. Gza spoke to me from his hotel room in Toronto on the good ol’ days (remember like, back in ‘79? That was my favorite shit ga’), hip-hop, writing and focus. Never one to hold his tongue, his brutal honesty can chop through you like the greatest samurai in the Empire. When the emcee came to live out his name, he made sure you wouldn’t forget the first sword slash to your brain.

Real Name: Gary Grice
Born Day: 09/22/1966
Born Place: Brooklyn Zoo
Occupation: Wordsmith, Chess Enthusiast, Bondsman
Favorite Album: Liquid Swords. Cuban Linx. Wu-Tang Forever. 36th. Tical.
Favorite Book: The book of life.The Living Book. Everyday.

NarcelX: Since the Wu started with Rza, Ol’ Dirty and You, I’m sure you’ve shared alot of priceless moments with Russell Jones. What is your fondest memory of the one we call Ol’ Dirty?

Gza: Oh man, there are so many. We used to have so much fun in our early days in hip-hop, there were so many funny moments being with Dirty. He was really really raw. We would enter contests and MC Battles and all that; I was always the laid back one and he didn’t have a single shy bone in his body. He would ALWAYS get on me about that shit. He would just say it out loud on stage like ‘WHATS THAT STAGE FRIGHT SHIT??!?!” On stage! Funny Dude. Funny Moments. God rest his soul.

N: One on my favorite quotes from you is “Too many songs, weak rhymes mad long, make it brief son.” Do you still feel the same about Hip-Hop?

G: Yeah, I always feel like that.  feel like that about writing in general. It hasn’t changed. What you can write in 16 bars, you can say in 4 lines. I still have the same approach when it comes to writing and how i put things together. Less is more.

N: Speaking of writing, you are a very conceptual kind of poet. What is your overall process like?

G: I do it track by track, put out ideas. Then I have to find a beat that’s compatible to it. Sometimes it works like that, other times the beat comes first. There’s some beats that just bring it. Alot of times I write to get the thoughts in and strive to match it to certain music.

N: Do you find writing easier as you go?

G: Naw, I emphasize it so naw, it’s the same. Not that its’ difficult but it’s important.

N: It’s been mentioned before that you are working on graphic novels and scripts. Is it Wu related at all. What do you write about?

G: It’s mostly on other things in my life. One of the scripts I was working on took place at a neighborhood pool where we grew before we were known as Wu-tang.  It’s about us to a certain degree but you know, it’s about growing up, childhood.  I like to write on other things, nothing Wu-related. I’m just letting the pen flow right now…

N: To me, Wu-tang epitomizes the ‘international’ Hip-Hop brand. Growing up in the Middle East, even in the nineties I would see bootleg Wu-wear shirts and cats respected Wu. The branding was unmistakable. How do you see someone not rhyming in english making it in the “hip-hop” industry outside the “international” scene? How did you think about your music when you first started?

G: I just focused on making music for myself, I never thought about where it was gonna get. I just did it for the love, for the art, for the culture. But,  as far as international artists, its beautiful that hip-hop has spread. I’ve been to countries and performed and we used to say “they don’t know the language, but they know the singles.” If you can feel something in a song, and not understand the words, then you’ve accomplished the goal of music. Sometimes it’s about vibe as opposed to language. There was this french track, I don’t wanna throw the wrong name out,  you might have to talk to Fab Five Freddy or some shit ahaha. But the point is, I didn’t understand it, but it had a vibe to it that moved me. I don’t think there are barriers to success, as long as you focus on making good music.

N: Besides verses and liquid swords, How do you diversify your bonds?

G: All I do is write. I like to play chess! Life is a big chess game. It brings peace. Really, no, I haven’t ventured into anything but writing…yet.

N: There is a rumor of an unreleased Nas, Ghost, Raekwon and Gza track from liquid swords era. I read about it in an old interview with the Rza. Can you give us any information about this myth?

G: You would have to ask Rza, who knows what he may have! When I was doing Liquid Swords, Rae was doing Cuban Linx, Meth was doing Tical, we were all coming to see Rza for music and some songs were laying around. I remember one day, Nas rolling through as I was recording for the Liquid Swords album. We kicked it but not much; He must have come in that morning and I had been there all night laying vocals down. But when I left, I don’t know if he layed a verse down or if he got on something. Perhaps I never heard it. Rza would know. He’s got stashes.

(Ed. Note: F*CK! Still no answer!)

N: Anything else you would like to add?

G: Thank you. New Gza record this year.

Catch him performing alongside D-Shade, Loe Pesci and Sam Osa at Foufounes Electriques on Wednesday January 27th, 2009. Click here for more info.

Also you can check GZA at his official links here.
MySpace |  Official Website | Wikipedia

Interview by Narcel X

Please introduce yourself to our readers as if they had never heard of Sha Stimuli?

Well if you haven’t heard of me, don’t feel bad, it isn’t your fault, it isn’t mine either but more importantly… my name is Sha Stimuli, I am from Brooklyn, I hate rap but I love music. Well I don’t hate rap, but what it has become is not what I used to love. If you’re like me and you don’t feel like complaining about the state of the game and you’d rather change it then support my album… wait did I plug that too early? What was the question? Oh yea, introduction, Sha Stimuli, you can call me Sherod Khaalis if you want, I do hip-hop music, I know you probably do too but you may still like my stuff.

Your big brother is Lord Digga, so what was it like to be exposed to the music industy at such a young age?

It was fun, cool and not much of a big deal at the time. I mean it was to me but hip-hop wasn’t as global as it is now. The average person didn’t know who Masta Ace was really. And real hip-hop was still pure. I thank him for bringing me to all those sessions and video shoots and I thank mi madre for letting me go. I learned a lot and figured out what I wanted to do in life as a youngster.

Is there any particular story you would like to share about your early years in hip hop (meeting Biggie, first recording with Masta Ace, others)?

I remember being on my brother’s song on “Slaughtahouse”, Crazy Drunken Style and being taken off the song because Ace didn’t want it to sound like a posse cut, that could have set my career off… damn! I also remember meeting Kane when I was 12 and he asked me if I was getting women and he asked if I hit skins yet. I said yes pretty quickly, I think I had humped but either way I was confident that I had done it.

While you were working on the 12 mixtapes-in-a-year project, was there a time where you thought you wouldn’t be able to do it? If so, what kept you going?

Yea every time the month got close to ending and I didn’t have artwork done or mixes or some songs DJ Victorious and I bumped heads about and they weren’t finalized, I worried about it not happening and a lot of people told me to stop after Stevie (Hotter than July) but I just kept on rolling like a fool. My inspiration to continue was that I said I would do it. That was it, other than that, I would have stopped and just walked away. That year was crazy, a lot of material, pressure, for those that don’t know what I did in 2008 with all those songs you should pick ‘em up one day. I made some deep, relatable stuff.

What were you looking to accomplish with My Soul to Keep?

I was looking to make something called Life music. I wanted to touch on topics that haven’t been touched in new and inventive ways. I wanted to provide depth and thought-provoking music that will be something that people can turn to when they are going through some things. I wasn’t stressing selling a lot of units but I do want folks to walk away with a piece of me and keep it forever.

So far, are you satisfied with the response your album has received from fans and critics?

Yeaaaa I don’t really read the reviews but I get a bunch of twitter and facebook messages and people really rock with the LP. I mean they sound moved and that really does a lot for me. I feel lucky to have a disc that people say helps them get through a tough time.

Pretty much every song on the album is personal, is there one that is even more important for you?

There isn’t one that is more personal than the other, “I Wish I Was You” is more serious than people know. I really have been in situations where I wondered how someone could love me. “Sometimes” is the summation of the album and “Bucket List” is my testimony. Yea the whole thing is personal, sorry about that.

The song and video for Move Back features Freeway and recently his mentor Beanie Sigel made a diss song towards Jay-Z and you also have your history with Jay, so what’s your take on the Beans vs Jay situation?

Beans opened up like a man and used the mic as his voice. Its’ a similar situation to the one I was in, where we hear the words “I got you” and you believe them. But everyone has their reasons for doing what they do, the beautiful thing is that they are both alive and capable of patching things up. I think Beans got a lot off his chest though. Serious record!

What’s next for Sha Stimuli?

Next is promoting this album and getting more people to buy it, download it, burn it, share it, spread it and also visually express these songs to the world. I’m writing my book and maybe doing another album before I leave the planet. Every day is a blessing so I am taking it a day at a time.

Are you already working on a second album? How will it be different from My Soul to Keep?

I am working on a project entitled Unsung, it will be more of a showcase of lyrics and hard edged songs. Thee Emotion Picture will still come out one day and Cinderella Man is still alive. They all have different themes, My Soul To Keep was my 1st offering to the world, full of stories and depth, it will stand as something unlike everything ever done.

Through your music, your interviews and your blog, we see that you’re very aware of the world that surrounds you. If you could change one thing in this world, what would it be?

I would make everyone on earth Smurf blue, maybe not but I would get rid of our views that make us so separate. We are all individuals but we are consciously connected. Yet we divide ourselves by religion, race, gang, financial status, neighborhoods, etc. I think music is one of the common languages across the globe, I will continue to speak thru it. Thank you for your interest.

Remember please buy his new album and help support the Independent hustle, you can do so by clicking here.

Make sure you visit Sha Stimuli at his official sites, found below..
Sha Stimuli Myspace | Sha Stimuli Facebook | Official Website

Interview conducted by Pascal LeBlanc.
www.chambermusik.com

New York is the birthplace of the culture we know as Hip Hop. Not only has it given us music which has spanned the entire world, It’s also launched the careers of legendary talent such as Dj Premier, the late Notorious B.I.G and of course, Jay-Z. In an era where music from the south is flooding the mainstream, Skyzoo represents the movement to bring New York back to its glory days. Crowned by Hot 97 as one of the top 10 MC’s in the game right now, Skyzoo is now working harder than ever to honor his Brooklyn roots, and prove that he deserves to be up there with the greats. His mixtape’s boast collaborations with artists some people could only dream of having on their full length albums. With the pride of NY on his back and the support of industry friends such as 9th Wonder, Skyzoo is determined to push harder and show the world that the soul of hip hop lives in New York City.

What’s up Skyzoo? Why don’t you give us a little run down of who you are, where you’re from, and how you got the distinct name?

I’m from Brooklyn, NY, I’m 26 years old, and I make music that speaks to all. My rap name came from my birth name. My middle name is Skyler, and when I was born in ‘82, there was a disco group out named Skyy who had a big hit called “Skyyzoo”. My family used to sing it to me being that it was so close to Skyler, and it stuck as sort of a nickname. So when I started rhyming, I decided to use the name that was already there. No gimmicks or anything like that, just authenticity.

One of your most acclaimed projects would have to be Cloud 9 with famed producer 9th Wonder. I heard the whole project was recorded over 3 days. How did you hook up with him and what was the production process like?

I met 9th through my man Chaundon of the Justus League. He introduced me to 9th and Khrysis and LB and the whole league in 2005. Since then I’ve had a strong relationship with them. I did the majority of the project on my own, and then gave it to 9th and he loved it, so we finished it up from there. The complete process between what I did on my own and what I did with him was a total of 3 days. It was just a creative spark that happened and I’m glad I acted upon it. We made what’s looked at as a cult favorite.

So obviously, you’re a really quick writer. Many rappers take days and weeks to finish off one song. How did you build a skill set to be able to write full songs in 5 minutes? Did majoring in English help you with your penmanship?

That definitly helped me. I’ve always been a writer at heart, so when I started to rap, it went hand in hand with it. Most of the songs I write take between 20 mins to an hour to write. 3 verses, hook, bridge, everything. Sometimes I’ll sit on a song and come back to it, but most of them are finished soon after I start. I’m blessed, and I definitely don’t take it for granted. I love being a writer.

The industry is highly focused on image. Can you tell us about your experience trying to get signed to major labels? Did you ever feel like you would have a better chance if you were shot nine times?

Hahaha, yea I’ve felt like that before. I’ve actually been asked that in a meeting before. Needless to say I didn’t get signed by the person who asked me that. Image means a lot in the game today, but not everything. I am very conscious of my image, but it won’t be based on controversy. The music is just as important.

Hot 97 recently rated you one of the 10 best MC’s in the game and the UMA’s crowned you best lyricist. What’s it like winning this award without having a video on high rotation on BET?

The feeling’s amazing. It lets me know that I’m making the right moves, and the work that I put in is being noticed. As I said before, I’m a writer at heart, so getting all of those accolades means that my writing is touching people in one way or another. I’m glad the lyrics get noticed. The BET rotation will follow next.

You already recorded with the likes of DJ Premier, Flo-Rida, Little Brother, Nottz, Blackmilk, EPMD, Nore, Bulkwild just to name a few. How does it feel having some of hip hop greats bless you with tracks?

Again it’s a great feeling. I’ve worked with people that I grew up listening to as well as new artists that I respect and like. I can’t ask for to much more in that aspect. I love what I do.

Is there someone that you feel you’d make great music with and would love to collaborate with in the near future?

Yea there’s a few people. People like Jay-Z, Nas, Raekwon, The Lox, 50 Cent, The Clipse, Madlib, there’s a good amount of people I know I can make some bangers with. It’d be fun.

You’ve released 6 mixtapes as of yet. Tell me a little bit about the mixtape game and how has it helped you with your career?

The mixtape game is huge and I hope it never goes anywhere but up. The game started with mixtapes, and my career was built in the beginning off of mixtape’s. The culture is great. I make mixtapes to give people the “rewind factor”, and to do things that you can’t do when making a cohesive album. Certain things don’t make sense on an album but are still dope songs and concepts, so that’s when mixtape’s come into play. I’m indebted to the mixtape

game and the deejays who run it.

When will you be dropping your debut album “Salvation”? Can you tell us about the choice of name, how you are producing the project and who will be featured on the album?

The Salvation is my debut album and I’m extremely excited about it. It’s my first born and I can’t wait to present it to the world. All the things I’ve ever wanted to say, do, express, etc, are all on this album. The name is something I’ve had for years, and the meaning behind it is with everything that life throws at you, what saves you from it? What keeps you aware and going when things happen? That’s the concept behind the name. The production line up includes 9th Wonder, Pete Rock, Illmind, Nottz, Needlz, and more.  9th Wonder is executive producing the album.

How do you go about picking beats? Is there a specific style that you look for?

I look for whatever grabs me. I don’t go into a beat session saying I only want this or I only want that, I grab whatever grabs me. I usually know if I like a beat after the first 30 seconds of hearing it.

What is the most important element that a producer can bring to the table? How would you describe your unique style of songs?

I look for dope drums and basslines. Those 2 elements are huge to me. The drums gotta knock and the bassline gotta be serious. Once that’s right I’m usually reeled in. My style is versatile, so I would just describe it as authentic and original.

Aside from all that, you’ve also done some work for TV as well. I read on your blog that you wrote the theme song to Whiplash TV for ESPN. What was it like making music for a vast audience and is it something you’d like to get into more in the future?

Writing for TV is different because you have to be 100% concerned with what the audience you’re writing for wants. It’s not about you getting your feelings or story out, it’s about what you’re selling or going for. It’s fun though, I definitly want to keep writing for TV. I’m also writing a TV show that I’m hoping to get picked up and on the air within the next year or so.

Do you believe Hip Hop is dead? How do you plan on bringing fresh air into an industry which many say is on a downward spiral?

I don’t believe it’s dead, but I do believe we need more balance. It’s getting there though. Things are looking up. I’m gonna make sure I do my part, so I’m not too worried.

You’ve appeared in Scratch, XXL, Spin, The Source, and Vibe but you also have a strong presence on the net with your blog segment entitled “Skyzoo Archives”. Tell us a little bit about the segment and how it came about.

The archive series was an idea that a friend of mine came up with, and we put it together and dropped it in the fall of 2008. I have a big fan base right now, but there’s so much music that I made before my name became what it is, we figured why not put it out there for the new fans to enjoy. It was really successful. People enjoyed it and it came my name on the net real heavy, so it worked all around.

In Canada, we have many talented artists who often go unrecognized south of the border. Have you heard of Kardinal Offishall, Drake or Classifed? Do you have some advice for Canadian rappers trying to make noise in the US?

I definitely heard of Kardi, and Drake is a friend of mine. Unfortunately I haven’t heard of Classified but I’m definitely gonna look him up. Another emcee I know from Toronto is my man Tona. He’s real dope. We did a song together for his project that should be out soon. Canada has dope lyricists, so I’m all for that. My advice would be to continue to use the internet as much as possible, simple as that.

What would you like to say to the young kids getting into hip hop right now who grew up listening to Lil Wayne and 50 Cent and don’t really know very much about the legacy that was left behind by Biggie, Big L, Big Pun? Do you think there is there any hope for them in bringing real hip hop back?

As long as the balance is there they’ll be good. Lil’ Wayne and 50 are to them what Nas and Jay were to us, so it’s no difference. The music just has to be dope. I think they’ll be alright.

Quick questions:

A) What’s the most overused word in hip hop?
Movement.

B) If you could have anyone as your hype-man, dead or alive, who would it be?
Spliff Star.

C) Love Lockdown: Yay or Nay?
Yay for it’s message.

D) If you could only write one more song, what would it be about?
My life as a songwriter to date.

Make sure you checkout Skyzoo’s official sites:
www.myspace.com/skyzoo
http://twitter.com/therealskyzoo

Written by Didier “C4″