Who is Realife & what state do you represent/ are you from?I'm a huge fan and supporter of indie hip hop. Bronx born, VA raised.
What / who got you started in the indie music field/business? As far as the business side of things, I was blessed with the opportunity to learn a lot of the basics under Victorious, a BK indie artist initially.
Who or where does your music influence come from? Although I'm no longer making music I'd have to say that it comes from life and its reality checks.
You are the founder of "Realife Promo TV" which specializes in promoting indie artist via social sites...what made you choose this lane to explore? Honestly I started networking on Twitter and FaceBook for an artist. Social sites are a major lane when it comes to promo and networking.
In February of this year (2011) "ReaLifePromoTV.com" debuted; featuring artist,blog interviews,videos & mixtapes...what artist or group that has signed up on your site do you feel has that "it factor" you can see them making it real big one day.That's a diffic question because what I consider making it big may not meet your expectations of success. I respect an artist that makes their own lane and is true to themselves first and foremost.
You started a mixtape series called " The Realest"...how did that come about? Does these mixtape feature only indie artist? And the requirements for slots or feature. The idea hit me while I was putting together a mixtape project for an artist. I wanted to give indie artist another platform to show case their talents. The featured artist get the cover and 6 to 8 tracks. The requirements are simple... Spit that crack!
There is a lot of REAL talent in the indie market that get looked over constantly, why do you think these artist receive lack of recognition for their talent?In my opinion the industry is based off gimmicks and fads. Think about Nas came out and you heard a bout load of Nas Juniors... Same with Big, Nelly, etc.
What are some of the key elements you feel a artist/ group must have in order to break into the main stream lane? Honestly I think it takes more talent to stay relevant in the indie circuit than to make it in the majors.
Where would you like to see the indie/underground market go?I'd like to see the indie market get more credit for cultivating artist and more respect for its talent.
I see you have a few things lined up for the year ...what can we expect from you before the end of the year (project wise)? More mixtapes, blog interviews, more new artist, email blast, the debut of Evolution The Magazine, DJ and MC battle, car show, basketball tournament and more! Stay tuned... To be continued!
**NewShoes advice from Realife**
Its easy to lose your sense of self in this business even on the independent level. Stay true to your values and your vision. Only you can see and interpret your vision clearly! Don't do this thing for money rather let the money do it for you! Meaning don't chase what's hot by industry standards just to make a fast buck... Grind for your cause and the music you rock with and the money will come! Considerate on fine tuning your brand and product and or services and everything else will fall into place over time. This is not an overnight hussel !
M3L formerly known as M.E.N-ACE born & raised in the Bronx, New York is a upcoming aspiring emcee. With his witty playboy punchlines & creative sense he puts together what he likes to call "Tru Muzik". After years of recording this young emcees has finally come into his own with his latest project "My Name M3L" mixtape which dropped on Labor Day of 2010. Shutting down showcase after showcase throughout New York City M3L has been turning heads in da underground hip hop world making a name for himself. Now with his upcoming album "Truly Yours(Plain 'ol M3L)" as well as a new mixtape "Truly Yours" in the works M3L is ready 2 take this industry head on. With his album's 1st single "Kick Da Door In" now available on itunes & amazon M3L shows this Bronx emcee is a talent to be reckoned with. Stay tuned this is only the beginning.
Who is M3l? Where are you from & what borough / state do you represent?M3L is a talent young man that's simply speak his life in song. I'm from the Bronx, N.Y. BX ALL DAY!!!
Who directed & produced " kick in da door"? What mixtape (or album ) is this single off?Lavish Life/Street Dreems Productions directed the "Kick Da Door In" but the song was produced by Danzle & Iceman. The single "Kick Da Door In" will be on my upcoming album "Truly Yours(Plain 'ol M3L)" but is available on itunes & amazon now.
How did you get started in the music game & who are some of your inspirations/ major influences that you would contribute to your career?Well music always been in my blood & I always rapped since a child. Wasn't til some older games in my neighborhood seen something special in my talent did I start taking it serious. My biggest influence on my music I would have to say is ME. I try to give my real feeling & emotions in my songs.
I had the pleasure of seeing you perform this song live at Hat's Off in Long Island,NY a few months ago. Your energy was amazing, I was blown away with how you took over the stage! Who do you consider on your lyrical level? What kind of artist do you consider yourself? I don't really consider myself to be lyrical. I just chose the words I feel that are best to describe the emotion or point I wanna get across in that particular song.
Since there are so many indie artist,such as yourself,trying to break into the main stream lane, what do you think determines who makes it to the top? Just an original sound. I feel people get tired of hearing the same type of music from different artist.
If you could get signed to any label what would it be & why?Maybe Interscope or Shady Records... & maybe G.O.O.D Music
What are some things we can expect from you in the coming future?"My Name M3L" mixtape is available for downloads right now. I have my "Truly Yours" mixtape that will drop early June. Overall just more good music & any venue u catch me performing in expect a good show.
NEWSHOES Advice: just be yourself a lot of artist try to follow what's hot at the time. Let's stop being afraid to be ourselves.
Who is Team Arson? what is the history behind the name, how & when did you guys become a team/group ? Where are you guys from?
BIG DRO: WELL "TEAM ARSON MUSIC GROUP" CONSIST OF A HOST OF ARTIST, PRODUCERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND ENGINEERS, ETC.. TEAM ARSON MUSIC GROUP ALSO KNOWN AS T.A. GANG OR T.A.G. WAS ESTABLISHED IN BALTIMORE, MD BY STREET SCOTT AND I BACK IN 2002. HE HAD THE IDEA OF THE GROUP NAME..AND WE JUST PROGRESSED FROM THERE. WE'VE BEEN THROUGH SEVERAL ARTIST OVER THE YEARS. WE KINDA BROKE IT UP INTO GENERATIONS..THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS WHICH IS THE FIRST GENERATION IS STREET SCOTT (ARTIST/PRODUCER), JASE(ARTIST), PENDRAGON(ARTIST/PRODUCER) AND MYSELF (BIG DRO). AFTER ABOUT FOUR YEARS STRONG, WE ADDED MORE ARTIST SUCH AS JAE POET, NOVA STARZ, ASE' & PHARAOH ZE' (RSUNAL), OLLIE V.O.S.O. AND MARK SHOTTA (PRODUCER). ASE' AND PHARAOH ZE' WERE PULLED IN WITH T.A. BUT STILL REPRESENTING THEIR OWN BRAND CALLED R.S.U.N.A.L. (Real Stand Up Niggas At Large). SO YOU HAVE TEAM ARSON, AND RSUNAL..IT ALL MAKES SENSE..LOL, YA DIGG? WITHIN THE LAST THREE OR FOUR YEARS WE'VE ADDED ANOTHER GENERATION TO TEAM ARSON. ALONG WITH THE OTHER MEMBERS WE HAVE DJ CRAIGO GETTEMS, TEKNO BEATS (PRODUCER), DREBABES, AND BINK. AND JUST LIKE MOST MAJOR LABELS, WE HAVE A TEAM ARSON SOUTH!! YEA I SAID IT...LOL. "CHANNEL Q" IS A NORTH CAROLINA NATIVE, WHO NOW LIVE IN ATL. HE HAS BEEN WITH TEAM ARSON SINCE 2003. AND EVEN LONG DISTANCE HE PLAYS HIS PART IN THE TEAM. WE'VE JUST RECENTLY ACCEPTED THREE NEW MEMBERS...DRE STOLAH (PRODUCER/ENGINEER), ROB SEVEN (PRODUECER/ARTIST) AND JEDI JEFF(PRODUCER) AND ACTUALLY IN A FREESTYLE WE DID CALLED "4 ALL" FEAT. CHANNEL Q, ASE', PENDRAGON, OLLIE VOSO AND MYSELF...I SAID "THO MY TEAM DISSIPATED WE ALL STILL PARTICIPATING/ REAL SITUATED STILL THE GREATEST NEVER OUTDATED.." MEANING ALTHOUGH WE ALL ARE MOVING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AS SOLO ARTIST, WE ALL STILL PLAY OUR ROLE IN TEAM ARSON!!!
Where were you guys at when you performed this song( name of venue, event, & location)?
JASE: We were at "CLUB REALITY" A popular venue in Baltimore for local artist...DOPE SPOT!!
"Hustle Hard" is a anthem song that people state to state can't get enough, including myself lol : what does "Hustle Hard" mean to you guys & why did you all agree to collab on doing this freestlye ?
DJ CRAIGO GETTEMS: TO ME IT MEANS JUST STICKING TO YOUR GRIND, STICKING TO YOUR MOTIVE AND STAYING FOCUS.
DREBABES: Hustle hard mean do what's needed to advance in society, from working to taking care of your family and responsibilities, the reason for the collabo, is because we all are young men will works, take care of our families, and dedicated to our craft, with the mentality of becoming successful is this very competitive industry, with ups to pit falls, we all still help one another to advance, that's the reason for the collab with fellow artist/brothers
BIG DRO: To me the word "hustle" doesn't always mean you have to be selling drugs or doing something illegal..It's about having that ambition, that drive to get where you need to be by any means..
JAE POET: A non-stop grind of any form or fashion..As a time I think we just wing alot of things and it seems to work out.
What was the energy like on stage ? Reaction from the crowd?
DJ CRAIGO GETTEMS: It was Live and full of energy..They were vibing with us..
DREBABES: The energy on the stage can't be describe, it just was crazy, the crowd felt it also, participating, in the hook, to each artist verse, it was just crazy that night
How would you describe the feeling of performing live in front of an audience (such as the one in the footage)?
STREET SCOTT: As a guy that performed at least!!! 3 shows a month I can tell you that I love the stage! I love it even more when my team is beside me. The energy that we give off to each other can't be compared to anything. I really like rocking with the smaller clubs (like the one in the vid) because you can be more intimate with the people. You get to talk to a smaller crowed and it will feel a little more personal! That stage is where it's at!! ( the magic, that is) T.A.G FOR LIFE!!!
DREBABES: The feeling is to give off the feeling and emotion of the words I deliver to the people to receive, the connection I enjoy, because the audience gets more personal with me. They see what I say, along with depicting my character and the type of person I am and represent
What was the impression Team Arson wanted to leave on the audience after performing this?
DREBABES: We are here, and here to succeed
BIG DRO: Well those who know T.A.G. they know that we've been hustling hard and putting work for years..that track was just a great example to let the city know we still at it..POW!!
As a team breaking into the music business, what are some obstacles do you guys face?
* is it easier to work as a team/ group opposose to working solo?
DREBABES: The only obstacle, maybe is to keep everyone focus and on track and not side track, because of critics, personal, or any type of distress, just consistently keeping contact, everyone is working perfecting their craft and gaining more fans, supporters, and followers daily
BIG DRO: Yes it is easier working as a team. But at the same time it's so many of us. It's hard to get us all in one studio at the same time. Unless it's like a big event coming..or we're performing. So alot of us get together based on our schedules and record. And you know the internet just make things even easier. We're all working on different projects so it's easier for us to email our verses. But for our more original tracks we like to be together in the same studio..And some just come thru for support & creative input even if they're not on the track. For this "Hustle Hard" track, we wasn't in the same studio.
What are some future projects Team Arson is working towards? Any future performances coming up (as a group) ?
DJ CRAIGO GETTEMS: I'M DJ/HOSTING THE WATCHER MIXTAPE (BY BIG DRO), ON TO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL (BY STREET SCOTT), DIG IT OR GET BURIED 2 (BY JAE POET), AND THE WAITING ROOM (BY JASE)
DREBABES: We plan to continue to advance in any endeavor the lord bless us with,I advise upcoming artist, to stay true to themselves, don't let what you see working, change the direction of your music, it takes time, patience is the key
BIG DRO: LOL...CraiGo just answered for everybody...pretty much! I guess the next step is to try to take over the world..lol "The Watcher" mixtape Coming Soon!!
JAE POET: Well, right now I'm songwriting for a few people in and out the industry as well as working on 2 projects "Freefaller" mixtape and "Dig It or Get Buried 2".
Who is Abyss Da Dark & Panama? What state / borough do you represent? How did you guys meet ? Abyss Da Dark & Panama Red is a rapper & producer duo making good music. We mostly do Hip-Hop at the moment. We are both from Brooklyn, New York. We met about 4 years ago, I believe, through a mutual friend.When I first heard his beats. I wasn't insanely impressed but I heard potential. The year after that is when I started to write over his work. I would call him up and rap whatever I wrote. Day after day this would happen until we agreed to make a project together. It all started with "Forever And A Day" back in the summer of 2009.
Who produced & directed THE REUNION ? Did the video capture the image you we trying to give off? The video was shot & directed by Geoff Dalecez. Honestly he had his own vision for the video and I put my trust into what he saw. I'm very pleased with the way it came out and the concept behind it. I think its a very entertaining video and the reception has been great so far. I'm glad people like it. I actually busted a sweat for it.
Why is this track entitled "the Reunion:? The reunion of &/or from what? Me and Red released our first project together (Forever And A Day) late 2009. After that me nor him dropped anything for an entire year. It was coming close to the two year mark and we decided to release some music. The Reunion was one of the last records we did for the From My Heart With Love project. One of the first records I recorded that was a beat he made with his MPC. It represented our growth and the union that we created on Forever And A Day. We both sound more polished and experienced. Its one of my favorite records.
With a chorus like this one,... how important was it to come up with these lyrics? I honestly just wanted to flex my lyrical muscles on that record. The chorus came pretty easy. It just flowed right off my tongue. Similar story with the verses. A tad bit arrogant because of all the new found attention and support. That's truly how that record came about. Me and Red showing out. Letting folks know we were back with another one.
What does "#WEUP mean / stand for? I see you use this term a lot ...not just in this video. It was inspired by my homie Brookz. He's an artist from Canada but moved out to Brooklyn. We support each other and do records together. At one point in time he was garnering alot of attention from different folks. Some people saw that and started to throw some shade in his direction. I'm not exactly sure how I thought of it but it was my way of telling him to keep on trucking. Regardless of what negativity may be going on around you or what direction life may pull you in its imperative to keep your head above the clouds and continue to dream. It represents never allowing anything to deter you from your goals. After saying it a couple of times via social media it caught fire. People identified with it or just enjoyed saying it. So now its #WeUp! Holler it when you see us.
Who or what are some attributions that you would like to contribute to your music career? My families love and support has definitely kept me afloat. Garnering new listeners has helped build my confidence. My elder brother constantly inspires me to push for my dream. I truly do this for the both of us. Aside from my artistic abilities I think my humility is what has helped me to connect with people and build relationships with different folks. I come across as normal and they identify with that.
What separates you from other up & coming rap artist? Honestly I don't know. I'm sure some of my supporters can answer that question. There's alot of dope artist out there, heard and unheard. I'm just trying to display my talents and my sound. Hope I can catch ears along the journey.
How would you describe your "sound" as an artist? Emotions bottled in a record. I like to wear my heart on my sleeve. Regardless if it sounds cool or not I speak on my life and the lives of those around me. Whether it be my struggles, hopes, aspirations, etc. I try to keep it honest. Experimenting lately with alternative music. I like to try new things musically and push myself to become better. I love music in general.
Are you happy with where Hip-Hop today ? I'm very pleased with Hip Hop music. I think people put too much emphasis on the mainstream and don't focus on the full spectrum. If you go on a website and take a chance with a new artist you might be pleased to hear what you can find. There's plenty of talented artist out there. Just waiting for you to click on there link or attend a show. The only thing I don't like is that there is no balance mainstream wise. Play everything and give the audience a chance to choose what they like. But its up to the artist and the people to change that. We have more power than we realize. But yeah, I'm happy with the way Hip-Hop is moving.
What can we expect from you in the next 3 years (music wise) ? Hopefully I'll be on tour sharing my music with the world. Working on my EP at the moment. No release date and not focused on one. Just working on making sure people really enjoy this record. After that me and Red are gonna start working on our third project together. More collaborations and videos and all that. Trying to stay focused and elevate at the pace I'm supposed to.
NewShoes ADVICE from Abyss Da Dark : Work smart and keep your eyes on the prize. Constantly grow and keep an open mind. Learn from your mistakes. Make yourself a plan execute and stay oncourse. #WeUp
FOR BOOKINGS & FEATURES:edwardzmanagement@gmail.com
* Who is Gemi-Fly & what state / borough do you represent ?
*GiGGleS*...Well... GeMi-FlY iS i...& i iS FlY. No..but seriously.. I, GeMi-FlY aslo known as Indra Tahirah Odom, am a fun loving, outspoken, spontaneous, strong-willed, soft-hearted, free spirited, badd ass bitch from the south. If i had to rep a place...i'd have to choose 2. BROWARD COUNTY, FLA. & HINESVILLE, GA. ..The 2 places that raised & molded my morals & a majority of my personality.
* Your a spoken word poet, where did you get this talented gift from & at what age did you discover this gift?
*SMileS*....to be honest...i dont really consider myself a "spoken word poet"...but since thats the only title the world was familiar with & was closest to what i do...it sticks. The funny thing about it is..ive been writing since a very young age, but ive always kept my words to myself. I always felt like the things i had to say were to much for a lot of folks to take in. It wasnt until i was in community college taking a creative writing course & was blessed to have a wonderful white lady by the name of Ms. Joyce as a professor. She was different from any teacher i had ever encountered. She embraced the words i wrote & told me it was ok for me to use curse words to express my anger. Long story short...at the end of the class she put a challenge on the table. Told me since i was late everyday my grade was real low & the only way she could pass me is if could do a hell've extra credit project. I told her i aint know what the hell i could do that would be that "extra" in such a short amount of time. But she did tho'..*lOl*..she said on the last day of class there was some type of student open mic event going on & she had signed me up. I did it..folks loved me...& ive barely shut up since gurl!! *GiGGleS*
* What does "spoken word poet" mean to you? I heard that you don't like to be called that.
*SMiRkS*....GuRl...yu trynna get sum beef shit started between me & these poets!! *lMAo*...naw..im just joking. But yeah...i do say that i dont like to be titled as a "Spoken Word Poet"...i would just much rather be called my name. To me..a "Spoken Word Poet"..is sumbody who lives..breathes this poetry shit. See Me...im just living & breathing. Writing is just something i do to express myself... Its just what i do, not who i am. Im not on a mission to "change the world" or anything..touch a few minds..maybe change a few hearts.. & improve sum self-persona's, but thats about it. I feel like "Spoken Word Artist"..not all, but many..have lost the meaning of sharing words. Its turned into a contest of who can spit the longest shit..with the deepest metaphors..& the biggest words. Rarely do i go to open mic spots & hear a person just get up & spit some simple, non-self absorbed, honest shit that i can just sit back, understand, & enjoy. I dont want to be boxed into that circle of foolish fuckery...no boundaries...thats me. * Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from inside Me. When i look back on all the years ive wasted being stressed, depressed, unhappy about life, & my life situations..it inspires me to Speak UP. It motivates me to want to help others get thru their issues, insecurities, & the turmoil they harber inside that holds them down.
*You were born in Texas- as a military baby. Do you feel the constant change in atmosphere has contributed to your inventiveness as a poet?
Honestly...ive never considered that. But i guess i would have to say yes..some what. Because me being born into the military caused me to move around alot....less stability than most..as far as location. & i would have to say if i wasnt moving from here to there all the time...less of my struggles would have been encountered....maybe...but only GoD knows for sure tho. *GiGGleS*
* This is your 5th mix tape " WORDS ARE FREE BITCH" , what gave you the idea to do mix tapes with your poetry? Where did the title come from?
...hahahaha...dis question is like 4 questions in 1.....yu sneak yu...*GiGGleS* well 1st off. I came up w/ the concept of the mixtape from a slick ass comment my girlfriend made after a visit to a local open mic spot. We were approached & asked to buy a cd of poetry from a poet that hadnt even touched the mic. We thought to ourselves.." why da fuck would we pay ova $10 for sum shit we couldnt hear a sample of for free"....*GiGGleS*. Wrong....i know... *GeMi ShRuGs* but its my opinion. ..i had been writing poetry from young as ive said before..so we came up w/ the idea of me recording some poems as spoken word on cd & insteade selling it, give it away for free. We have freedom of speech...they say words are free right?....sooooo "WoRds aRe FRee BitCh"....came about. It wasnt Volume 1 at 1st, because i had no intent on making a 2,3,4,or even 5th Volume. But the universe works in mysterious ways. My 1st mixtape had 1 poem that was writin & revised since middle school, but the rest were written for the mixtape. Vol.2-5 were all written at the time of each individual mixtape making. I try to keep my shit fresh yu kno..*GiGGleS* Most muthafuckers dont know this..but i made all my mixtapes myself. On my laptop, no nigga studio, no nigga hosting my shit, no nigga cutting the tracks i chose to sample..all me. *SMileS* Now what was the rest of this question?...lemme see..
what topics / subjects do you touch on in this mix tape? "FUCK A WISH" is a deep track that many fatherless children can relate to... how were you able to dig inside yourself write such a profound poem like this one?
..oh..mixtape topics. Well..i never have a topic for my mixtapes...i just write whats in my heart & soul at that time. I know they may flow like i choose topics..but iswear..thats all GoD's doing...*GiGGleS* for "FuCk A WiSh" it wasnt hard at all for me to write..because thats how i feel. Those are my truths..my secrets..my demons. They in my closet (metophorically speaking), so they aint far to reach when im in my room. I never knew my father growing up..i only knew his name & had a pic of him. I searched for decades..found him when i was 25..im 26. He's a drug addict & an alcoholic. It is what it is so my shit aint hard to write. *MoMeNt*
...ok..im back.
*What is the one thing you want your fans/supporters to take away after listening to this mix tape?
What i want my friends & supports to take from my 5th & all my other 4 mixtapes is....YeS...life is hard....but it aint never too hard to try & live life. Dont ever let the thangs folk done to ya Stop yu. Never allow a muthafucker to mind control ur destiny w/ their bullshit. Always love the people who love yu. But most importantly...always, always, always...love urself...Xspecially in the face of adversity. #thatsit.com!!!
