Name: Timothy McClure

Age: 25

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Label/Group affiliations: FW4S, BLS, Party Monsters, Alligator City

Discography: Analog LP, Grey Area LP, Kill The Radio w/ Fusik EP, 86′d w/ Sebino EP

How did you get started making music?

I just wanted to be a part of Hip Hop culture. I sucked at all the other elements. Rap was the one that stuck.

When did you start rapping?
I’ve been rapping since I was 14. That trips me out just saying it now.

What was the hip hop culture like growing up in Florida?

South Florida has always been dope. When I first got started the culture was very vibrant. DJ, MC, Bboy,Graff battles were everywhere. Miami had tons of New Yorkers who had moved down. They brought that vibe. You also had the Miami bass movement still lingering, we still had low riders. Now we have Donks. For those early years the local scenes were very productive. So much talent. Everywhere you went, every party, someone was down. Someone fucked with hip hop shit. I miss those days just riding the bus or the metro rails. We use to skate and everybody we skated with wrote graff or did some shit. The culture is still there. I just think it was way more thick when I was growing up.

If you could do something over again in your life, would you? What would it be and why?

One thing i’d say is to have bought a van and self-toured more when gas was cheaper. I regret not hitting the road more when indy hip hop was thriving, the economy was doing great and kids were throwing shows non-stop all across the states and attendance was great. Networking and trading shows (hometown for out-of-town). It’s a different world now and a lot more expensive for DIY touring.

So what is the touring environment like for you now? Do you spend a lot of time on the road?

I don’t spend as much time on the road as I should. I’ve played tons of shows, all over America. But I’m not that type of artist to be on the road for 9 months of the year, thank god. Kidding. Not really. Touring is stressful and lonely. It’s fun for like 4 days then you want to go back home. I’ve always admired bands/artist that can tour non-stop, I really do.

Tell us about a great music memory that you’ve had.

Seeing KRS-One live. Hands down. Never experienced energy like that in the crowd and on stage. He totally exposed to me what a show is suppose to be about. A real performance. Creating an impression that fans will always remember.

What kinds of specific things did you take away from KRS-One’s show?

I’ll tell you one thing, and maybe I shouldn’t say this, but I will ’cause it’s really cool. It wasn’t at the same exact show, but I talked to a soundman who had ran sound for KRS before, and I was just stating how much I love his shows and what he thought about running sound for for KRS. The soundman said before the show KRS briefed him that during his set he would keep yelling/asking him (soundmand) to, “turn up the mic”. KRS said, “I know the levels will be good. I know I’m asking you to turn them up, but don’t. I’m just saying that to get the crowd hype. Pretend your pushing the fader up if they look back at you”. It’s a placebo effect to get the crowd way more into it. Things like that, man. I love it.

What’s in the future for you, short and long term?

New full-length out before 2012. Some secret stuff in the works. Long term..I just want to own a DeLorean and a house where I can throw parties at where the cops won’t get called.

Protoman – I Be Up Late [Prod. Shawn Wayne] (aboveGround Exclusive)

Download/stream a 20-minute mix of Protoman’s work below. Also, check out his BandCamp page for new releases and fresh tracks. Look for Protoman’s newest LP, available for free download, next week.

Name: Botzy of Culture Cry Wolf

Age: 25

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Label / Group Affiliations: Culture Cry Wolf, Deaf to the Static Records / Hopeful Opus Productions

Discography:
Culture Cry Wolf – The Wesley Opus Sessions
Botzy – My Friends & I
Botzy – Deaf to the Static
Hickford Botsman – The Sales Pitch

How did you get started making music?

In summer 2006 I moved from Massachusetts to Arizona, completely blind. Somewhere in the first 6 months, I met an artist by the name of KonGeror ( now known as K. of Gahed Indie ). I had never rapped a bar in my life, while K had already been creating music and cultivating relationships for years. In my first few years of making music, I was able to observe advice from Carnage, Ernest Rhodes, P.O.S. and Toki Wright, somewhat vicariously through K. I consider myself extremely lucky.

Being based in Minnesota around so many huge independent acts: is it a net positive or negative for Culture Cry Wolf?

It’s a positive in my mind, absolutely. The amount of ground work thats been put into this city is insane. The venues are used to working with independent artists and the fans are accustom to supporting local acts. A lot of that is accredited to the vets in this city. Not to mention a lot of notable acts in the city have been helpful to us, offering advice, allowing us to open, etc. This place is amazing. Good Lookin’ Minneap!

Did you move to AZ as an artist? Were you making music before the move?

Before moving to Arizona, I had never played an instrument or rapped. I remember being younger, and wishing that I had “the ability to inspire”. I wrote a lot, poetry wise, but never anything to music.

What was your relationship with hip hop and rap like before you moved to AZ?

I’ve been a hip hop head since 12 or 13. I was the kid in the high school with his headphones on, and I knew the lyrics to every song. I listened to a lot of mainstream, but I also consumed a ridiculous amount of indie hip-hop. For me, it’s always been that way: Get Rich or Die Tryin’/God Loves Ugly, The Documentary/1988 … and so on. Rappers like Dose One and Aesop Rock were a bit over my head, until I started rapping. I didn’t get exposed to that kind of hip-hop until I could fully appreciate it. Now Aesop is one of my favorite artists.

CCW is something of a hybrid band. They encompass a lot of genres. How do you see the various genres influencing your music?

One of my major growth points as a rapper was a result of just that. Working with such a wide rage tempos and vibes has helped me find my voice. It’s pushed me in many different directions, and has taught me how to adjust to my surroundings. This is a very valuable lesson as an emcee.

If you could do something over again in your life, what would it be? Why?

I would never have started smoking cigs. They cost a lot of money! Plus it’s bad for your health.

Tell us about a great music memory that you have.

Culture Cry Wolf was playing a outdoor show with Prof and Soulcrate Music, in Soulcrate’s home town of Sioux Falls, SD. Prof had to cancel last minute, due to an insane injury…which made us as direct support for Soulcrate. We ended up playing for almost 800 people in the pouring rain. Such a blast!

What’s next for CCW?

Oh you know. We just released our the music video for “Day of the Dead”, which is off our new album “Día de los Muertos”. It was directed by the most wonderful Adam J Dunn. He is also directing our next video, for “Sweet Marie”. We shoot that next week, at a strip club in DT Minneapolis. Yep. A strip club, it’s gonna amazing. We will release that some time in October, before our CD release in November.

Check out Culture Cry Wolf’s upcoming album, Día de los Muertos, due out November 1 and can be pre-ordered in a number of different packages.

Name: Bryan “Braille” Winchester

Age: 30

Hometown: Portland, OR

Label/Group affiliations: Humble Beast, Hiphop IS Music, Lightheaded

Discography: 7 solo records. Working backwards:

2011: Native Lungs (www.nativelungs.com)
2010: Weapon Aid
2009: CloudNineteen (produced entirely by S1
2008: The IV Edition
2006: Box of Rhymes
2004: Shades of Grey
1999: Lifefirst: Half the Battle

Plus many collaborations, two group albums with Lightheaded.

How did you get started making music?

I started writing rhymes when I was 14. I think I was always a writer at heart, so I just kept writing rhymes even when I didn’t have any producers or studios to work at. Once I got access to a few smaller studios — recording on 4 tracks, digital 8 tracks – then I just couldn’t stop.

I figured as long as there were opportunities to continue making music, I would follow through with those opportunities. The door has remained open to continue growing, building and so forth… so I’ve just continued. Been doing music full time for about 11 years now.

If you could do something over again in your life, would you? What would it be and why?

Well, I’m far from perfect and I’ve sinned (first and foremost) against God – so there are a lot of things I’d do differently if I was able. But the good news is, God has been gracious to me. He’s restored and redeemed my life through the saving work of Jesus Christ. So really I don’t look back and think about the “coulda, woulda, shouldas”… I’m just amazed that God has brought me this far. I’ve learned, I’ve grown and ultimately saw my need for Jesus because of all my sins, mistakes, challenges and so forth. All of it… the good, the bad and the ugly has brought me to this moment – so I’m just thankful to be living under God’s grace and pushing forward.

Pardon my ignorance, but do you consider yourself a Christian or religious rapper?

I’m definitely a Christian, it defines me more then anything else. I’m not sure if it’s necessary to label artists by their religious affiliations or beliefs but I never shy away from being called a “Christian rapper”. Ultimately every artist has some sort of belief, philosophy or world view they are pushing through their music. We don’t always identify it as such, but what artists talk about in their songs, how they talk about it – it’s all infused with what they do (or what they don’t) believe. It’s up to the audience if they want to make the distinction. As an artist, I write from my heart, gut and soul. So what’s inside of me is what comes out, and as an artist I strive to let it come out skillfully and creatively according to my abilities.

Resurrect Me from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.

Tell us about a great music memory that you’ve had.

I have so many memories. I’ve been blessed to travel the world. Do shows in Japan, Australia, Brazil, Europe, all over the U.S. and Canada. It’s hard to single out memories but some of the most memorable times were unexpected. Like, small shows where the turn out wasn’t what I expected but the show ended up being amazing. The friends I’ve made through the years in music, just clowning with my friends, fellowshipping after shows – it’s hard to single out one moment but it’s all really significant.

What’s in the future for you, short and long term?

Right now I’m the co-owner of a label called Humble Beast. You can check us out at www.humblebeast.com. Aside from putting out music, we are also doing some books, short videos and all kinds of stuff. So that will be keeping me busy for awhile. I plan to promote Native Lungs as hard as I can for the next 6 months or a year but I’m already anxious to continue making new music. It’s just in my blood… I like to create. I have a daughter, she’s 4. So I’ve got a lot to look forward to, just watching her grow and fathering her to the best of my ability. I hope to have some more kids as well – so I’m looking forward to that.

How do you think having a daughter has influenced your work as an artist?

I have less time. {Laughs} That’s for sure. Fatherhood is extremely important to me. So I travel less, stay up late less, go out to shows less. But, on the same token – I’ve grown so much as a man. So even though I spent less time working on music, I’m more intentional with my time. My daughter has traveled all over with me. She’s been to 40 different states. While she was 3 she would perform on stage with me. She’s in school now so I’m just adjusting as each stage comes.

What should people know about Humble Beast?

We are a record label out of Portland, OR. We also publish books and do a lot of video content. All of our music releases are available for free download at www.humblebeast.com, but people can also purchase physical copies or support via digital outlets like iTunes. Our current roster includes myself, Odd Thomas, Propaganda, Theory Hazit, Xperiment, Alert and Foreknown. We update the website regularly so it’s easy to poke around there and get a feel for who we are and what we do.

Any plans to tour in the near future?

Over the last 3 years I’ve been doing more spot dates then tours. So I’ll fly out to another city (sometimes another country) and rock a few shows, then come back home. My daughter’s in school so I’m determined not to be away for months at a time. I love performing though, I still travel frequently and probably rock 6 to 8 times per month. Right now I have a pretty bad hernia, so I’m just trying to finish up all the shows I already have booked and then I need to get a surgery. Hopefully, in November. Once I heal up from that I want to hit the road heavy again at some point.

Download Braille’s new album, Native Lungs for free from www.NativeLungs.com. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter.

Braille: Feel It (Music Video) from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.

At 26, Gliffics is one of Brooklyn’s veterans in the new school era of rappers. The slept-on MC boasts a limited catalog of pure-fire, boom-bap goodness that’s sure the satisfy fans of gritty, East-coast rap from the golden 90s era. His debut solo album, Against All Odds, premiered in April of 2011 to limited acclaim. Despite that fact, he’s a rapper you should be aware of and we caught up with the Brooklyn native to find out more about him and the album.

Name: Gliffics

Age: 26

Hometown: Brooklyn NY

Group/Label affiliations: The Gliffics inc – Independent

Discography: Against All Odds (LP released April 15th 2011)

How did you get started making music?

When I was 16 years old my good friend Pete was writing rhymes so I just started to write my own just to go back and fourth with him and then it became serious for me.

So did you get into battling after first starting to write or just into making songs?

I write songs & I produce music, it is more interesting to me then battling and it has always been that way.

When did you get to the point here you thought it was something you were going to pursue professionally?

The day I learned that my music makes a difference in someones life was the day I realized it was my purpose.

If you could do something over again in your life, what would it be? Why?

Tough question because i dont have any regrets, i feel like anything i went through in my life was a lesson from god so i embrace everything.

Tell us about a great music memory that you have.

I used to write rhymes acapella, when I first started I did not know how to count bars when listening to songs or instrumentals. My mentor at the time got me a job working with him in footlocker, I was 17 years old and he tought me how to flow over the music videos playing in the Footlocker store.

What’s next for you?

Continuous growth in all aspects of life.

Besides just growth, do you have any specific plans for future music/releases?

I am currently in production on my follow up release, I am working on doing bigger shows and reaching people globally, I am working on new treatments for my next music videos and I am also releasing my own branded rolling papers this Fall 2011. I am heavily invested into my craft, and I’m aiming for the sky.

Check out and download Gliffics’ debut album, Against All Odds from Amazon below.

Name: tabi Bonney

Age: old enough to party

Hometown: Washington, DC

Label/Group affiliations: Me Phi Me & BluRoc & whatever other affiliation that would like to have me.

Discography: A Fly Guys Theme, Dope, Fresh, The Summer Years

How did you get started making music?

God told me to just start beating on the cafeteria table in the lunch room and free style. That’s how it all started.

We first got familiar with your music through your affiliation with MURS. How did you link up with him?

Linked up with Murs via Myspace back in the day. He hit me up saying he was a fan and put me on the Rok the Bells tour.

Similarly, MURS told us that you were the one who introduced him to Damon Dash. How did you know Dame?

Social network once again. A producer who was working with Dame hit me on Facebook saying he was a fan of mine & that Dame wanted me to come to NYC and meet him. So I drove up from DC the very next day.

If you could do something over again in your life, would you? What would it be and why?

Yes!! I would’ve talked to this girl that I randomly saw on the street in high school. I didn’t have the courage then. I still remember her face…that”s how striking she was. Who knows I probably would have baby mama drama with her if I did though. But for now I have no kids & no drama.

Tell us about a great music memory that you’ve had.

I saw Bjork on my birthday a couple of summers ago on Coney Island. It was one of the best shows i’ve seen on the water & fireworks in real life were involved. Amazing!

Bjork is dope. What other non-hip-hop artists are you a fan of?

Lykke Li, Santigold, MGMT, Passion Pit, Tim Snow, Coldplay

What’s in the future for you, short and long term?

No one knows what the future holds but hopefully awesome superstardom, marriage, kids, and becoming a president in one of these countries in Africa. I might have to become a dictator for that and I’m not sure how I feel about that yet. Still thinking…

Any plans now for future music/releases?

Well my album The Summer Years just dropped. Probably release a Mixtape before the New Years.

Do you really have political aspirations?

Yes & No. Depends on my backing, funding & endorsers LOL

Lastly, you’re about to take off for this massive tour with MURS and Ski and all those dudes. Why should people come check you out?

Because it’s a dope show!! Live band! We’re not your typical artist who just stand on stage and rap. Plus it should be some good looking people there.

tabi Bonney’s album, The Summer Years, is available now via iTunes. Hit up HipHopAndLoveTour.com for all of the tour dates. Lastly, download the official Hip Hop and Love Tour mixtape with tabi Bonney for free.

Name: Simeon Viltz, Darshon “Race” Gibbs

Age: How old do i look?

Hometown: ChicaGO, ILL

Label/Group affiliations: The Primeridian, Moi’, SFG, Ray Elementary, High Noon, All Natural Inc., Guidance, JUBA Collective, 4 Fingers and a Thumb, #74… GOD

Discography: The Flash Ep (1998 Casette Tape and CD), The Go Figure Ep (2001 CD and Vinyl), The Solid Nugget 12 (2003 Vinyl only) with Higruallahz/PCP on Hedrub Records, Da Mornin Afta (2007 CD and Digital Release), Da CrackADawn (2011 MixP3 Digital Release only), Darling Lure (2011 Digital Release, limted CD release) with Primeridian on All Natural Records

How did you get started making music?

Simeon: I was born into it. My Father is from New Orleans and was a part of the group, Black Lightning (consisting of some of the Chi-Lites and EWF) where he played the trumpet and showed me some things early on. My Grandmother was a classically trained pianist who played in my church growing up. I gained some first hand lessons from her as well. Finally, my Grand Uncle played vibes in the legendary group, The Jones Brothers.

Darshon: Playing saxophone in the school, spinning records at my friend, DJ Jaytoo’s house, later a demo deal as The Late Show with The Twilite Tone on Relativity Records

If you could do something over again in your life, would you? What would it be and why?

Simeon: Hard to say. Life is all about decisions and every decision has consequences. I try to appreciate everything as it’s in Divine order. I would say that if I knew what I know now, I’d probably have matured earlier but that’s the beauty of growth.

Darshon: I don’t think I would do anything different. I am grateful for all my experiences and all te lessons I have learned to date, good or bad. Plus I don’t live with regret, don’t wana carry that baggage.

Tell us about a great music memory that you’ve had.

Simeon: Here are a few: Having jam sessions as a child with my Father who would play vibes while I’d play piano. Being in the studio with my oldest Daughter (almost 3 yrs. old at the time) recording a song for French producer GMJ on The Primeridian’s “Don’t Cry” where she started giving her younger siblings shout-outs and was in the pocket of the record. Being overseas with the JUBA Collective, learning from master musicians Kahil El Zabar, Ari Brown, Bobby Irving (keys; produced for Miles Davis), Fareed Haque, Frank Orall (Poi Dog Pondering), and artist D-Zine.

Darshon: Rocking with Rakim at the Metro Chicago. Rakim and KRS One inspired me to do this.

What’s in the future for you, short and long term?

Simeon: To continue to make music with healing and from the heart as well as fun… More work with TBG “DarlingLure,” finishing up The Primeridian – Rashid Hadee collaboration project, another Primeridian EP with Black Spade, Twilite Tone, Kenautis Smith, Tensei Beats, a solo project entitled Ray Elementary with producer Mulatto Patriot, another project with Ced No (I, Ced), producing a solo album, production work for The Pharcyde, The Electric and upcoming group SFG (be on the lookout!).

Darshon: Projects with Tensei, Rashid Hadee, Kenautis Smith, Twilite Tone and Dj Ron Trent.

You’re staying real busy with all of these side projects and other work. What’s the difference for you between working with different artists?

Simeon: It all varies between various artists/producers.   Some tend to be more free-flowing and in the moment while others can be more meticulous and thought out.   I tend to delve in between.  The best collaboration process is when everyone has humility and has genuine respect for one another and each other’s ideas/talents. With The Primeridian, we’ve been at it for a while so it gets to a point where it becomes 2nd nature.

Check out the video for The Primeridian and Tall Black Guy’s “Whistle While You Work” below. Their collaborative album, Darling Lure, can be picked up on iTunes now.

Name

The Black Sunn: Adam aka The Black Sunn

810:  Matthew McKeldin Sutton

Age

The Black Sunn: 22 (Sept 10th Virgo Boy!)

810: 22

Hometown

The Black Sunn / 810: Baltimore, MD

Label / Group Affiliations

The Black Sunn: Move Forward Music and Empire Distribution affiliated

810: Move Forward Music, Street Legal Entertainment, Empire Distribution

Discography

The Black Sunn: Born Alone, Die Alone (09), The Sunn Is Black EP (09), Godsound (09), Sol Parables (10), UniteDivision (11)

810: Supply And Demand (Mixtape), Glass Half Full (Mixtape), UniteDivision (Album) w/The Black Sunn

What do you think is the difference for you between working as a solo artist versus with a group/duo?

 
The Black Sunn: Solo I can do what the fuck I want without having to ask anyone. [Laughs] As a group/duo there are more opinions that have to be taken into consideration and the process takes longer but I honestly like both styles. I can’t dwell on one thing for too long, just like I crave my family’s attention I need that alone time to do my own thing. It’s the duality of the universe.
 

How did you get started making music?

The Black Sunn: I’ve been around hip hop since I was a baby thanks to my brother, DJ Bishop, but I wrote my first rap in 4th grade.  My first rap group was called MART with 810. Back then, I was Big A and he was DJ Bush. [Laughs] I changed my named to Sun Tzu in high school when I went through a heavy Wu Tang phase.  As I discovered myself and who I really wanted to be, I changed my name to The Black Sunn and got serious about this around 2007.

810: I feel like I was born into this; I come from a musical family and making music is something that I can’t stop making even if I wanted to.  If you mean rap specifically, I remember writing my 1st rap at 11 and I haven’t stopped since.

If you could do something over again in your life, what would it be? Why?

The Black Sunn: I wouldn’t — every moment in my life has been a lesson that I’ve learned from, some even ignored and repeated until I got the lesson.  I’m not ashamed of my life and I know when I die I’ll be proud of everything that I’ve accomplished.

810: I would do High School over; I never took it seriously.   I used to go to a prestigious school and I threw it away. I graduated, but there were a lot of missed opportunities in that part of my life.  Then again, the lessons that I’ve learned have helped me get where I am now. So In actuality, I probably wouldn’t change a thing.

Do you think your early involvement with music drove you decision not to take school seriously?

810: To a certain extent yes, but honestly I think without music it would have been something else to distract me from classwork.  High school is when I feel like I honed my skills. I feel school is to be taken seriously; without some form of knowledge we are very weak as a people. Even if it isn’t from a college or university, you should gain knowledge to excel in whatever your craft is.
 

Tell us about a great music memory that you have. 

The Black Sunn: My first memory is being 2 or 3 years old and my brother spinning “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu Tang.  That’s my first music memory and that feeling is something I can’t describe but that’s why I do what I do today. I want to create a legacy that people can grow with in the same way I grew up with music.

810: When I was 15 and I went to my 1st studio, it was like a dream come true. I recorded a song called “We’re In The Studio” with a few friends. I never heard the song after that day though.

I think there are a lot of heads that grew up with Wu Tang and really fell in love with their style of music, what made them so meaningful for you?

The Black Sunn: Well like I said, my brother was a DJ and I was literally in Pampers listening to Wu Tang because of him. [Laughs] Some of my earliest memories are of Wu Tang so I always have that respect. When I got to High School I really began to discover their catalog and a lot of their music described how I was feeling at the time. I wasn’t a problem child but somehow I always ended up in some kinda bullshit. Their attitude just fit my view on life.

Looking at your “peers” in terms of modern artists, who do you think best carries on that legacy of really powerful, lasting hip hop?

The Black Sunn: We talking about longevity right? Because I’m big on that..but people who are in my age range? Kendrick Lamar, King Mez, Big K.R.I.T. — those are some of the first names that come to my mind; their substance is deep. Even Drake, though people like to hate on him, I believe his material can relate to a wide range of people. That’s what it’s about right? Touching people’s souls.  They take that with them through life and that makes it timeless.

What’s next for you?

The Black Sunn: Pushing UniteDivision by shooting more videos, organizing a tour, etc and working on my next solo LP.

810: More music is being made now and more greatness is being achieved. *Thumbs Up*

Do you have any specific plans for the future in terms of what will be released next?

810: Another solo project, although I don’t know what I’m gonna call it yet.  Songs are being recorded now. I feel like myself and Sunn have a opportunity to move to the next level and I will make the project that will bring people into my world. At some point I want to change the world also, whether through music or through my brand as a whole.

Stream 810 and The Black Sunn’s new album, UniteDivision via BandCamp and pick up the album for just $5.

Name:

Explain the name and how it came about.
Super Market Knife Attack…it’s a company secret and we’d probably have to kill you BOW!!!

Describe your production style/sound.
A melting pot of sounds, from hard hitting 808s to spaced out synths, to random samples,  Basically anything that will stretch the imagination.

What album had the greatest impact on you musically?
Being from Decatur of course there’s Aquemeni, Atliens, Southernplayalistic, but there’s also Cake’s Fashion Nugget, and Marvin Gaye’s I Want You that album to me is a masterpiece!

What makes SMKA production stand out?
I think its finding the RIGHT sound for an artist.  We spend alot of time going through music that will allow an artist to shine brightest.  I pride myself on getting comfortable w/ an artist sound, topic selection, and overall willingness to experiment and then try to find out which beat allows them the best chance to be great.

How does the team work together throughout the process?  
Mike (one of the other founders along with Kyle King) and I work in a small room so he basically is forced to listen to everything I do, but basically we’ll map out a sound and goal we are looking to accomplish with the particular project and then kind of bounce ideas on how to tie the music that has been created with an overall branding scheme.

What has been SMKA’s biggest contribution to the music world?
Honestly it hasn’t happened yet. I’m still working tirelessly to deliver a song that will stand the test of time or even come to define a particular time.  So ask me that 20 years from now, hopefully I will have a better answer.

Which artist has been the most interesting to work with?
Yelawolf was a pretty interesting cat to work w/ because at the time we were recording The 808 Experiemnt Vol 2 we spent months trying to find the right song for him.  We orginally going to have him on the song “Caddy’s” for Vol 1 but after he wrote four different verses for the song he wasn’t happy with how he sounded so we held off for Vol 1 and ended up putting Aleon Craft (which ended up being the begining of our relationship with Craft). But anyway, when Vol 2 rolled around we made it a goal for Yela to be apart of it so we probably sent over like 20 beats and finally he found the one that worked perfect for him (“Deer Mama”) and straight killed it.

You guy used to play ball in high school. Who was better and what pros did you most compare to?
Mike and I both hooped from 8th grade on, I was the point and Mike played the two, though our high school team kinda sucked. Our highlight though was when we beat Dwight Howard in 8th grade and ended up winning a state championship, to his credit though Dwight was only 6”1 and was actually a PG at the time, but who cares, we won.

What projects are in the works?
We have Young Scolla’s debut album Seconds Away which [dropped] August 30, We also have a masshup project, with Aleon Craft’s Mothership Decatur and P Funk which we are working on an orginal track with Craft and George Clinton.  We also have full album for Aleon Craft on the way.  So just trying to stay busy and happy. {Laughs}

Check out free music from SMKA below.

Follow SMKA on Twitter: @SMKA

More SMKA music and info: theSMKAexperience.com

Age: 26

Hometown: Born in Katy, Texas but I was raised in Forest Park, Georgia

Label/Group Affiliations: I haven’t been associated with any groups/labels in the past but this new project A Smart Black Boy, will be coming from the Working Class platform.

Discography: Contxt Clues: Prelude EP, Acknowledgment EP, Crown Jewelz 2 by King I Divine, Kevin Nottingham’s Momma Said Knock You Out Remix Project (taken down due to copyright laws), Beats+Lyrics/Unique Squared A3C 2010 mixtape, Crown Jewelz 3 by King I Divine and A Smart Black Boy: The Sonic Inception

King I Divine is one of our favorite newer producers. How is it working with him? 

King is my brother from another mother. Working with him requires me to get my vision in order, and that was something I needed because all I knew how to do was write songs before we met. His name is not King I Divine for no reason, dude is MAJESTIC and everything that he does he puts his all in to, no half-assing. This lesson alone is why I stay working with him.

How did you get started making music?

Music and I have been flirting around since I was a kid but I decided to take her seriously at the end of 2003. flyMusic was the name of a band I was a part of as the spoken word artist then. The experience I had with my band was one of epic highs and lows; great band-members that showed me different approaches to making music. Family situations lead to the disband us and a great sound; eventually the break up lead me to crafting rhymes and a solo mission as you see and hear it now.

You started out as a spoken word artist? How is that different from now, rapping? Do you approach it differently? 

Yeah, I’ve been writing poetry since I was taught about adjectives in the 1st grade! Spoken word is basically the performance art of poetry. I wanted to reach more people with my message lyrically so I decided to add music to my palette with the objective of moving butts and minds at the same time. Most of the best MCs start of as poets or just writing poetry as they begin to express themselves. The approach isn’t much different, it’s just that I’m making music now. Once I learned how to structure rhymes, it was like me structuring a poem in a different format and making sure I stayed on beat.

You’ve been pretty quiet in most of the blog scene as far as we know. What kind of avenues have you used to promote and distribute your music? 

Right now I feel like the best way for me to promote and distribute my music is by using the Internet to the FULLEST. Terry Urban said something about how we as a society live around the Internet; we leave our desks, houses and wherever based off suggestions online. As an independent artist I’ve tried different avenues (passing out music at shows, doing hole in the wall clubs, basement parties, festivals etc.) but the best results seem to come from online promo, so increasing my online presence gives me more visibility to those all over the world. Eventually, if my theory proves correct, I’ll get back in the streets the old-school way. It’s all a learning process though.

If you could do something over again in your life, what would it be? Why?

*ponders heavily so he doesn’t give a cliched response* There are a million things that I feel like I missed out on because of me not listening to intuition. However, back in 2003 I was a shiny, young, black kid FRESH out of high school with an internship to OutKast’s now defunct record label Aquemini. One year of this internship placed me around new faces and of course, the business of music. I wish I would have stayed around even in the midst of the things I was going through personally. No regrets on leaving because I’m a family person and family is always first, but staying would have ultimately given me a jump in my music career.

Wow, you scored an internship with OutKast’s label? Do you stay in touch with them? Any industry contacts come from the experience?

That was a big deal to me as a kid and especially being from the area as such an iconic group. I still speak with some people from that time period to this day. As far as industry contacts go, they’re pretty much friends more than anything. One of my main homies from the label was Mitch. He’s doing his thing with Janelle Monae and The Wondaland Arts Society. He taught me some really important things when it comes to the music industry and how to act around folks.

Tell us about a great music memory that you have.

Aaah man, the freshest memory has to be October 2009 at Lenny’s Bar (R.I.P.). My homie Gotta Be Karim had me help him promote this Black Milk and Black Spade show. I was a big Stan for Spade’s To Serve With Love LP (a classic in my eyes) so all I wanted to do was chop it up with him. Spade opened up and during his set he would make use the MPC to start off a song. He played “The Clapper” by Dilla and freestyled over it. My nerd ass went loco, Spade put his hand out for what I thought was a pound but proceeded to pull me on stage to bust a verse, so I did! Felt like Yeezy when he got knighted by Jay in Chicago, my bars were wack but I was just happy to be on stage with someone who I feel is a legend.

Black Spade+blctxt Freestyle at Lenny’s Bar 2009 from blctxt contxt on Vimeo.

What’s next for you?

Right now all of my attention is on my new EP, A Smart Black Boy: The Sonic Inception. I just released 2 singles, Cooking Up [prod. by Illastrate] and Goodbye [prod. by J Haze] from it and so far so good on people’s responses. Finishing this EP felt like a true accomplishment to me and I’m just anxious to share it with the world.

More music from blctxt contxt: Blctxt.BanCamp.com
Follow blctxt contxt on Twitter: @blctxt

Age: 25

Hometown: Currently, Boise Idaho.

Label / Group Affiliations: Customary Music, LLC; which includes the following duos i am a part of: Brass Knuckle Bullies, Ace and Pearl, Contrast, Pony Cop

Discography: Customary – Take Me Away, Customary – Bleu Bird Instrumentals, Brass Knuckle Bullies – BKB, Ace and Pearl – Serendipity, Contrast – Take One, Pony Cop – Invasion

How did you get started making music?

Between 8th and 9th grade, I would continually get melodies in my head, and would beat box to them. I wanted a way to get them out of my head, so my parents got me a tape recorder and a few tapes. I would beat box my ideas into that, and would never let anyone hear it! A couple years down the road, I was introduced to my first software, Acid DJ, which was a $10 clearance item at Guitar Center. I started making beats using that, which I now call my “atari beats”. They were very choppy and simple. Throughout the next few years I kept getting introduced to more and more gear and figured out some worthy investments, which I am still building today.

If you could do something over again in your life, what would it be? Why?

I would not have been so self conscious, shy, insecure about my music. Because of that, I put it off to the side a little bit throughout high school, and made my focus basketball. The area I lived in was all about sports, and did not appreciate music, or the arts, other than what was mainstream and popular. It took me a while to become comfortable with my desire to do hip hop, which held me back from getting connected with other hip hop artists and musicians. It also took me longer to get any advice or direction for my passions, because nobody knew what I did. So now I am 25 years old, and I am finally putting out projects that are decent to listen to.

Do you think if you had been more open with your music early that you’d be at a different level now?

It is hard to tell. Most musicians who get started at age 18 or so have a lot of help to get them sounding professional, and I have always done everything myself, from writing, to producing, to recording, to mixing, to mastering…and the majority of my album art works…so I never had that kind of help as a youth to help develop my writing, producing, etc.

Could I have received help if I was more open about what i was doing? Possibly, but I dont know that there was anyone legit in my area, at the time I was getting started, to really give me the help I needed. Everything has happened in due time, and I am happy to be where I am at now, being 25 and able to do many things on my own as opposed to being young and only being an artist/emcee.

Where do you feel like you’re at in your career? Just starting? Midpoint? Hitting a peak?

This is just the beginning my friend! There will be plenty more to come over many years.

What is it like working with a bunch of different artists? How does it change the process?

I love working in partnerships. Everything turns out better when two minds work off of each other. I am able to produce things I couldn’t produce by myself when I work with other people, and visa versa for them. I like coming up with unique blends of hip hop, jazz, folk, funk, and even a little pop and electronic. I always enjoy a challenge of branching out of my hip hop focus a little bit…but not too much….I have to keep it dope! The process is better because we come up with catchier hooks, my rhymes make more sense after running them past a partner, and the music turns out better because we are there to add to each others creativity. I will always do solo stuff, but I believe my partnerships will turn out to be the better albums at the end of it all.

Tell us about a great music memory that you have.

I spent a week in Tennessee recording the album Serendipity by Ace and Pearl, with singer/songwriter Erin Elisabeth Aubrey. During that week, we basically locked ourselves in a house and pounded out songs and ideas for an album. By the end of the week we were nearly delirious, but we basically had a full album. I wanted to finish a couple more songs, but Erin started complaining to me about how she couldn’t come up with any more ideas. I had no sympathy for her and told her to get it done because we only had one more day left together. She then stated “I am so glad we are friends.” And i jokingly replied, “You think we are friends?! This is strictly business.” Erin then proceeded to basically freestyle a new song for our album, which is titled “Strictly Business”, and we had another song within 10 minutes of that conversation.

It is interesting to see how you can spend hours trying to write one line for a song, then when the right idea hits, another full song can come out naturally, without a second thought. That week was full of moments like that, and it is crazy to see what can happen when two creative minds are locked in a house for a week. We were able to accomplish things that neither of us would have been able to accomplish on our own. We also had our song from that album titled “Fallin So Fast” place third in hip hop and r&b in the international songwriting competition.

Tell me more about the music process — do you think the best stuff happens organically and quickly like you mentioned or when you sit down and plan it out?

A lot of the songs that happen quickly and organically come out of different life experiences, so it all develops faster because of something that happened that is still fresh. Whether good or bad experiences, it is easier to get those out quickly because you are all caught up in a moment. Sometimes those turn out better because you are in the middle of what you are talking about, so it is all relevant and you get out everything you need to get out. I have also had situations where I take multiple days to write a song so that I say exactly what I want to say. Some of those songs turn out better because I took the time to find the right words, the right rhyme patterns, and I took the time to pick apart a sample to really make it what I want. I wouldn’t say either way makes better music than the other, but it is nice when it all comes out quick!

What’s next for Customary?

You better believe I’m doing a Christmas album! It’s gonna be fire! This is gonna be the most chill, smooth Christmas album ever done! I will also be releasing another solo project and another instrumental album soon, so be on the lookout for more tunes from Customary Music.

Stream and download the full instrumental project, Bleu Bird Instrumentals from Customary below.

Check out music from Customary: Customaryhiphop.com
Follow Customary on Twitter: @CustomaryMusic