Archive for the ‘interview’ Category

Abwon – “Me” – http://hulkshare.com/1shro8wmnei3

Abwon – “We Don’t Believe You” – http://hulkshare.com/auncjqg15gtj

Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.

A. The name’s AbWoN pronounced Ab-One, most people call me Uno though. I’m from Irvington, Nj, and no I don’t know anyone from the Jersey Shore.

Briefly describe your history about how you got into the industry and who were some of your inspirations coming up?

A. I started out in a group named ‘The Rat Pac’, and we made some noise putting out a few Top 10 videos. Our ‘Top 10 Worst Rappers’ video hit the 3 million mark on VladTv in as little as a week. I’m moving solo right now though, and some people would know me from the ‘Joe Budden Robbed Me’ video last year that put up around 30k views or so. I’ve moved on from that, and I have a song out with Boogz Boogetz right now called ‘We Don’t Believe You’. I listen to every genre of music so it’s really not a case of one artist influencing me. I listen to everything from Tupac and Canibus to Beethoven and At The Drive-In.

What makes Abwon unique as an artist and different from other rappers?

A. Versatility, and creativity mostly. Most rappers are so used to rapping about one thing and never stepping out of that box, and they end up never evolving as an artist. If you want a story teller, that’s me. You want a cross-over song, that’s me. You want a song with punchlines and metaphors, that’s me too. I can do it all, and keep it honest. I’m not going to rap about selling crack to school kids because that’s not what I do.

Have you ever felt like too much time passes in the game where you have to make it and that window is closing?

A. The window only closes for those that don’t climb through it when it’s open. Too many artists are sitting on their couch watching television expecting someone to magically appear in their living room with a recording contract. Go out and do something to better your situation. You can’t make the basketball team if you don’t try out right?! 

As of right now, who in the industry would you say you listen to on a regular and would probably like to work with in the near future?

A. I want to work with anyone that wants to work with me. Whether it’s 50 Cent or Vanilla Ice, I could care less. Right now, I’m listening to Jim Jones, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Maybach Music Group, Akon, and Thursday. That lineup will change when I’m done with this interview though.

In the beginning stages of your new mixtape, what producers have you worked with or would like to work with on this upcoming project?

A. Riccardi, Vic Firth, S.Jones, TrakStarz, Franchize, Debo And The Beats, and Nezzo just to name a few. I basically have everything I need as far as production goes.

What was your inspiration for the hit single (?)?

A. Haven’t released that hit just yet, but putting a hit together only needs 2 things: a hot beat, and a catchy hook. Nobody cares what you’re rapping about as long as they can sing along with the hook and dance to it. I’ll have the perfect formula for you guys soon enough.

Are you happy with the feedback you’ve been getting from the mixtape since you’ve released thus far?

A. Oh yeah, definitely. I’ve only put out 3 or 4 songs, but it’s been getting positive feedback so far.

When you put music up for free download, does it bother you at all that you’re giving out the music for free or do you look at that as something that you have to do at this point in your career?

A. I’ve been giving out free music for years. If someone can get Lil’ Wayne’s mixtape for free and he’s sold millions of records, why would they pay for mine?! Nobody wants to buy music now period, so whatever you can put out for free, make it happen.

You have a buzz slowly building now. How are you going to keep it going?

A. Slowly, but very surely. I don’t have a machine pumping dollars into my project so everything’s coming out of pocket. This means it moves slowly, but it’s getting done. Once all the music is done, I’ll move onto phase two.

Do you enjoy the social networking aspect of the game or do you look at it like it’s something you have to do?

A. It’s something you have to do, but I’m a social person so it doesn’t bother me. Most artists feel they’re “too important” to talk to fans, but without the fans where would you be?! I’ll talk about everything and anything, sports, music, movies, whatever it is. You might forget that I’m a recording artist because half the time that’s the last thing I’m talking about.

Where do you see yourself going in 2011?

A. Getting my buzz higher than it was last year, that’s the goal every year. I’m not going to tell you “I’m winning artist of the year and selling 80 million records”. I keep it real, as long as you know my name by the end of this year whether it is over a song or a video I put out, then it is mission accomplished.

In today’s free download age, what do you need that you don’t have to make yourself a household name?

A. A team that’s focused. Everyone wants to shine, but nobody wants to grind, and that’s counterproductive. If I’m doing a video, I need people to make sure it’s going to make the noise we want it to make. I can’t do everything myself because I have other things to worry about. If you’re sitting around waiting for me to make the decisions for you then we have a problem on our hands.

Do you feel like the magazine-type websites or blogs are more valuable today to a new artist?

A. Invaluable actually, I used to see Wiz Khalifa on every blog last year, and look what happened. Nobody reads magazines anymore, or should I say reads anymore period. They go on the website, look at the pictures, and click the link and the song plays. It’s easy, and it helps artists out tremendously because they can record a song this afternoon, and e-mail it somebody tonight, and it’ll be all over the world.

How would the fans go about contacting you and where can they go to find your music?

A. You can youtube my song ‘We Don’t Believe You’ with Boogz Boogetz, hit me on twitter @abwon, and find me onfacebook.com/abwonuno. Your best bet is hitting me up on twitter though.

Thank you for providing us with this interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?

A. Talk to me, I talk back, it’s as simple as that. Garden State Project coming soon.

What’s good Cypha? Thanks for the time.

No Problem thanks for the opportunity.

I see from your tweets that you’re in the studio constantly, what are you working on now?

Working on the “Success” Project that I’ll be dropping soon as well as features that I’m doing for other projects I’m involved in. Just staying busy feel me.

Seems like the DJs are picking up on “Dedicated” quickly. Is this what you expected?

No Doubt I wanted the DJ’s to take that song and pretty much run with it. Big shout out to all the dj’s supporting Dedicated. The Ladies Love it so the Dj’s play it. I’m a humble dude so I appreciate any rotation I can get from DJ’s.

Do you have any shows or appearances coming up?

Yes April 22nd I’m performing in NYC at a place called Recoup Lounge which I’m also shooting scenes for my single “I’m Going Out”. Hit me for Details on that @shahcypha you must be 21. I’m always will be performing at the A&R Power submit June 26th in NYC. More to shows to come.

Can you give us the name of your next single?

The name of my next single is called “I’m Going Out” produced by Astatus Beats (@astatusbeats). This is my club banga and since it’s getting warm I felt it’s the perfect time to make the ladies dance which will bring the goons. The Song is a track explain how you just want to go chill with your peoples at the club while getting up with some beautiful ladies ballling and having fun.

When will the new street album drop?

I’m aiming for some time in May but I might push it back to let the tracks i’m releasing circulate. I want to make sure everything is right no exceptions feel me. So if I don’t drop it in May it will drop during the summer believe me. “SUCCESS” look out for it

You’re multi talented song writer and rapper. What else do you do?

I’m the founder and CEO of Grynd Mobb Music Group & The Grynd Report Mixtape and Magazine. My company has about 5 artist which includes myself and 2 DJ’s, but we also use our business to help promote and support underground artist on their Grynd. Along with my Partner Ace Jonez we created The Grynd Report Magazine which is a online magazine designed to showcase the artist as well as the people who support the artist. (DJ’s, Producers, Photographers, Directors, Models, Dancers etc) We feel it’s important to show who are the people who turn a artist from the crowd to a artist in the spot light. We also have a grynd certified section of www.gryndmobb.com that we use to promote anyone making positive moves.

Who are some of your influences?

Method Man, Run DMC, Notorious B.I.G, Nas, Jay-Z, Doug E Fresh, to name a few. These people made a major mark and hip hop and are still making a imprint. Thats what I want to do in this game.

Any advice for those breaking into “Hollywood”

Don’t let anyone change the way you want to create your music. Sometimes money gets in the way of the reality of what you trying to present because people want to change it and have their own agenda. At the end of the day it’s your flow people are feeling so make sure it’s real and not taylored to someone elses liking. Once you are real to yourself people will see you as real. Most of all stay Humble that “Hollywood” attitude is not the way to go.

Where can we find you online?

www.gryndmobb.com www.reverbnation.com/shahcypha www.twitter.com/shahcypha, 
www.facebook.com/shah.cypha google is your best friend try it out. Lol let me stop that was “Hollywood” Just get at me I’m cool people see for yourself.

Get familiar with B-Ezzy as you’ll be hearing a lot of him in the near future. He is currently finishing up his “The Introduction” mixtape which will be hosted by DJ Ill Will & DJ Rockstar. The project is set to feature appearances by Vado, Mistah F.A.B., Project Pat, Kid Ink and more.

Enjoy our in depth conversation with B-Ezzy as we break down his career, thought process throughout creating the mixtape and more.

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Rachel Valentin moved to the East Coast at a young age and she shares her life story with us in this interview. Check it out.

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We spoke with Jackz, a real New York emcee at his finest. Not only a real emcee, Jackz is a real person and gives us nothing but his honest and candid thoughts throughout this entire interview.

Jackz is set to drop his “Above Sound Stadium Music” this December 21^st on www.datpiff.com and multiple other websites. The mixtape is the hot topic at hand, so let’s get right to it.

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