Owey is representative of the streets of Pittsburgh. His newest mixtape Donks, Dimes, & Diamonds Hosted by Baton Rogue’s own DJ 5150 is Owey’s theme music for the streets. “Donks Dimes & Diamonds” features local hits such as “No Reason” and “Her, Her, & Her” fe “Gone Off The Trap” and “She Wants A Thug” feat. Wiz Khalifa. Owey and his Seven Tre Mafia crew have big things planned for 2012 with numerous mixtapes and videos in the making. Expect Owey to become a household name soon enough.
AllHipHop.com: What makes you unique as an artist?
Owey: There’s a lot of passion behind my music. I want people to feel my music. Everything I rap about are things I’ve actually been through or have seen first-hand and I think people identify with that and can relate to it.
AllHipHop.com: When did you first discover Hip-Hop and what does it mean to you?
Owey: It was 1988 when I first got a LL Cool J album. My dad always played records for me when I was younger so I was exposed to music at a young age. I didn’t really rap until 2007. I initially only wanted to do it for fun, as something on the side. A lot of people where I’m from took a liking to my music so I stuck with it.
AllHipHop.com: Which artists have inspired you?
Owey: Biggie, Tupac, Soulja Slim, Master P. I am inspired by artist with longevity which is what I’m trying to accomplish.
AllHipHop.com: What is unique about the city of Pittsburgh?
Owey: There are different sounds and a lot of variety to the music that comes from Pittsburgh. There is also a street side to the music that a lot of people do not know yet. Pittsburgh is rougher than how it is portrayed.
AllHipHop.com: How do you think your music represents Pittsburgh’s music scene?
Owey: My music represents the struggle. I’m a voice from the streets because I have been through the same struggles of many people from Pittsburgh. A lot of people from here relate to me and have seen me in the streets before. My music is reality; things that have really happened to me and people from my city. Wiz and Mac represent Pittsburgh in one way because they have a particular sound that is different from mine. I think that my music tells a different story and puts Pittsburgh in a different perspective.
AllHipHop.com: How does your type of music affect the culture in general?
Owey: It’s real life issues that a lot of people don’t deal with. Like relationship issues, and street life. A lot of people may be afraid to speak on the issues that I address but my music is bold.
AllHipHop.com: What’s the biggest misconception about you, your music, or your city?
Owey: That everything I make is trapped out. Or that I’m a trap artist, making trap music. I am a diverse artist; I make different types of music, touching on different topics. I think people don’t see how rough my city is. There hasn’t been anyone who is really relatable coming from Pittsburgh. I come from the inner city, I am Pittsburgh. In a way, Pittsburgh has been misrepresented as far as the streets are concerned. I want people to see what Pittsburgh is really like, what is portrayed in the media is different. My music showcases it.
AllHipHop.com: What have been your biggest struggles so far?
Owey: My biggest struggle has been trying to stay alive. Even though, I am doing this rap thing, I am still seen all over the city. I am active, touchable. I have to try to be safe and watch myself at all times.
AllHipHop.com: What projects are you currently working on?
Owey: Currently I’m touring. I have been working on the Racketeering mixtape. I just released Donks Dimes & Diamonds in December. Recently I have been making daily webisodes of a day in the life of Owey so that people can get to see and get a feel for who I am as a persona and an artist. I just put out the Racketeering mixtape February 17 hosted by DJ Cash Crook of Large In Da Streets.
AllHipHop.com: How can people get in contact with you?
Owey: You can contact me on Twitter @OG_Owey. I follow back and talk to my fans.
AllHipHop.com: Anything else you would like people to know?
Owey: I just want people to watch me grow as an artist. I plan to be one of the biggest in the game.
