R&B powerhouse Tank has been releasing track after track to promote his upcoming album release, This Is How I Feel. Take a look at some behind the scenes photos and video from his recent shoot with T.I. and Kris Stephens.
Tank’s fifth album on Atlantic Records, This Is How I Feel, hits stores and online May 8.
(AllHipHop News) Police concluded a four-year investigation into Mac Dre’s Thizz Entertainment record label, after 25 people were arrested and accused of being involved in a massive, nationwide ecstasy ring.
A number of rappers associated with Thizz Entertainment were arrested yesterday (April 24) and charged in a conspiracy to distribute ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and codeine cough syrup around the country.
According to police, members of Thizz sold drugs to finance the record label.
“This is another example of partnership that exists between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Vallejo Police Department to improve the safety of our community and reduce the level of violence associated with drug dealing,” Vallejo Police Chief Robert Nichelini told AllHipHop.com in a statement released yesterday (April 24) evening.
“We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California in coordinating the investigation and prosecuting the persons involved in such a complex and dangerous criminal enterprise,” Chief Nichelini said.
According to the DEA, over 45,000 ecstasy pills were seized in yesterday’s raid, along with 4 pounds of crack, a half pound of heroin and $200,000 in suspected drug money.
Police said that Thizz also operated two defunct marijuana dispensaries and seized over 230 acres in property valued at $1 million, that was used to cultivate marijuana in Yuba County.
Mac Dre, who started Thizz Entertainment, was shot and killed in 2004, in Kansas City, Missouri, allegedly by a rival rapper named Anthony “Fat Tone” Watkins.
Fat Tone and an associate were later gunned down in a construction lot near The Palms in Las Vegas.
In 2008, Bay Area rapper Mac Minister, born Andre Dow, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for murdering Fat Tone, his associate and a women who witnessed the killings.
Police hope that the bust is the final chapter in Mac Dre and Thizz Entertainment’s history in Vallejo.
According to police, Mac Dre was a member of the infamous Romper Room gang, that operated in the Bay Area in the late 80s and 1990s.
The gang committed a series of robberies of Pizza Parlors in the area, that were eventually the subject of an episode of BET’s “American Gangster” series.
Police say nine members of Thizz Entertainment are still on the run, while those arrested will make their first court appearances on May 4.
Below is a list of people the DEA charged in the nationwide drug dealing ring:
Michael Lott, performs under the name “Miami the Most”
*Major Norton, performs under the name “Dubee”
*Lawrence Kennedy Nelson
G###### Franklin, performs under the name “Geezy”
Clifford Bullock
*Narco McFarland Sr.,
Latroy Cunningham
*Eric Robinson
Dante Barbarin
*Eileen Knight
Beshiba Cook
Bruce Thurmon, performs under the name “Little Bruce”
Damian Peterson
Mikel Brown
**Nicholas Ramirez
*Ung Duong
*Phat Nguyen
*Marcus Davis
**Tiffany Brown
Andre Cawthorne
*Michael Smiley
*Anthony Young
*Anthony Payton
Back in December of last year, Wacka Flocka went on DJ Kay Slay’s radio show and said that he thought that Wiz Khalifa “hyped” his way to the top and had no swag. Well, Flocka was recently interviewed on the Angie Martinez Show on HOT 97 in New York, and while he did say the beef with Wiz was “dead,” it seems like his view on Wiz being swagger-less hasn’t changed. Check out a clip of Wacka’s interview below:
“That’s dead, I ain’t bothering nobody. I voiced my opinion because it’s true,” said Wacka Flocka.
Since when is an opinion the truth?
(AllHipHop News) Rap veteran Rampage is planning a return to the Hip-Hop arena, via a new deal with Gracie Productions/TVT Records.
Rampage, who was once a member of Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad, signed the deal yesterday and is working on an album of all new material.
“The family is growing,” Gracie Records’ President/CEO Dorian Washington told AllHipHop.com. “We love Hip-Hop. Gracie Records supports real Hip-Hop. We sign OG’s of this game. We still give out deals at conferences, you got a hot record go to the right conference. Everybody counted this one out and my man just got on.”
Gracie Productions has released projects by Slaughterhouse, Jacki-O, Royce da 5’9 and others.
Rampage has been based in Phoenix, Arizona over the past few years, where he has been running his company Deep Freeze Entertainment.
He released his debut album Scouts Honor…By Way of Blood in 1997 and his last official album Have You Seen? dropped back in 2006.
During his career, Rampage has worked with a number of artists, including Craig Mack, Notorious B.I.G., Alicia Keys, and his cousin, Busta Rhymes.
Check out Rampage signing his contract below:
http://youtu.be/WYGn84lLF_U
Tyler Perry’s not the only Black playwright in the game, you know?
Producer Johnnie Johnsons has released her newest and exciting musical comedy, “She’s Not Our Sister”, set for DVD and digital download release on May 1.
The play, “She’s Not Our Sister,” follows the lives of three women and their different emotional experiences in dealing with their father’s death. With hidden secrets and talks of affair that tore their parents’ marriage up, they have also discovered that their estranged father has left them a multi-million dollar inheritance – and a half sister. But will the sisters be able to bury the hatchet and allow love to overcome all? Or allow for bitterness to break them up?
With an All-Star cast including Kellita Smith, Drew Sidora, Azur-De, Christian Keyes, Clifton Powell, Tony Grant, and Jaszmine Lewis, “She’s Not Our Sister” brings director Vernon Snoop Robinson’s recent musical stage play about a family’s past to life. “She’s Not our Sister” is the highest-rated GMC World Premiere Gospel Play and has become a hit GMC television series entitled “She’s Still Not Our Sister”.
Cop the DVD on May 1, and check out the trailer below now:
Editor’s Note: Welcome to “Feel Rich,” our partnership with QD3, the talented son of music legend Quincy Jones. “Feel Rich” is all about creating a healthy lifestyle for Hip-Hop culture – both the artists and the fans. Enjoy!
Crystal Slayton Wall, wife of rapper Paul Wall, makes healthy choices for her kids as a way to show them love. “Give your baby an apple,” she says “Don’t give him a Snickers. That Snickers ain’t gonna do nothing but make him fat.”
In a community that tends to show love with foods like cake, pie, and sugary treats, Crystal is breaking the cycle with her children. “Healthy choices equal love.”
Continue reading “FEEL RICH VIDEO: Paul Wall’s Wife, Crystal Slayton Wall, Works It Out!”
(AllHipHop News) Def Jam Recordings and Nas have officially announced a July 17 release for the rapper’s tenth studio album, Life Is Good.
In a recent interview with MTV, Nas spoke on the ideas behind the music itself and some of the unexpected collaborations that he was involved with during the recording process. “A lot of the tracks have been my ideas – like I would take an idea from one of the guys that I’m working with, and try and put it together with a different sound that I had in my head with someone else and just try to get people to collaborate that really aren’t used to working together and to get something different from me.”
It’s been four years since Nas’ last album, Untitled, which received mostly positive reviews. Untitled included the singles “Hero” featuring Keri Hilson and “Make the World Go Round.”
The first single from Life Is Good, “Nasty,” hit airwaves last August and sparked the much-talked about notion that Nas would be releasing his new album before the end of the calendar year, which came and went.
Nas’ next single, “Daughters,” which was produced by No I.D. will be released on May 1, four days after the visual for his current single, “The Don,” hits the ‘Net.
“This album is, of course, it’s been a long time, it’s been five years since I released a [solo] studio album, so this record is everything,” he told MTV. “This is everything that I’ve got to say…I guess you got to live a little, sometimes not all the time, but you’ve got to live a little and you put that in your music and it’s coming from my life.”
Life Is Good will be released on July 17, 2012.
Directed by Ice T, a bonafide Hip-Hop legend and one of our favorite actors on “Law & Order SVU” these days, the film “Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap” takes a look at rap music’s evolution. The documentary gives us access to the personal lives of many of Hip-Hop’s pioneers, including Doug E. Fresh, KRS One, Rakim, MC Lyte, Marley Marl, Ice Cube, Nas, Snoop Dogg, and many more!
If you have yet to see the trailer, watch below:
BONUS: Nas Checks In As One of the Doc’s Stars
BONUS: Doug E. Fresh Discusses His Three Favorite Rappers:
“Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap” hits theaters on June 15.
Drake has made it clear in several interviews that he is not a fan of dance music. In fact, Drake has called out Pitbull and producer David Guetta’s music for not having “integrity.” Check out what he told NME Magazine below:
“For me, the David Guetta stuff just doesn’t work,” he said. “I don’t really wanna go there. There’s other artists, that’s their sound. They feel in order to thrive internationally that they gotta do straightforward, four to the floor, David Guetta, Pitbull music.”
Drake says that he is open to creating music for the genre but insisted his work has ”integrity and soul,” which would be watered down by working with an artist like Guetta.
“They feel in order to thrive internationally that they gotta do straightforward, four on the flour, David Guetta, Pitbull music,” the 25-year-old Take Care rapper stated. ”For me, I’d rather go to somebody like [producer] ‘Jamie xx’ and tell him, ‘Look, I really wanna turn the club upside down, but I wanna do it with integrity, with soul.”’
David Guetta has previously worked with Young Money artist Nicki Minaj on two tracks – “Where Them Girls At” and “Turn Me On.” I wonder if Drake is saying that Nicki’s tracks don’t have any integrity either?
When will these two stop the back and forth in the media already?! During an interview with WGCI’s “Morning Riot,” Tip was asked again about the beef between the Harlem rapper and his Hustle Gang artist, Iggy Azalea. Peep what he said below:
“I ain’t even know nothing about it. I didn’t even see it,” said the Atlanta rapper. “I know they’re going through their thing, but the fact that she’s speaking upon me and mine, that is what I consider b*tch sh*t. I’m a man… You ain’t got no business addressing me. You got a man, get him to address me, and he and I can speak on it. But you and me… Can’t keep dealing with that woman. Y’all handle that. I do what men do.”
Azealia Banks was not too pleased with what Tip said and shot back on Twitter calling T.I. a “clown” and telling him to “shut the f*ck up.” Check out her response below:
Man, Azealia better chill out before Tiny comes for her! Check out T.I.’s full interview below:
Wisconsin based Flame The Ruler is quickly making a name for himself on the independent Hip Hop scene. His intricate wordplay and aggressive lyrical style resonates with honesty and sincerity. He is currently heating up the streets with his Mixtape entitled “The Departure” Hosted by DJ Kaze and featuring production by Victory and DJ. Pain 1. “The Departure” is head nodding Hip Hop at it’s finest. There are catchy hooks, quality production and plenty of food for thought on the mixtape. His new single “A$$ Session” is heating up the strip clubs in the Midwest and beyond. Flame The Ruler been spotlighted on Vlad TV, YoRaps.com and he has an upcoming feature in XXL Magazine.
All Hip Hop: What’s Good Flame The Ruler. Firstly, give us some background info as to who you are.
Flame The Ruler: My name is Flame The Ruler. I’m an aspiring artist originally from Milwaukee, WI. I currently live in Madison, WI. I’ve been doing music since I was 11 years old and I became good at it. I’m the eldest of seven children and I take my music very seriously. I view music as a way to talk about the reality of struggling. I rap about the hardships and the reality of an artist with big dreams going from the bottom to the top. To me music is about passion, life and motivation. It’s also about having fun. I strive to use my music career to show my family a new side of life.
All Hip Hop: What is the significance of your name?
Flame The Ruler: You know every artist has had many names that they go through before they finally find a name that truly fits them. People around me would always say that my songs are hot or that my mixtapes are fire. So I took the word “Flame” to represent my hot flow and I added term “The Ruler” to my name because I’m great at what I do and I dominate in my lane. I’m a Midwest Maverick.
All Hip Hop: Your music is somewhat unique, Who would you say is your target market?
Flame The Ruler: My target is the new generation of underground Hip Hop fans. Everyone starts in the underground. I feel that it is important to make my impact among the people who love the pureness of the genre. My goal is to build a strong foundation for me and my whole GFMG family. I want to build my brand from the ground up one fan at a time.
Flame The Ruler – “By Any Means”
All Hip Hop: You’re part of Hip collective called G.U.T.T.A. Tell us about that and what sets you apart from other crews?
Flame The Ruler: What makes myself and my crew unique is that we have this thing called the G.U.T.T.A. It sounds like some grimy type of s### but it’s actually an acronym. It stands for “Getting United To Take Action,” because we know that power and strength are in numbers. We’re coming together musically to build this thing up. I do this for all the guttas out there; let’s come together. And I incorporate this in my music so the people can relate to it.
All Hip Hop: You’re new single “A$$ Session” got the strip clubs in the Midwest going crazy. Describe the single.
Flame The Ruler: Yes, The single I’m currently pushing is a club joint called “A$$ Session” Feat my dude Yung Ron. It’s produced by my producer “Beats by Victory.” Yeah, well I like to have fun. And a few strip clubs picked up the song. Many club DJ’s are supporting the song. It’s going to a big hit and I have a strong marketing effort on the way to get it to more clubs nationally and to the mixshow DJ’s.
Flame The Ruler – “I’m Drivin”
All Hip Hop: Which artists have inspired you?
Flame The Ruler: The list of artists who have inspired and influenced me goes on for days. In terms of Old school artists it would be Ll Cool J, Special Ed, Fresh Prince And Jazzy Jeff, Heavy D, RUN DMC, UGK, Ghetto Boys, And Out Kast. In terms of new school artists I would say Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, Drake, Twista, And L.E.P. Bogus Boys.
All Hip Hop: What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?
Flame The Ruler: I feel that the industry is cool, but I would like to see more artists not leave the underdogs out so much. We have to reach out to the cats with no voice and we as artists have to be a voice for them. Everybody ain’t driving Bentleys. Where I’m from we’re just trying to keep a roof over our kids’ heads and food in their mouths. Like I stated before, I speak for the people coming from the bottom to reach the top. I’m at the bottom so that’s what my music pertain to.
All Hip Hop: Any final words for the people.
Flame The Ruler: First I’d like to think All Hip Hop for the opportunity. You guys have the best Hip Hop site hands down. Also I want to give a shout out to my G.U.T.T.A crew and to everyone back in Wisconsin. And lastly I want everyone to check out my Website www.flametheruler.com. I do this for the people. One love.
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Sixteen-time Grammy-nominated R&B singer Brian McKnight has caused a stir after releasing a new video on YouTube for his latest track, “If You’re Ready To Learn”.
We’re not sure what to think – or that Brian even needs to go here (with an “adult mixtape”) at this point in his illustrious career.
The good news is this. Brian McKnight is back in the studio after 2011’s Just Me.
Editor’s Note: DJs carried the original torch for Hip-Hop – back when there were no MCs! AllHipHop.com is taking a little time out to “Salute the Spin Doctors” this month. Check back for more feature stories and editorials with some of the top DJs across the country.
DJ Baby Yu is known as the “Remix Kid,” largely because of his impressive blends that can pair one song with another that most people would never imagine together. Beyonce’s “Love on Top,” and The Clipse, “Grindin’?” Believe it or not, it works. And, it works in a major way. Baby Yu’s “5 O’clock Happy Hour” mix, which airs every weekday as part of the Ryan Cameron Show on W-VEE, V-103 in Atlanta, Georgia, is rated number one… in every demographic.
DJ Baby Yu is a Toronto, Canada native whose name is homage to his Japanese heritage. When he is not moving crowds in Atlanta’s hottest nightspots, he’s on the road extensively through the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. DJ Baby Yu is currently Young Jeezy’s tour DJ, traveling across Europe with the “Hustler’s Ambition” Tour. On the road and at home, Baby Yu loves playing unique mixes to influence people to open their hearts and minds through music.
“I do what I do for the love of music, also for the love of influencing others in the right direction by having a great time at a party,” says Baby Yu. “Being a vital part of those enjoying great mixes and music through their Ipod’s, radio, internet and so on, pushes me to continually achieve creative greatness…I believe I can make a difference.”
AllHipHop.com sat down with DJ Baby Yu at the V-103 studios, where he takes regular ribbing from his colleagues, Crash D and Ryan Cameron, about his ever-increasing popularity. We spoke to the 34-year-old about the art of DJ’ing, the direction of the art, and modern DJ’ing as big business:
AllHipHop.com: I am such a big fan of your blends, the instrumentals and vocal tracks you choose. How do you do it?
DJ Baby Yu: When I started DJ’ing, I just started remixing right off the bat. Before I understood how it worked, for me it was kind of boring to hear the same song, the same way that it plays on the radio. I think it just comes natural. I don’t know – it just comes to me. I guess I’m lucky. I think loving so many different genres of music keeps your mind open to being creative.
AllHipHop.com: That’s another thing that people love about your mixes – you blend so many different genres. How is the response? Being in an urban city like Atlanta, can you play Blondie or Queen?
DJ Baby Yu: I just do it. I don’t even care. I know this city is open-minded enough for it, when it comes to music. I think it used to be a lot more closed and segregated by genre, I would go to a Hip-Hop club and they would play all Dirty South, the same four songs. So, one of my goals was to help the city get back to what it was. The city is filled with people from all over the country. But now, people just accepted it; now they are used to it, and they love it. I think it’s opened a door for DJs around the city to play a lot more different kinds of music. There are no rules.
AllHipHop.com: Tell me more about the Jeezy tour? How has that been going?
DJ Baby Yu: It’s been great. We’ve done the East Coast, West Coast. The L.A. show and Detroit were probably the best. I just got off the Canadian tour, then Europe.
AllHipHop.com: So, I’m sure you guys probably became acquainted here in Atlanta? How long have you been in Atlanta? And what do you love about it?
DJ Baby Yu: Four years… and the food. I had never tried Southern cooking until I moved here, collard greens and all of that. [laughter] We don’t have it up there in Toronto. I love the food, but I moved here for the music. I felt that I had done all that I could in Canada. I had done major after-parties for everybody. Mixtapes. Radio. But, I just felt like I wasn’t growing. Then I started getting into the U.S. market with XM Radio until the merger. I was DJ’ing for Jin, and then I started coming out to Atlanta and was working with a big club owner, so I moved. The first year was tough, because I moved right when the economy crashed, but I’m good now.
AllHipHop.com: I guess you can’t mention Hip-Hop and Toronto, and I not ask you about Drake.
DJ Baby Yu: Yeah, I had a radio show and podcast thing going on. I interviewed him before he really blew up. I’m happy for him. It’s great.
AllHipHop.com: DJ equipment has changed so much over the years. What direction do you see it going in? What do you use? And what would be a dream piece to have?
DJ Baby Yu: Serato is the industry standard. When it first came out, a lot of people were hating on it. But you have to evolve with the times. It’s just like how a Jay-Z or LL Cool J lasted so long, because they were able to evolve with the trends, with the changes in Hip-Hop. In DJ’ing, you have to accept what’s coming.
Because of the technology, anybody can DJ now. It used to be that certain singles and albums, you couldn’t get, unless you kind of knew somebody or really digged to get it. Now, it’s like you can go on iTunes, and you can just buy it. A lot of the traditions of being a DJ are kind of gone now, but I’m happy with where it is. Jazzy Jeff says it all the time that he loves it, and if even a pioneer like him can say he loves the evolution… Serato is my weapon. Ableton is what I love to make music. It allows you to pre-produce a show.
AllHipHop.com: I heard you mention Jazzy Jeff. If you had to pick a few legendary, favorite DJs, who would you pick?
DJ Baby Yu: Jazzy Jeff is a good friend of mine. He is someone I look up to. I never started DJ’ing because I loved DJs; I really loved collecting music and DJ’ing just sort of fell into my lap. But, then I started seeing people like Clinton Sparks; I loved his branding strategy. DJ Vice, an amazing DJ from the West Coast. There are a whole bunch of amazing DJs out there, especially in Canada, who just started from scratch.
AllHipHop.com: Another thing I really admire about you is how dedicated you are to your branding. You have podcasts, you are developing an iPhone app… how important is business and branding to a DJ?
DJ Baby Yu: Very important. I tell everybody, you can be the best DJ in the world, and be a basement DJ for the rest of your life. There are a lot of big name DJs who may not be that talented, but they network, they know the right people, they work on their branding. If you have everything together, the brand and the talent, it’s great. I mean, it helps what I want to accomplish, I feel like I can change people’s direction in life by just giving them a good time at a club or listening in traffic. I just want to pass on positive vibes to people.
AllHipHop.com: Where do you think the art of DJ’ing is headed?
DJ Baby Yu: I don’t really know where the art is going. I hope turntables don’t disappear. I hope they won’t; there are too many DJs out there who love the turntable and can use it with the technology. But, I can’t really tell, with all the programs there are that mix for you… it seems like every company is trying to make DJ’ing a simpler art. For all the DJs who are good today, it can help them be great, I guess.
DJ Baby Yu “The Remix Kid” is on the air every weekday in Atlanta on V-103 and can be heard via Podcast at babyyu.urbanradioondemand.com. Check his website, www.babyyu.com, and follow him on Twitter (@djbabyyu).
If you’re lucky enough to be in Europe in the next two weeks, catch DJ Baby Yu on the Euro-leg of the “Hustler’s Ambition’ Tour with @YoungJeezy.
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After dropping one of 2011’s most praised Hip-Hop releases, one would assume that Reks would lay low and ride the wave of acclaim he had received from his peers and mentors like DJ Premier who placed the MC’s Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme on his “Best LP’s of the Year” list. But alas, that is not the case.
Shortly after the release of R.E.K.S., the Lawrence, Massachusetts native wasted no time getting right back into the studio. Only this time, it was to craft an entire LP featuring production from longtime friend and collaborator, Statik Selektah. Fast forward to today (April 24) and the two Bay State brethren have given us Reks’ fifth studio album, Straight No Chaser.
A few days before Straight No Chaser dropped, Reks opened up to AllHipHop.com about the respect and admiration he has for Showoff Records founder Statik Selektah, as well as how their relationship has evolved since their first collaboration in 2001. He also broke down his new album, from its subject matter and features, to what the recording process was actually like. Find out what he had to say below:
AllHipHop.com: Tell me about the appeal of working with someone like Statik Selektah again. You’ve been rocking with him since your first album, Along Came the Chosen, in 2001. How has that relationship evolved?
Reks: You know, me and Statik actually had a working relationship prior to the album even coming out. We had never recorded any records together, but he was DJ’ing for me for a little while, and we were making our rounds throughout the underground Boston Hip-Hop crowd. And, we were both brand new to the show thing and putting together material. What I’ve always respected about Statik, from the day I met him and seeing him now, is he’s a go-getter. He doesn’t expect much from the next person in order to get where he’s trying to get to.
To accomplish what he wants to accomplish, he works 26 hours a day. The kid just doesn’t sleep, and he’s worked his *ss off to get to where he’s at, and that’s why he’s benefitting from it. In terms of the music itself, it’s undeniable, I feel, what Statik brings to the table in a classic sound and some boom-bap and respecting the architects that come before us in a big way. We just have a linked mindstate in terms of the type of quality music we put out.
AllHipHop.com: Take me into the creative process of Reks and Statik while you two were recording Straight No Chaser.
Reks: The process was to not compete with any projects we had put out in the past. When we go in there, it’s a lighthearted affair. Me and Statik work. It takes nothing to get out there and bang out record after record. It was no different with Straight No Chaser as far as the formula, which included Hennessey and some beers. We get some food and just chop it up and laugh, just do what we do on a normal day basis, only this time we’re trying to make classic material.
AllHipHop.com: What about your state of mind during recording? Was there a specific story you were trying to tell on the album?
Reks: This album is no bullsh*t. I’m dealing with everyday issues like I do on all of my projects; I just find the topics that I feel are pressing at the moment, and I touch upon them. I’ve been traveling a lot, so with a record like this I’m talking about a change in my lifestyle – from being an artist trying to be able to get out of the country, to regularly frequenting areas out in Europe and Asia.
I wanted to talk about the culture shock not only leaving the country, but coming from a small city like Lawrence, Massachusetts and going across the time zones; it’s like a whole new world. And giving the understanding to young kids that this is not out of reach, if this is what you want for your life. It’s just going to take dedication and persistence to make that reality.
AllHipHop.com: How about what’s going on in the communities?
Reks: Of course, you will always hear me talk about what is going on in communities around us, where kids are less fortunate than others, because I’ve got two boys. I’ve got an eight-year-old and a two-year-old, and they’re everything to me. And when I talk about my music, a lot of it has to do with issues that I will address with them when the time is necessary, and explain to them that the picture that is painted for you is not always the picture that’s real. So I’m going to give it to my kids straight no chaser, like the actual visual that’s out there.
That’s what my music is all about, never sugarcoating sh*t or bullsh*tting, This is how I feel the world works. That’s what this album really is. It’s always an internal struggle, though, because I do like to put the camera up on myself and speak about my personal struggles and triumphs within this world. Because we all make mistakes and wish we could do certain things better, but I’m fortunate enough to know that I’m doing what I lov, and I wanted to preach to do what you love and don’t adhere to what the norm is on Straight No Chaser.
AllHipHop.com: The album is varied in topic and focused on issues that plague our society. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s refreshing, and it’s Reks, man.
Reks: It’s real, that’s definitely what this album represents.
AllHipHop.com: In regards to working entirely with Statik, how important was it for you to create an album with one coherent sound, as opposed to accepting beats from different producers?
Reks: At this point ,I had the opportunity to be blessed with some of the greatest producers of all time, and when I look at Statik and see what he’s headed for, the opportunity to do it now is just necessary. It’s always been necessary for us to do a full-length project. But right at this time, right now while Statik is coming into his own as an producer and gaining the notoriety that he rightfully deserves, I felt that it was a no-brainer to do it.
No one on this Earth knows me better as an artist than Statik, in terms of what sounds make the most sense and where to put certain drops and do whatever is necessary to accentuate the positives of who Reks is. It was long overdue. With the way we are with putting so many projects out at the nucleus, we just had to find the right moment where he wasn’t too busy and I wasn’t too busy
AllHipHop.com: What can you tell me about some of the features?
Reks: I did some features that I really felt necessary based upon the team. I had an opportunity to get Termanology, who is a brother that I always love rocking on a record with, as well as the rest of the Showoff camp like Kali and JFK. Then the newcomer to the team is Ea$y Money, who is I was really excited about to put on the project because he’s an incredible writer and storyteller. We’ve got a record called “Power Lines” that’s real dope. I got a record with Action Bronson where we just did some raw, uncut, pure back-and-forth sh*t, which is dope because Action’s buzz is so crazy right now, and I’m so proud to be here to witness it and to know that we were to get together right now and put something out that I know the people will totally enjoy.
AllHipHop.com: That’s a solid lineup. Let’s get back to Statik who first produced a couple tracks on your debut, then executive-produced an album of yours, and now is responsible for all of the production on Straight No Chaser. What’s next for you two after having an entire album together?
Reks: It’s about expanding the Showoff brand outside of what Statik is doing and what Termanology is doing; trying to get Kali and JFK heavily involved in putting projects out as well. Of course, there’s some surprises, but on top of that we have our own separate little projects following this album. Later in the year, I’ll have another album coming out with a producer by the name of Monix called REBELutionary. It’s a conceptual project focused on dealing with society’s ills and a social commentary that I feel is missing from music.
AllHipHop.com: The fans want to know, man, when are we getting that Reks, Termanology, and Statik project?
Reks: [Laughter] The thing is, I don’t know if it’s going to entirely be produced by Statik. I don’t know that yet, but you’re definitely going to be getting a full-length from me and Term. That is a definite and is something that is very necessary. I plan to just rap circles around whoever we can rap circles around, just for the love of competition. Sharing the stage with Term over the years and just seeing his growth, as an artist is a great feeling for me ‘cause it’s coming from exactly where I came from, and it’s dope to see his progression. Taking no prisoners, and he’s winning because of it, and I feel like us together would be a powerful combination.
AllHipHop.com: As we wrap up, I just want to bring up something I saw a fan write on Twitter before that you re-tweeted and said: “Reks is a modern-day AZ. As much talent as any other MC but both are extremely underrated.” How does a statement like that resonate with you?
Reks: It meant something to me because it was someone’s honest opinion, and honestly, when I look back, I felt the same way being a fan first. I felt that AZ was one of the most underrated artists ever, and I still do to this day. To have your name put in categories of such greats is a tough one to swallow, because it’s something hard to live up to. I can’t put my catalog up to certain artists’ catalogs and compare, ‘cause there’s a million reasons why they just don’t add up. But to be given that respect by someone who appreciates the material I put out makes me feel good because I do feel that I am an underrated artist.
I do feel that I am an underdog in this. I do feel like if you give me 10 years ago, it might be a different scenario, but that’s not what’s important. What’s important is that I continue to put out the music that I’m putting out and not to lose my integrity because I want to sell records, or that I want to gain the type of following that some artists are having out there. I would love to sell a million records and have those following, but I won’t adhere to the norms in this industry just to get there. That tweet made me feel good, and it’s a great feeling to have people that actually acknowledge you.
AllHipHop.com: Thanks for your time, Reks, and congratulations on the album.
Reks: Thank you. I appreciate the support that I receive from you guys.
Straight No Chaser is available now on iTunes!
Follow Reks On Twitter (@TheRealReks).
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