Wrekonize (Mayday!) Q & A

Every since Tech N9ne signed the group Mayday to Strange Music, I've been constantly searching out any and all music by the group and especially by Wrekonize. Little did I know that I had actually been introduced to his music long before. I was already familiar with the track Bizness as Usual by Wrek ft Ras Kass. I really enjoy this track and totally forgot about it. 

Being that I'm a huge fan of Tech N9ne, I really value his opinion on artists. If he was willing to sign Mayday to his label, it must say a whole lot in his confidence in their ability. Boy, was he right. The group as a whole are amazing, but Wrekonize really sets the bar high with his skills on the mic. 

I would absolutely consider him to be an elite MC. Whether it's his subject matter, story telling ability, rhythmic patterns, or just overall talent he definitely ranks right up there with the best in the game. Oh yeah, he can sing pretty darn well too.

After poking at him for a bit, I was granted a very detailed response to my questions. 

This was conducted 6/2014

DPG = ME
WR = Wrekonize 

DP:  Wrekonize, as I’ve mentioned to you in the past, I first heard you on the track Bizness as Usual with Ras Kass

DP:  How did you first link up with Ras Kass?

WR: I was in Los Angeles working on my first album (which ended up getting shelved). My manager had a connect for Ras and he had just been released from prison. We hit him up to see about working together and he was down. He came to the studio and we started to build from there.

DP: When did you first realize that you were good at writing rhymes?

WR: I started very young. Both my parents were in bands and my dad has always been writing songs since I was a youngster so I had a great frame of reference. Even before I got into hip hop music I was writing verses and singing them as young as 9-10 years old.

DP: Who were some of your inspirations in rap music or any music for that matter while you were growing up?

WR: Huge Pink Floyd fan. I love the way their music is so cinematic and takes you to another planet. In hip hop I started with the likes of Biggie, Snoop, and Wu-Tang. One of my favorite emcees of all time is Pharaohe Monch. I was also heavily influenced by Aesop Rock in my earliest years of emceeing. Besides that, I love Funk music. James Brown is a deity to me.

DP: You were born in the UK and came out to Miami when you were young. Did you have a hard time back then or did you just kind of blend in with everybody down there?

WR: I came at such a young age that I don’t think it was much of an issue. I did have an accent but I ended up losing it in my early school years.

DP: So I know that you were part of the MTV battle raps back in 03. You won and were supposed to get a contract with Jay-Z’s label. I’m not sure if this is a sore subject or beating a dead horse, but can you share anything on how that whole situation went down?

WR: It was supposed to be a single deal. The major misconception is that I was supposed to be offered a record deal. It was just for a single which they never pursued or contacted me about. They had a lot of artists signed at the time that they never released . My management at the time figured it was best for us to just keep it moving and not chase someone for something that didn’t have a passion in producing with me. So I went back to Miami and signed a deal with an Indie label to produce my first album.

DP: I think I remember you mentioning on one of your songs that your album was shelved. Did you record a whole album for the label? 

WR: Yes. It was called “The Runaround.”

DP: Do you think things worked out how they did for a reason?

WR: Definitely! I wasn't anywhere close to the songwriter that I am today or when i first joined ¡MAYDAY!. I think I needed time to mature ad sharpen my swords. I also ended up in a group that brings out the best in me and a label that fosters our creative license without compromise.

DP: I’ve been a Tech N9ne fan since the Gang Related Soundtrack back in 1997 and have followed him and Strange Music ever since their conception. Once I saw that he signed Mayday to the label, I wanted to hear some of your music. I thought you guys must be dope if Tech is willing to sign you.

DP:  Did you guys feel pressure signing with the number one independent artist and label?

WR: Maybe a tad just seeing as that there was a concern his fan base not digging us because on paper we were a very different artist. Even though our roots are infused in hip hop, you know how appearances can be. A bunch of bearded instrument playing dudes roll into a hip hop show and before you play the crowd is already skeptical. Luckily, once we started playing, most of the doubts evaporated.

DP: How long have you been a fan of Tech N9ne?

WR: The first time I heard Tech was on The Anthem record by Sway and Tech. I loved his style and it stood out so much to me. Being in the East, we didn’t hear a lot of Tech after that. Little things here and there, but he wasn't really making waves in our region so it wasn't until years later I got back in tune with his work.

DP: You made a few appearances on the Welcome to Strangeland album. They were actually very good ones. For sure my favorite song was The Noose. That song is amazing and means a lot to mean since I was in the Marine Corps myself. Very rarely does a song touch me in that way. It made me really think about all service members that have actually been killed or have taken their own lives.

DP: How did you come up with the concept for that song?

WR: I was sitting in the studio by myself one day and don’t know exactly where the sentiment came from, but I’ve been fascinated with suicide for some years now. It’s a perplexing act to me. I wanted to write the song from the perspective of someone who was planning on taking their life to prevent someone else from taking theirs. When we showed the record to Tech he immediately gravitated towards it and penned in the Soldier theme. We performed that all year with Tech on his tour. Great vibes and I’m super proud to have been part of that song and how many people were touched by it. It even got Tech invited to perform overseas for the troops.

DP: I remember Tech saying that you played that for him and he wanted to get on it. Were you guys originally planning on releasing it at a later time?

WR: More often than not, we make an abundance of music. Even when we don’t have a deadline or project in the works., we’re in the studio. That helps us have options to choose from when projects arise.  We may have used that record for a Mayday project, but the stars aligned for something different and more than likely way better for all of us.

DP: Tech also said that your beats brought something different out of him. Then you guys produced his Klusterfuk  EP. What did it mean to you guys for Tech to have so much confidence in your abilities?

WR: AMAZING! When someone with his skill level, tenure, and scope puts confidence in you and takes pride in you as one of their artists, it’s an amazing feeling. Definitely some of my proudest moments to date.

DP: Your debut album on Strange Music was Take Me to Your Leader. I have to say that I was really impressed with the quality of the music. From the beats to the lyrics, you guys produced some dope stuff. Are you happy with how the album turned out?

WR: Definitely. It’s still one of my favorite projects to date.

DP: I’m not sure how many copies of the album have sold, but did you guys have a goal that you were trying to reach?

WR: We just passed 20k on that. It’s our highest selling album to date. We didn’t have a certain goal seeing as it was our first release on Strange. After that album now we have benchmarks to try and outdo.

DP: I think it’s a rarity nowadays for an album to have more than a handful of good tracks. In my opinion, the album was great from start to finish.

WR: Thank you! Highest compliment to be paid to an album. Rare thing these days.

DP: I think the order of tracks on an album are very important to keeping the listener interested. The song Badlands with Tech hits you hard right from the beginning. Did you guys put any thought into the order of the tracks?

WR: Most definitely. We have meetings and vote. We listen to a million different sequences. We look at bpm, key of the song, subject matter, and verse formats. It’s highly analyzed and finalized by vote.

DP: Do you have a favorite song from the album?

WR: Probably Death March or June. But the minute I name one another 3 pop into my head. It’s a big album. Hard to narrow it down.

DP: What’s the process of deciding if both you and Bernz will be on a song? How about the order of your verses?

WR: It’s mostly about vibe.  Sometimes  Bern or myself will write a whole song out and bring it in and the other doesn’t want to force another verse on. Sometimes things are just done. Bern has always championed not being so robotic about format. He likes to keep people guessing and I dig that.

DP: You and Bernz seem to have a real chemistry in the studio. When did you first meet him and the other band members?

WR: I was a fan of Bernz first in the Miami scene. He was in a group called Evolver. When we first met we didn’t get along. He is your classic big brother and I think we definitely had some competitive tension when I started coming around. Plex I was also a fan of and met through the scene just going to shows and shaking hands. Gianni I’ve known for almost the longest. We used to go to the same studio back in the day. He also used to compete in beat battles which I tried my hand at for a small period of time. I’d probably say I’ve known Nonms the longest. Him and I used to attend the same hip hop jams years ago. I was doing emcee battles and he was doing b-boy comps.

DP: As dope of an MC as you are, you also can do some very good singing. Is that something that came later in your career or is it something that you’ve always tried to dabble in?

WR: I used to sing a lot as a kid and then as I started to get into hip hop I abandoned it. Damn hip hop! Back in the 90’s singing in hip hop wasn’t as accepted as it is today. Then as I started to get comfortable with recording I would dabble with it. But it was Plex and Bernz who really pushed me into it hard when I joined ¡MAYDAY! . They are the ones who pushed me into singing live at shows.

DP: I feel that your music and that of Mayday continues to only get better. Do you feel the pressure of constantly having to raise the bar with you music?

WR: I try not to think about it too much. We just go in and have fun with it. As long as I enjoy it, then everything else is icing. Of course, I want to please our fans, but thinking about that during the process can be damaging to the end result.

DP: Skipping around here, the Believers album was even better in my opinion. I didn’t think it was possible. Shortcuts and Deadends is such a great song. Who came up with that concept?

WR: One of our favorites as well. We were working  with a producer by the name of Infamous. He was an award winning DJ from Miami years ago and has transformed over the years into a successful producer. He’s worked with Lil Wayne and Gym Class Heroes to name a couple.  Gianni had actually named the beat “Shortcuts & Dead Ends” and we liked that so much we kept the title. Infamous was the one who drove us into telling personal stories and the format of the verses.

DP: I hate to be repetitive, but that album is so amazing from start to finish. Does it feel great when you get to listen to the final product?

WR: Oh yeah. It’s like holding your newborn child. Everything involved in the process of producing, writing, and recording  all transferred into pure energy.

DP: You’ve also had the opportunity to release you solo album The War Within. How did you come up with the title for your album?

WR: I saw a movie called Insidious and it had a huge effect on me. I used the plot of astral projection and subconscious to title and theme the album.

DP:  How did you decide what artists to feature on your album?

WR: The idea for Pos from De La Soul hit me as soon as I heard the beat. A lot of them happen like that. Either that or one of our managers DJ EFN kicks me ideas. He’s been a well known mixtape DJ and is extremely talented in that department.

DP: You had the legendary Bun B of UGK on there as well. How did that collabo come about?

WR: We heard that track in Atlanta when I was working with Will Power and EFN immediately said “Bun B”. We all agreed on spot.

DP: There are lots of great songs on there, but a few of my favorites are Anxiety Attacks, Modern Man, and Rise with Liz Suwandi! The quality of your lyrics and storytelling ability are extremely good. This leads me to my next question.

DP: Do you strive to make personal music so that your fans can connect with you?

WR: I think it’s just what feels the most enjoyable to me and the bonus is that fans connect with that style of songwriting. People know when something is fake and the best way to avoid that pitfall is to be as real as possible in the music. Genuine personality goes a long way in a world of smoke and mirrors.

DP: It’s the same with Tech and a few other artists that I listen to. I really connect with the music because I feel like I already know you through your lyrics and can relate to what you’re saying. 

DP: You completed your mixtape trilogy with the Rooftops mixtape. I really enjoyed the song Leo Getz with Rittz? What’s the sample that is used in that song?

WR: I’m actually not sure. That was a joint I got off a beat tape. I recognized the sample because it was also used on a Cannibal Ox album.

DP: The song Green Funyons really shows your versatility with music. I never would have imagined someone rapping over that beat. What made you try that beat?

WR: I love Booker T & The MG’s. It came on shuffle one day in my car and I started to freestyle over it. Just felt so great for a unique cadence. Plus the instrumentation felt like it lent itself to a story.

DP: You just released an old group project IlliteRats from 2001. I’m still a bit disappointed I wasn't quick enough to swoop up a hard copy myself. What was your motivation behind sharing this unreleased music?

WR: I’ve always felt that people will appreciate your story and music more if they are able to see the progression. I have been perfecting my craft for a decade plus now. I feel people hearing my older stuff only solidifies the fact that I’m here and I’m not going anywhere

DP: Are there any producers/ artists past or present that you’d like to work with?

WR: El-P. Hoping that happens next year. I would have loved to work with Amy Winehouse.

DP: Is there anything else you’d like to say or promote?

WR: The MURSDAY album just dropped and as I type this it’s the number one hip hop album on itunes. Please support this great album! Hope you enjoy it.

DP: Well, I’d like to say thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me. It’s an honor to speak with someone as talented as you. I think you’re very talented on the mic. Not only are your lyrics dope, but you have great rhythmic patterns in your songs and you have a personality on the mic!

DP: I’ll keep purchasing and supporting your dope music!

WR: Thanks homie! Once again apologies on the delay. Thanks for your patience. 

Follow Wrekonize on Twitter: @Wrekonize

Follow Wrekonize on Facebook: Facebook.com/WrekonizeMusic

Check Wrekonize on Instagram: Instagram: Wrekonzie

Check out his website: WrekonizeTheMusic.com

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
Check out my other blog posts and subscribe if you'd like.

More Q & A sessions to come!
Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine

Prodeje (South Central Cartel) Q & A

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K-Rino Q & A Session

In my opinion, K-Rino is one of the most, if not the most, talented artist to ever grace a mic. Need some proof? Listen to any of these tracks: Valley of Decision Imagination Grand Deception The Sorceror's Den

The first time I would hear a verse from K, was on Willie D's Goin Out Like a Soldier album from 1992. The next few times I came across his verses were on Ganksta Nip's F**K You and on Klondike Kat's The Lyrical Lion EP from 1994 on the SPC posse track Murder Script.

He is the founding member of the South Park Coalition (SPC). K-Rino has been making music long before many of the current generation of hip hop music fans were even born. I cannot stress enough how talented K-Rino is when it comes to writing rhymes. His masterful word play, sense of humor, and most impressively, his level of vocabulary is quite frankly second to none!

When I reached out to him, not only was he humble enough to accept my request, he sent back a very detailed response in one day. Needless to say, I was very excited to hear what he had to say.

This was conducted 12/2013

DPG = Me
K-R = K-Rino

Enjoy!

DP: K-Rino, I first heard you on Willie-D’s album Goin Out like a Soldier from back in 1992. How did you end up on his album?

K-R: Well of course Willie D is from Houston and he's a pioneer in our city. When my SPC homies Ganksta Nip and Dope-E signed with Rap-a-Lot records back in the early 90's they did a few collabs with Willie D. Dope-E was producing some songs for him and he needed someone to do some reggae. I used to do alot of reggae back then so they asked if I wanted to jump on the track and I was like cool. I had never worked with will before so I was happy to be on the track.

DP: I believe the next time I heard you again was on Ganksta Nip’s album Psychic Thoughts. You were on the song F—K You. Point Blank said that it was about another PA group claiming to be the Original Point Blank. Did NIP ask you specifically to be a part of the song or was it Point Blank?

K-R: Well back then we had alot of beefs with different rappers (lol). And we usually all would gang up on whoever one of us had beef with (lol). Blank wanted to get at them and since Nip was already doing his album we just dissed them on Nip's album. I produced the beat and we all sat down and wrote our verses.

DP: You were also on the Posse cut Murda Script from Klondike Kat’s album the Lyrical Lion. That was a dope track with the whole SPC. Do you remember how that track came about?

K-R: Murder script was just a song in a long line of posse songs that the SPC would do. We all made sure to have a song like that on all our cds. Blank had Slipped Into a Coma, I had War in South Park, and Kat had Murder Script. I actually wasn't on the song originally but I happened to be at the studio and dropped like 4 bars while I was there.

DP: Can you tell me how the whole SPC was formed?

K-R: I formed the SPc back in 1987 just to bring all the rappers from my neighborhood together. We had so many dope MCs, but we were disunified.

DP: When did you first discover that you were good at writing rhymes? At what point did you decide that being an artist was going to be the way you made a living?

K-R: Well the first time I spit in front of a crowd of people I knew I was pretty good (lol). I was like 14. The crowd went off after I was done and that motivated me to wanna keep writing and get better. I was hearing cats on the radio that I knew I was better than, so that made me think I could do it as a career.

DP: You’re a very humble guy! Do you still stay around the same neighborhood where you grew up?

K-R: Yeah I'm still in my hood everyday. And even if I wasn't, I would still treat people with respect. Especially those who support my music..

DP: Personally, I stopped listening to the radio years ago because it’s all the same stuff over and over again. Do you ever just flip the radio on and say what the heck is this?

K-R: Every now and then I stumble across the radio. If I'm riding with someone and they're listening to it then I'm trapped (lol). But the formula never changes. Just the artists.

DP: I think that the sign of great song is when you have to stop and really think about what you just heard. Time after time, I find myself having to put your songs on repeat to try and catch every clever thing that you come up with.

K-R: Absolutely. As an artist you have to do things to separate yourself from the other million rappers in the game. It's a competition. You have to out-think and out-wit your contemporaries. I want to stand out from the pack. 

DP: Is this something that you strive for when you are creating a song?

K-R: I definitely strive to be different and think outside the realm of normality.

You’ve been in the rap game for so long. How do you stay motivated to keep making such great quality music?

K-R: The challenge of out-doing myself is the thing that keeps me going. And the people who listen to my music expect a certain level of quality from me so I cant let them down.

DP: I am aware the AC Chill passed away a while ago. Can you share how he passed? Did his death really affect you?

K-R: A.C. had an brain aneurysm. Yeah, it was crazy to all of us because we all are like brothers. So it was something that still affects us today.

DP: You have as an impressive catalog as anyone that I know. With lyrics that are very detailed and complex, are you able to remember songs from the past or do you have to go back and listen to them first?

K-R: (LOL) Nah, I have the worst memory ever. I have a hard time remembering my lyrics. And I definitely don't remember old stuff that I hardly listen to. I have songs that I haven't heard in years.

DP: Though you had a few albums before I started to purchase your music, the album Time Traveler is the first one that I added to my collection. On that album I was really impressed with the song Valley of Decision.

DP: At the time, I was blown away by the concept of the song. Do you remember how you came up with that song?

K-R: Yeah, that idea came from watching cartoons. Tom and Jerry and Bugs Bunny. They would always have the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other when they were contemplating doing something wrong. We all go through that conflict daily. That's the Valley of Decision.

DP: Two more of my favorite songs from that album are Open Thought Surgery and If Words Could Kill. Do you have a favorite from that album?

K-R: Probably 4 Minute Warning is my favorite. Not sure though. I would have to go back and listen to it.I haven't heard that album in a while.

DP: Next up for me was Book Number 7. I remember that the intro always gives me a chuckle with those guys “discovering” your book of rhymes!

DP: To this day, I think the beat from No Let Up is so hard. It’s a track where you just rip the beat. I take it that those are you original books of rhymes on the cover?

K-R: Yep, those are my real rap folders from the beginning to the present at that time. I got like 4 more since that album.

DP: I hate to jump around, but you have so many great songs. The next one I want to touch on is the Sorcerer’s Den from Annihilation of the Evil Machine. Wow!

DP: Anytime I introduce your music to someone, I start with that song. What a great concept. How did you come up with that concept?

K-R: Well my homie DJ Kru sent me that beat and I was in bed one morning and the flow pattern just came to me. I didn't know what the song would be about, but I knew that I was gonna rap it in that flow pattern. Once I determined that it sounded like a story track to me, the concept came to me and i wrote it on the spot in like 30-40 minutes.

DP: As great as that song is, you actually came back with two more parts. The first being Return of the Sorcerer on The Day of the Storm and finally Planet Exile from Deeper Elevation. Did you find it difficult to continue the trilogy?

K-R: Well the only part that was hard to do was the final part Planet Exile. I put myself in the grease on Identity Theft when i said i would continue the story on the next album (lol). So I knew I had to write something crazy to try to live up to the expectation and anticipation. People were asking me everyday how the story was gonna end and I didn't know myself (lol). But it worked out, I guess.

DP: It’s almost like you’re writing a movie, but in rhyme form. Is that the way you approached this series of songs?

K-R: Not intentionally. I had no idea that the sorcerer thing would be a series at first. It just became that over time. I'd love to see it made into a movie form or even video (preferably animated).

DP: This leads me to my next set of questions. You’re a very intelligent person and it comes across in your lyrics. Your vocabulary is second to none. Do you do a lot of reading? Did you attend any college at all?

K-R: Nah, no college. Only high school. I read and study different bodies of knowledge, but I'm not an avid reader. I just have an understanding of the language and I'm blessed to know how to put words and thoughts together pretty well.

DP: How do you usually come up with the concepts to your music? Once you’ve settled on a concept, how long would you say that it takes for you to actually write the song?

K-R: .The concept is the hardest thing to come up with. Once I know what I wanna talk about, the words come easy.

DP: Do you base your concept of a song off the beat first? Where do you usually write your music? Do you ever consider the order of your tracks on an album to create fluidity throughout the album?

K-R: It can go either way. Sometimes the beat tells you the concept and sometimes the concept comes first and I go find a beat to fit what I already wrote. As for the order of the songs, yeah I take alot of time making sure the order of the tracklist feels right and is diverse.

DP" I think you’ve produced some songs as well as a majority by Dope E. How do you choose the producers for your albums?

K-R: Back in the days I did alot of producing, but now I get people sending me tracks from all over the world. If it fits my style I use it.

DP: Have you ever tried to reach out to a bigger named producer? If so, did they want to charge you some ridiculous amount of money?

K-R: No, I don't ever reach out to any artists or producers that I don't personally know already.

DP: This leads into to the next thing I want to talk about. You've always collaborated with the SPC family and the SUC family.

DP: Is there a reason that you haven’t really collaborated with more industry artists or people outside of the South? Has anybody ever reached out to you for collaboration and you wouldn't do it for any reason?

K-R: I've had a few "big name" artists hit me up over the years, but alot of them are so fake that they either just wanna run their mouth or steal my ideas and styles so THEY can use then. The only 2 big name artists to really give me a good look were Scarface and Canibus. That's why I got love for both of those cats forever. And oh yeah, DJ Premier keeps me in rotation on his radio show. He's another one of the real cats out there.

DP: On that note, have you ever reached out to an artist for a verse and they wanted to charge you way too much?

K-R: Like I said, I don't reach out to anybody for features unless I know them.

DP: Is there an artist or producer past or present that you would like to have worked with?

K-R: Yeah, there's a few. Not many rappers though. It would be some singers like Prince, Stevie Wonder, Lalah Hathaway, and Toni Scruggs. And mostly old school rappers. But if anyone reaches out to me I don't have a problem working with them.

DP: I was really happy to see you on a Scarface album. You were on the song Who are They with Slim Thug. How did that collaboration come about?

K-R: Well me and Face go back to the 80s. We always been cool so when he called me, I stopped what I was doing and went to the lab that night.

DP: How much longer do you think you want to continue making music?

K-R: I'm not gonna ever stop. Music is eternal. There's no expiration date on it.

DP: When you do hang up the mic, what do you want people to remember most about you as an artist and about your music?

K-R: I don't plan on hanging it up. So people can listen to me past, present, and future.

DP: Is there anything else you’d like to say or promote before we end this?

K-R: I just wanna thank ALLAH(GOD) for the blessing he has given me and give him the credit for all that people see in me.  

DP: It has truly been an honor to speak with you. Your music is timeless and the epitome of creativity! As I told you in past, I hope to one day meet you in person!

K-R: Thanks for the love homie. Peace!

DP: Thank You!

Follow K-Rino on Twitter @therealkrino

You can grab all of K-Rino's music on Itunes or at the SPC website. 

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
Check out my other blog posts and subscribe if you'd like.

More Q & A sessions to come!
Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine

Kredulous Q & A Session

Kredulous is an artists out of Kansas City, Missouri. I first heard him on a track he recorded with Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko titled Wild. That song was featured on his 2007 release Tears of an Angel. Once you hear Kredulous on a track, you'll soon discover that his voice is very distinct.

I was able to connect with Kredulous and ask him a few questions about his music over the years as well as his future plans in the coming year. He was very detailed and shared a lot of his personal feelings and experiences.

This was conducted in 12/2013

DPG = ME
KR = Kredulous

Enjoy!

DP: I want to start off by saying when I first heard your music, I thought you sounded a lot like DMX. Is that someone that people compare you to?

KR: Yeah, People said that. Now you hear it all over the place.  Every Rapper out there seems to have the raspy flow.  It's funny, taking a step away from music people forget what you have done.  When I first started they would say "Your voice is unique" Now I hear young kids tell me I'm biting style, I have been doing this for 12 years and released eight studio albums.  If there is one thing I have learned is that I HATE COMPARISONS.  Each record I have done is written uniquely and arranged personally.  That's what I want to stand out in my music. 

DP: When did you first start rapping?

KR: I first started rapping in 1999.  I was in High School and a very quiet kid.  I would write a lot. stories, raps, dialogues, ect...It was my way of having my voice heard with out the confidence to speak up.  I would go home and plug my Radio Shack microphone into my 4 Track Recorder and rap over Dr. Dre's Chronic II Beats-Remember when he released just the instrumentals to buy? Yeah, I bought it.  I would listen to that CD all the time. 

DP: When did you realize that making music was something that you wanted to pursue as a career?

KR: Music definitely helped my confidence grow.  I started rapping at parties and  I was good at it. It wasn't your typical party music, it would be some real sinister shit, like "Somebody tell me why my misery is after me, and why my ears are itching to the devils laughter" but people felt it.  So I went out and made money, bought studio time and Recorded my first album "FURIOUS." I was hooked!

DP: I believe you mentioned that your father passed when you were around 18? How did that affect you?

KR: My father passed away when I was 16.  He suffered through brain tumors and dementia.  It started when I was 12, he kinda lost his mind and turned into a 6 year old.  With my mom having to work to keep our house, it was my responsibility to look after him when I wasn't in school.  It's hard seeing your heroes go down in an instant.  He was mine.  I didn't know how to handle that responsibility.  I started cutting class, hanging with crowds a lot older than me, I got into a lot of trouble.  Like I said, I was 16 when he died.  I didn't know what to do.  My new role models were a lot older than me and didn't always have the best intentions. I guess that's why I didn't have a lot of confidence in school.  I didn't feel like i fit in any more.  It kinda kicked this music thing into the next gear.  I take a lot of that with me in my writing. 

DP: I think tragedy brings out deep feelings and helps artists such as yourself create better music. Do you believe that drove you to create better music?

KR: Absolutely I do.  I think all music is derived from what we go through.  I wish there was more storytelling in rap these days.  I can't stand rap music in this decade. 

DP: Growing up in the Midwest, who were artists that you looked up to?

KR: My music roots are very twisted but grow.  Quite the sight to see.  You don't find much Hip Hop in my car. My parents were big blues fans and fans of Rock n Roll.  So I listened and still do to a lot of Bobby Blue Bland, Jim Croce, Lindsey Buckingham, Sam Cooke, The Drifters. A lot of music is inspired by these artists.  I got into Rap music when I heard Dr. Dre The Chronic in 1992.  It wasn't like any rap music out at that time.  From there we go to Digital Underground and 2 Pac.  I remember the first time I heard 2Pac on "Same Song" and stopped.  What a storyteller.  It doesn't matter if its a club song, or a ballad, he was going to send a message.  That's what turned me on to rap music.   

DP: What is your favorite rap album of all time and why?

KR: My favorite Rap Album is either The Chronic (92) or "All Eyes on Me" and I think its because of what they take me back to.  There are a lot of classic Rap albums out there....Notorious B.I.G's Ready to Die and Life After Death, Tech N9ne's Anghellic and Absolute Power, Illmatic, WU Tang's 36 Chamber...ect...

DP: I am a big Tech N9ne fan ever since I heard him on the Gang Related soundtrack with the song Questions back in 1997. It's because of him that I've been able to find out about a whole lot of talented KC artists including yourself.

DP: On your album Tears of an Angel, you had both Krizz Kaliko and Tech N9ne on the song Wild. Did you actually get them in the studio or did they just send you their stuff?

KR: Yeah, we recorded it together.  I have known Tech for a while.  I've always been a fan of his because he was always doing something different.  Even back in the 90's.  When he did "The Calm Before The Storm" this city went nuts. Well, the ones that liked his different approach to music went nuts.  That was an album on some different shit.  As you can see, it takes society a while to come around to whats different. 

KR: We have recorded at the same studio for years.  He would be recording his stuff right down the hall some nights.  When I started "Tears of Angel" I first approached Krizz Kaliko to do a hook for "Wild."  He did it, and it turned out beautiful. It was one of the first features we got for the album.  Tech was there at the time and was laughing and saying "I have to be on this!!!!"  I didn't want to overstep as an artist.  As we got to the end of the album, I still had an open verse on it, so I called Travis, and Him and Tech came to the studio the night before they left for the KILLER tour.  Tech wrote it right there and dropped it.  It was something to see.  We will be dropping a lot of that footage soon.

DP: What was it like working with them?

KR: Krizz Kaliko is a true talent.  He is probably my favorite artist in hop hop right now.  He is so versatile in what he does.  When we gave him the idea for "WILD" I was telling him it over the phone, he started singing it, and performing it right then on the phone.  When we got to the studio, he had three different versions done for it.  He went out in the hall, and worked up what you hear now on "WILD."   

KR: Tech is an anomaly.  A True Professional.  When he came in to do his verse, we sat down for a bit, he listened, grabbed a pen and pad and told me "I will be right back!" He would check in every ten minutes or so and say "Kred, come out here, listen to what I got!" He did an amazing job on it, and I am very blessed to say that I have worked with two of the very best in music right now.  

DP: The Tears of an Angel album came out in 2007. Did you take a break from making music after that album? What were you up to?

KR: I did.  That was my biggest album so far.  It took off like a jet.  We were seeing things we had never seen, going places we had never been and I wasn't ready for it.  Music is a tough business.  You pour your heart and soul into it hoping one day to break through, and when you do, you damn sure better be ready no matter what.  The problem is, we never know when that's going to happen. 

KR: When Tears of Angel was wrapping up and about to release I was ending a big relationship in my life, I had been absent from home for quite some time, and was using a lot of things to help cope with the pain.  In return, when that album took off, I wasn't ready.  I feel I let a lot of people who put a lot of hard work in on that album down.  It was definitely a blessing though.  I was able to buy a house, afford a college education, and get my life back together.  I have been promising D.R.E.A.M.S. and World With Out Pity for some time and the time is finally here.  Along with those two EP's I will be releasing an LP entitled "Under Still Waters." They are ready to go!

DP: Which is your favorite album to date and why?

KR: My favorite album to date is "Baptized By Fire." I did that album in 2003 and put a lot of stuff that I had been bottling up for years on it.  It was a huge weight to be lifted, and even when I listen to it now, I feel that weight lift again.  That's what is so powerful about music!

DP: Do you have a favorite collaboration?

KR: Tech N9ne was my biggest collab at the time.  I love what he did and I respect his music so much.  Personally, my favorite collaboration I ever did was with my man Dubbz.  He is an artist out of the Northwest and has a very quick flow.  We recorded a song called "Never Smile" in 2003.  I think it means the most to me because we both let out a lot of  pain that we were going through at the time. Shared therapy!

DP: Is there any artist past or present that you'd like to work with? How about a producer?

KR: I don't know. I really respect Hopsin and SwizZz.  I was blessed to have them collaborate with me on a track called R.A.P. which will be featured on D.R.E.A.M.S. which will be dropping soon.  Like I said, I'm really not impressed in the direction hip hop has been going lately.  I do like Stevie Stone, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9 and Kutt Calhoun.  We will see what's in store.

KR: Production wise, my dude Lloyd Daniel (D.arc) still makes some of the most moving pieces of music for me.  He did "Tears of an Angel, Smile, Come Back Around, and Raining.  He is a talent.  He has a couple of new ones we did.  I worked with IcyRoc Kraven a few projects ago, and was lucky enough to work with him again.  That guy is incredible. 

KR: Honestly though, Music should be about the music.  I have sat down with a few producers lately, and they just want to brag about where they are rated, who they work with, how they want to change this for you, who you shouldn't use, and before you even pick out your products-they are in your pockets. Show me some music man.  If i like it, I'll buy it and lets do something with it.  If you make good music, hit me up, lets make some together and leave the bullshit outside. 

DP: You mentioned that you were working on a new album titled Under Still Waters. How is that project coming along? Any features you'd like to mention? Do you have an anticipated release date?

KR: I am very happy to say that it is officially in the works.  I did features here and there while on hiatus, but this is the first time I had been back in the studio to do me.  It feels great!!!!  During my time off, the writing never stops. 2014 is going to be a big year!  I promise that! 
As far as features go, I have a few.  Basia Bulat is an amazing folk singer, just google her, she does the Isuzo commercials you see on TV.  Mac Lethal is on this one, and a very big artist that I would like to keep quiet about right now haha.  Let me say, this album is not going to be what you expect.  It's very different, and I have a lot of different artists outside of rap on this one.  Trust me, I love it, and it will make you feel. 

DP: Is there anything else you'd like to say or promote?

KR: Listen to good music. Something with substance.  Something that makes you think.  Something that makes you question.  Something that may actually teach you things besides a dance.  There is a lot of it out there.  Sometimes I think it gets covered up by the shit that is on the radio.  Start digging, you will be surprised what you find.  

I want to say thanks for taking the time to speak with me. It was a pleasure and I look forward to all your new music coming out in 2014.

Follow Kredulous on Twitter @Kredulous 

Look for his albums in 2014 titled Under Still Waters, D.R.E.A.M.S., and World Without Pity!

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
Check out my other blog posts and subscribe if you'd like.

More Q & A sessions to come!
Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine

Tela Q & A Session

Tela is a one of my favorite rappers to come out of the South. He was on the Suave House label, which was one of the more popular labels back in the 90s. The label was also home to 8ball & MJG, Mr. Mike and Thorough BKA South Circle, and Crime Boss.

The first time I heard Tela was on the song All in My Mind from 8ball & MJG's album On Top of the World. Soon after, he would release his debut album on the label titled Piece of Mind. That album was a great debut which contained the hit song Sho Nuff featuring 8ball & MJG.

Tela would not release another album on the label, but he did turn up on another powerhouse label from the South. In 1998, he would release his debut album for the Rap-A-Lot label. This was another great album that had hits such as B.I.G.P.I.M.P.S.I.S.I. with Too Short, Why U, Still a Man, and Table Dance. One of my favorite skits of all time is Red Neck Pimp which can be found on this album. 

He would go on to put out two more great albums on Rap-A-Lot: The World Aint Enuff in 2000 and Double Dose in 2002.

With the help of Tasha Roberts @TRobertsRedOak I was able to get in touch with Tela. Below is a short Q & A with Tela. This was conducted 11/2013.

DPG = ME

TJ = Tela James

Enjoy!

DPG: Some of my favorite songs that you've recorded are Strange, Sho Nuff, Table Dance, The World Ain’t Enough, and Incredible. You’re also on one of the best tracks that I can remember. That track would be F**k Faces with Scarface, Devin, and Too Short.

TJ: Thanks man, appreciate  the luv.  One of my favorite Classics as well.  Great love and respect for Scarface.  He made Houston.  

DPG: As a fan, I've always wanted to find out if you ever put out an album titled Made in the USA? Did this project get scrapped or was it never even a reality?

TJ: This project did exist, but was never finished.  It never went to retail.

DPG: You did put out a digital album called Gator & Suits in 2010. Did you have any promotion for the album? I only found out about it last year. 

TJ: Yes it was digital only, and is available on iTunes.

DPG: Which song do you consider to be your favorite? How about a favorite collaboration?

TJ: Right now, “Been Ballin” of course, since it’s my newest release. And because it’s a glimpse of the evolutionary and revolutionary TELA.  I’m New School and Old School. I won’t and can’t be boxed in.  I can write or rap to any music.  Music is my life. I live and breathe it, it never stops for me. I need it like air.  After "Been Ballin" I’d say I've got some new drops that I want to get fan reaction to, but of course I’d have to say “Sho Nuff."

DPG: Who are some artists that you'd like to collaborate with as you move forward with your new music?

TJ: I live music, I'd collaborate with 8ball & MJG again of course, Bun B, Scarface, New Bloods, LL Cool J, T.I., Lil' Wayne, Usher, and Pharrell.  The talent pool is unlimited and when you really do this, you do this. 

DPG: In my opinion, your albums got better with each release. Do you feel that you grew as an artist with each album that you put out?

TJ: As an artist, I try to get better. You know, it's difficult keeping the balance pleasing the fans and growing and evolving as an artist.

DPG: You were able to get UGK on the Sho Nuff remix. Why did you choose them?

TJ: I made my first rap money in Houston so it had a special place as my second home.  I met Pimp C at one of Floyd’s Mayweather’s after-parties in Vegas at the Luxor.  We were cool instantly.   I wanted to do a project with him but we didn't get to it before he passed. When he got locked up we still stayed in touch. Even with what he was going through, he helped me through some times with some personal things through conversations that were needed as friend. He understood and gave words of wisdom. He spoke to me from a real place. The best times when we were just kicking it, I miss him.

TJ: I’ve had the good fortune to work with some major talents.  Cats who've made it in the game and sustained longevity.  Some here, some gone, just lucky we all had the chance to get together and make good music.  Music the fans wanted to hear and see performed, there’s nothing like it.

DPG: I think you’re a really talented artist and I always hoped that you’d put out some more music. You’ve recently been promoting yourself more on social media. Are you looking to make an impact back in the music industry?

TJ: Yes, it's not a comeback because I never stopped making music, it's a return to the game.  I took a break to handle family, life, and study the industry more in depth.  Learned a lot.  I mean everybody knows the game has evolved tremendously.  It’s instantaneous, you know. It’s really different than when I started, with the internet and all, but I know I have to keep up.  It’s also a different format, but I appreciate and embrace change.

TJ: So, I Tweet every now and then.  I’m on Twitter & Instagram the most, and YouTube.  My team makes sure we stay current on all of the social media channels.  Shout out to Red Oak Entertainment and TeamTELA.  My Managers Courtney Scott and Trent Merideth, My Marketing, PR, and Cyber Diva Tasha Roberts.

TJ: You still need a combination of both to keep your fans.  I can send my music out all over the internet, via email, etc. but seeing me perform it live, feeling where I’m coming from, my message, and my flow can’t compare.  Buy it (the music), love it, come see me take you there with me.  The story, the journey, the delivery is what makes it memorable for us both.

DPG: Do you have anything you’d like to promote or say?

TJ: Support our new single, "Been Ballin'" it's the new and evolutionary TELA, and cop Graceland when it drops. S/O to my team @RedOakEnt for making sure we give our Fans the new and old versions of what they've asked for.  We listen, and still #Salute and give the Classics, but I also know how to stay relevant and fresh.  Independents, never give up or let anybody destroy your dreams.

Follow Tela on Twitter @TelaOfficial 

Check out his website telajames for updates.

He can also be found on Facebook @TelaJames5

Look for Tela on Instagram, YouTube, Reverbnation, Soundcloud, and Google+

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
Check out my other blog posts and subscribe if you'd like.

More Q & A sessions to come!
Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine

Locksmith Q & A Session

This is the first in what I hope to to be many Q & A sessions with artists that I listen to.

I have to start off by giving a big shot out to Locksmith for being the first to speak with me. Not only was he humble enough to respond, he actually sent it back to me the same day. How cool was that?

Locksmith is someone that I first heard on some mixtape songs. I believe one was titled Love Me by Bay Area rapper Balance & Locksmith & Left BKA Frontline.

Since then, I have searched out his music and have been nothing short of impressed every time he puts something out.

Below is my Q & A session with Locksmith. This was conducted 11/2013.

DPG = Me
LS = Locksmith

Enjoy!

DPG: Who were you some your favorite rappers growing up?

LS: I always loved hiphop. I was into early stuff like KRS-1, NWA and Tupac. 

DPG: I believe the first time I heard you, was on the song Your Gonna Love Me with Left and Balance. Already back then I could tell that you were a talented artist.

DPG: When did you first discover that you had the ability to make music?

LS: It wasn't until I heard Nas' Illmatic that I actually wanted to rap. Not rap professionally, but I wanted to know how to write like he did. I was amazed by his skill. I started  trying to mimic his verses and style and eventually started finding my own voice. 

DPG: I’d like to ask you some questions about how you create your music.

DPG: How do you come up with a title for a song?

LS: Titles usually comes later in the writing process. Often after the first verse or sometimes after the song is finished. Although I have started with the title before. I'm not locked into one particular way.

DPG: Next, how do you decide on the length of a song? This is always interesting to me because sometimes I really enjoy a song, but I feel that it’s too short.

LS: Song length just depends on if I feel that I've said all I need to say about that particular subject. I only have one verse for a subject then the song may just be one verse. If need three verse to convey my message than I use three. Just depends on the song and subject. For example on this new album more songs have three verses because I feel like the subject matter is so dense it requires more details to complete the story. But I try not to be so long winded. 

DPG: Recently, you’ve had Fallon, Allen Ritter, and Jarell Perry sing on your songs.

DPG: How do you decide who sings on a hook on a given song?

LS: If I use someone to sing a chorus on a song it's usually because I can hear their voice on the track. And I feel like they will take the songs to a level I may not be able to. 

DPG: The next thing is album length. Usually, a cd can hold up to 80 minutes of music.

DPG: Does that factor into any of your processing in terms of song length or the amount of music you put out? Or do you just stop when you think it’s ready whether it has 8 songs or 18 songs?

LS: I never worry about time or length of an album. I just focus on completing a thought or theme I have chosen for that project.

DPG: I’m going to tell you that one of the big reasons that I enjoy your music is because you share a lot about your personal life. This allows me as a fan to really connect with you and it almost feels like I know you personally. Also, you can really hear the passion in your delivery whenever you grab the mic. You’re not just going through the motions.

DPG: Is that something you try to accomplish with your music? Do you try to put yourself out there so your fans can really get to know you?

LS: Once I started making solo music or full songs by myself, I just realized that speaking from the heart was the only way I could truly make music that represented me. It's the only way I can make music now. I have to speak from my own life or the perspective of those close to me. It makes the creative process more fluent and easier on me. 

DPG: I had the opportunity to see your show in LA this past week and let me tell you that it was a great experience to meet you in person.  When we spoke, you told me something that really blew my mind.

DPG: Correct me if I’m wrong, but you said that you don’t write down your rhymes. I believe you said that you haven’t done such since around 2000. If your music was below average I wouldn't have a hard time believing it. However, your musical content and delivery is upper echelon in my opinion.

DPG: Is that true?

LS: Yes it is true. It's not something that I set out to do. I started writing rhymes on paper. But I hated my handwriting and I felt embarrassed when other people saw my rhyme book. One day I forgot my notepad and I just remembered my verse. I loved how liberating it felt to record with out reading it from something. So i just didn't bring it and eventually stopped writing them down altogether. Over time I just developed a method where I could write full songs in my head and record them on the spot. 

DPG: Once you’ve selected a beat, what do you think the average length of time is for you to craft a song and be ready to record?

LS: Creating songs vary. Sometimes I write and record them on the spot. Sometimes it takes weeks. There's no set time frame. Sometimes I have verses in my head for days, weeks, months even years. I just keep them Locked away. I kinda store thoughts and emotions and sooner or later they come out as songs.

DPG: I’m a huge fan of Tech N9ne and have been since I first heard him back in 1997. He’s come such a long way and has built a tremendous roster over there on Strange Music. I’d really like to see you connect with any of those guys over there.

DPG: Are you open to collaborating with Strange at some point?

LS: I love Tech and their whole camp. It would be an honor to work with them. Absolutely.

DPG: On that subject, is there an artist or producer out there that you’re hoping to work with in the future?

LS: I'd love to work with Pharrell, Timberland, DJ Premier and Dr Dre.

DPG: You told me that you’ve almost completed another album that you’ve been working on. Do you have a title and release data in mind?

LS: I do have a title but I can't give the name out just yet. No release date but it should be very soon. 

Update: Locksmith has since revealed that the title of his next album is A Thousand Cuts!

DPG: Locksmith, I just want to say thank you for your time and for being a real humble person. I hope you have continued success in the music industry. 

LS: The pleasure is mine. Great meeting you bro. Thank u so much for all the luv fam. Peace!

Follow Locksmith on Twitter @locksmith
Check out his webpage IAMLOCK for updates/merchandise.
Check out his dope Team Backpack cypher. Voted best verse of 2013!
Check out some of his more recent music which includes, but it not limited to:
The Green Box & Labyrinth!
Be on the lookout for his new album titled A Thousand Cuts!

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
Check out my other blog posts and subscribe if you'd like.

More Q & A sessions to come!
Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine

Lez Mone - Talkin Sh*t

Lez Mone put out the EP Talkin Sh*t back in 1994 on the 7 Deuce Trey label. I think the first time that I heard her was on Ganksta Nip's Psychotic Thoughts album. She came out on the track titled Set Up B*tches. I found this EP and purchased it on cassette. There are some good track on here. My favorite track is titled Be A Man. Crazy C from Rap-A-Lot association handles most of the production. Lez Mone would also appear on a few other albums. She was on Willie D's Play Witcha Mama album on the track I Ain't Changin Sh*t. She was on the Odd Squad's album Fadanuf Fa Erybody on the track Came Na Gedown. She was also on 8ball & MJG's album On Top of the World on the track What do You See.


dpgmarine