Nesto the Owner Q & A

I first heard Nesto on Tech N9ne's collabo album Sickology. The track was In the Air along with Craig Smith. It was one of my favorite tracks on the album and led me to want to seek out more of his music.

Since then, I've become a fan and have enjoyed listening to his music. I found out about his Career Killer mixtapes and really enjoyed his style and personality on the mic.

I reached out to Nesto and he was kind enough to respond.

This was conducted 7/2014

DPG = Me
NTO = Nesto

DPG: Where exactly are you from? 

NTO: PHI Double LL Y!!!! Lol Philadelphia.

DPG: What artists did you grow up listening to?

NTO: Biggie, 2PAC, LL Cool J, Dmx, Jay-z etc. The list is crazy!

DPG: When did you discover that you were good at writing rhymes?

NTO: About the 7th grade.

DPG: Where do you find the motivation for your music?

NTO: Everything around me in my daily life sends some sort of inspiration. I'm inspired by just waking up and being able to continue chasing my dreams!

DPG: Do you remember the first track you ever recorded? 

NTO: Yes LOL!

DPG: The first time I heard you was on the Tech N9ne’s Sickology album.

DPG: How did you get on the track In the Air with Tech and Craig Smith?

NTO: Well, I've been knowing Tech for about 10 years now. He was doing an album and wanted some of the dopest MCs from KC. Honored that he choose me for such a big record. I got the beat with no hook or Tech,  just the beat and wrote exactly what the track spoke to me. Great song and experience for me.

DPG: After that, I began to search out more of your music. Through Tech, I've been able to discover a  lot of talented KC artists.

DPG: Do you think he’s done a good job of helping out the local talent in KC? 

NTO: Absolutely! I wouldn't have half of my Nestonians if it wasn't for Tech! 

DPG: I’ve told you in the past that I think you’re Career Killer albums are really good. You had features from JL, Kutt Calhoun, Ces Cru, Big Scoob, The Popper, and Codak Carter amongst others.

NTO: Thank You bruh!

DPG: Are you happy with how those albums turned out?

NTO: Yes. They were meant to give a breathe of fresh air to the Music scene and I think they will be heard and spread for years to come.

DPG: Why didn’t you press those up and try to sell them?

NTO: I wanted people to know that I'm Human and I understand that people wanna get a taste test before they buy anything new. So, I gave you a taste in hopes that people would love it and go to Itunes and purchase my albums. Thanks and Big Shouts to everyone that did support me and grabbed themselves a copy.

DPG: You released the album Manimal back in 2011.

DPG: How did you come up with that album title?

NTO: My aggressive style. Half Man, Half Animal.

DPG: How did the album do? 

NTO: It did well. Even with a limited amount of physical copies we still did good. In stores and at the venues.

DPG: How do you determine who you are going to feature on one of your albums?

NTO: Normally, I hear a person on the song as soon as the beat drops. I have close relationships with every person I have collaborated with. So I know their style and what they would sound dope on.

DPG: When an artist ask for a verse or hook from you, do you care if their music is good? Or is it strictly a business thing with you?

NTO: It depends. Normally it's business as usual but I have turned down a few tracks before. Not because of lyrics more on the production side.

DPG: I know that you’re featured with KC artists a lot, but have you been on tracks with any big named artists outside KC? Is so, who are the artists?

NTO: No, just the Home Team.

DPG: Do you think that artists make more money going on tour then actually trying to selling an album? 

NTO: Yes. Its hard to sell albums nowadays since everybody wants to make singles, so its best to build a core fan base and travel.

DPG: You put out the album No Remorse last year. I thought it was a great album.

DPG: Are you pleased with how it turned out?

NTO: Absolutely! I had fun and everyone loves it just as much as I do. Shouts to everyone that helped me create that!

DPG: My favorite track has to be the Jungle with JL and Irv Da Phenom. I really like that beat.

DPG: How did you come up with the idea for that track? Did you hear the beat first and then decide on it?

NTO: Thanks fam! The song is featuring Irv da Phenom and JL. But yeah Evsclusive "My Brother" made the beat and he added these animals in it. I was like YOOOOOOOO LOL. So we put our heads together and said lets talk about the Jungle meaning the streets, but incorporate the animals in the jungle that you hear throughout the record.

DPG: What was the motivation for the track SavedMusic?

NTO: Lets do something no one is doing. You're Welcome! I Saved Music!

DPG: I believe that you were planning on working on Career Killer 4 at one point. Is that true and if so, why did you decide to scrap that idea?

NTO: I normally work on 2 projects at the same time and if one has something that my Nestonians will love I normally go with that idea. Not saying I wont work on it in the near future, but I think my albums are what make me a unique artist. 

DPG: You were featured on Kutt Calhoun’s I Been Dope TheTown remix. I like both versions. How did you get on that track?

NTO: I be in the studio with a few guys on Strange and when I be in the lab wit Kutt, we just have chemistry. I wrote the hook for Strange Money and I Been Dope the Original with Tech. When he needed the remix its was only right that I hold my fam down. He does the same for me on my albums. Shout out to KUTT! Go get his album cause it's dope!

DPG: What music are you currently working on? 

NTO: My New Album EARLESS! My best work lyrically IMO!

DPG: Are there any artists/producers past or present that you would like to work with?

NTO: Too many to name. I'll say this. Any producer that I know can push me to elevate my talent to the next level I would love to work with.

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

NTO; Put God first and anything is Possible! Shout out to my NESTONIANS!!!!!!!!! EARLESS Coming Soon!

DPG: I’d like to say thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I look forward to your new music coming out! Thanks! 

NTO: Thank You bruh! Stay Up!

Follow Nesto on Twitter @NESTOTHEOWNER

Go grab his new album EARLESS that just dropped on 12/30/14!

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

Ant Diddley Dog - A.Doulos Q & A

I was first introduced to Ant Diddley Dog, now known as A,Doulos on Too Short's album Get in Where You Fit In. He and his partner Rappin Ron (RIP), also known as Bad-N-Fluenz, were both featured on the title track. They appeared on several other albums such as Ant Banks' Big Badass, Goldy's In the Land of Funk among others. Finally, they would put out their only album self-titled Bad N Fluenz. 

Unfortunately, Rappin Ron was taken before his time. The groups album would become a West Coast classic that featured both of their raw talents on the mic. Since then, Ant has changed his name to A. Doulos and his faith has taken center stage. Though the content of his music has changed, his talent on the mic has not. 

I was very grateful that he decided to speak with me. I also want to give a big thanks to his manager Marcus for helping make this happen. 

This was conducted 9/2014

DPG = ME
AD = A.Doulos

DPG: Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?

AD: I used to listen to a lot of the Easy Coast rappers back in the day. I was attracted to the lyricism of rap. So Kool Moe Dee, Grand Daddy I.U., those were the guys I listened to. I liked the local rappers, too. Of course Too $hort and 2Pac had an influence. But I was really enamored with the art of rhyme schemes, word play, cadence and cleverness.

DPG: Where exactly are you from?

AD: I was born and raised in East Oakland.

DPG: When did you discover that you were really good at writing songs?

AD: I don’t know that I ever had that realization, or that moment where it hit me. Admittedly, I still don’t see what others see in my writing. I knew how people reacted to me they thought it was good. I knew when we were in the studio and I would spit, they would go crazy like I said something ridiculous. But, really, I just write. I’m not special to me. It’s not bad to me. It’s just writing. It’s my passion. I’m more impressed by some other people I hear and their talent. But as for myself, I always feel like I can be better.

AD: Even now when I write raps, people get all excited. I feel like it’s kind of average. Not because I feel I’m so exceptional. But that’s just the craft for me, and never-ending dance of trying to top myself. At the end of the day, I’m mostly just thankful for this ability God has blessed me with and the passion he has given me. I just enjoy being able to use it for good. I’m so glad to be able to rap about something worthwhile, the songs to me are good just because of that.

DPG: The first time I was introduced to you and Rappin Ron was on Too Short’s Get in Where you Fit in album. How did you guys connect with Too Short?

AD: He’s from 89^th Street – which is not that far from where I grew up (98^th). We also went to Castlemont High School together. I’d seen him up there but we ran in two different crowds. One day my cousin brought him over so I could hear him rap. I remembered his face, but I didn’t know him. He brought this song called “8-9” and I listened to it. I thought it was hecka weak.

But we kicked it another day and I heard him rap more. That’s when I could see he was tight.”

DPG: The Dangerous Crew had lot of talented people associated with it. There of course was Too Short, Ant Banks, Spice-1, Goldy, Bad N Fluenz, Father Dom, FM Blue, and a few others. Do you feel that the Dangerous Crew had a big influence on Bay Area rap or rap music in general?

AD: Honestly, I think the Dangerous Crew was pioneering in a sense. I mean, we had people from different backgrounds, different age levels, different neighborhoods, coming together for the sake of music. And that was during a time where usually such mixing would lead to animosity. We had rappers. We had real musicians, people who had mastery of instruments. We had beat makers. We had singers.

AD: The Dangerous Crew set that standard in the Bay. We weren’t all people who kicked it together. We weren’t family already and decided to do music. We were a collective of strangers who bonded over gangsta rap – at a time when beefin’ and feuding among artists was commonplace. Somehow though, many of us were on some violent, ghetto, hood-type thinking — we managed to be a team. And we were good.

Now that I have the Spirit of God in me, and understand his call for unity and peace, I see the difficulty of what we pulled off. But by the grace of God.”

DPG: I remember on the title track Get in Where you Fit in from Too Short's album, you guys went hard on Poohman. Did Too Short ask you to specifically jump on that song?

AD: The things I wrote about, the things I rapped about, are no longer a source of pride for me. I appreciate the friendships I had. I appreciate the craft, because in many ways it saved me from jail or from a premature death. It gave me a focus. It was a talent that gave me worth at the time. But the topics, the content, the things I promoted, it’s more embarrassing for me than anything. I certainly don’t want to relive the times I hurt someone else.

DPG: You also were featured on Askari X’s Message to the Black Man album. He is another favorite artist of mine. The song was 3Strikes and feature a lot of heavy hitters such as you guys, Seagram, and 3X Krazy. That being said, is there an artist that you would have really like a chance to work with? How about a producer?

AD: I did want to work with Scarface. Of, course 2Pac. Everybody wanted to work with Dr. Dre.

Scarface heard our stuff. He knew who we were. He was on KMEL one time and said he bumped Bad-N-Fluenz.

DPG: Ant Banks is another person that I think is really talented both behind the boards and on the mic. What was it like working with him?

AD: Ant Banks was a genius. Straight up! He understood music, and not just hip-hop, but music. He understood the genre. He understood our audience. He understood us as artists. And he had a cheat code or something. He just heard things and manipulated sounds at a level you just don’t see.

DPG: I have to ask you about an infamous battle rap that supposedly took place at a Summer Jam in the 90s. You may know what I’m referring to. It was between Bad N Fluenz and the Luniz. The only accounts I can recall are form stories I read online that said Rappin Ron stole the show. I am a big fan of the Luniz as well. Can you shed any light on what happened that day? Did the whole situation get blown out of proportion?

AD: From what I remember, it was at Dangerous music. The Luniz were up there. Ron was there. I don’t know where I was. I was doing whatever. People were in there debating. Luniz was tighter. Bad-N-Fluenz is tighter. Yada Yada. By the time I got up there, it was over. Ron single-handedly dismantled them dudes.

DP: Can you tell me how you became move involved in your faith?

AD: After Ron’s tragic death, I was shaken up. I had survived so many near-death experiences, been in so many situations that could have gone south, I knew my life needed to change. I began a journey that eventually led my to Jesus. It wasn't overnight. It took some soul searching, some diligence, some studying, some experiences, some tough decisions. But his call to me was too strong to ignore. I surrendered my life to him and it’s been on ever since.”

DPG: You also changed your name to A. Doulos. Is this a lifestyle change that you made years ago after Rappin Ron passed?

AD: Doulos is a Greek word found in the Bible that means servant. It epitomizes me. I am a servant, or A. Doulos. I serve my wife. I serve my children. I serve my friends and family. I serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. I serve my audience and fan base. And it is all under the umbrella of serving Christ Jesus my Lord. I have done a lot of things. I have partaken in a lot of spoils of life. Most of my life to this point has been about serving myself. I want to be found serving others now.”

DPG: Are you happy with how your rap career turned out?

AD: I’m less concerned about my rap career than I am my life and my faith. Whatever the Lord does with this music thing, that’s fine with me. But I’m more concerned with pleasing him. I’m more concerned with carrying out his will. I’m more concerned about being a good steward over all He’s blessed me with. I have daughters who need a father. I have sons who need to know how to be a man. I have a wife who has placed her heart in my hands. I have a desire to help people live more fruitful and more productive lives, especially those caught up in the lifestyle I once formerly inhabited. I just want people who know me to be able to say their lives are better because I was in it. If that’s through rap, because God gives me a platform, so be it. If that’s in the vineyard, serving others and showing them there is a better way, so be it.

AD: I have a song out called Send Me. It’s about the decision I made to dedicate myself and my talents to the Lord. Because of the things I have done, the kind of person I was, I didn’t feel worthy to be an ambassador for the Lord. I always figured someone better than me should be in that role of preaching the word, rapping about Christ, ministering to people, and sharing his love. But he has grown me in such a way that I am ready to do whatever He has in store. He’s done a great work molding me and shaping me from what I used to be. So I am committed to letting him now use me for his purpose. Lord I’m ready, send me. But with that, I don’t determine where he sends me. I don’t determine what he will have me to do. So I can’t be mad if he doesn’t make me a big-time rapper. I will be equally happy if he makes me a mere guidance counselor at a middle school, or a humble barber who dispenses wisdom with a crispy fade, or a mentor to young rappers who have a passion for the craft but don’t want to partake in the negativity found in mainstream hip-hop. Whatever the Lord has in store for me, that’s what I want for my life.

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

AD: Check out Kerusso Music. It’s the new label I started. KerussoMusic.com. I’ve put out a mixtape — The New Ant Diddley — you can download free. My single “Send Me” is on there. One of my artists, Teech, has a free mixtape on there. We’re producing high-quality music but laced with the peace and love and wisdom of the Lord. Come join the movement!

Follow A.Doulos on Twitter @A1Doulos

Follow A.Doulos on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamKerusso

DPG = I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure listening to your music through the years. I thank you for your time and I look forward to more new music from you.

AD = Thank you. Grace and peace.

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
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More Q & A sessions to come!

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dpgmarine

JL of B Hood Q & A

While listening to @TechN9ne Gates Mixed Plate album, I was put onto the sounds of JL from B. Hood. He definitely held his own along the Kansas City King. Ever since then, I've been snatching up any and all music from JL.

I contacted the rapid fire MC and requested his participation. He was more than the willing to share his thoughts with me.

This was conducted 9/2014

DPG = ME
JL = JL

Enjoy!

DP: Where exactly are you from?

JL: Kansas City, Missouri

DP: Who was the first rap artist that you ever listened to?

JL: I think it was a Geto Boys tape that had My Mind is Playing Tricks on Me on it.

DP: What types of music did you listen to growing up?

JL: All types really, from soul to country to rock & r&b. I had a lot coming into my ears.

DP: Who were the rap artists that you enjoyed listening to growing up?

JL: I listened to a lot of Bone Thugs & Harmony, Twista, Common, Talib Kwali, Tech N9ne, Eminem, and DMX. A long list and I always stayed with music.

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

JL: I wrote my first one at 9. I got pretty decent at it about 15.

DP" Do you remember the first song you ever recorded?

JL: I actually don't. LOL!

DP: How long have you been actively recording your music?

JL: I'd say a little over 10 years prolly.

DP: I was first put on to your music on Tech N9ne’s Gates Mix Plate album. You were featured on the song Far Out along with P.R.E.A.C.H. and Stevie Stone.

DP: Can you tell me how that collaboration came about?

JL: I've known Tech for awhile now. He used to invite me to the studio just to chill and shit. I'd watch him record and get sneak peaks at all the shit. Whenever I got a  chance let him hear my music he'd listen and hear the potential. He heard the progression and one day he gave me that opportunity to do something. That was on the track Far Out.

DP: Were you guys actually in the studio together while recording that track?

JL: I actually took the beat home wrote and came back the next day. I recorded it before he got to the studio. It was the first thing on the song.

DP: Your first official album release Brain Scatter was really good. How did you come up with that title?

JL: I get asked that a lot. It came about mainly because of me being scattered brained & my style sounding like it sometimes. LOL.  I thought it sounded good & made sense at the time.

DP: The opening track Sporadic Brain Matter is the perfect track to introduce the audience to your talents. Did you specifically pick that track to open up the album?

JL: Yep.

DP: Another banger amongst many on the album is the second track Say You Love Me featuring Tech N9ne. Why did you pick him to be on that track versus any others on your album?

JL: I wrote that one and knew it was the one. The subject matter was right up his alley and the tempo was right. The hook was tight and my verses were on point. I recorded it and let him hear it and he loved it as much as I'd hope.

DP: This leads me to another question. How do you decide which artist you’re going to feature on a track or album?

JL: I always have a bunch of people I wanna work with, I don't try to force features in just to make sure that they get on something though. I have to hear them on it. Sometimes I pick certain beats that I would like to have certain people on and don't end up using it.

DP: Do you know how well that album did?

JL: I did okay, It's up for free everywhere too but people do support.

DP: Did you have any number in mind in terms of sales that you were trying to hit with this album?

JL: No, not at all. This was my first solo album I just wanted people to hear it.

DP: This album heavily features Subliminal Beats. How did you and Alec meet?

JL: I met him through a homie of mine back in the day. He had a SmartAlec beat cd and the crew B.Hood hoped on one and we built a relationship from there.

DP: Why did you choose him to produce this album versus anybody else?

JL: Chemistry is hard to find.

DP: I know you’re part of the group B. Hood along with VI and Zoo (RIP). This music was before I became a fan. How did you guys form this group? Did you guys grow up together?

JL: We pretty much grew up together Vi is my biological brother Zoo might as well have been. We were called Thre3Nails before B.Hood which stands for Brotherhood.

DP: I briefly want to talk about your Just Landed mixtape. You had freestyle of the 6 ft 7 ft beat. Man did you go off on that track. Do you feel your version is better than the original?

JL: LOL. I don't know bro. Many people said that, but I don't know.

DP: I think that track perfectly illustrates how smoothly you can chop your flow. You’re one of the few artists I know that makes rapping fast seem effortless.

DP: Have you always had that ability? Did you have to work on your craft?

JL: I could always rap other peoples raps. It took some time to be able to write my own and that speed.

DP: Not too long after Brain Scatter, you released the Adderall EP. Are you happy with how that album turned out?

JL: Yeah, it is a group of songs from that time period. It was supposed to be just an EP, but I ended up putting 11 songs on it. There are some really good overlooked tracks on that one I think. It's a good part of my catalog to have.

DP: your favorite track on the EP?

JL: Pain N The Trunk (Bang The Pain)

DP: You’ve recently released BrainScatter 2. I’ve really enjoyed this new album. What’s your favorite track off this one?

JL: I think Money Talks maybe Get It Out  I love performing those. 

DP: You had Ces Cru, Joey Cool, and Info Gates on the DIBKIS remix. Why did you choose them? Also, did you intend to have others on this track that didn’t make it?

JL: It was a no-brainer for me. They are the definition of DIBKIS. I wanted to have Wreck & Bernz of Mayday on it but they couldn't get to it in time.

DP: Do you have any expectations in terms of sales for this album?

JL: Nope. Once again, I just gave it to the people.

DP: You’ve also been featured on some great tracks with other artists. You’re on Nesto’s Career Killer, Joey Cool’s Onslaught, Ces Cru’s Constant Energy Struggles,  Illest Uminati’s Higgs Boson, and Tech N9ne’s E.B.A.H. to name a few.

DP: Do you feel like you have to step your game up even more when you’re featured on someone else’s album?

JL: I just do me every time.

DP: Are you ever afraid that you’re going to outshine the artist asking for a feature from you?

JL: Not at all. I work with some great people that on any given day could go harder than me on a track.

DP: I’ve been seeing on Twitter that you and Koshir are planning a collabo album. Can you share any information about that project?

JL: Yep, the project will be called SMASH and it's going to be dope. We got Kutt Calhoun on it, Whitney Peyton, & C Ray. Working on some other collabo projects in the near future as well.

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

JL: Snow the Product & I hopefully soon, Wanna get that one in with Mayday, would love to work with Big Krit and Kendrick of course.

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

JL: JLBHOOD.COM

DP: I’d like to really thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I’m a real big fan of your music and will continue to support everything you put out!

JL: Much love fam. DIBKIS

Follow JL on Twitter @jlbhood
You can pick up all his dope albums on his website: http://jlbrainscatter.bandcamp.com/

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
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More Q & A sessions to come!

Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine

DMG Q & A

Back in 1993, I was introduced to the artist named DMG. First it was on Scarface's The World is Yours album on the track You Don't Hear Me Doe. Also, he was featured on the Rap-A-Lot posse track Bring it On. I remember hearing the song on Scarface's album and thinking he was very raw on the mic. As a matter of fact, he sounded very much like Mr. Scarface. I think that could be seen as a compliment.

It's been a while since he has put out any music. However, I reached out to him and he was very willing and gracious to speak with me. I was able to connect with him and ask him my questions.

This was conducted over the phone 5/2014

DPG = Me
DMG = DMG

Enjoy!

DPG: Where did you find the inspiration to create your music?

DMG: It was a natural passion. Prince used to rehearse in my grandma’s basement.

DPG: Did you grow up in a rough neighborhood?

DMG: I grew up on the turf!

DPG: When did you first discover that you were good at writing rhymes?

DMG: I started rhyming at nine years old.

DPG: Who were the artists that you looked up to growing up?

DMG: First and foremost Scarface. Shot out to Scarface! There was NWA, Slick Rick, Brand Nubian, Grand Puba, Kool G Rap, and Busta Rhymes.

DPG: Did you release any other music prior to your debut album on Rap-A-Lot?

DMG: No, but I had songs. I was actually working with King-T from the Alcoholics. He helped me put my demo together. Shot out to King-T!

DPG: How did you link up with James Prince?

DMG: I was 15 years old. J. Prince and Scarface came out to Minnesota. I was at a show with my sister. The show was over and I was in the back of the club Glam Slam. I literally bumped into Scarface. He ended up giving me his number and he asked if I had a tape. I retrieved the tape and met back with Face. He actually told me if the tape was wack, he was going throw it out of the window and kick me out the room.

DPG: How did you end up on the Bring it On song?

DMG: Face and J asked me to get on it. However, it was a bad day. It was Jan 28^th. This was they day Mad Ron died.

DPG: Your song You Don’t Hear Me Doe was on Scarface's album. It was unusual back them for an artist to have a song on their album that they didn’t appear on. Did he decide it was a good way to promote you?

DMG: Face and the Co made that decision.  The Song was already done and it was hot. It was a way to further promote me. I was the first artist signed to Face's label. I didn’t sign to Rap-A-Lot, but the album was distributed by Rap-A-Lot. I  signed to Face II Face records.

DPG: Why did you name your first album Rigormortiz? 

DMG: Bushwick Bill and I decided on that name.

DPG: As I told you in the past, your album is an instant classic. There’s just a lot of really good music on there. On the track Prelude to a Murdah, you had a beat very similar to that of the song Gangsters Paradise by Coolio. Did you use the Stevie Wonder Pastime Paradise sample for that track?

DMG: Yes. N.O. Joe produced it for me.

DPG: What made you chose that sample?

DMG: N.O. played me the track and I loved it.

DPG: Also, you had a rapper by the name of Cozy K from I believe the Bay Area on there? Why did you choose him and how did you get him on that track?

DMG: He is JR Ridah’s cousin and I met Cozy in Houston.

DPG: I thought he had a tight verse. . I don’t remember hearing him on any other albums. Do you know what happened to him?

DMG: No, I don't. Lets put out an APB for Cozy. Where are you? Ha!

DPG: Another song on your album was Rest in Peace featuring Big Mike. That song was about Mad Ron. 

DMG: Yeah, it's dedicated to Ron and homies; Ted Bobo, Dennis Bobo, Lilttle Furgeson-Abdul, Christoper Gayles.

DPG: Where did you get the inspiration for the posse cut Buck'em Down ft. Scarface, 2-Low, Big Mike, Mr. 3-2, and the 5th Ward Boyz?

DMG: The inspiration came from the one and only DOC. I grew up on him, He's an idol to me. The track is similar to his Grand Finale cut.

DPG: Are you happy with how the Rigormortiz album turned out?

DMG: I can do better. It was cool for a 15 year old. I had left High School. I dropped out in tenth grade. I did end up getting my GED.

DPG: There was a huge gap between that album and your Black Roulette album. Why didn’t you release another solo project in between?

DMG; The reason for that was because the Facemob albums came out.  Devin and I actually came into the group at the same time. Shot out to Devin the Dude!

DPG: You were also featured on the Geto Boys album The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. Were you asked to fill the void while Bushwick Bill was gone?

DMG: That was the Geto Boys showing love towards my way. Big thanks to Face and Little J for that.

DPG: Getting back to the Black Roulette album, was this an album that you truly put out?

DMG: Yes, I fulfilled my contract. It was the company's decision.  I wasn't against it. 

DPG: Do you feel that it lacked promotion?

DMG: Absolutely!

DPG: Did you end on good terms with the Rap-A-Lot label?

DMG: I have nothing ill to say. Shout out to Rap-A-Lot. They gave me my start.

DPG: I stumbled across your album Chek from 2007. How did that come about.

DMG: Yeah, that was with DeMario Walton. I tried something new. It’s a mixtape. 

DPG: Why was it only digitally released? 

DMG: I got lock up so there was no further promotion. Yukmouth, my blood  brother, helped make it possible through Roughish Music based out of Arizona. Also, 101 Distribution with Damon Evans.

Damario lived in Arizona, and I lived out there for a while as well. Shot out to Yuk!

DPG: You had C-Bo on the track Riding. How did you link up with him?

DMG: That was also through Yukmouth. Bo lived in Arizona. Shot out to C-Bo. Shot out to Spice-1! He's and inspiration!

DPG: You had two label mates that passed before their time. One was Seagram and the other was Big Mello. Did you know either of them personally?

DMG: I knew them very well. Big Mello was a live dude! He was way before his time. A Musical genius. He knew all the words to most songs. He used to beat box a lot.  Seagram was a raw Bay Area cat. It was an honor to work with both of them. 

DPG: What's your take on rap music these days?

DMG: It’s not the same music! It moves the way it wants to. Prepare for it to all come back!

DPG: How is the new Facemob album coming along?

DMG: It's in the works. It's moving a bit slower than anticipated. We took a song off the Facemob album titled Gangsta Rocks and put it out. Check that out! Eventually, I hope to pass the torch. But we’re coming out. We are the streets! And let me say this, Scarface is the The Hardest Ever and the Greatest of all Time (T.H.E.G.O.A.T).

DPG: Is there anything else you‘d like to say or promote?

DMG: St. Paul stand up! Facemob Stand up! The new album it coming out! Facemob music! I have a solo with Layzie Bone coming out. I also want to say that a lot of my positive energy comes from my wife. I'm an angry dude! She keeps me positive. Shot out to my wife! I’m a Facemob gangsta! 

DPG: Well, I’d like to say thank you for taking the time to speak with me. It’s been a pleasure to speak with you. I look forward to hearing your new albums.

DMG: For sure!

Follow DMG on Twitter @IAMTheREALDMG
Be on the lookout for the new FaceMob album!

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

Big Mike Q & A

Way back in 1991, a group by the name of the Convicts released their debut self-titled album on Rap-A-Lot records. The group consisted of two members; Big Mike BKA the Peter Man and Mr. 3-2. From there, Big Mike would join Scarface and Bushwick Bill as a member of the Geto Boys in 1993. 

Since that time, Big Mike would go on to release his classic debut album Something Serious amongst many others. He is a true, well-respected veteran in the game and is he is still going strong. I was very excited to get the opportunity to speak with him.

I got the chance to speak to Big Mike over the phone and he was very humble and gracious the whole time. 

This was conducted over the phone 1/2014

DPG = Me
BM = Big Mike

Enjoy!

DP:How did you hook-up with Mr. 3-2?

BM: We met through the Rap-A-Lot label.

DP: What made you guys record the song Illegal Aliens?

BM: The concepts for the album were from both the artists as well as the label. The motivation for the song was just frustration and the feeling that blacks were being treated as 3^rd class citizens.

DP: On the song No Nuts No Glory, you made a reference to SnoopDogg. I always wondered if you guys knew each other. When did you first meet him?

BM: I moved to LA back in 1991-1992 and actually shared an apartment with Snoop.  Back then they were working on the Deep Cover soundtrack.

DP: The song Six Feet Deep is a really great song. I even remember hearing it on the radio out here in LA when it first came out back in 1993? Also, StraightGangstaism  re-united Mr. 3-2 and yourself. That beat is hard.

DP: Is there a reason you and Bushwick Bill were left off of the Bring It On song? 

BM: I can’t  speak for Bushwick, but I didn’t get on the track because I didn’t feel the track. I didn’t want to get on if I didn’t feel 100% about it. Plus the label need space to put out all the other rappers on the label.

DP: You joined the Geto Boys because Willie D had left the group. Were and are you cool with him? 

BM: I don't have any issues with Willie D. We've always been cool, but we just don’t necessarily hang out with each other. I never tried to replace Willie in the group. I just wanted to bring my own style to the group. I decided not to get on the next Geto Boys album because I was doing well with my debut solo album.

DP: Your debut album Something Serious is great. My favorite track is World of Mine. I would play that one over and over. Also, on Smoke Em& Choke Em, I would later realize that Snoop was referring to you from the Chronic album.

DP: I want to move onto Death Row. I’ve read in a few places that Suge Knight was trying to sign either you or the Convicts. Can you shed some light on that whole situation?

BM: I moved out to LA with 3-2 and was doing some stuff with the Death Row label. Then I got the call from Rap-A-Lot saying that they wanted me to be a part of the Geto Boys album. It was a no brainer. NWA was the group out in the West and Geto Boys were the group in the South. I wanted to be a part of something that represented where I’m from so that’s why I left and went back to the South.

DP: I also wanted to ask you about something most people won’t know about. On Big Mello’s second album (WeGoneFunkWichaMind), he made a reference to you that surprised me since you guys were on the same label. It was on a song titled No Hidin Place. The line went “And tonight I’ma have to drop Big Mike I’ve been cool with the bitch, but he want to act shife.” He said you tried to steal his song.

DP: Do you know what he was referring to? Were you cool with Big Mello? Can you tell me anything about this situation if there was one at all?

BM: Big Mello and I were like brothers. He used to play me music off his albums. The song you’re referring to, I really never heard. I only listened to some of the tracks from that album. One time we were riding around and we heard this line from a song talking about the Southside. Creative minds think alike. So I used the sample for a song. I ended up going out on tour and  wasn’t around when he put that out. When I got back people were talking and we talked it out. It was all just a misunderstanding and we squashed it. You know, even blood brothers get into it from time to time, but Mello was my guy. RIP! I never got a chance to release that song.

DP: A lot of people may not know that you and Mr. 3-2 were featured on South Central Cartel's album N Gatz We Truss back in 1994 and Murder Squad’s Murder Squad Nationwide album in 1995. How did you connect with the SCC?

BM: Funny story about that. I was in the studio at the time and I got locked in. I was like damn! I decided to just keep making music and figured that I would just sleep there and somebody would come through in the morning. The phone rang and it was Havoc from the SCC. We talked and ended up linking up from there. Prodeje and SCC are my people. I still keep in contact with him from time to time.

DP: Did you know Seagram Miller? He was another of my favorite artists that passed away too early? Are there any memories of him that you’d like to share?

BM: Yes, I knew Seagram RIP. I bought my first Chevy from him. I have a story that I’ll share you. We were in a club back in Houston. This dude kept bumping into me and eventually spilled his drink on me. So I had to handle my business. I look over and see this dude running over with a bar stool and it was Seagram.  He had my back and we took care of business!

DP: Are you still in contact with Mr. 3-2? You guys seem to work well with each other. Any chance of a new Convicts album?

BM: Yes, I’m still in constant contact with 3-2. That’s my brother. I still go to his mom’s house. Right now we aren’t recording anything together, just working on our own separate endeavors. But, I wouldn’t rule anything out in the future. It has to feel right or I won’t do it. I don’t just want to put music out that I’m not 100% into.

DP: I also read somewhere that you and Six-2 were possibly collaborating on an album. Is there any truth to that?

BM: Yes, we were recording an album, but there was a 3^rd party involved that didn’t see it all the way through. We are still plan on making that happen.

DP: There was an album put out called Serious as can Be? Was that put out with your permission.

BM: No, it wasn’t. What happened was I upload my music into the studio and some 3^rd party stole it from out the studio. You can tell that music wasn’t even mixed and sounded like a demo tape. I still got some people working on getting all that legal stuff squared away. I ended up putting all that music out for free on a mixtape.

DP: Are you happy with your career in music?

BM: Very much so! Anytime you get to do what you love and have a passion for, it’s a blessing.

DP: Is there an artist current or past, that you’d still like to work with? How about a producer?

BM: I have to think about that. Curtis Mayfield. As far as hip hop artists, KRS-One, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane. I’m a fan of hip hop music.

DP: Do you have any new music coming out or anything else you’d like to promote?

BM: My new album Fast Boy Music. Don’t get it twisted. This is a Big Mike album! This isn’t a compilation album. I just have some really talented guys that I’m trying to put on. Hopefully they can gain recognition in the near future.

DP: I’d like to say thank you very much for taking some time to answer my questions. You’re definitely a legend in my eyes and one of the OGs of rap music. 

Follow Big Mike on Twitter @IAmBigMike1

Go Grab his newest album Fast Boy Music 

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