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Friday, May 13, 2016
P.R.E.A.C.H. Q & A
I first came across P.R.E.A.C.H. on Tech N9ne's Gates Mix Plate album. He was on the song Far Out that also featured Strange Music artist Stevie Stone and the newest member JL of B. Hood. I really enjoyed the flow of everyone on the track and set out to find more about P.R.E.A.C.H.
I reached out to the man from Romania and was rewarded with a very detailed response.
This was conducted 11/2015
DPG = ME
PR = P.R.E.A.C.H.
Enjoy!
DP: Where exactly are you from?
PR: I hail from Oradea, Romania
DP: When did you come over to American?
PR: I immigrated over in September of 1991. I was six years old.
DP: It must have been a very big decision for your family to make to migrate to the U.S. What do you think was the main driving force behind the move?
PR: The main driving force was opportunity, a chance at a better life, and my father's dream came true after 14 years his visa was approved!
DP: Where exactly did you guys first end up upon arriving in the U.S?
PR: We first ended up arriving in New York, JFK airport.
DP: Did you speak any English at all?
PR: I did not speak English at all upon arrival.
DP: Did you find it difficult to make friends because of the language barrier?
PR: The language barrier was definitely tough, but as a child you tend to pick up on the language a lot faster. My neighborhood friends used to throw rocks at my window as a way for them to say..."Hey come out and play with us" LOL. It was their way of communicating at first. Playing hide and go seek and running around outside is how my English started to develop. I credit my childhood interaction with other kids as my stepping stone to the English language.
DP: How did you first come in contact with hip-hop/rap music?
PR: I first cam in contact with Hip Hop/Rap by a music channel called "The Box" channel 58 lol It was a great outlet for all artist and every genre of music. Heck, even the Bloods and the Crips had music videos on the box lol.
DP: What was the first rap song you ever heard? Did you understand what you were listening to?
PR: The first rap song that i heard was by Kid Frost "La Raza." I couldn't make out or interpret the meaning but i definitely nodded my head to that rhythm of the bass line. LOL!
DP: Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
PR: Some of my favorite artists growing up were : Bone Thugs N Harmony, 2 Pac, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Tech N9ne, 3-6 Mafia and pretty much everyone else whom I looked up to. I remember artists such as the Dove Shack, Tha Dogg Pound, Wu Tang, South Central Cartel etc.
DP: Do you remember the first cassette or cd that you ever purchased?
PR: The first cassette tape that I ever purchased was by Bone thugs N Harmony "Creepin On Ah Come Up."
DP: Do you remember the first song you ever recorded?
PR: The first song that I ever recorded was an attic recording. LOL. I met my friend Codak for the first time and we laid songs on cassette tapes upstairs at his mom's house. He has been incarcerated for over 10 years now and will be coming home at the end of this year. He was played an instrumental part in helping me find my artistic side.
DP: How did you come up with the name P.R.E.A.C.H?
PR: I came up with the name P.R.E.A.C.H. conversing with my peers. They would always tell me that I had an ora of an "old soul" a "wise man." They told me that when I talk I'm very adamant and almost sound like I'm preaching. So from that point on, I ran with P.R.E.A.C.H. I asked myself deep down, "Who is P.R.E.A.C.H., and what does P.R.E.A.C.H. stand for as a man overall?" That's how I cam up with an acronym that best defines me (Peacefully, Respect, Everyone, Amongst, Continuous, Hate).
DP: How would you describe your style of music?
PR: My style of music is a blend. A mesh from all sides of the map in one ball. Midwest Chopper and lyricist.
DP: Are you able to record a verse in a single take or do you strive to make them perfect no matter how many it takes?
PR: I always strive to make my verses turn out as crispy as ever. Like they say, do it right all the way and no half ass. I like to usually run through the verse from front to back, but depending on the structure of my verse, I may punch in here and there so the clarity is there and my delivery is on point!
DP: Have you ever recorded a verse or song and then just trashed it because it wasn't up to par with your standards?
PR: If I felt a song was not up to par, I would definitely put it to the side and continue working on another. If I felt it had a lot of potential, then I would figure out how to re-approach it.
DP: Your album Expect the UnXpected came out in 2008/09. How did you come up with that title?
PR: I cam up with the title Expect The UnXpected,because I wanted to give my listeners just that, a riddle box of music. I wanted every song to be different, thus showing them that there are many sides and styles to the artist known as P.R.E.A.C.H. I wanted to present my fans with diversity more than anything on that project.
DP: Do you have a favorite track on the album?
PR: I love all the tracks on ETU, but if I had to choose an overall song it would be "Raise Up." It's one of those records that you as an artist just know is a timeless song.
DP: I know Venno Gunna produced some music on there. How did you first link up with him?
PR: I first linked up with Veeno Gunna trough a mutual friend named Link Johnson. He was part of a music camp named Big Thowed Music. Veeno Gunna was in a group called the Thowed Bawiz and he would come around. His style and delivery was in many ways like mine. We were influenced heavily by many of the same artists. From then it was a rap, LOL.
DP: How did you promote this album? Are you happy with how it turned out?
PR: We promoted ETU via flyers, demos, guerrilla street tactics such as posters, and back then MySpace. We also went through cd baby and got 1000 copies pressed up. My friend and I took out a loan for 5000 dollars that believe it or not we are still paying off. LOL. I was not happy with the outcome, and yes I did feel like the album should have captivated more listeners. Still till this day, I feel it never received the recognition it deserved.
DP: It wasn't too long after this album that you made a guest appearance on Tech N9ne's Gates Mix Plate album? Can you tell me how you met Tech?
PR: I met Tech N9ne at a local concert venue in my city. Before his show kicked off, I saw him talking to Travis O'Guin and I respectfully approached him and Tech and asked their permission to spit a 16 bar verse for Tech. I told him that I looked up to him and I would be grateful for the opportunity. Needless to say, I had Tech smiling from ear to ear. From then on I would continue to pow wow with him before his shows and whenever the Strange family rolled into town. He would always remember me.
DP: How did he approach you to appear on the album?
PR: Tech was touring up in Canada in 2010 and I received a phone call from him summoning me and asking me to be on his album The Gates Mix Plate. I felt so humbled and grateful to be a part of that project. Still till this day, it's my most cherished accolade. LOL.
DP: Did that guest feature open up more doors for you in the music industry?
PR: I believe doing the feature with Tech definitely helped me solidify my name a bit more and I gained more notoriety from it.
DP: Your next album Dark Religion (Chronicles of the Nokturnal) came out in 2010/11. What was the meaning behind that album title?
PR: The meaning behind Dark Religion was more or less me believing that we as a people are living in trivial times. Many of the concepts that I touched on, are based on actual events and people's everyday lives. I believe music in itself is religion, or is similar to religion. People praise music. People all around the world no matter what faith, are compelled and governed by music. It's also a balance in many people's lives. The feel of the album was intended to be a bit grittier, and a tad bit conscientious. The nocturnal part is referencing me as being a "creature of the night." LOL
DP: How well did that album do for you?
PR: Locally, the album did well in my opinion. As far as nationwide and internet sales, it's still very slept on!
DP: When putting an album like that together, do you put thought into the order of the tracks?
PR: Yes, I definitely put thought into the track listing and songs. I always want my projects to vibe correctly. Trying not to put the same texture/feel of songs next to one another.
DP: Were you able to get any of your songs played on local radio stations in St. Louis?
PR: I was able to get Raise Up played on our local hip hop radio stations.
DP: The next album you put out was back in 2013 along with Veeno Gunna as the Rhyme Royals?
PR: That is correct. The next project I followed up with was the Rhyme Royals project.
DP: There were a lot of good songs on there. My favorite is would be Without You. The song is inspired by the Thomas Anders track Why Do You Cry. How did you first come across
this track by Thomas?
PR: Veeno being Veeno, was You Tubing and he happen to come across the original somehow some way. LOL. That's truly all I know. LOL.
DP: Are you happy with how this track turned out?
PR: Absolutely happy with the way it turned out! It's really personal to Veeno and myself. It's real awe inspiring and a beautiful composition!
DP: You film quite a bit of videos for your music. Do you come up with the ideas for them or do you let someone else give you their vision based on the track?
PR: I usually come up with a majority of the ideas, but unfortunately due to finances, I cannot always have the stage props, or filming locations that I truly envision. However, I take nothing away from the visuals.
DP: You were featured on Ruka Puff's track titled Strange along with Stevie Stone. How did that collaboration come about?
PR: Ruka/Zeus and I have know each other for over 10 years. We have played many venues together. He reached out to me because he knew that I would fit the concept. He has always believed in me as a person and as an artist.
DP: You made a video for the song where you flow over Twista's Kill Us All. I really like the idea you came up with. What made you record that track?
PR: I was always a fan of Twista, and I just really wanted to showcase my style over an energetic and vigorous instrumental such as his.
DP: Last year you put out your most recent solo album Saint In Exile (S.I.X.). How has that album done for you so far?
PR: S.I.X. in my opinion is some of my best work. To be honest, I feel like it really has the potential to touch people's hearts and minds. Creating the right team to help me push it on my campaign is the goal still till this day.
DP: What would you say if your favorite song(s) on that album?
PR: I love all the songs on S.I.X. in their own special way. If I had to be picky, Ahhh....LOL..Let's say Hold Yo Breath ft. T-Rock, Welcome, Do the Damn Thang, and E.A.T.I.N.
DP: Did you reach out for any collabos on this album that didn't make the cut?
PR: All the people I reached out to on this particular project came through for me.
DP: Most recently, you put out a verse to Tech's Speedom song. What was the inspiration for this track?
PR: The inspiration for this track honestly, I get down in my dumps, and all these ideas start running through my mind, like I don't want my fans to forget about me. So every now and then, I feel like turning the chainsaw on and letting it rip. Really, I like to challenge myself and continue to give my fans as much material as I possibly can.
DP: When someone asks for a verse for you, what's the criteria for you to agree to record? Is it strictly a business thing or do you like to check out their music first?
PR: When people ask me to record, or to lay a verse, I definitely like to listen to their sound and feel it out. I also would like that artist to push the song thoroughly and not just to their circle of friends.
DP: Have you ever turned down someone because their music was wack or any other reason?
PR: I can honestly say that I did turn down a few, but in the most polite way that I could. I'm not out to offend anyone, because I realize that we all start somewhere ya know. I definitely encourage the artist to keep pushing and we will connect when the time is right.
DP: What's your opinion of the music out these days?
PR: My opinion of this contemporary state of music right now is not the greatest. Some of it is definitely dope and trendy, catchy and I get it, times have changed. However, I am from an era where an MC had to prove themselves and uphold not only their skill and art, but also the integrity of Rap/Hip Hop, in other words to respect the lineage!
DP: I rarely listen to hip-hop/rap music on the radio these days. Do you even listen to the radio?
PR: Unfortunately, that's all that I can listen to right now in my car because I've have a cd stuck in my tape deck for over a month and a half now. LOL.
DP: Who are you favorite artists out right now?
PR: Some of my favorite artists out right now are Big Krit, Drake is still consistent, I like the ASAP MoB for their nutty sound, J. Cole, G Easy is cool too, I dig his shit. Just to name a few that popped into my head at the moment. Oh yeah, Lil Dickey LMFAO. Dude is a genius!
DP: What kind of music would we find in your Ipod or car right now?
PR: Right now I'm bumping anything from Worldwide Foklore/gypsy music, Lana Del Rey, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, and staying up on the locals in my city.
DP: In this current era, do you believe that an artist can make it by just sellings cds or digital downloads?
PR: I still believe that an artist can make it selling music, and/or digital downloads, but most of all it's about timing. It also helps to know someone who knows someone.
DP: Do you ever go out on tour? Do you feel that is the best way for an artist to make money these days?
PR: I used to play a few out of town gigs from Indiana to Tennessee and Detroit. I really would love to go out on a tour. I believe whole heartily that I would really gain a greater following that way. Unfortunately, I am currently binded by a normal 9 to 5 Mon-Fri. I would love to hit the road knowing that my monthly bills are caught up. I would be up in a minute! Touring is key, live shows, and people interaction! I definitely believe touring is one of the best ways for an artist to pave the way.
DP: Are you happy with your music career so far?
PR: I feel blessed, and I truly love what I do. Let's say that I never make a dime off of this music thing. I will forever create music until I am unable to. I do see myself a lot further then the current state that I'm in, and at times I tend to be hard on myself because it feels like time is against me, as if I'm running out of time. Lately, I've been reminding myself to never let this stressful business side of music interfere with me simply having fun and enjoying myself.
DP: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
PR: In the next 5 years, I see myself creating the greatest music and touring the world being cheered on by my then wife and kid/kids.
DP: Are there any artists past/present that you'd like to work with?
PR: Absolutely! I would definitely like to work with Bone Thugs & Harmony, Lana Del Rey, Nas, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. LOL.
DP: Are there any producers past/present that you'd like to work with?
PR: I would love to work with Dr. Dre, Timbaland, and DJ Uneek. Those three come to mind first.
DP: Is there anything else that you'd like to say or promote?
PR: I would like to conclude by saying "Long Live The Music" All414All!
You can follow P.R.E.A.C.H. on his Facebook https://www.facebook.com/preachstl/
Check out his website @ http://preachstl.com/
Follow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/PreachSTL
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
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Locksmith - Broken Photo Story
This is a photo story that I created to the tune of Locksmith's Broken ft Jarell Perry.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Matic Lee Q & A
I want to say that the first time I heard Matic Lee on the mic was on the track Jump Around the Room. I was perusing around looking for Tech N9ne songs that I had never heard before. This track featured both Young Lucci and Tech N9ne. It was off his EP titled D.O.A. I then began my search for more of his music. I found this dope track called Open Wide.
He would later go on to produce many dope tracks for Tech N9ne as well as several other Strange Music artists. He continues to create great music both in front and behind the boards. So I reached out and was able to connect with him.
ME: DPG
Matic Lee: ML
Enjoy!
DP: What is life like growing up where you're from?
ML: I had the opportunity to have many perspectives on life.
I bounced around my whole life. I wanna say it added to my versatility.
DP: What were your musical influences growing up?
ML: Every single song that ever inspired me to create and
become a creator. It ranges from Sam cook and Madonna, to Killswitch Engage and
Tony Toni Tone.
DP: Who are some of the rap artists that you grew up
listening to?
DP: Did you grow up playing musical instruments?
ML: Actually, I didn't play a choir type instrument until I
was 18. I already had a background playing drums in the school band and I was
already producing and recording my own music
DP: What was your first piece of production equipment that
you ever acquired?
ML: FL studio and a midi keyboard.
DP: Do you remember the first rhyme you ever wrote?
ML: Yes sir! 6th grade spelling class. All the words rhymed
and we had to come up with a rap using them..
DP: When did you decide that making music was going to be
your profession?
ML: The day I downloaded FL studio on Kaaza in 8th grade.
DP: Do you prefer producing music or writing lyrics?
ML: Equally the same.
DP: How did you first link up with Tech N9ne?
ML: David Sanders II, producer for Tech N9ne, hit me up
after I sent him a friend request on Myspace. He heard my music and sent a
message letting me know he fuck with my music. Then from there, he offered to
send Tech some of my beats. That was so selfless of him and I am forever in
debt to him for that.
DP: You've produced quite a bit of music for Tech and
Strange Music. On Tech's Killer album, you produced the track One Good Time.
DP: It was a different sound for him at the time. Did he
approach you for that type of beat or did you already create it with him in
mind?
ML: Funny story! I had 2 beats named Girl, one in all caps
and one lowercase. I accidentally sent him the wrong beat. The one I thought I
sent him sounded like Timbaland. And the other one sounded like 311 and Sublime
SoCal kinda vibe. It was the first track that I ever played guitar on. I had
only been playing for a couple months. So the first beat I ever sold Tech was a
mistake. Go figure! LOL
DP: A very popular track, especially at Tech's shows is
Areola. How did that track come about?
ML: LOL! I made an EDM kinda hip hop infused album with an
old friend and that beat was a left over beat from that. I sent it as a joke.
The next thing I know, Tech called me and told me about the 816 boys and the
Ohh Areola concept. David Sanders II and I ended up on the hook during a trip
to KC. We are the ones chanting Ohh Areola.
DP: When Tech put out K.O.D. his darker side was put on full
display because of what he was going through at the time. Did he approach you
with his feelings for the album before you actually showed him any tracks?
ML: Yep, he said he wanted Bram Stokers Dracula and hard ass
drums.
DP: The opening track Show Me a God is where Tech talks
about his mom. However, you also used that track on your Smoke and Mirrors
album titled WTF. Both are great tracks.
DP: Did you already have your track recorded before you let
Tech have it?
ML: Yeah, I tried another beat for it but it just didn't fit
right. That's the worst thing about rapping and producing.
DP: You've also done work for both Krizz Kaliko and KuttCalhoun. Do you have a favorite track among the many you've produced for them?
DP: How did you and Rittz meet?
ML: Before he was signed to Strange, Rittz and I did a song
with a artist named Dice. We linked at the video shoot and found out that we
are both from the same area. We've been homies ever since.
DP: You had two banging tracks on Rittz's Strange music
debut album The Life and Time of Johnny Valiant: Say no More and Misery LovesCompany. Was there a specific sound he was going for when he approached you for
some tracks?
ML: Nah, I sent a couple and he picked those two.
DP: I want to talk about your solo work. The EP D.O.A came
out back in 2010. You had the great track Open Wide. However, that track was
left off the Itunes album. Was
there a reason for that?
ML: Not sure,l I need to ask David Sanders II about that.
LOL!
DP: How did you hook up with George Zelaya?
ML: Through the Sicness forum early on. He has been a friend
of mine ever since.
DP: You also appeared on the remix to his Clappin track with
Tech N9ne. Did you produce that one as well?
ML: Yes sir, I did that remix for him.
DP: You came out with the album Smoke and a Mirror in 2011.
Are you happy with how that album turned out?
ML: I'm proud as hell! It served its purpose.
DP: On the second track, it's really dope how you were able
to incorporate the Spice Girls sample into the track. How did you come up with
the track Telmewachuwan?
ML: I loved the Spice Girls. I grew up in the 90s. I'm still
trying to get at Sporty Spice. It might be that British accent.
You can follow Matic Lee on his Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MaticLee
Follow him on Twitter
https://twitter.com/MaticLee
Check out his webpage at http://maticlee.com/
Check out my other blog posts and subscribe if you'd like.
More Q & A sessions to come!
Thanks for reading!
dpgmarine
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Hurricane Q & A
A while back, I found this track titled YouTube Choppers. On it, several artists were featured. However, the one that really caught my ear was Hurricane! He came into the track and just killed it. Since then, I've tried to locate any and all songs that he is a part of. I was able to find quite a bit of music from the KC MC.
I recently reached out to him and he was more than willing to oblige my request.
This was conducted 7/2015
DPG = ME
HC = Hurricane
Enjoy!
DPG: Where exactly are you from?
HC: I'm from the Midwest, Kansas City. Home of Tech N9ne, Janelle Monae, D-Loc, Dalima, and a gang of actors ( Don Cheadle, Columbus Short, just to name a few)
DPG: What type of music did you grow up listening to?
HC: I grew up listening to Jay-Z, Twista, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Brother Lynch hung. Through my parents, I would listen to DeBarge, Switch, Rick James, Michael Jackson, and Sade.
DPG: Who are some of your favorite rap artists?
HC: My favorite rap artists? I have to go with Tech N9ne, Jay-Z, Eminem, and I would say J.Cole. You never get a bad line or bar from these guys.
DPG: Do you remember when you wrote your first rhyme?
HC: I wrote my first rhyme at about 15 years old. In a Pizza Hut of all places. LOL. I was working there.
DPG; What was the first song you ever recorded?
HC: It was a song called Lyrical Murderer. I hate to listen to it now because it's so amateur, but if I had never written it I would've wasted the talent that I have.
DPG: How would you describe your style of music?
HC: My style of music is a bit on the Darkside. Not Star Wars Darkside, but darker side of the thought process. I won't rap about selling drugs or anything like that because that's not what I do, I have before but that's not the story I need to tell.
DPG: How did you get the name Hurricane?
HC: My older cousin gave me that name because he said I sounded like Twista, but faster. Plus I can hold my breath for just about 16 bars and still spit a fast verse.
DPG: I believe the first time I heard you flow was on the song YouTube Choppers. You came on the track and just didn’t stop. It made me want to hear more of your music.
DPG: What can you tell me about that track?
HC: I was approached by two gentlemen that I was in a group with at the time with the idea of getting on this track. I figured with all the success of the chopper tracks from Tech that I should give it a go. The track came out pretty dope! There was a lot of talent on there.
DPG: You put out the solo album S.a.D Laughter back in 2013. How did you come up with that album title?
HC: Well the sad part of sad laughter means "Sick and Deranged" S.a.D. Laughter. It's basically about an inter-voice that I have that laughs at me when I try to make decisions on my own.
DPG: Do you have a favorite track on the album?
HC: My favorite track from that album would have to be "Catch Fire" The beat was on point and the features were on point, Loose Logic and S.H.A.D.O.W. delivered and then some!
DPG: I’m curious as to why the album on had 12 tracks. Is there a reason for that?
HC: I've always thought when you put a project together, you pick the best body of work no matter how many songs it is and you go with it! In this case 12 was the lucky number.
DPG: Did you have any type of concept for this album?
HC: The concept of this album was going from darkness to light. That's why the album finishes with his song for my son versus one of the darker tracks at the end.
DPG: Do you put any thought into the order of the tracks?
HC: Yes, I put a lot of thought into the order of the tracks, I also had assistance from one of my fellow artists Maniphest Destne of Choppa Clique.
DPG: You had Twisted Insane on the track Ready for the Murder. How did that collaboration come about?
HC: The track with Twisted Insane came about because he had me on one of his tracks, BrainSick 1.0
DPG: What can you tell me about the last track Your Avenger (Julian’s Song)?
HC: The last track is simply made because my son wanted me to make a song for him. He is a very big fan of the Avengers and he thinks that I'm the Incredible Hulk. LOL. Also in the Ironman verse I actually used one of his talking toys to say "I am Ironman" he loved it and still sings along to it when I play it.
DPG: I believe that you had Sprite Beatz produce some if not all the tracks for the album. Why did you choose him? Did you work with any other producers for this album?
HC: I chose Sprite Beatz because he has a very dark and ominous tone to his music. That's what I was actually going for. I did use two other producers as well, Charlie Hustle who made "catch fire" and "Army of one" and Aviated Tonez (I gave him that name by the way) who made "Welcome to the carnival."
DPG: You’re part of the group Choppa Clique. How long have you been part of the group?
HC: We started Choppa Clique back in 2011 I believe. D-SPillz and Maniphest Destne approached me to be a part of it.
DPG: Can you tell me about the other members of the group?
HC: These guys are pretty dope, we've done a lot of work together. SPillz is from IL, and Mani is from OH. I can honestly say these are two of the hardest working people I've seen since I've been involved in this rap business.
DPG: I recently discovered the song you guys did Thuggish Ruggish remake. What inspired you guys to do a cover for that song?
HC: We have all been influenced by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. We all took a road trip up to Cleveland Ohio together and stood at the corner of 99th and St. Clair! It was monumental for us because we are all from the Midwest. It was like our Graceland. The video that we shot for that song was actually shot here in Kansas City, The track originally had five people on it but one guy couldn't make it so we cut it down to four. The fourth person being BoneZ (also a member of CC)
DPG: Is there a reason Emce Damage’s verse was cut from the video shoot?
HC: Yeah Emce Damage was cut because he couldn't make it, no hard feelings attached to that.
DPG: I’ve been looking for other songs that you’re featured on and I found quite a bit. You’re on the song Angels and Demons by Kamikazi. How did you link up with him?
HC: I actually did a show with Kamikazi in Minnesota (his home state) and we clicked from that point. We had already had a couple tracks done together through other artists trying to get us on one song. That's the homie for real, him and his fiancé.
DPG: I found another track by Jay Crazii titled Killer Instincts ft a bunch of Brainsick artists. Are you a fan of their music?
HC: Yes the song with Jay Crazii, Killer Instincts! Of course I'm a very big fan of BrainSick music. I've worked with almost the whole roster now.
DPG: You’re also on this song Pulse by YoungDro Productions along with K-Fix, Kaos, and Crucified. When you record a verse for a song like that, do you know the other artists that you will be featured with?
HC: Pulse! That's a very dope track, shout to the homie YungDro for putting that together. I was aware that the other artists would be on the track but you never get to hear their verses. They all killed the track! Those guys make good music.
DPG: If you are aware of certain artists on a track, does that make you really want to bring your A game to the table?
HC: I never care who's on the track because I'm always in competition with myself and never another artist. My A game is a must on everything I do. Sometimes I'll go for better style over better lyrics or sometimes I'll go for both.
DPG: Have you ever turned down a collabo because the track was wack, the artist sucked, or for any other reason?
HC: Yes, there has been a lot of times I had to turn down feature offers. If someone comes to me and I can tell or I have the feeling that the heart is not in it and they're just making music just to make it I will turn it down, I don't really care about your skill set because that something that every artist has to work on themselves. I care if your heart is in it and if you are humble.
DPG: When someone asks for a collaboration from you, are you ever worried that you will outshine them on their own track?
HC: Again I never worry about outshining another artist, I'm only trying to outshine myself from the last verse I wrote.
DPG: Obviously, you can rap really fast. How did you groom your style to be able to do it so quickly?
HC: It's taken years to be as clear as I am when I rap fast. I put a lot of work into being very intricate with my lyrics. Because if anybody could do it everybody would do it.
DPG: When you chop really fast, does it take you a lot of times to record your verse?
HC: I actually got it down to a science now to where I don't have to do so many takes, just smoke a black and mild to clear my throat and lungs and drink water and I go!
DPG: There are a lot of artists out there really trying to chop their lyrics because it’s really popular? What’s your opinion on clarity, speed, and quality of lyrics?
HC: Clarity and speed is something that has to be mastered. Lyrics are something that take time to process. It's very important if you're going to chop to make sure that you are on beat and your pronunciation is very accurate. I hate when people mimic the style. I've never rapped in any other style then chopping.
DPG: In the past you had to record in the same studio with the artists and maybe it helped out the chemistry of a song. Do you feel that music suffers because of technology that’s available these days? Or do you see it as a positive?
HC: I do miss the times when you could go to a studio and vibe with another artist, but sometimes that has a downfall. You can have a lot of people sounding the same, I like the technology now because I can do songs with artists from Italy or Germany and not have to fly there to accomplish that.
DPG: What would you say is that hardest beat past or present that you’d like to flow over? Personally, I’d like to hear you record three verses over Twista’s Adrenaline Rush.
HC: It's so hard to say because each beat is a challenge. You always have to find the rhythm of the beat and learn how to write that. As far as Adrenaline Rush goes, I have recorded a verse over that before with the homie Playboy the Beast. The track is dope! It's also on YouTube. "Adrenaline Rush"
DPG: I’d like to play a game of word association with you. I’ll say the name of an artist or name something and you tell me the first thing that comes to your mind.
HC:
Tech N9ne: Big bro
Strange Music: Power house
Krizz Kaliko: Very talented
Twista: Icon
Bone Thugs & Harmony: Trendsetters
Spice-1: OG status
ScarFace: Legendary
Rap Music: In a bad place at the moment
Twisted Insane: Hard work!
BrainSick Music: Arguably, the best underground roster
JL of B.Hood: Next big artist from KC
Crucified: My brother on so many levels
DPG: Do you own your own studio? Where do you record your music?
HC: I do have my own personal studio in my house that I do all my recording in and then I send the vocals off to get mixed and mastered elsewhere.
DPG: Are you satisfied with your music career so far?
HC: So far I am pretty satisfied with my music career, I've done a lot of things that a lot of other underground artists have not been able to accomplish. My name is in a list of some pretty elite people now.
DPG: Do you hope to sign with a major label or would you rather stay independent?
HC: I do hope to sign to a major label because the independent business is lucrative, but very hard at the same time. Strange is the goal! I'm with Murder Musick right now and I'm very happy with the Quality of artists that we have.
DPG: Where do you see yourself in the industry in 5 years?
HC: I see myself a few more albums in and helping others move forward with their careers.
DPG: Is there any artist past/present that you’d like to work with?
HC: I would love to do a track with the Bizzy Bone. I would love to do a track with Drake and Kanye. I'm not a very big fan of mainstream artists lately, but these guys can make a song. Not just rap, but make a song.
DPG: Are there any producers past/present that you’d like to work with?
HC: I just work with the legendary Phonk Beta (Brotha Lynch Hung's producer). I would love to rap over a track composed by Eminem, his beats have a force to them and passion.
DPG: : Do you hold down a regular job in order to supplement your income?
HC: I was working as a store manager of an auto parts store. It can be very stressful at times so I let that job go. Now I'm currently not working. I'm just spending my time recording and selling verses. I will work on a car here and there, but as far as a 9-5. No, not right now.
DPG: How can people get in touch with you regarding music?
HC: If people are trying to get at me for a verse I have a couple avenues they can reach me at: Hurricanemusic913@gmail.com or Facebook.com/therealhurricane ( just drop me a message and I will reply)
If you're looking to buy music Bandcamp.com has my solo album (S.a.D. Laughter) and a couple of the Choppa Clique albums as well
DPG: Is there anything else you’d like to say or promote?
HC: I am currently working on an EP that will drop near Halloween, it's titled "Conflict" I'm working with the same producer that JL of B.hood has used for his albums, Smart Alec of Subliminal entertainment. Also in the beginning of 2016 there will be another Choppa Clique album entitled the Second Amendment.
DPG: I’d like to say thank you for your time. I look forward to your new music.
Follow Hurricane on Facebook: facebook.com/therealhurricane
Be on the lookout for his new EP this year titled Conflict!
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More Q & A sessions to come!
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dpgmarine
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