Interview - Thais Mills of LipServiceInk

Tae:
Tell me about Thai.


Thais:
I'm a quiet, fun loving nerd from Eastern New Orleans who started a few dot coms. I Love my family, adore my friends and lust books. Literacy is my core passion... 

Tae:
What inspired you to create Enticing Objects?

Thais:
I taught Creative Writing and Arts n Crafts to camp kids the summers of going to high school. Me and the kids would make these amazing fun items and camp kids moms started asking personalized art for party favors etc. That was 10 years ago.. Once in college I started producing an open mic ( called LipServiceInk ) that year and offered my " objects " after the show. My stage name is " Enticing " soooooo the rest is www.EnticingObjects.com history.


Tae:
What inspired you to start lipSERVICEink? 

Thais:
After Hurricane Katrina I went from having 5 weekly columns in cool local magazines to none in Houston after the storm. My therapy was losing myself in books... I read more than I ever read in my life.. I read my pain away.. Some of it at least. Literacy intensified in my world. Now 4.5 million bookmarks later I ask all stars what they read.

Tae:
How would you describe your artistic style?

Thais:
Losing everything I owned and started over in Houston with no family or friends and only 600 dollars in my account. I'm more humbled now than ever. I take more time to smile than whine and I cater to my family more. 

Tae:
What can people expect from you in 5 years?

Thais:
That I'm hopefully alive and well enough to enjoy a crisp breeze on my face with healthy happy friends and family. Each day is a new opportunity to make money, that's easy... The hard part is finding peace within to enjoy it all.

Tae:
Where do you see yourself in the art realm?

Thais:
Painting for Kimora Lee Simmons really opened my eyes to how amazing art is. It pulls the common likeness out of any two people. I'm just happy to make a living for something I'd glady do for free. I'm a humble student in the art realm, I'll always be a student of Visual art.


Tae:
How can people get in touch with you?

Thais:
www.LipServiceInk.com is the magazine, www.EnticingObjects.com is the art store and www.CreativeEditingandWriting.com is the service. Tae I'm so proud of how you give a window of voice to so many. Long live The Sweet Lyfe Blog !! - thai

Interview - Lil Dee Gods Gift

There's something about certain artists that stand out to me. I have met Lil Dee on several occasions, when it comes down to it, he's not your average artist. I got a chance to sit down with him, chop it up and homie had some good stuff to say.

Tae:
Tell me about Lil Dee Gods Gift.

Lil Dee:
I'm a 21 yr old artist born and raised in New Orleans on a mission to make good music and change peoples lives.

Tae:
What makes you stand out from other hiphop artists?

Lil Dee:
I would have to say the fact that I don't curse in my music and I rap about my life. Everyone's life is different but everyone doesn't rap about what their going through. In my music I give you everything you need to know about me and I feel thats rare now days.



Tae:
Being a younger artist, does it have any setbacks as a musician?

Lil Dee:
At first when I was in school it took its toll with me not being able to get in some spots to perform , but there are good things about me being so young doing this music. So at the end of the day, I think it equals out well.

Tae:
Who would you say influenced you musically?

Lil Dee:
I listen to all types of music so I would have to say Biggie, Nas, a band called "Boston" would be my biggest. Being around and working next to Kenoe helped me out a lot at a young age.

Tae:
Where did you get your name an what made it stick?

Lil Dee:
Well, I get the Lil Dee from my family, my dad is Big Dee so its only right that I'm Lil Dee. The second half, Gods Gift came in when I was 15, I felt like God gave me a gift and me using His gift is my present back to him.

Tae:
What upcoming projects are you workin on?

Lil Dee:
I'm working on a new mixtape set to drop Christmas day, I'm also working on a live mixtape with the band FlowTribe and in the process of puttin together my first dvd tape.

Tae:
How can people get in touch with you?

Lil Dee:
You can reach me via email at bookinglildee@gmail.com or on twitter @LilDeeGodsGift

Tae:
Thank you for your time, is there anything that you would like to add?

Lil Dee:
I wanna shout out Tae for giving me this interview! The whole Zone Gang and download "The Spokesman" Mixtape at LilDeeGodsGift.blogspot.com

Interview - Tha Cartel

I got a chance to talk to one of New Orleans "NOLA Nominated" duos and they had quite a bit to say about themselves. I do believe you need to remember their name because they just might be playing on a station in your vicinity soon. Check out what Tha Cartel had to say:

Tae:

Who is Tha Cartel and how do you stand out from being another run of the duo?

Lefty: 

We’re original, we’re fresh, we young, we livin, from the music we do to the way we carry ourselves! We do what we feel needs to be done or said, we aint cutting no corners. We put a lot of passion and work into our craft, we dedicated.

Snakeyez: 

I feel like we’re bringing it back to the days when the music was authentic. Yeah,we brag in our songs and make catchy music too, but its not a gimmick and the people can tell. We put a lot into what we do and pay close attention to details which is what I feel a lot of people lack nowadays.



Tae:

What inspired y'all to become rappers?

Snakeyez: 

I used to write poetry in middle school and actually, I still do from time to time. But the love of music just being around my family- my cousin-in-law was in St.Aug band. My other cousin was in the band at Sarah T. Reed. They kept me exposed to different kinds of music and I fell in love with it. Plus, growing up around C-Murder and the No Limit empire at its peak exposed me to a lot and really made me wanna do this.

Lefty: 

Money, hoes, cars, and clothes (laughs)! Nah, but one of my cousins was doing his thing and I really looked up to him. I had written raps before but they were on some bogus type stuff, rapping bout stuff I never knew of. But as I hung around him more I started writing on my own but I didn’t tell nobody. He had a track that I liked and I wanted to get on, so I told him I’d write a verse. That was my first recorded song ever, from there it was history!

Tae:

How did you link up together and what gives you the chemistry to be able to work together?

Tha Cartel:

We met in the middle school. We both were solo artist, the summer after we graduated high school we did a mixtape together and the chemistry we had was so strong so we decided to go ahead and just keep making music together. We’re really best friends and that makes working together easy.

Tae:

Who would you say influenced you the most musically?
Lefty: 

My cousin Shankaa, he’s the reason I even picked up a pen. I always was a music person though, I grew up listening to all types of hip hop, from Tupac to NWA to Souls of Mischief. I always had a lotta love for local music like Lokee, UNLV, Mystikal, Mac, etc. I just loved the message they portrayed. As I got older and exposed to different genres of music the love I had grew exponentially.

Snakeyez:

I grew up around No Limit and Big Boy, and naturally Cash Money was big too. Back then, a lot of No Limit and Big Boy records music was very heavily West-Coast influenced, so I was into all that too. A lot of Warren G, Dogg Pound, especially Kurupt and Snoop Dogg. Nas is actually my favorite rapper though, but Im mostly influenced by southern artists and Midwest artists that actually push the limits of what hip hop really is. People like Outkast, Kanye West, and Goodie Mob was so hard, yet different than anything out. But I still try to keep the element of the old school pure New Orleans hip hop and that “bounce” in our music.

Tae:

What can people expect from you in 5 years?

Snakeyez: 

Hopefully a couple of major label albums, a couple of tours, and a lot of money!! (laughs) For real though, I just want to be respected on the home front, and where ever we go. Whether its major or independent, I want people to be like “Yeah, Tha Cartel, I fucks with them!” Respect means a lot in my book.

Tae:

What upcoming projects are you working on?

Snakeyez: 

We put out an EP/Pre-Album called “Young N Reckless” that you can download free on www.theroof-top.com. Its 8 tracks of some real good music. We are also working on the album called “Cartel Diem : Lifestyles Of The Young N Reckless” which will include the songs from Young N Reckless as well as more unreleased material. That’s gonna be a retail and out-the-trunk release! So be looking for that, it should be out by the top of the year 2011.

Tae:

How can people get in touch with you?

Lefty: 

For booking or any kind of business, you can e-mail us at thacartelmusic@gmail.com. Anybody that wants to hear any of our music can go to www.theroof-top.com. If you rocking with us, you can follow us on twitter at @ThaCartel504 and our personal facebook pages facebook.com/cartellefty and facebook.com/superstarsnake

Tae:

Thank you for taking your time to speak with us, is there anything you would like to add?

Tha Cartel: 

Yeah, thanks to you for the opportunity to do this interview. We love everybody that reaches out to us, it definitely doesn’t go unnoticed. So, shout out to The Sweet Lyfe Blog, most def. Shoutout to everybody that downloaded our EP and bought our first underground album “Strictly Business”. Just keep our name embedded in your brain cause we aint goin nowhere! We gonna keep trying to hit yall with enjoyable music album after album! New Orleans own, Tha Cartel is here!!!

My Favorite Producer, Wow can't wait to hear this

Thank You&You're Welcome

What happen to Houston's Hip-Hop?

Thank you&YOU'RE WELCOME

Interview - Big K.R.I.T.

Tae recently had the opportunity to sit down with Big K.R.I.T. in New Orleans, LA at the Smokers Club Tour and get to know a little the former baseball player about where he wants to be.

Tae: 
Who is K.R.I.T.?

Big K.R.I.T.:
I am a King Remembered In Time, basically a soulful, humble, country musician trying to make timeless music.

Tae: 
How do you feel now as opposed to this time last year? Your fan base has grown so much.

Big K.R.I.T.:
It's a blessing, an opportunity to rap about life and get feedback. People can relate to it and I'm doing what I love, escaping poverty and giving inspiration to people from Mississippi.

Tae: Where do you see your music in 5 years?

Big K.R.I.T.:
I see myself branding my company, Multi Alumn, branding my sound, ushering in the return of "former" which is southern hip hop, the way I remember it.

Tae: I know you need to get on stage, how can people get in touch with you?

Big K.R.I.T.:
Twitter, I run my account so they can hit me up on Twitter @BIGKRIT

Intervew with Kidd Russell

Kidd Russell's first video "Dear Shooter" just debuted on MTV Jams November 27th and on MTV2 December 13th. Its a powerful song about violence!! Here's an exclusive interview with Kidd Russell and The Sweet Lyfe Blog. Give us your feedback!! 

*Interview* Haziq Ali

Haziq - Freedom/Hussla (directed by 6ix Shoota) from tabi Bonney on Vimeo.
 
Who is Haziq Ali and how do you stand out from being another run of the mill rapper?

I'm a serial entrepreneur and motivational speaker who decided to pour the principles that have brought him success; for instance, I started my first business in Junior High and made 60 Minutes; into his music. I'm different from other rappers because I do motivational hip-hop "U-Can-DO-It Music" designed to make you feel more powerful as you sing along rather than be distracted or made to feel hopeless.

What inspired you to become a rapper?

I feel like music actually affects minds. Music more than public speaking, more than poetry, or movies, etc. Hip Hop especially, is singularly equipped to transmit information. It is education and entertainment all in one. It can be a weapon or a tool and I decided I was going to be part of the solution and choose to use mine to build.

Who would you say influenced you the most musically?

Artists like Eminem and Kanye West who rose from the underground "backpack culture" to the top of pop culture inspire me the most. However, I am also enthralled by the branding genius of phenoms like Lady Gaga.

What can people expect from you in 5 years?

You can expect me to be acting and affecting the pop culture of the world. I'll be internationally known as both a speaker and an artist.

What upcoming projects are you working on?

I'm working on my blog, pushing my album, and creating new material constantly to prepare for the times when the world is clamoring for more from me.

How can people get in touch with you?

They can reach me via Twitter just type in HaZiQ, HaziqAli.com, haziqali.wordpress.com, myspace.com/theRhyme, or via Facebook at Haziq Ali.

Thank you for taking your time to speak with us, is there anything you would like to add?

"If you can grind, you can shine- that's the good news."

Interview: Go Dj Dip

Everyone knows that success starts somewhere, I had the chance to interview one of the very first Go DJ's and boy was that a very good interview. Check it out and enjoy :)

Tae: 

For those who are not familiar with Go DJ Dip, tell us a little about yourself. 

Go DJ Dip:
I'm from Dallas, Oak Cliff off Camp Wisdom and Polk, I've been dj-ing since I was 16 and I'm a pretty laid back cat, just like my tattoo says, A-1 Since Day 1, I'm the last of a dying breed you know.  I've been a Go DJ since 2005, as a matter of fact, I was one of the first Go DJ's.  (laughs) DJ Hi-C was my mentor at the time.

Tae:

What makes you stand out from other DJ's?

Go DJ Dip:
Most definitely my personality and the feeling that I leave you with after you meet me. I have an aura about myself, something like a glow. Shit, I'm me.

Tae:

Where did you get your name and what made it stick?

Go DJ Dip:
My name was given to me by the people, like literally, the public and it was accepted. My nickname was Chip, and some people just started saying Dip. I used to host a mixtape for a rapper named Lil Tex, and on one of his songs he said "DJ Dip" and people started hearing it. I didn't ask for the name, it was given to me.

Tae:

What inspired you to become a DJ?

Go DJ Dip:
 I like to have fun, the fact that I can have fun and make money. DJ-ing gave me an outlet on who I am as a person. When I talk, people listen, I have a voice and I loved the feeling I got when I did it for the first time. I met Dj Hi-C helped and taught me a lot, I have to pay major homage to him. He made me who I am today. He taught me the in's and out's of the game and how to be patient. Thank you man.

Tae:

What kind of equipment do you use?

Go DJ Dip:
I use CDJ's, no turntables. I'm an 80's baby, I've never touched a vinyl, I use serato, CDJ, a mixer and a laptop and it's going DOWN.

Tae:

What type of music do you like to play the most?

Go DJ Dip:
Man, the music that I listen to, I play what the people wanna hear, 8Ball, MJG, late 90's and Trap Music, Big Chief, Underground and Urban music.

Tae:

What kind of advice would you like to give upcoming DJ's and or artists?

Go DJ Dip:
Be patient. Be patient. Be patient, you never know who's watching you whether there's 4 or 400, you never know and be yourself.

Tae:

How can people get in touch with you?

Go DJ Dip:
www.myspace.com/GotGoDJDip, www.twitter.com/GoDJDip, and you can search me on Facebook under GoDj Dip. Whenever you see me, say something, I am not "hollywood".

Tae: 

Before we go, is there anything you would like to add?

Go DJ Dip:
I'm the Official Eat Greedy Dj, A-1 Since Mother Fuckin Day 1, The First Go DJ. Dallas born, but I'm Texas raised, The Interstate DJ, coming to a city near you. I have to leave you with our motto "If You Not A Go Dj, What The Fuck Are You Dj-ing For?" I also host mixtapes, I'm a one stop shop, I will host it, and press it up. Holla at me.

Interview NOLABelle

Tae:

For those who may not know you, could you tell us about yourself?

NOLABelle:
Well, I am 26 years old, native of Marrero on the Westbank. I went to high school and college in North Carolina. I’m a Legal Assistant by day and a freelance Publicist by day and night. (Laughs). I have a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Dance. I am addicted to sports, some say obsessed, my favorites are baseball, football and basketball, but I also enjoy Soccer. I love to laugh and have a good time and I really enjoy my work as a Publicist.

Tae:
How did you begin doing work as a publicist? 

NOLABelle:
I actually started about 2 years ago by doing some work for my church. After that I linked up with Steve Dubb from The Hut Studios who in turn introduced me to Chuck ‘Lyrikill’ Jones who became my first client. Now I have 5 clients, Lyrikill, Wes B., The ICU, JayB August and DJ Mike Swift/In Ya Box Entertainment. But I love it and I’m learning everyday.


Tae:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years as far is music is concerned? 

NOLABelle:
In 5 years, I hope to be one of the best Publicists in the business, hopefully with the same clients I have now.

Tae:
What do you think is missing most from artists today?

NOLABelle:
Passion. I think most people see it as a get rich quick scheme. There’s a shortage on artists who actually work and develop their craft, someone who respects the culture and its history and hard-workers.

Tae:
What advice do you have for upcoming artists, or even publicists?

NOLABelle:
Ummm, I’m new myself feels kind of weird giving advice, BUT, I will say stay true to yourself because when you lose yourself, you have nothing.

Tae: 
How can we get in touch with you?

NOLABelle:
Email: nicoya.hogan@gmail.com and Twitter: http://twitter.com/NOLABelle83

Tae:
Thank you so much for your time, before we go, do you have anything you would like to add?

NOLABelle:
I run a blog which caters to up and coming artists which will soon feature samples from producers and mixes from DJ’s I’m always looking for new music to add to it. I have a Featured Artist of the Week as well. http://nolabelle83.blogspot.com and artists/producers/DJ’s feel free to send me what you got!

Interview Slangston Hughes

Tae:
For those that are not familiar with you, tell us a little about yourself.

S.H.:
I'm Slangston Hughes, THE Connoisseur of Fine Rhyme, member of the Go Hard Gang (Tygah Woods) and SuperUgly, founder of New Orleans' premiere live performance platform, Uniquity, Hip-Hop lover and all around good dude.

Tae:
How would you describe your music?

S.H.
My music is what I would call "intelligent Hip-Hop." I tend to infuse words you usually wouldn't hear in rap songs; subject matter, content. Any music that makes you think and pushes you to excel or be better I wanna be behind it.

Tae:
Is there a certain type of age group you are trying to reach out to in your music?

S.H.:
Music's universal and I aspire to be the type of emcee that can reach the masses regardless of your demographic. I'm fairly confident, I've got a song everyone can relate to.

Tae:
What inspired you to get into the music industry?

S.H.:
Music was something that started out in high school but then just a hobby. Fully immersing myself in the culture of Hip-Hop for the past several years led me to appreciate it and take my love for the art form to another degree. Besides that, the continuous over saturation of listeners' ears with rhymes/songs of misogyny, materialism, gun talk, trap rap really pushed me to show that there is another side to the Hip-Hop spectrum.

Tae:
Who would you say influenced you the most musically?

S.H.:
More than likely I would say Mama Hughes, my aunt and grandmother, along with Biggie and my peers within our community.

Tae:
Is there any advice you would like to give upcoming artists

S.H.:
Support each other, always give 110% in EVERY aspect of your music and most importantly this game is not a sprint to the finish, it's a marathon, so pace yourself.

Tae:
What upcoming projects are you working on?

S.H.:
I'm in the process of putting the finishing touches on my next mixtape, The Nu-Growth, which should be out in April, followed by an 8 track EP in August with Memphis/LA emcee and producer, L'Daialogue called Dollars and Daialogue. I'll be finishing the year with another EP, Sense/Cents. That's just from the solo tip. You can expect another Tygah Woods project in addition to a SuperUgly record as well.

Tae:
How can people get in touch with you?

S.H.:
Quickest way would be Twitter, www.twitter.com/PookeyMalibu. In addition to, www.reverbnation.com/slangstonhughes and www.myspace.com/slangstonhughes84

Tae:
Thank you again for speaking with us, is there anything that you would like to add?

S.H.:
Thank you for the opportunity. Hip-Hop is DEFINITELY alive in New Orleans! Tygah Woods, we own the future. Get with us or get leftovers. Not only support but better yet, cultivate local Hip-Hop in your area.

Interview Wes B

Tae:
Tell me a little about yourself.

Wes B:
My name is Wes B, I am a Hip-Hop artist from New Orleans, CEO/Founder of XCEL Records, LLC/ Blue Duece Productions. I am also a part-time studio engineer at my home studio.

Tae:
What got you into music and production work?

Wes B:
I've always been into music, like literally. I used to change the words to all the songs to make them personable and pretend that I was a radio dj in my youth, was in my jr high and high school marching bands. I started building XCEL Records as a label in 2000.


Tae:
Who would you say has influenced you musically?

Wes B:
Lyrically, I have to say Jay Z, Kanye West, Joe Budden, & Lupe Fiasco. Production wise; Kanye, Just Blaze, Pharell, Dr Dre and a few others.

Tae:
What do you think is missing most from hip hop right now?

Wes B:
Honestly nothing. Hip Hop has everything that you need. There are party songs, street, gangsta, & "underground" rap. Here in the city the program directors need to put more local artist into rotation so that they can have that opportunity to let their music be heard so they can reach a broader audience.

Tae:
What upcoming projects are you working on now?

Wes B:
The next project that I will be working on is my second solo album Life, Love, Music it's the follow-up to 2008's Focus.

Tae:
How can people get in touch with you?

Wes B:
I can be found via Twitter at WesBeez, my website http://www.xcelrecordsonline.net, www.facebook.com/mrxcelrecords, and via email at mrxcelrecords@gmail.com

Tae:
Thank you again for your time, is there anything you would like to add?

Wes B:
Please check out my album Focus on iTunes by typing in "Wes B Focus" into the search box. Also check out http://www.xcelrecordsonline.net for links to my music and other information related to me and XCEL Records. Download my latest mixtape called Blu Musik.

Interview Chubby Nate

Tae:

Tell me a little about yourself.

Chubby Nate:

I'm Chubby Nate, I was born & raised in New Orleans. I released my first work as part of the group, Underground Spokesmen in 2004 and recently made my solo debut "Street Speech" in 2009. I don't make music for fortune or fame, this is an art. I do this for the LOVE of it!

Tae:

What got you into music and production work?

Chubby Nate:

In my teens, I found it an easier way to display my thoughts and feelings because of the things I was dealing with. I was just trying to find balance and I found therapy in the music.

Tae:

Who would you say has influenced you musically?

Chubby Nate:

My early influences go back to MJ, Frankie B and Maze, Prince and The Isleys, but later, I was intringued with the lyricism and story-telling of Scarface, Nas, Mobb Deep, Outkast, Biggie, Wu, Pac and UGK coincidentally a lot. (Laughs) I LOVE  GOOD MUSIC!

Tae:

What do you think is missing most from hip hop right now?

Chubby Nate:

I  think people's passion for the art has become complacent. I could remember listening to songs where verses were like pieces to a puzzle.

Tae:

What upcoming projects are you working on now?

Chubby Nate:

I'm working on my follow-up project, "The Balance: Books & Blocks". I'm also working on my group, BoscoSluggaz, mixtape along with features and songs on Water, HardHead Productionz and my protege, King.

Tae:

How can people get in touch with you?

Chubby Nate:

You can contact me on Twitter or on  facebook.com/ChubbyNate.

Tae:

Thank you again for your time, is there anything you would like to add?

Chubby Nate:

Nothing is wrong with dreaming, you stop living when you do! Again I would like to thank you for this opportunity. Two fingers.

Interview - Lee of Zone Gang

 
Tae: For those that are not familiar with you, tell us a little about yourself.

Lee: Well, my name is Brandon Lee Cyprian A.K.A. Lee, I was born and raised in New Orleans La, I am 23 years old and is currently with an up and coming rap label that goes by the name of ZoneGang and I've been rapping for about 6 or 7 years now.

Tae: How would you describe your music?

Lee: Well I describe my music as being pretty diverse, I make tracks on the Hip Hop and R&B side of things, I make a few real songs and I can switch it up and make some songs for the ladies as well. I plan on getting my singing on in the future. (Laughs)

Tae: Is there a certain type of age group you are trying to reach out to in your music?

Lee: Im trying keep it pretty diverse so its roughly between like 18 and older, depending on the music material it can be younger

Tae: What inspired you to get into the music industry?

Lee: I've always been around music, I grew up around family that would always sing or was involved with something in music so I'd have to say my family.
Tae: Who would you say influenced you the most musically?

Lee: For me it was most of the artists in the 504 (New Orleans), I grew up listening to the Hot Boys, Mystical, P.N.C. and a lot of otha cats so my influence comes from home.

Tae: Is there any advice you would like to give upcoming artists?

Lee: Just stay focused and keep on telling yourself that you are made for bigger and better things and don’t let anything get in your way, make sure u keep GOD first.

Tae: What upcoming projects are you working on?

Lee: I have my first mix tape called “Down 2 Bizness” that I'm finishing up and I'm working on my second one as we speak, still need a name for it but it will come to me sooner or later, I also have a few upcoming shows with my homie Lil Dee.

Tae: How can people get in touch with you?

Lee: People can reach me on Twitter,  www.Twitter.com/Lee_Zonegang, I have a link to my myspace on my twitter page so yall can peep some of my music, u can also email me at Leezgmusic@gmail.com and check out the you tube page, http://www.youtube.com/user/LeeZoneGang

Tae: Thank you again for speaking with us, is there anything that you would like to add?

Lee: Yea shout out to my whole ZoneGang fam for sticking with ya boy through everything. You all are greatly appreciated and thank you Ms. Tae and Sweet Lyfe Blog for the interview, GOD BLESS.

*Interview* Arie J

Tae: Tell me about yourself?

Arie J: My name is Ariana, but I go by Ariana Jacquel or Arie J in the industry. I am a transfer junior at Southern University and I used to march for Grambling State University “World Famed” Marching Band on trombone. I am a member of three organizations, one underground and two nationally recognized which is N.B.W.A. (GSU’s Trombone Section), N Phi O Music Organization Inc., and the Order of the Eastern Star. Some of my hobbies include music and the arts, dancing and just overall being around people, but my true passion is the Arts, you know, the theater, writing poetry, drawing and anything artistic. Overall, what I am looking for is exposure in Music Videos, Print, Runway, Television, and Commercial.

Tae: How long have you been in the modeling industry all in all?

Arie J: I have been modeling for a year now and I love it and I was actually introduced to it through my frat brother GO DJ J-Weezie. It’s something new and exciting and I love new and exciting and to say it’s only been a short time span, it’s picking up for me very well. It keeps my interest and it’s not something where you can go to school, get a degree and go work, you have to grind for it because anyone can be a doctor or a lawyer or an office assistant, but this is something that you really have to be strive to be somebody or nobody at all.



Tae: I’ve heard that you are an actress; do you have formal training or educational background?

Arie J: I do know how to act proficiently well. I do not have formal training, but I used to do productions in small theaters out of state when I was in high school and I got a lot of great compliments on my roles and it’s something I love to do as well. It’s fun.

Tae: Have you worked for any companies or done freelance for anyone?

Arie J: Since I’ve only been modeling for a short period of time, I haven’t done any work for companies other than GO DJs L.L.C. but I am working hard and grinding hard and I am actually being offered more jobs.

Tae: Is there any advice you would like to give upcoming models?

Arie J: Just keep in mind that it’s a hustler’s job. You have to be a grinder and know what you want out of it. You can’t rely on other people to promote you, you have to make a name for yourself. It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know and who knows you.

Tae: How can people get in touch with you?

Arie J: I don’t really be on MySpace too much, but I am very active on my Twitter which is www.twitter.com/GOModelArieJ and Facebook which is www.facebook.com/GOModelArieJ

Tae: Thank you for your time and before we go, is there anything you would like to add?

Arie J: Thank you for this opportunity and all of you promoters, DJs, Artists, Directors, etc, get at me!!!

*Interview* Sinista

Tae: Tell me about yourself, where you’re from and how you got started.

Sinista: I’m from the Florida Projects in the 9th Ward, of New Orleans, and I started back when I was 11 years old. My uncle had a studio back in the early 90’s, I used to sneak in and teach myself how to make beats and record.

Tae: What makes you stand out from other producers?

Sinista: I’m well rounded and I can do a complex track just as easy as I can do something simple.

Tae: What category would you place your music and if you could name it, what would you call it.

Sinista: I’m a diehard fan of gangsta music, but I’m good at making my music gangsta as well as radio playable. I’ll call it, Sinista Music, all the music I do have a dark, drama feel to it.

Tae: Who are your top 5 artists?

Sinista: I would have to say, Jay – Z, Young Jeezy, T. I., Lil Wayne, Juvenile

Tae: What kind of equipment do you use?

Sinista: I use Open Labs, Miko and the program I use is Reasons 4.0

Tae: What inspired you to become a producer/beatmaker.

Sinista: I met Mannie fresh at about 11 yrs old at Peaches Record store and hearing Dr. Dre’s, The Chronic and I was like, damn, I gotta do that.

Tae: Is there any advice you’d like to give upcoming artists or producers?

Sinista: Be very aggressive, don’t take no for an answer, don’t sell yourself cheap, get your money. If rappers can afford to buy top of the line clothes and shoes, they can afford to pay you for a beat.

Tae: Who are some of the artist you’ve worked with?

Sinista: Man, I've worked with a number of people Soulja Slim (RIP), Partners N Crime, Ms. Tee, 5th Ward Weebie, Choppa, Magnolia Chop, Juvenile, Hot Boy Ronald, Bun B, Devin the Dude, Trae da Truth, FloRida, Wacko & Skip, Sess 4-5 and a lot more, those are just some.

Tae: Who would you say influenced you the most musically?

Sinista: I would have to say, the great Mannie Fresh and Dr. Dre.

Tae: What upcoming projects are you working on?

Sinista: I’m working on an album for Juvenile as well as my own project that will be released via iTunes.

Tae: How can people get in touch with you?

Sinista: People can reach me via MySpace at www.myspace.com/sinista54 , on twitter at www.twitter.com/godjsinista and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sinistatrax

*Interview* G Gutta

Tae: Tell me a little about yourself.

G Gutta: I am G Gutta, a 28 year-old hip-hop emcee, spokesperson for real issues. I come from a little city called Carver Ranches in Florida maybe ten minutes away from Miami.I represent what I like to call Real Rap. Unlike many of the newer and older artists, I take to the time to look into real issues that hold the youth of our generation down and expose them in my music. Conscience rapper? NO, I speak it in terms that pretty much anyone can understand.

Tae: What got you into music and production work?

G Gutta: I got into music in like 1995, after hearing how many artists back then wrote about problems in their neighborhoods, families, and just spoke from the heart. I was like 15-16 then, and like “damn, I got problems too maybe I should start writing about them”. Not until I got into high school, did I want to actually start learning to produce and put it all out to the world.

Tae: Who would you say has influenced you musically?

G Gutta: As far as influences go, Tupac is the most influential to me. That man is like the epitome of real, he just speaks his mind no matter who’s listening. Andre 3000 of Outkast, Scarface, are a few more artists that really had an impact on the way I write and deliver. Im influenced by most of the artists from the 90’s, these new artists, have no substance in their music so I don’t waste my time listening. Not knocking their hustle though. LOL

Tae: What do you think is missing most from hip hop right now?

G Gutta: ATTN: HIP HOP IS MISSING THE TRUTH! Everybody thinks its all glitz and glam in this game, only because all the artists out now do is show the good side of it. They don’t tell about the grind it took to get there, how shady the folk are in the business aspect. All they do is throw money up in videos, flash jewelry, and show off the cars. Now you tell me, if 100,000 kids are watching you as a role model, is that the message you want to send out to em? Tell the good, the bad and the ugly.

Tae: What upcoming projects are you working on now?

G Gutta: Right now I’m working on a mixtape series called Real Rap. I have no clue how many different volumes there will be but, it’s an attempt to send a better message or image of rap music. The first volume of the series is hosted by Gunplay of Triple C’s, which will be released in the spring of this year.

Tae: How can people get in touch with you?

G Gutta: Well they can follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/ggutta96, check out the myspace page www.myspace.com/foreveryunggutta and if anybody has any personal questions they can even hit may fan email ggutta96@yahoo.com I’m real down to earth, so holla at me and I will definitely holla back.

Tae: Thank you again for your time, is there anything you would like to add?

G Gutta: Thank you for taking your time to interview me, I appreciate it greatly. I just want everybody checking in to look out for the Real Rap series, if you enjoy good rap music. God Bless You All!

*Interview* De-U.C.E. Double

Tae: Who is DeUce Double?

D.D: De-U.c.e. Double is who I've become from grinding half of my life with De-U Records De-U creative entertainer Double.

Tae: Where are you from and how long have you been rapping, well, correction, how long have you been an artist?

D.D.: I'm from Fort Washington, Maryland or as I call it 40. Watt, Murdaland it's a town in PG county just south of DC. I've been rapping since I was small but I started getting more serious around 2000 when I got out of school.


Tae: What makes you stand out from the rest?

D.D.: I stand out from the rest because I produce, record, & mixdown most of my music myself so I create my own sound & nobody on planet Earth can be me. I rap my life plus I've sold 1,000's of CD's & been on the radio with no management, PR, agent, etc. I grind when others whine.

Tae: How would you describe your music style?

D.D.: My music style is undescribeable it's whatever I fell at that time when different elements of my music are created & the songs come together.

Tae: What do you think hip hop is missing?

D.D.: Hip-Hop is missing real people & quality music it's got the good rappers percieved as "underground" & the the old underground is the mainstream right now. Hip-Hop is missing the lesser of both evils & that's De-U Records & rappers from the DMV area in general.

Tae: Who are your top 5 artists?

D.D.: My top 5 all time artists are Pac, Big, JayZ, Scarface, UGK

Tae: What upcoming projects are you working on?

D.D.: I don't know what my next solo project is gonna be called but I just came out with my debut solo mixtape called De-U.c.e. Double "40. Wattage" on 2/2/10 so I'm still not done pushing that just yet. De-U Records as a whole are coming out with some new kids educational Hip-Hop products new CD's, DVD's, Concerts, etc. as well so stay tuned for those.

Tae: How can people get in touch with you?

D.D.: People can get in touch with me thru twitter at www.twitter.com/DeUceDouble

Tae: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me, is there anything else you would like to add?

D.D.: "Hip-Hop ain't dead it just moved to the DMV!!!" www.DeUceDouble.blogspot.com

*Interview* Codac

Tae:
Who is Codac and how do you stand out from being another run of the mill rapper?

Codac:
I'm me all day everyday, nobody can be me better than me. I'm that sometimes quiet, goofy dude that loves what he does. MUSIC.

Tae:
What inspired you to become a rapper?

Codac:
Its hard to say. I played around with a lot as a kid and began to love doing it the more I got into it. I know that No Limit/Cash Money era had my full attention.

Tae:
Who would you say influenced you the most musically?

Codac:
I wouldn't really say influence, but my favorite artist is Mystikal and I've always studied the dudes great flows like Jay-Z, Luda, Eminem, but my main influence is life as a whole. The good the bad, the ups and downs.

Tae:
What can people expect from you in 5 years?

Codac:
You will definitely learn more about me as an artist because I strive to get better with every bar. I just pray that the hard work pays off and I can eat and feed my family off music.

Tae:
What upcoming projects are you working on?

Codac:
I have my current mix tape entitled  "Weed & Froot Loops" mixed by Ice Mike. The 10 Finger Orchestra project and I'm trying to get on any and every artists' album/mix tape possible. I'm also part of the Crescent City College Tour that kicks off Feb 21st at Cafe Prytania at 7pm and coming to a campus near you.

Tae:
How can people get in touch with you?

Codac:
I can be reached on myspace.com/codac504 FB @ Codac Izdatruth twitter.com/Codac504 or hit me up through email codac504@gmail.com.

Tae:
Thank you for taking your time to speak with us, is there anything you would like to add?

Codac:
I just want thank you for the opportunity and thank all that do and will support. DEUCES!

Interview - Lyrikill

Tae:
For those that are not familiar with you, tell us a little about yourself.

Lyrikill:

I am Lyrikill, a 29 year-old hip-hop cultural enthusiast, emcee, spokesperson for real issues, sneaker addict and visionary. I represent the original elements of hip-hop culture (emceeing, deejaying, breaking and graffiti) and its true school renaissance from the southern region. I host a monthly event, called The Soundclash. It is a producer competition, local music showcase, and networking event to build unity in the New Orleans urban music scene. Our event works with established musicians as well as developing talent and we have been able to connect various artists with opportunities in the music industry. 

Tae:

How would you describe your music?

Lyrikill:

I call it true school hip-hop music. True in the sense that it pays respect to the past, embodies the cultures and speaks to the people. I am a visual artist as well, so I like to think of my vocal performance through rap being literary and sonic art.

   
Tae:

Who are your top 5 artists?

Lyrikill:

"Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan and Dylan...cause I spit hot fire...."

My fav 5 emcees are Cee-Lo (of Goodie Mob), the late Big Pun, Ghostface Killah, Nas and Scarface.

My favorite producers are DJ Khalil, Jake One, the late J Dilla, Hi-Tek & Pete Rock (who will be at Soundclash 3/12 at Howlin Wolf).

Tae:

What category would you place your music in and if you could name the sound/type of music, what would it be?

Lyrikill:

Its hip-hop music, but very true to the late 80s early 90s roots of the music. Be prepared to hear breakbeats, samples, call & response, punchlines, etc. It's also music that is socially responsible and works to help unify and motivate the listening crowd.

Tae:

How can people get in touch with you?

Lyrikill:

My website is www.lyrikillmusic.com and I am on most of the social networks, myspace, facebook, and twitter all at Lyrikill...you can @reply me on twitter @lyrikill and i'll definitely hit you back. For Soundclash info, visit www.thesoundclash.com or email info@thesoundclash.com.

Tae:

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lyrikill:

I'd like to thank all the people who support music in general, whether it's going to shows, buying music, blogging, promoting or however you contribute. There are tons of artists with relevant music that just want to be heard that get overlooked because of their lack of connections in the industry, so every supporter keeps our culture alive.