OCD: MOOSH & TWIST INTERVIEW W/Masked Gorilla

OCD: Moosh & Twist Talk About Third (Female) Member With TheMaskedGorilla.com from MASKED // GORILLA on Vimeo.

NARDWUAR vs. MAC MILLER INTERVIEW (Video)

#mostdope

Interview w/Miami's THINK TANK (Llamabeats & Parable)

Here is a little Q&A I had with the guys from Miami's Think Tank (Llamabeats & Parable) while they were rocking the Warped Tour.

Q. Tell the readers a little about THINK TANK and how the group was formed. In other words how Llamabeats paired up with Parable?

Parable: It actually stemmed from Spits and myself meeting at a show where he tossed me a beat CD. We linked up at the Llamabeats studio a few weeks after that, and homeboys showed me some joints that blew me away. We worked on one song together, “Money Kulture,” but the chemistry and vibe was so dope that we agreed we had to work on more.

The What’s Good?: I was a latecomer to the group, but what strikes me about THINK TANK is that the four of us are first and foremost good friends. We have a good time just hanging out, which is apparent in the music.

Q. Who is the biggest musical influence for THINK TANK?

Spits: Jonas Brothers, definitely the Jonas Brothers.

The Master Fader: Naw, but for real, that’s a pretty tough question. I mean, there are 3 of them, so it’s hard to choose which Jonas Brother is most influential. Ha!

The What’s Good?: Ok, but for real this time, we each have very different influences from all over.  We could all agree on Black Star, The Roots,  Dilla, Pete Rock, Kanye, J-Live, D'Angelo, Pharcyde, Sublime, The Beatles, George Shearing, Mingus, MAYDAY and Tito Puente, just to name fourteen.

Q. Where is the current state of hip-hop? Where do you see it heading in the next few years?

The What’s Good?: I once heard Phonte say that hip hop now is starting to cultivate audiences in more niche genres.  We have hip hop in electronica, in rock, in pop, in jazz, etc.  I think this is happening in all areas of music. For many, true quality is found in the music that appeals to a smaller audience.  At the end of the day, I think that this diversification is the only way Hip Hop is going to survive in the long term.

Parable:  For a while there was that argument of Hip-Hop being dead, and I’d say it sure was close. But now it’s alive and kicking thanks to a new sleugh of artists pushing the boundaries of creativity, and we like to think that we are in that realm. The Mashed Potatoes mixtape we have set for Nov 2nd touches many different styles and genres.

Q. Describe your song writing process.

Master Fader: When we write songs, it's a free for all.  When it comes to choruses or harmonies, we put our heads together to think of a concept, or even just a word that sounds cool.  This inevitably leads to everybody making incoherent noises to some sort of rhythm or tune.  The actual lyrics will eventually come from the original concept and we'll put the two together until a song that makes sense comes out. 

Spits: Generally you have to run what we come up with through some sort of grammar check to make sure it actually means something.  And then, BOOM!, hit songs are made.  The other way is just putting the beat through the "Hit Song Generator" machine we bought.  We did that with about half of the songs on the project.  You'll know which ones those are because they talk a lot about how a woman's "binary code" makes them feel.  In my opinion, some of that stuff is downright offensive.

Q. Any advice for aspiring MCs?

Parable: I would say to just be authentic and work-hard. Have confidence in your style, be original, and execute. It's not always about talent, tho. Of course, when there is talent and quality that helps. But just as important is work ethic. The cat that's working the hardest is the one that's gonna pull fans. So really, do work!

The Hip Hop Chamber Interview w/ Joey Tech

D. Welcome, Joey Tech. Please have a seat.

Seat has been taken.

D. Tell the readers who you are.

Well the name is JoeyTech. I'm just an artist out of Miami that's completely different from all the other artists that make it big out of here. I'm a Star Wars geek, a sneaker head, a hip hop junkie, and my thought process is always in space, I'm a down to Earth 17 year old kid looking for success. 

D.  Joey Tech...Interesting name. Why did you choose that stage name?

Well I kinda did what Lupe did and adopted the second part of my name from a friend. One of my boys I met through some hip hop forums named RapFiend, his actual name was "Danny Tek." So, with his permission of course, I took the Tek and changed the spelling to "Tech," and I became JoeyTech. 

D. Why did you start rapping?

Well, I've always loved music. Originally, I've always written poetry, but as time passed I actually started writing over beats and I made actual lyrics. 

D. Who is the biggest influence on your music?

My absolute biggest influence is Lupe Fiasco. I've been following him since his Revenge of the Nerds mixtape dropped. I just think that lyrically, no one else can touch him. His metaphors are always flying over heads, and that's something that I've always liked, thought provoking lyrics. Laws is another big influence, his swagger and delivery to me is so incredibly mean, and his lyrics never disappoint me. Also, canadian artists Shad and K-Os are influences. Along with KanYe, N*E*R*D, Black Thought, Outkast, Jay-Z. The list can go on and on.  

D. Give me you favorite 50 Cent quotable. 

Honestly, I don't like 50 all that much. But my favorite quotable is from Hate It Or Love It by the Game where he goes:

"From the beginning to the end, Losers lose. Winners win. This is real we ain't gotta pretend."

D. What mixtape is currently rocking your I-Pod?

I have A LOT of mixtapes/albums on rotation right now. Gnarls Barkley's St. Elsewhere, Big Seans' latest tape, Laws' 5:01 mixtape, Eminem's Recovery, The Roots'Game Theory, and this crew from here that everyone should check out, Geek Squads' Alternative Thinking mixtape. That's just some of what I'm listening to currently.

D. Your 'Hold You Down' [remix] had a comment that said "joey tech is a beast, straight up". How does it feel to recieve positive feedback on your work?

It feels really good. I honestly appreciate when people give me good feedback, or any type of feedback, good or bad. Just helps me realize what I'm doing right or wrong as an artist.

D. Can we expect a project from you anytime soon?

I'm actually working on a project called "Secrets." I wanna drop it around the end of Fall/ beginning of Winter. You can expect the first song from that dropping within the next week or so.

D. Where can we stay updated with your latest releases?

For updates just check these links:

joeytech.tumblr.com

www.twitter.com/JoeyTech

www.facebook.com/pages/JoeyTech/336015453906?ref=ts

Thanks for taking the time to speak with the @hiphopchamber. Hope to hear more from Joey Tech in the future!

Theophilus London - Interview for Back2Black Festival 2010

Theophilus London - Interview for Back2Black Festival 2010 from Kibber Films/Jackpot in the West on Vimeo.
Bad Fans:"We really wanna take a picture of you after the show, thats  like a code word for something else...They were asking me for drugs, like I'd be dealing drugs, Ya know, I'm dealing music. I gave her an Altoid and told her it was some pill"- Theophilus London

JayLee Interview w/New Song

I had the pleasure of conducting an impromptu interview with JayLee before he drops his newest project.

Download the last leak before the tape drops here.

Drew- For people that have never heard your music how would you describe yourself?
JayLee- Honest, talented, and quality over quantity lol and humbled
Drew- Quality over quantity, something some major artists need to realize.

Drew- Listening to your music you seem to have a consistent sound or identity, if you will. This is something a lot of up and coming rappers and musicians lack. How is you found an identity/voice in your music?
 JayLee- When I first started recording I was working on my very first mixtape which was called "Lyrical Aggression" (and will never see the day of light lol). I was influenced by so many artist mainly Lupe Fiasco at the time. so i would show people my songs and they will say i sound like Lupe Fiasco or this artist and that. I didnt want to come out sounding like anyone but my self. So all of 2009 I barely released any music i was just focusing on my sound.

Drew- Describe the progress you went through to focus on your sound.
JayLee- I wouldn't really listen to any rap music. I would just listen to some neo-soul and alternative rock.

Drew- Intriguing. Have you ever used a song or the fact you rap to woo a lady friend?
JayLee- Yeah lol. I would really rap to them no kiddie shit and they would by like DAMN! you can really rap lol.
Drew- Kiddie shit ha oh Diggy. What inspires you to write?
JayLee- Man AMAZING BEATS, when people hit me up on facebook ,twitter and they say how much they love my music and that im very talented and when me and my team have dope ass inspirational conversations.Drew- Dope ass inspirational conversation are always the best!
JayLee- Yessir

 Drew- Who in is the currently killing it in the rap game?
JayLee- I wanna say drake but very soon i think wiz khalifa gonna have the game on lock
Drew- Funny you say that cause Drake has been so heavy in my rotation but recently it has been Wiz, Chiddy, Wale.

Drew- Wiz and Drake both incorporate singing into their raps. Nowadays I can't tell if I'm listening to singers or rappers. How do you feel about this new breed of rapper/singers?
JayLee- lol its nothing wrong with that UNLESS u can really sing. No auto tune, none of that voice enhancement shit. Like for example phonte from the hip hop group "Little Brother"; dude can rap his ass off and he can really sing. Thats cool.
Drew- So true (The Foreign Exchange). 
JayLee- Thats real talk

 Drew- Aight, for these next questions try to keep the answers to 1-3 words.
How old are you? 
17
Who is your favorite indie rapper?
Murs
Hometown?
Rochester,NY 585 UPSTATE!!!! lol
 Biggie or Pac?
 Biggie
Favorite producer?
 Kanye West
Best album out this year?
So far its Teflon Don, but when kanye drop his its OVER!

Drew- When are you planning to drop your mixtape?
JayLee-The release date is September 7th
Drew- UpstateOfMind eh?
JayLee- Yessir
Drew- What is the best way for artists/producers contact you for collabs?
youngphontemusic@gmail.com or hit me up on twitter @MrJordanLee
 Well, the interview has been a pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to talk @HipHopChamber. Any last words for the fans?
 JayLee- Yeah be on the look out for "UpstateOfMind" september 7th , tell a friend to tell a friend any questions just hit me up on twitter @MrJordanLee until next time peace!
 Echelon Republic UP!

Tim Westwood - J Cole interview Radio 1

My Interview w/ Producer B Shels

What up Shels? Please introduce yourself to the readers.

What's good. I'm B Shels, a Music Producer. I'm originally from Detroit, but I'm going to be attending college in Pittsburgh so I look forward to emerging myself in that music scene also.

How would you describe your sound?

My method of making beats consists of sampling. I started out composing beats, but once my cousin suggested I sample, I began to favor that way. My base sound has developed over years. Because of that I am able to cater to the artist I work with to work around their sound. 

Are you currently working on any projects?

As for projects I'm working on, I have several. Moving into Pittsburgh I got in contact with one artist and we are planning a joint mixtape. The sound for that one is basically laid back, chill music. I have another joint mixtape with an artist in Chicago. The sound for that will be a bit edgier. In Detroit I linked up with an artist and he already had a mixtape in the works so I might have only a few songs on that one but I will mainly be hosting it. I tend to like doing joint mixtapes with artist so that the overall project sounds uniform.

Who are your top 5 favorite producers?

I favor several producers for many different reasons such as their uniqueness, technique, drum patterns, etc. In no specific order my top 5 major producers include: Kanye West, The Heatmakerz, Pharrel, Alchemist, and (not to sound conceded) B Shels. Someone always has to be a fan of themselves right?

Not to sound conceded...laughs..

Speaking of producers being conceded, what is your reaction to the whole Kanye West Taylor Swift ordeal?

I have always been a fan of Kanye, so when he caused that big scene with Taylor Swift, I basically had to do a double take because it was so surprising. That was uncalled for from all angles. The award show is a time to celebrate fellow industry members so for him to downplay a deserving winner I lost respect for him in terms of his character.

What are your thoughts on the Jay-z & Dr. Dre track that leaked named 'Under Pressure'? 

I'm not sure if this is the start of Detox, but I hope it isn't. The song sounds like Dr. Dre is trying to make a commercial song but didn't quite find the sound. The sound for this, to me, would have fit better about 5 years ago. I did however like the flow of their lyrics and the rhyme patterns though. I do think it was a preplanned leak because he has to keep his name relevant and tease listeners to keep the anticipation of Detox up. 
What is your favorite mixtape released this year?

It's a lot of recent mixtapes I have to catch up on, but the one I play the most as of now is Curren$y's Smokee Robinson. It still gets played today.

J.Cole or Drake: J. Cole

Eminem's Recovery: Comeback

Taco Bell: Cheap

Slant Rhymes: Huh?

East or West Coast Rap: East

Gulf Oil Spill: Solve

Biggie or Pac: Pac

Rhyme Books: Declining

B Shels: Great

Where can we hear your music? Beat-making videos uploaded at Youtube.com/bshelofficial or visit Myspace.com/BShels to  hear a few instrumentals. 

Awesome, I'll be sure to check it out. Thanks for taking the time for this interview, it's been a pleasure.

Drake on Jimmy Kimmel Live

shouts

Wild 94.9 In terviews Drake About his Desires

My Interview with J.B.

Q.Let’s start off by you telling me a little bit about yourself.
A. a 17 year old bro who thinks Megan fox is Insanely HOT! Who likes to write raps and who finds it almost necessary to
Shake The System Up!

Q.What is the first album you ever purchased?

A. oo..tough one with all the "illegal" dloads these days but i'd have to say "The Eminem Show" or early nelly mixes i cooped from my bros..in the 5th grade ha ha

Q.When did you first start rhyming?

A. funny story 4th grade i was so bored and my class was learning poetry, so i went and bought a rhyme book [no i still don't use it] and wrote everything that rhymed and made a little piece which made no sense and sounded like a kindergartner on crack wrote it.. cause i didnt make sense it just sorta rhymed all over.

Q.Who is your biggest influence?

A. I would say I don't got one but a big mix of influences Eminem Jay-Z Tupac Nas A little Asher Roth and Lupe running around in there as well
If you could have been on one major album released this year what would it have been and what song?
Jay-z Blueprint 3- Already Home- that song just gets me pumped specially with cudi as the hook..lyrically its INSANE!

Q.In your opinion, who is the worst rapper in the game lyrically?

A. lil wang..WAYNE* i dont like him at all like real talk he just is nonesense and MOST of his songs have no meaning or anything
Name your five favorite artists
thats EASY!
Eminem
Jay-z
Tupac
Nas
Kid Cudi
as of right now but like obama it'll probably CHANGE ha
What are the top 10 songs on your I-pod currently?
Jay-z- Already Home
Kid Cudi-Heart of a Lion
Eminem- Stay Wide Awake
Jay-z-Young Forever
Asher Roth-Alone
Nas- One Mic
Tupac- Me Against The World
Eminem-Alchemist freestyle
LL Cool J- Rock The Bells
and my song- JB! Groove!




Eminem- Stay Wide Awake,good song 4th most played song on my i-tunes. I could say a lot about his Relapse album but I'll let you do the talking. 

Q. What did you think of Relapse? I found it interesting it was the first Em album without mention of his ex-wife Kim what do you make of that?

A. I thought Relapse was an INSANE ha way to come back it shows eminem is still a beast in the game. I don't think he got to personal because its more of a story CD about just crazy stuff...I think Relapse 2 will be on a more personal level about stuff.

Ok, back to you.  Q.Have you released an album or mixtape? If not when are you planning to?

A. NAW i haven't..BUT i will have one out really soon called JB! "Rookie Season" since its my first one and all...hopefully i can be rookie of the year ha




Q.What is your favorite verse you spit? Also favorite rap verse period?

A. ha i wrote this when i was 15! when i was listenin to tupac a lot

anxiety is catching up to me, like a mosquito
believe though, im diggin my shield, it'll be deep hole,
ill only leave a peep hole to see the people.
that im scared will flair and i wont be able to bare the " freakos"
it aint right or nifty, im only 15, wonderin if that'll be the last time they kiss me
look out my window and every night wishing, dishing out my feelings
but what the heck everyones deaf no ones listening
life, its teaching me theres no i in team
but there is in lIfe so its up to me, independently, fending to get the right thing,
im like a scavenger, feeding off knowledge worthy things
but no matter what i learn its not enough i need improvement
i knew it, with my hand i had a plan and i had drew it
but after awhile its like a pile of stress its like "screw it"
im like the bomb that just exploded and i i blew it
and the most hurtful part people predicted those results
and it just goes to show it was all my fault

and by far the best verse i've ever heard is probabaly eminem on forever...hes INSANE
or tupacs first verse on Nothin 2 Lose




Q. "Rookie Season" what kind of sound should we expect to hear?

A. It sounds like a teenager wrote it ha in the sense of emotions are everywhere...its like those try me to toys at the store i just give people a taste of what i have in me

Q. What’s your opinion on the current state of hip-hop?

hmm i would say hip hop is in the "rebuilding" stage for real i felt like music lost its flair and substance. Back in the 90's it was about the music and what was bein said..then for awhile it was about ringtones and who has the most color on there shoes ha ha..but with jay-z eminem and hopefully DRE all releasing albums its slowly. coming back oH and Kid Cudi he gives a new light for newer hip hop artists

Q. If Hip-hop were a fruit which one would it be and why? ha

A. LMFAO! an Apple cause if you dont keep it fresh things begin to get rotten ha

Lol at the apple joke!

haha i knew that'd get you

Q. Are there any indie/unsigned artists you would recommend?

A. Yeah her name is Jill shes got a MAD voice

Q. It has be a pleasure interviewing you. Any last words?

A. yeah its been pretty legit...uh last words SHAKE THE SYSTEM UP! and KEEP IT REAL- JB!

Be sure to check out J.B. Music