Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Q&A with LA rapper Dubb
California’s Dubb is a 24-year-old rapper that is making an impact on the hip-hop game. Already he’s worked with big name artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tyga and Cali Swag District and been acknowledged for his inspirational and timeless music from the release of his mixtape, The Departure. With the anticipation of his forthcoming album, The Layover set for release May 31, Dubb is confident that his grind will land him international recognition. This past week, Dubb took time out of his non-stop, no sleep schedule to speak with Urbanology Magazine about his influences, the feedback he has received so far and his plans for the future.
WHAT WAS GROWING UP IN THE WEST COAST LIKE? It was just like growing up anywhere else. You’re just a product of your environment. It’s what you make yourself out of the situation.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFLUENCES FROM? As far as rappers, Tupac, Jadakiss, Ice Cube, T.I. and Eminem. I can keep naming. As far as influences outside of musicians, my real life, because that is the motivation for me to get up. I don’t sleep at all. I feel like I’m delusional because I never sleep, but this is the life.
YOUR LAST MIXTAPE, THE DEPARTURE, RECEIVED OVER 100,000 DOWNLOADS IN THE FIRST MONTH ALONE. HOW DID YOU PROMOTE THIS MIXTAPE AND WHAT FEEDBACK HAVE YOU BEEN GIVEN? Usually when people drop mixtapes, they only do it through the Internet. I did it on the Internet and in the streets. Obviously I can’t hit the streets everywhere because I don’t have the major budget, but I put flyers and posters all over my city. I’ve always been putting in the same type of work. I’ve always been going this hard since I started. And for people to finally start listening, it’s like, finally, but it’s still the beginning.
WHAT INSPIRED POWERFUL SONGS LIKE “DETERMINATION” AND “PATIENCE IS KEY”? What I’m going through, my everyday life. I am human, I’m not a robot, so when I’m going through something and I feel like “man, should I keep doing this?” I have people around me like my real friends and family that tell me, “Keep going, it’s helping me.” There’s people that come up to me out in the streets and say, ““Determination”, I listen to that every morning.” There’s people out here that I’m really changing their lives. I was eating at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles the other day, and this dude comes up to me when I was eating and was like, “Dubb, “Determination” changed my life bro.” I was like for real? I was eating so I had to wipe my hands and shake this man’s hand. I appreciate that. It really got to me. That’s why I make music like that. I want to make some heartfelt music, some timeless music that people can pop in 20 years from now and it will still be relevant because what’s hot right now will not be hot in 20 years, so why talk about it.
YOUR NEW MIXTAPE THE LAYOVER IS EXPECTED TO DROP IN MAY OF THIS YEAR, WHAT WILL MAKE IT UNIQUE FROM THE DEPARTURE AND OTHER MUSIC OUT TODAY? I am doing something on this mixtape that is real different from the last one, but it will still have the same feel. The Layover, when you go to an airport, if you want to go from Los Angeles to New York, you will stop in between, you don’t go straight to New York. When I took off on The Departure, I said I was headed to success. My whole concept of The Layover is, I want to stop in certain states, and when I stop in those certain states, I’ll have an artist from that state that’s poppin’ on the tape. It’s gonna be epic. I’m working hard on it now. I’m taking my time. I got real picky this last year with tracks and the whole sound.I want to make some heartfelt music, some timeless music that people can pop in 20 years from now and it will still be relevant because what’s hot right now will not be hot in 20 years, so why talk about it.
IN A TIME WHERE SO MANY ARTISTS YOUR AGE ARE OPTING TO MAKE FLUFFY MUSIC, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE? That’s me. I really don’t make music that other people do and I take my own lane. I like making music that everyone can relate to. Anyone can just rap. It’s hard to do something that’s powerful. Everyone can go in the booth. I want to make something that anyone in the world can feel, whether it’s people my age, younger, older people; I want to touch everyone. You know the person Tupac was, I want to be that plus more. I want to be an icon.
WHAT RESPONSE HAS THAT GENERATED FROM YOUR FANS AND THOSE AROUND YOU? Instead of people liking me, they love me. They really feel like they know me. The records I make are so personal so they feel they know me on a first and last name basis instead of just Dubb. That’s the type of response I’ve been getting, that they feel like they’re really close friends with me — which they are. I don’t fabricate nothing, I tell them how my life really is. The day that I’m on, then I’m going to have to speak from the perspective of them, [right now I speak for] the people that are still in the struggle, because I’m still in the struggle right now.
WHAT WAS GROWING UP IN THE WEST COAST LIKE? It was just like growing up anywhere else. You’re just a product of your environment. It’s what you make yourself out of the situation.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFLUENCES FROM? As far as rappers, Tupac, Jadakiss, Ice Cube, T.I. and Eminem. I can keep naming. As far as influences outside of musicians, my real life, because that is the motivation for me to get up. I don’t sleep at all. I feel like I’m delusional because I never sleep, but this is the life.
YOUR LAST MIXTAPE, THE DEPARTURE, RECEIVED OVER 100,000 DOWNLOADS IN THE FIRST MONTH ALONE. HOW DID YOU PROMOTE THIS MIXTAPE AND WHAT FEEDBACK HAVE YOU BEEN GIVEN? Usually when people drop mixtapes, they only do it through the Internet. I did it on the Internet and in the streets. Obviously I can’t hit the streets everywhere because I don’t have the major budget, but I put flyers and posters all over my city. I’ve always been putting in the same type of work. I’ve always been going this hard since I started. And for people to finally start listening, it’s like, finally, but it’s still the beginning.
WHAT INSPIRED POWERFUL SONGS LIKE “DETERMINATION” AND “PATIENCE IS KEY”? What I’m going through, my everyday life. I am human, I’m not a robot, so when I’m going through something and I feel like “man, should I keep doing this?” I have people around me like my real friends and family that tell me, “Keep going, it’s helping me.” There’s people that come up to me out in the streets and say, ““Determination”, I listen to that every morning.” There’s people out here that I’m really changing their lives. I was eating at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles the other day, and this dude comes up to me when I was eating and was like, “Dubb, “Determination” changed my life bro.” I was like for real? I was eating so I had to wipe my hands and shake this man’s hand. I appreciate that. It really got to me. That’s why I make music like that. I want to make some heartfelt music, some timeless music that people can pop in 20 years from now and it will still be relevant because what’s hot right now will not be hot in 20 years, so why talk about it.
YOUR NEW MIXTAPE THE LAYOVER IS EXPECTED TO DROP IN MAY OF THIS YEAR, WHAT WILL MAKE IT UNIQUE FROM THE DEPARTURE AND OTHER MUSIC OUT TODAY? I am doing something on this mixtape that is real different from the last one, but it will still have the same feel. The Layover, when you go to an airport, if you want to go from Los Angeles to New York, you will stop in between, you don’t go straight to New York. When I took off on The Departure, I said I was headed to success. My whole concept of The Layover is, I want to stop in certain states, and when I stop in those certain states, I’ll have an artist from that state that’s poppin’ on the tape. It’s gonna be epic. I’m working hard on it now. I’m taking my time. I got real picky this last year with tracks and the whole sound.I want to make some heartfelt music, some timeless music that people can pop in 20 years from now and it will still be relevant because what’s hot right now will not be hot in 20 years, so why talk about it.
IN A TIME WHERE SO MANY ARTISTS YOUR AGE ARE OPTING TO MAKE FLUFFY MUSIC, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE? That’s me. I really don’t make music that other people do and I take my own lane. I like making music that everyone can relate to. Anyone can just rap. It’s hard to do something that’s powerful. Everyone can go in the booth. I want to make something that anyone in the world can feel, whether it’s people my age, younger, older people; I want to touch everyone. You know the person Tupac was, I want to be that plus more. I want to be an icon.
WHAT RESPONSE HAS THAT GENERATED FROM YOUR FANS AND THOSE AROUND YOU? Instead of people liking me, they love me. They really feel like they know me. The records I make are so personal so they feel they know me on a first and last name basis instead of just Dubb. That’s the type of response I’ve been getting, that they feel like they’re really close friends with me — which they are. I don’t fabricate nothing, I tell them how my life really is. The day that I’m on, then I’m going to have to speak from the perspective of them, [right now I speak for] the people that are still in the struggle, because I’m still in the struggle right now.
Juicy J Live In Toronto
The Opera House was turned up last Friday night as Taylor Gang representative and Three 6 Mafia co-founder, Juicy J rolled into the city. NuDay Entertainment and the Highway Gang presented the event, which brought young and old hip-hop heads out to watch the industry veteran perform for the first time in Toronto.
Toronto’s own Dante Leon, C-Flowz, Hardbody, The 6th Letter and Luu Breeze opened the show, each bringing their own vibe to the stage to hype up the packed venue, while DJ Fresh and Miami’s DJ Ohso spun the records.
Juicy J hit the stage with an intense energy and an unmistakable voice and flow wearing a black “We Trippy Mane” T-shirt and shades, announcing that he had just took two Xanex pills and got drunk with The Weeknd before making it to the show.The crowd lost control as the Academy Award-winning rapper performed “A Zip And A Double Cup”, “Lucky Charm”, “Who Da Neighbours” and “She Dancin”, as well as original Three 6 Mafia tracks such as “Poppin’ My Collar”, “I’m So High” and “Sippin’ on Some Syrup”. The Opera House was smoked out and drinks were flowing as the audience jumped around spitting along with the trippy artist who brought ladies from the audience on stage to dance and poured Bombay Sapphire into the mouths of audience members.Juicy J wrapped up the energetic show with an encore performance of “A Zip And A Double Cup”, but even after he left the stage, it was obvious no one wanted the show to be over as the audience continued to get trippy.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Droppin Knowledge
For most artists, the place to be is under the spotlight. It’s obvious in the way they come alive on stage. In a city with so much talent, but so few outlets for local artists to perform, a growing hip- hop league under the moniker of Droppin Knowledge is sticking artists under the spotlight where they belong.
Stepping inside restaurant/night club Rivoli, on a cold January Friday, a Toronto crowd ready to take in new talent was met with a chill night of live performances, heavy beats, stiff drinks, and good vibes as Tim “Fundament” Stuart hosted his monthly event, an intimate hip-hop showcase exposing many local artists and welcoming others to the city.
Stuart has organized the Droppin Knowledge showcases on the first Friday of the month for almost two years, and the events have grown significantly since the beginning. What started out as a showcase for local artists to introduce themselves, developed into a performance involving Toronto legends like Eternia, Notes to Self and Choclair. Recently, Droppin Knowledge has involved artists from across the border, such as Action Bronson, the Queen’s emcee. The events never lost their motive however, which is to bring exposure to artists and support them by giving them a platform to express their creativity.
“It makes a lot of sense for us to open up the Canadian market for artists that are about to pop and what I see Droppin Knowledge as right now is a platform for artists to get opened up to the Canadian market before they would necessarily have the chance to because I have built somewhat of a foundation and a following in Toronto,” says Stuart.
Toronto acts bizZarh, RayRay Malone and Jake Bluez hit the stage along with New York headliner Emilio Rojas, while DJ James Redi spun the new-school hip-hop ones and twos. Co-host Double X opened for the artists who all vastly varied in flow and style. The female duo bizZarh, which consists of Dollar Paris and Charlie Champ, captivated the audience with a unique niche of dub step, hip-hop and stimulating lyricism. Jake Bluez, who performed at the first Droppin Knowledge event, returned once again to hype up the audience with his energetic set. He also used the event to launch his latest mixtape, Word 4 Word.
Toronto rapper-producer RayRay Malone, who is no stranger to the Droppin Knowledge events, says that the series is paramount to the Toronto hip-hop scene, and for local artists trying to make it in such a difficult industry.
“It’s people looking for an outlet for good hip-hop; young artists on the come-up in the city,” says Malone. “This city is loaded with talent, but the exposure is not really there, the infrastructure of the Toronto hip-hop industry is not as strong as in other cities, and there is not as much money circulating in actuality between people in the industry. So it’s tough for people to get exposure without PR or promo. This Droppin Knowledge scene is a place for people to go to, see good hip-hop, appreciate the artists, follow them, and know about them. And it’s not just about the hip-hop; it’s just a great time.”
New York native, Rojas, headlined the event, charming the crowd with his fresh, dynamic performance. Hailing from Rochester, Rojas has been buzzing in the industry, dealing with hip-hop heavyweights, such as Rick Ross, Big K.R.I.T. and Wu-Tang Clan, yet he enjoyed performing at a venue with local Toronto artists.
“I like Toronto. There are a lot of talented cats out here,” says Rojas. “A lot of good producers and a lot of good artists, and people show each other love, it’s dope.”
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The 6th Letter
Toronto rapper and producer, The 6th Letter, is shaking up the local hip-hop game with his style, flow and message. With two mixtapes out the 19-year-old founder of the independent label Above The Rest Entertainment has already created a solid fan-base with his unique approach to hip-hop.
Although smoky topics fill much of the content of his verses, The 6th Letter says he is not to be considered another weed rapper. His lyrics are intellectual, relatable and accompanied by different beats from producers such as Raz Fresco, Ski Beatz and Talen Ted. His relaxed, confident flow proves he is wise beyond his years and brings a fresh sound to hip-hop that the new school can enjoy. Off-stage he is soft-spoken and humble, but on-stage he captures the audience with his energy.
“[My music is] nostalgic because I draw a lot of influence from the old school era, the ’90s era,” he says. “I listen to a lot of A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan. It’s a new school twist to that old school feel. It’s a new energy to that.”
The 6th Letter got his start by reaching out to artists through social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. This approach garnered him positive feedback and opportunities from notable names in the hip-hop game.
“I think that my advantage was networking heavy and building relationships with people overseas, reaching out and have people reach out back to me,” 6th explains. “Just moving like that. That’s how I got the kick-start to my career. It was online stuff. I’m active on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, all that. It was just self-promotion, that’s really what it was.”
Through interacting and building a relationship with The Smoker’s Club Tour founder, Jonny Shipes on Twitter, 6th was asked to open up for The Smoker’s Club Tour when it hit Toronto in 2010. While many rappers’ first performance is in a small venue, The 6th Letter hit the stage for the first time opening for Curren$y, Smoke DZA and Big K.R.I.T.
“It was unreal. It inspired me, just being on stage. That was my first time performing, so I was kind of nervous but I was still amped at the same time,” says 6th, who opened for the tour in Toronto again this summer. “I always believed in myself, so I always knew [my music] was going to go somewhere, but not this fast, just from that experience.”
Through the power of social networking, 6th was also provided with another great opportunity when he reached out to Wiz Khalifa affiliate and New Jersey emcee, Neako, whom 6th is a fan of. He sent Neako some beats and told him to check out his tracks. On Ustream in December 2009, Neako spit over 6th’s beat and built a relationship with him from there. Once Neako heard 6th’s freshman mixtape, What the F, he asked 6th to join World Music Group, his independent label
“I’m a fan of Neako’s music,” shares 6th. “I was always listening to his stuff before I even reached out to him. Watching and learning from him has been kind of crazy; it’s very inspirational. I’m learning a lot.”
The release of 6th’s sophomore mixtape, Go Green, created his biggest buzz yet — what started off as just a mixtape, turned into a movement.
“Go Green is strictly weed, nothing else, and just be yourself, be happy, and be positive. A lot of people caught on to that, they enjoy it, they reach out,” he says. “I reach out back to them to spread peace and love.”
The 6th Letter is currently finishing his new project NorthernPlayalisticGetHighMuzik, which will drop early this year. Raz Fresco, the Toronto rapper/producer who has made beats for artists such as Big Sean, Wale and French Montana, will be producing every track on 6th’s new project.
“6th has definitely grown,” says Fresco. “The whole unit we have, that’s basically what we’re all about. We’re just about progression and moving forward. 6th is growing with his music, with everything he does. After he does it, it’s about doing the next thing bigger.”
Although smoky topics fill much of the content of his verses, The 6th Letter says he is not to be considered another weed rapper. His lyrics are intellectual, relatable and accompanied by different beats from producers such as Raz Fresco, Ski Beatz and Talen Ted. His relaxed, confident flow proves he is wise beyond his years and brings a fresh sound to hip-hop that the new school can enjoy. Off-stage he is soft-spoken and humble, but on-stage he captures the audience with his energy.
“[My music is] nostalgic because I draw a lot of influence from the old school era, the ’90s era,” he says. “I listen to a lot of A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan. It’s a new school twist to that old school feel. It’s a new energy to that.”
The 6th Letter got his start by reaching out to artists through social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. This approach garnered him positive feedback and opportunities from notable names in the hip-hop game.
“I think that my advantage was networking heavy and building relationships with people overseas, reaching out and have people reach out back to me,” 6th explains. “Just moving like that. That’s how I got the kick-start to my career. It was online stuff. I’m active on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, all that. It was just self-promotion, that’s really what it was.”
Through interacting and building a relationship with The Smoker’s Club Tour founder, Jonny Shipes on Twitter, 6th was asked to open up for The Smoker’s Club Tour when it hit Toronto in 2010. While many rappers’ first performance is in a small venue, The 6th Letter hit the stage for the first time opening for Curren$y, Smoke DZA and Big K.R.I.T.
“It was unreal. It inspired me, just being on stage. That was my first time performing, so I was kind of nervous but I was still amped at the same time,” says 6th, who opened for the tour in Toronto again this summer. “I always believed in myself, so I always knew [my music] was going to go somewhere, but not this fast, just from that experience.”
Through the power of social networking, 6th was also provided with another great opportunity when he reached out to Wiz Khalifa affiliate and New Jersey emcee, Neako, whom 6th is a fan of. He sent Neako some beats and told him to check out his tracks. On Ustream in December 2009, Neako spit over 6th’s beat and built a relationship with him from there. Once Neako heard 6th’s freshman mixtape, What the F, he asked 6th to join World Music Group, his independent label
“I’m a fan of Neako’s music,” shares 6th. “I was always listening to his stuff before I even reached out to him. Watching and learning from him has been kind of crazy; it’s very inspirational. I’m learning a lot.”
The release of 6th’s sophomore mixtape, Go Green, created his biggest buzz yet — what started off as just a mixtape, turned into a movement.
“Go Green is strictly weed, nothing else, and just be yourself, be happy, and be positive. A lot of people caught on to that, they enjoy it, they reach out,” he says. “I reach out back to them to spread peace and love.”
The 6th Letter is currently finishing his new project NorthernPlayalisticGetHighMuzik, which will drop early this year. Raz Fresco, the Toronto rapper/producer who has made beats for artists such as Big Sean, Wale and French Montana, will be producing every track on 6th’s new project.
“6th has definitely grown,” says Fresco. “The whole unit we have, that’s basically what we’re all about. We’re just about progression and moving forward. 6th is growing with his music, with everything he does. After he does it, it’s about doing the next thing bigger.”
Price - Ear To The Streets
My boy Price's track Ear to the Streets off of his Light Work Mixtape.
@PriceOnline
Listen/Download the mixtape at www.priceo100.wordpress.ca
@PriceOnline
Listen/Download the mixtape at www.priceo100.wordpress.ca
