Posts Tagged ‘game changers’
GAME CHANGERS…TEZ McCLAIN [INTERVIEW]
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by
Team Greedmont |
No Comments |
Category: Entertainment, Music, Uncategorized
Recently I had an opportunity to chop it up with Atlanta native and upcoming rapper, Cortez “Tez” McClain. This CAU alum has been receiving major love especially on the west coast being fresh off a tour with Mistah Fab. Mixing his love of hip-hop with his ability to express emotion, he’s been crowned a “game changer.”
<
GP:What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
TEZ:Just being able to be on the position I’m in right now. To continue to make a quality brand of music after all the setbacks a nigga been through. Alot of people would have quit a minute ago.
GP:What do you consider your sound to be? (more…)
SXSW x GAME CHANGERS [ERK THA JERK]
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by
Team Greedmont |
No Comments |
Category: Interview, Music, Rap
Kicking off this series of interviews from SXSW, is Bay area spitter Erk tha Jerk.
True to his moniker this cocky rapper is striving to be the best as an all around artist, producer, and director. Most known for his glasses and quick wit I caught up with him in between shows…GET INTO IT
GP: How did you begin rapping?
ETJ: I used to change the lyrics to other peoples song to make fun of them when I was a kid pre-teen 12 or 13 I didn’t begin to take it seriously 16 or 17 that’s when I knew I could write songs and rap.
GP:Where did the name “Erk tha Jerk” originate from?
ETJ: One of the guys from the group Keeping it Clean, London (featured on the current single “HA HA”), gave me that name in high school as a joke. I was literally, in the library looking at books looking for a name when he came in and said erk the jerk. I said that’s the worst rap name ever. But London ended up telling everyone as a joke and it eventually stuck. It was more of a nickname in the beginning.
GP: A big theme in your songs is love, the loss, highs, depressions of it, why? (more…)
Game Changers…WAKA FLOCKA [Interview]
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 by
Team Greedmont |
5 Comments; |
Category: Entertainment, Interview, Music, Rap
Behind the controversy, nay-saying, and violence there is a man undeniably making hits. And honestly that’s all he wants you to focus on. Originally from Southside Jamaica Queens and transplanted to Riverdale, GA, Waka Flocka makes the songs we all want to shake our dreads to-real or imagined. GET INTO IT!
GP: How did the “No Hands” collabo come about?
Waka: I was in the studio with Roscoe (Dash) and Drumma Boy was in there making beats and Wale just walked in. From there it was on and we got No Hands.
GP: Do you think the controversy surrounding you has helped or hindered your career? (more…)
Game Changers [Part 1] Lupe, B.O.B, Janelle Monae & Estelle
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 by
PointOfLu |
2 Comments; |
Category: Entertainment, Interview
Check out this group interview featuring Lupe Fiasco, B.O.B, Janelle Monae, and Estelle. They cover topics such as record deals, success, the strength of doing them and more!
What makes an artist a game changer to you? Would you consider these artists game changers?
Game Changers: French Montana [Interview]
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 by
Team Greedmont |
No Comments |
Category: Entertainment, Interview, Music, Rap
Morroco born, BX native French Montana is next up on the radar. His gritty upbringing has shaped his style and it’s working. Signed by Konvict, backed by Mizay Entertainment French currently has the MTV Jams premiere video this week with “Choppa Choppa Choppa Down”. Best week ever?…Get INTO IT!
Game Changers [Al Gator]
Monday, January 10, 2011 by
Team Greedmont |
No Comments |
Category: Music, Uncategorized
Kicking Game Changers back off for the new year we bring you Al Gator… at the seasoned age of 23 this College Park native and original member of DTP is a “fresh” talent that’s been in the game for awhile but is now pushing his way to the forefront…Get into it!
GP: What first pushed you into the music industry/rap game?
AL: My oldest brother started Playaz Circle around 98’-before DTP. It was a whole family label put together. A big company put together before Luda (Ludacris) was big, he was still a radio dj at Hot 97.
From there I started learning the ropes, learning production and then I started freestyling.
GP: You’re very young yet you’ve made a lot of moves. What has attributed to your success?
AL: Luck and good people being around. I started off surrounded by a lot of talent: I20, Tity Boi, Dollar Boi, Luda etc… . I also gained a lot of producing credits. God just placed me in the right situations.
GP: Where do you fit in amongst your peers on the Atlanta hip-hop scene? (more…)
Game Changers-Dawn Richard for Danity Kane Comics
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by
Team Greedmont |
3 Comments; |
Category: Art, Illustration, Interview, Uncategorized
Now usually my interviews are music based but I decided to approach this one from another angle. I interviewed Dawn Richard, currently of Dirty Money, formerly of Danity Kane about another significant venture of hers, Danity Kane Comics…Leggooo!
GP: You’ve been working on this comic a long time, since Making the Band. How did this finally come about?
I’ve actually been working on the comic since high school. I’ve built this from the ground up.
GP: How did you choose the premise, storyline?
I chose obstacles everyone could relate to, but I chose an atypical heroine. She’s (Danity) is small and fragile and often feels she’s in over her head but she always rises to the occasion.
GP:. Was the anime theme your idea?
Yes it was. And I chose illustrators that do Manga for a clean look.
GP: How did you choose your team to execute the comic?
I wanted a company similar to mine. I’m small and independent and I wanted a company along those lines also so I wouldn’t be swallowed up into a large company or have the project pushed aside. It was a great challenge because a lot of these comic houses don’t accept non-Japanese companies. (more…)
Game Changers+DJ Webstar [Interview]
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by
Team Greedmont |
1 Comment; |
Category: Music, Uncategorized
Another installment of Game Changers with no other than Harlem’s own DJ Webstar!
Party starter, Entrepeneur, Diddy’s lil’ bro…LEGGGGOOOO!
GP: For people that aren’t familiar with your sound how would you describe it?
My sound is “feel good”. No negative energy just positivity, having fun, and real life situations!
GP: Your mixtape “Straight Out of Harlem” just dropped. What can we expect from your upcoming album and when can we expect it?
August. You can expect maturing with my music and developing a more crossover pop sound, not just hip hop, and of course no negative energy. I have a lot of features on this album Diddy, Cassie, Waka, Young Money, Olivia, JadaKiss, Serani, Dawn of Dirty Money and others.
GP: How did your distribution deal with between Scrilla Hill and Universal/SRC come about?
Scrilla Hill is my record company. SRC wanted to sign me for a long time back when I was on Koch. We were supposed to do a show on MTV. Steve Rifkind said come over, they gave me a lot of money and we did it. Steve Rifkind believes in his artists. Like Melonie Fiona and Akon, they didn’t pop right away but he stuck by them and look at them now-major artists. So that’s another factor.
GP: What has been your “I made it moment”?
When I won the Soul Train award around the time I was 16 or 17 for Chicken Noodle Soup. That’s been my biggest moment. Also just the ability to keep coming back, this is my 3rd album. Not many artists get that chance.
GP: Explain your relationship with Diddy. Is it just business or is there a personal bond?
Diddy’s personal. He’s the big brother and I’m the little brother. He’s from harlem, and we’re similar we’re entertainers versus rappers. He’s also one of the biggest influences on my career. If I need to call him about business I can too.
6. You have truly went the independent route from YouTube, MySpace, to starting your own label. What gave you the inspiration?
Well the kids of harlem started my music and Diddy guided me on starting my label. Everything else came naturally. However, I wasn’t prepared until after chicken noodle soup. After I got my second deal it was more of a flow.
GP: How did you make the transition from dj to producer?
Deejay’s to me are the most powerful people. They can make or break a record. You can’t do anything without the deejay. But to make the transition wasn’t difficult. I’ve been deejaying since I was 12 and experimenting with beats after that so the rest is history. I just never expected to start rapping really.
GP: Where do you see yourself in the industry in five years?
The industry changes so much its hard to say. Hopefully, I’ll be on my 8th album. I want to release one every year. I also want to move into movies. I just want to be relevant and keep growing. I’m only 22 and one of the few young artists out here so I just want to stay in the prime of my career.
Game Changers…Azage
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by
Team Greedmont |
1 Comment; |
Category: Music, Uncategorized
Chugging right along with Game Changers, next up is Azage.
Atlanta based, Toronto born this artist is coming up on the scene with a return to lyricism fused with Caribbean culture, ATL hardships, and up north sensibility. LEGGO….
GP: Are you signed to a label or strictly independent?
I’m strictly independent but if the right situation presents itself I’m at the table.
GP: What is the origin of your rap moniker?
Anything I would have come up with someone else would have had. So I use my real name because that’s giving you all of me. being real. It’s about being true to myself, my fans and the music. It’s a representation that whatever you’re getting is 100% me.
GP: How are you differentiated from the pack of ATL rappers that’s being pushed out now? (more…)
Game Changers+Muff Mommy
Monday, May 24, 2010 by
Team Greedmont |
No Comments |
Category: Uncategorized
Continuing on with the Game Changers series, I’m bringing you our first female
Miss Yummie Pop herself aka Muffy!
She’s everyone’s favorite cupcake queen but she also takes and handles her biz seriously…LEGGO!
1. Where do you draw your influences from?
I draw it from outside everyday; if the grass is green it creates an emotion in me. When I see a child hugging their mom, I’ll make a song about love.
2.What inspired you to begin rapping?
Actually, I consider myself to be a vocal instrument because I rap and sing. When I was younger my mother was in the music industry and I hated it because she used to come home late and I was like I’m never going to do that. I wanted to be an actress to express myself but I always loved music so I naturally grew into it.
3.You have a unique sound that’s really not defined. What is your personal classification for your sound if any?
I call it Yummie Pop! Yummie is irresistible and delectable. Pop equals popular like it can’t be denied, like oh my God, I have to listen, I need more.
4.Besides being your management is Mizay Entertainment your label also?
No they’re my management, I’m not currently signed to a label but they’re much more to me they’re like family because they go so far and beyond for me.
5.Your “Dope Boi” single has recently hit the streets-what are some of your other upcoming projects?
I have a dope dope single with Shanell from Young Money called “Lipstick Diva”. It’s the bomb dot com and we’ll be shooting the video soon.
6. You also bring a great deal of fashion to your image, do you style yourself?
I do a lot of styling myself. I love to put stuff together as a way to express myself. I also use our in house stylist Iesha. But, overall I love dressing up. I have a strong personal style that comes from not having much and having to be creative naturally.
7. What is your overall vision for your career? In 5 years where do you see yourself in the industry?
In 5 years I see myself everywhere! I want to be a domestic and international pop icon! I want to use my fame as a platform to spread love everywhere and encourage people to be themselves. Also I want to get ready for my babies. I want to have 7-13 babies. You gonna babysit?
GAME CHANGERS…TEZ McCLAIN [INTERVIEW]
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by Team Greedmont | No Comments | Category: Entertainment, Music, Uncategorized
Recently I had an opportunity to chop it up with Atlanta native and upcoming rapper, Cortez “Tez” McClain. This CAU alum has been receiving major love especially on the west coast being fresh off a tour with Mistah Fab. Mixing his love of hip-hop with his ability to express emotion, he’s been crowned a “game changer.”
<
GP:What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
TEZ:Just being able to be on the position I’m in right now. To continue to make a quality brand of music after all the setbacks a nigga been through. Alot of people would have quit a minute ago.
GP:What do you consider your sound to be? (more…)
SXSW x GAME CHANGERS [ERK THA JERK]
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by Team Greedmont | No Comments | Category: Interview, Music, Rap
Kicking off this series of interviews from SXSW, is Bay area spitter Erk tha Jerk.
True to his moniker this cocky rapper is striving to be the best as an all around artist, producer, and director. Most known for his glasses and quick wit I caught up with him in between shows…GET INTO IT
GP: How did you begin rapping?
ETJ: I used to change the lyrics to other peoples song to make fun of them when I was a kid pre-teen 12 or 13 I didn’t begin to take it seriously 16 or 17 that’s when I knew I could write songs and rap.
GP:Where did the name “Erk tha Jerk” originate from?
ETJ: One of the guys from the group Keeping it Clean, London (featured on the current single “HA HA”), gave me that name in high school as a joke. I was literally, in the library looking at books looking for a name when he came in and said erk the jerk. I said that’s the worst rap name ever. But London ended up telling everyone as a joke and it eventually stuck. It was more of a nickname in the beginning.
GP: A big theme in your songs is love, the loss, highs, depressions of it, why? (more…)
Game Changers…WAKA FLOCKA [Interview]
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 by Team Greedmont | 5 Comments; | Category: Entertainment, Interview, Music, Rap
Behind the controversy, nay-saying, and violence there is a man undeniably making hits. And honestly that’s all he wants you to focus on. Originally from Southside Jamaica Queens and transplanted to Riverdale, GA, Waka Flocka makes the songs we all want to shake our dreads to-real or imagined. GET INTO IT!
GP: How did the “No Hands” collabo come about?
Waka: I was in the studio with Roscoe (Dash) and Drumma Boy was in there making beats and Wale just walked in. From there it was on and we got No Hands.
GP: Do you think the controversy surrounding you has helped or hindered your career? (more…)
Game Changers [Part 1] Lupe, B.O.B, Janelle Monae & Estelle
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 by PointOfLu | 2 Comments; | Category: Entertainment, Interview
Check out this group interview featuring Lupe Fiasco, B.O.B, Janelle Monae, and Estelle. They cover topics such as record deals, success, the strength of doing them and more!
What makes an artist a game changer to you? Would you consider these artists game changers?
Game Changers: French Montana [Interview]
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 by Team Greedmont | No Comments | Category: Entertainment, Interview, Music, Rap
Morroco born, BX native French Montana is next up on the radar. His gritty upbringing has shaped his style and it’s working. Signed by Konvict, backed by Mizay Entertainment French currently has the MTV Jams premiere video this week with “Choppa Choppa Choppa Down”. Best week ever?…Get INTO IT!
Game Changers [Al Gator]
Monday, January 10, 2011 by Team Greedmont | No Comments | Category: Music, Uncategorized
Kicking Game Changers back off for the new year we bring you Al Gator… at the seasoned age of 23 this College Park native and original member of DTP is a “fresh” talent that’s been in the game for awhile but is now pushing his way to the forefront…Get into it!
GP: What first pushed you into the music industry/rap game?
AL: My oldest brother started Playaz Circle around 98’-before DTP. It was a whole family label put together. A big company put together before Luda (Ludacris) was big, he was still a radio dj at Hot 97.
From there I started learning the ropes, learning production and then I started freestyling.
GP: You’re very young yet you’ve made a lot of moves. What has attributed to your success?
AL: Luck and good people being around. I started off surrounded by a lot of talent: I20, Tity Boi, Dollar Boi, Luda etc… . I also gained a lot of producing credits. God just placed me in the right situations.
GP: Where do you fit in amongst your peers on the Atlanta hip-hop scene? (more…)
Game Changers-Dawn Richard for Danity Kane Comics
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by Team Greedmont | 3 Comments; | Category: Art, Illustration, Interview, Uncategorized
Now usually my interviews are music based but I decided to approach this one from another angle. I interviewed Dawn Richard, currently of Dirty Money, formerly of Danity Kane about another significant venture of hers, Danity Kane Comics…Leggooo!
GP: You’ve been working on this comic a long time, since Making the Band. How did this finally come about?
I’ve actually been working on the comic since high school. I’ve built this from the ground up.
GP: How did you choose the premise, storyline?
I chose obstacles everyone could relate to, but I chose an atypical heroine. She’s (Danity) is small and fragile and often feels she’s in over her head but she always rises to the occasion.
GP:. Was the anime theme your idea?
Yes it was. And I chose illustrators that do Manga for a clean look.
GP: How did you choose your team to execute the comic?
I wanted a company similar to mine. I’m small and independent and I wanted a company along those lines also so I wouldn’t be swallowed up into a large company or have the project pushed aside. It was a great challenge because a lot of these comic houses don’t accept non-Japanese companies. (more…)
Game Changers+DJ Webstar [Interview]
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by Team Greedmont | 1 Comment; | Category: Music, Uncategorized
Another installment of Game Changers with no other than Harlem’s own DJ Webstar!
Party starter, Entrepeneur, Diddy’s lil’ bro…LEGGGGOOOO!
GP: For people that aren’t familiar with your sound how would you describe it?
My sound is “feel good”. No negative energy just positivity, having fun, and real life situations!
GP: Your mixtape “Straight Out of Harlem” just dropped. What can we expect from your upcoming album and when can we expect it?
August. You can expect maturing with my music and developing a more crossover pop sound, not just hip hop, and of course no negative energy. I have a lot of features on this album Diddy, Cassie, Waka, Young Money, Olivia, JadaKiss, Serani, Dawn of Dirty Money and others.
GP: How did your distribution deal with between Scrilla Hill and Universal/SRC come about?
Scrilla Hill is my record company. SRC wanted to sign me for a long time back when I was on Koch. We were supposed to do a show on MTV. Steve Rifkind said come over, they gave me a lot of money and we did it. Steve Rifkind believes in his artists. Like Melonie Fiona and Akon, they didn’t pop right away but he stuck by them and look at them now-major artists. So that’s another factor.
GP: What has been your “I made it moment”?
When I won the Soul Train award around the time I was 16 or 17 for Chicken Noodle Soup. That’s been my biggest moment. Also just the ability to keep coming back, this is my 3rd album. Not many artists get that chance.
GP: Explain your relationship with Diddy. Is it just business or is there a personal bond?
Diddy’s personal. He’s the big brother and I’m the little brother. He’s from harlem, and we’re similar we’re entertainers versus rappers. He’s also one of the biggest influences on my career. If I need to call him about business I can too.
6. You have truly went the independent route from YouTube, MySpace, to starting your own label. What gave you the inspiration?
Well the kids of harlem started my music and Diddy guided me on starting my label. Everything else came naturally. However, I wasn’t prepared until after chicken noodle soup. After I got my second deal it was more of a flow.
GP: How did you make the transition from dj to producer?
Deejay’s to me are the most powerful people. They can make or break a record. You can’t do anything without the deejay. But to make the transition wasn’t difficult. I’ve been deejaying since I was 12 and experimenting with beats after that so the rest is history. I just never expected to start rapping really.
GP: Where do you see yourself in the industry in five years?
The industry changes so much its hard to say. Hopefully, I’ll be on my 8th album. I want to release one every year. I also want to move into movies. I just want to be relevant and keep growing. I’m only 22 and one of the few young artists out here so I just want to stay in the prime of my career.
Game Changers…Azage
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by Team Greedmont | 1 Comment; | Category: Music, Uncategorized
Chugging right along with Game Changers, next up is Azage.
Atlanta based, Toronto born this artist is coming up on the scene with a return to lyricism fused with Caribbean culture, ATL hardships, and up north sensibility. LEGGO….
GP: Are you signed to a label or strictly independent?
I’m strictly independent but if the right situation presents itself I’m at the table.
GP: What is the origin of your rap moniker?
Anything I would have come up with someone else would have had. So I use my real name because that’s giving you all of me. being real. It’s about being true to myself, my fans and the music. It’s a representation that whatever you’re getting is 100% me.
GP: How are you differentiated from the pack of ATL rappers that’s being pushed out now? (more…)
Game Changers+Muff Mommy
Monday, May 24, 2010 by Team Greedmont | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized
Continuing on with the Game Changers series, I’m bringing you our first female
Miss Yummie Pop herself aka Muffy!
She’s everyone’s favorite cupcake queen but she also takes and handles her biz seriously…LEGGO!
1. Where do you draw your influences from?
I draw it from outside everyday; if the grass is green it creates an emotion in me. When I see a child hugging their mom, I’ll make a song about love.
2.What inspired you to begin rapping?
Actually, I consider myself to be a vocal instrument because I rap and sing. When I was younger my mother was in the music industry and I hated it because she used to come home late and I was like I’m never going to do that. I wanted to be an actress to express myself but I always loved music so I naturally grew into it.
3.You have a unique sound that’s really not defined. What is your personal classification for your sound if any?
I call it Yummie Pop! Yummie is irresistible and delectable. Pop equals popular like it can’t be denied, like oh my God, I have to listen, I need more.
4.Besides being your management is Mizay Entertainment your label also?
No they’re my management, I’m not currently signed to a label but they’re much more to me they’re like family because they go so far and beyond for me.
5.Your “Dope Boi” single has recently hit the streets-what are some of your other upcoming projects?
I have a dope dope single with Shanell from Young Money called “Lipstick Diva”. It’s the bomb dot com and we’ll be shooting the video soon.
6. You also bring a great deal of fashion to your image, do you style yourself?
I do a lot of styling myself. I love to put stuff together as a way to express myself. I also use our in house stylist Iesha. But, overall I love dressing up. I have a strong personal style that comes from not having much and having to be creative naturally.
7. What is your overall vision for your career? In 5 years where do you see yourself in the industry?
In 5 years I see myself everywhere! I want to be a domestic and international pop icon! I want to use my fame as a platform to spread love everywhere and encourage people to be themselves. Also I want to get ready for my babies. I want to have 7-13 babies. You gonna babysit?
