Panama from the Wire interview with Badnews for SPATE Magazine

Badnews: what's been good P?

Panama: I've been good. I'm approaching graduation; things have been picking up

Badnews: that's what's up. Now you know I got to ask you a wire question. What did you think about the ending?

Panama: it had a weak ending. It didn't have a bang like I thought it would. I give it a five. I don't know if David Simon was trying to stay true to the season or to the fans, but it didn't go down like I thought it would.

Badnews: honestly, it was predictable to me. As soon as I seen Dukie mess with the junkman he would be a fiend.

Panama: (laughs)

Badnews: Well how are you doing in the music field? I know you have a new video out getting a lot of attention...

Panama: Yeah man, let me start off by saying that I have no manager or no financial backing of any kind. I'm out here just grinding. I'm giving the people as much of me as I can. But this new one is crazy. Basically I got to do the video free of charge, added some special effects it was a step up from the last one. Hitman from Colorado did the beat. I didn't leak it because the track is supposed to be an intro to something else so I didn't want to get in trouble for it. But the beat is hot, the video is crazy and it’s averaging like 105 views a day.

Badnews: that's what's up. Now like you said, it’s a step up from your usual style, did you feel cautious about changing it up and making it looks real artsy?

Panama: there's always going to be a risk when you’re making music. I don't make bullshit records or Freestyles. I figured just put a hot video to a hot beat. The next video I do will be more creative so ill be doing it bigger and better next time.

Badnews: So what's your secret to this "Super Grind"? And can it be advice to the same people in your position

Panama: your my boys so ill tell you off the record, but I can't let that secret out (laughs). But you’re going to see whose popping and who's just a net rapper. Who's in the streets or who's just putting there music on the web. I'm on that 80's grind. I do interviews to show hard copy that I'm doing this....posters, flyers all that I'm grinding. I can't lie, as I'm talking to you, I'm emailing four people right now. I'm multi-tasking (laughs) I'm always busy I have connection backing. Connection backing is better than financial backing for me right now, its working.

Badnews: (laughs) I aint mad @ that. So you’re comfortable with connection backing right now? Why?

Panama: Having a budget is cool. Having money behind you is great, but doing 20 interviews in one year is what's working. It just increases the buzz, that's what's popping right now. I'm dealing with writers, rappers and DJ's. My cousin Yung Texxus is signed to Scarface and DJ Clue. He has financial backing, but we haven't really heard a lot from him. I don't have that so I have to work twice as hard.

Badnews: well it sure does seem like its working. Now how's the clothing line B-More Creative?

Panama: wonderful. Snoop (Felicia Pearson) had a Tee on in The Wire. There were some shown on Step Up 2. Cassie is working closely with us, more DJ's are asking for some everything is working.

Badnews: That's what's up. Now how your label Young Execs?

Panama: to tell you the truth, I am Young Execs. I'm the CEO and the artist. Shawn Smith is a big part of this. We have affiliates, but nobody is helping me. So as far as I go, Young Execs will go.

Badnews: Okay. Now let’s talk about what's going on in hip hop. You know about the Alicia Keys thing right? She denies it but what do you think?

Panama: Yeah man, I don't think she should have said that. I can't get down with Soulja Boy and all that snapping, but I respect that. It really shouldn't have come out her mouth. She's not a gangsta rapper, she's a singer. If she said that she's dissing 50 cent, Spice one, NWA, Krs-One. But were all entitled to an opinion.

Badnews: the mag doesn't deny she said that so do you think there's a recording?

Panama: (laughs) you know how you call the phone company and they say "this call might be recorded"?

Badnews: (laughs)

Panama: I'm just saying. I like her music, she can sing and as an artist I respect her, but if she said that then I don't agree.

Badnews: Ok, now what about Young Buck and G-unit?

Panama: I don't know them or the situation so I can't speak on that. But all it’s doing is giving Buck more exposure.

Badnews: Here's a hypothetical question. If you were a leader of a Rap group, would you kick out a member for his drug use or spending habits?

Panama: Let’s say there are four members, and each are there own man. Dungeon, Barber and MJ. MJ is locked up, Barber went back to being an actual barber and Dungeon went to go with his family and raise his son. They kicked themselves out the group. I'm still about my bizz. Buck came into that group as a man. You can't tell a man what to do. But you can't be successful doing drugs. But point blank, all this is press for Buck.

Badnews: Ok, let’s talk about Khia.

Panama: Khia pimped VH-1. Her getting kicked off was good. She was going to make money either way.

Badnews: True but I think it was just the way she got kicked off. Her challenge was to write 16 and she came with old recorded work, which leads me to believe that she can't write on her own so why should I buy a Khia record?

Panama: I think you're missing the point. She wasn't there to try and win the whole thing, she was there to try and get her name out. You see how the other chick kept saying you only sold 800,000. I guaranteed you somebody contacted her that same day.

Badnews: I don't know. I think it’s the way she got kicked off. I looked at it as she got kicked off because she can't write on her own

Panama: hey either way it was all press for her

Badnews: true. Well what's up next for you besides music?

Panama: I'm still doing the acting thing, I got a script-- a whole script 125 pages that I'm looking at.

Badnews: No Panama cameos (laughs)

Panama: (laughs) right. I won't say any names becuase the title might change. I'm doing a play w/ JD Fowler titled Thank God For Mama and Who's Your Daddy. I got some minor work in education videos on sexual abuse and drugs. TVT is trying to holler so a lot is going on

Badnews: that's what's up well definitely be looking out for you
News

Gemstones Interview by Badnews for SPATE magazine

Rush: GEMSTONES IS ON HIS OWN written and interviewed by Badnews

As the world rotates and the sun gets bigger, how many rappers really want to be this rapper named Gemstones. I get to sit down with the underground rapper who is signed to Lupe Fiasco’s label and talk about his home town Chicago, Lupe, and the big problem Chi town rappers are receiving from there city; hate. So check out this interview as well as the world he’s from and getting a chance to perform at the place Jordan built on one of the biggest tours of 2008


Badnews: What's good Gemstone?

Gemstones: What’s Poppin!

Badnews: I'm chilling man, just working. I see you making a lot of rounds on the web

Gemstones: (laughs) A man who don’t work don’t eat

Badnews: That's very true (laughs). Okay now you’re a talented rapper from the south side of Chicago who's been doing this for a while, but how did you get into rapping?

Gemstones: I was in 3rd grade and a guy by the name of KIC started me rapping he was one of the older guys on the block and ever since then I've been going strong

Badnews: Damn you've really have been rapping for years (laughs)

Gemstones: Oh yeah man, I started off young and I always been the type of person that once I put my mind to it, I do it I’m not a quitter

Badnews: That's what's up, your definitely proving that. Well you are known as Gemstone, but you were formally named Gemini (laughs) the artist formally known as Gemini, why the name change

Gemstones: Well for legal reasons and because the name Gemini ran its course. I was tired of it. It was time for a change. There were too many people with the name Gemini taking credit for my accomplishments

Badnews: What do you mean? Like there were people out there swagger jacking your style and taking credit for your accomplishments?

Gemstones: People didn’t have a face to the name so when Lupe started to blow up and the name Gemini started being heard more, nobody saw my face. Guys that had the name Gemini established were getting the credit for it. It was all good till my face started being shown

Badnews: I see. Well it made sense to change it then and you’re getting a lot of buzz of a song you and Lupe did but ill get to that in a minute, right now I'm going to backtrack for a minute. Coming out of high school in 2001, you linked up with an unknown Lupe Fiasco as well as Stack Bundles (RIP). How different was there vision back in 01 compared to 08?

Gemstones: Back then we was just rapping, now in 2008 we're entertainers. Stack bundles passed away last year God rest his soul but back in 2001 we were just rappers talking about nothing

Badnews: Right. So basically mainly Lupe, wasn't as conscious as he is now?

Gemstones: Not at all but it was mixed in you can see where he was headed though, but it was no where near where he is lyrically now

Badnews: Ok that's interesting. We’re you the same? Did you switch it up a little bit?

Gemstones: Yeah I was the same it just took me longer to evolve into the person I am now; I’ve grown since 2001

Badnews: Ok cool. Now you were featured on Lupe's first album Food and Liquor where you did four tracks on his album. What were the names of the songs, and what did you contribute?

Gemstones: Pressure, He Say She Say, Just Might be Okay, Emperors Soundtrack and I believe I compliment Lupe very well. Every time we work together something magical happens

Badnews: Did you add vocals or write mostly?

Gemstones: I just did vocals

Badnews: Right. That brings me to another question, you’re also a singer. How did you get into that?

Gemstones: my whole family sings...I was just blessed with the talent to sing since birth...I've been singing all my life...it was just a matter of time before I put both talents together to make a marriage to come together as one and create Gemstones

Badnews: That's what's up my next obvious question though is would you rather sing or rap

Gemstones: that’s a hard question to answer they both my babies...that’s like asking me to chose one son over the other...I love them both

Badnews: (laughs) Ok I see what you mean. Well it’s a blessing to rap and sing, some can't pull that off. I thought it would be an obvious question because you’re pursuing rap

Gemstones: I just got a deal for rap. My rap deal came first, but when my album comes, I’m doing both

Badnews: That's what's up. Will the album be a Black Ty/Tyreese sort of thing?

Gemstones: No it won’t. I can rap. I rap nothing like Tyrese, I sing nothing like Tyrese, I sound nothing like Tyrese, what I’m getting ready to do has never been done at least at the level I’m doing it

Badnews: What is that that level? I mean what are you trying to convey to your fans and people who really don't know what to expect from you?

Gemstones: No one has ever done it at a level 10. Many have tried but no one has actually succeeded at it. I’m a rose that grew from the concrete and you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Stay humble and put God first. I just have a story that needs to be told. I would have probably written a book if it wasn't for rap. Luckily I get to put out an album it saves me the trouble of writing a book.

Badnews: Ok I feel that. Plus it might come across better being an artist right?

Gemstones: Yeah

Badnews: Ok. Now you were on a mixtape 1st and 15th how important is that mixtape to your career right now?

Gemstones: It’s everything because I got a lot to prove. Lupe came out and did so well and it’s like okay what’s next? So I have to do either Lupe status or better so for me it’s either go hard or go home basically

Badnews: Right. So was that more of a mixtape where you were trying to establish yourself as an artist that can hold your own, or more of an album that you deserve to be mentioned as one of the new top artists?

Gemstones: to hold my own

Badnews: Ok. And the next couple questions are Chicago related

Gemstones: Let’s go

Badnews: (laughs). You were on a Youtube clip basically introducing yourself. But you said Chicago is a "no love city" what did you exactly mean by that

Gemstones: This city is full of haters. This is hater capital. This is the taught to love yours hate mine city. Its very few people that want to see you make it in this city

Badnews: So how difficult is it to come out as an artist from Chicago?

Gemstones: It’s very difficult because there’s no help here you have to do it yourself. Anything you want done you have to do it yourself no man is an island. That’s y when u get talent from here its top 10 talent because we know how hard we had to work to get where we at. Then on top of that you’re dealing with the hate.

Badnews: Right. Now speaking of top 10 lets break it down to top five... who are the top five Chicago artists that have a chance to blow other than yourself?

Gemstones: Give me a second to think

Badnews: (laughs) Ok

Gemstones: Shayla G, Sarah Green, Matthew Santos, Soundtrack and Bishop G

Badnews: That's what's up. Would you or have you collabed w/ any of them?

Gemstones: I’ve collabed with all of them on my upcoming album Troubles of the World

Badnews: Right. Talk a little bit about the album who are the other features and when will it drop?

Gemstones: The album Troubles of the World is due to drop this summer...there’s no outside features just my FNF crew...the album is a personal album its my life that’s y I named it Troubles of the World...not only are they my troubles they are your troubles also...we all go through the same thing....just speaking on a lot of serious issues that are going on in the world today...you know...same shit different toilet

Badness: That's what's up. Without giving too much away, what are your plans on the singles?

Gemstones: to train really well...get up to bat...and knock it out the ball park!

Badnews: That's what's up well were looking real forward to the album and the song We On is crazy. What do you have lined up in the coming weeks?

Gemstones: To drop the Testimony of Gemstones and just to keep releasing crazy records to the internet, doing shows ill be performing on the glow in the dark tour in Chicago on May 23rd and May 24th at the United Center...and preparing for my debut album Troubles of the World

Badnews: That's going to be crazy... to perform on the Glow In The Dark tour in your home town at the United Center. Good luck with that

Gemstones: Good looking thanks for the love and support

Badnews: No doubt talk to you soon... you have any shout outs before we go?

Gemstones: Id like to thank god because without him non of this wouldn’t be possible...id like to thank Lupe and chilly for giving me the opportunity, id like to thank my mama for having me and to my FNF Crew Shayla G, Sarah Green, Bishop G, Soundtrack, Matthew Santos, KayCee, Jroc and thanks to HipHop Ruckus for having me.

Badnews: Thank you. And good luck with your career

Hunned Proof interview by Bad News for SPATE Magazine

Badnews: Now you have been in music since you were five. You know how to sing, but when did you get into rapping?

Hunned Proof: I wasn’t really into rapping until high school like when I was about 15. The first rap song that I was into was the Sugar Hill Gang the one that Redman and them re made. But yeah it was when I was a freshman.

Badnews: Ok, now you joined the army when you were 18. Why did you decide to go that route?

Hunned Proof: I was in a tough situation. I came from the hood and then I moved to the suburbs and it was a hard transition. I was wilding back then, I let my grades slip I was getting into trouble… I could either go right or left so I chose the situation that could best help me and it was the army.

Badnews: That sounds like the best way. Now when people get into that situation they hold it down for a week or so then say forget this and go back to what they were doing. When you were in Boot camp, was there a point where you yourself said forget this I’ll go back to the streets?

Hunned Proof: Honestly sort of. They show you the commercials and try to give you show you this stuff, but when you get to boot camp it’s like jail. But it was either this or jail for real.

Badnews: (laughs) true. Now are you still active? Can they call you overseas to serve still?

Hunned Proof: No I'm done with that. I’ve been inactive for two years.

Badnews: Ok, that good. Now getting back to the music. You have been on over 100 mixtapes but is there a certain track that will stick out that we can recognize from you?

Hunned Proof: There was this mixtape hosted by Lady K, but a track that would probably stick out is… this track called Jersey. But back then I was just testing the water... that was back in 04. After that I got on my grind. Honestly I probably gave out hand to hand 5,000 mixtapes. Before the ipod, I would have a bag of CD’s and carry around a CD player so I could pop one in and have them listen to me I was on it.

Badnews: I would say you were. 5,000 is a lot to get out there. Now you have this particular song out named “Operation Fan jacking”. For those out here, what is that exactly (laughs)

Hunned Proof: Well out here, carjacking is big, that’s something I got bagged for. But when I was in the army, there was operation this operation that basically it was a mission they were describing. But just like car jacking, I’m stealing fans from these rappers. Everyone knew me they would say, “aren’t you that guy?” or a girl would come up and say “hey, I know you” and basically I had there attention and I was making a name for myself taking there fans, so that is what Operation: Fan jacking is.

Badnews: Ok, so that’s what’s up. Now on one of your mixtapes you had DJ Cipha Sounds from MTV and Hot97 fame host one of your mixtapes. How did you get him?

Hunned Proof: While I was at Leap they were going one direction and I was going another and we had a mutual agreement to end our situation. So I was at Executive Boards and I met Young Boss you know the guy on that Pitbull song. Well we were at a club chilling and talking and he said he knew Cipha, and then on I met with him, he did some drops and the rest is history.

Badnews: Now Penless Piff without ink. What’s the title about?

Hunnned Proof: Now that was when I was a time where I was just starting to rap and trying to find myself, and I was on my Jay-Z tip, so I went to the studio with no pad, nothing written down and I just spit off the dome: spitting that piff. So that’s what that is (laughs)

Badnews: (laughs) ok. Your titles are real obvious and self explanatory. There’s nothing to dissect like other titles you keep it simple. Now you flew to Los Angeles, and you won 1st place at the Road Rally. Did that help build a buzz for you on the west coast?

Hunned Proof: Yes and no. that was more word of mouth, they didn’t really promote it real heavy it was more of a networking thing. But I was called to perform early. So early that my partner was still in the air, so I had to throw a CD on with her vocals, and they gave me the best performer of 2004.

Badnews: Now how many people were there?

Hunned Proof: probably 4 or 500 artists the line was long (laughs)

Badnews: Damn (laughs) imagine if it was really promoted. If it was better promoted, you think that would have helped that buzz?

Hunned Proof: Yes, but it wasn’t a real big deal it somewhere where you can network and meet people.

Badnews: That’s what’s up. Now what are you working on now?

Hunned Proof: I’m working with Street Flash, some label situations. But weather I get a deal or not my new mixtape “Roll of the Dice” is going to drop

Badnews: Ok, I know you got some major label situations coming up, but right now you’re going to stick to the indie money right now or just go hard at the labels?

Hunned Proof: right now just work on the music and promoting myself. The music comes first.

Badnews: That’s what’s up. Those were all the questions I had. You have any shout outs?

Hunned Proof: Yeah, shout out to the Street Dream that’s the Label, shout out to Badnews… are you going to put that in there

Badnews: Hell yeah. I need some promotion too

Hunned Proof: (Laughs) then shout out to you, Sixx, Noturnal and Microphonebully.com

Badnews: Cool. Well thanks for the interview good luck with everything coming up.

Hunned Proof: Thank you we will be talking again soon

www.myspace.com/HunnedProof

DJ Wes Will interview by Bad News for SPATE Magazine

Badnews: What made you want to pursue DJ’ing

DJ Wes Will: Just growing up watching Yo! MTV Raps. Just watching them spin on TV. I use to tell my father that’s what I wanted to do. I bought a lot of records, I mean a whole bunch and when I got into school I just started doing parties and took it from there.

Badnews: Ok. Now looking back which DJ’s did you like the most or use for inspiration?

DJ West Will: Kid Capri, Red Alert, Clue of course, out here Cosmic Kev just a lot of people who are good at the craft.

Badnews: At what point did you say to yourself that you should make DJ’ing a career?

DJ West Will: I want to say my frat got me into it. They would let me DJ parties and that’s how I really got into it. I didn’t really have any equipment until my freshman year at Rider University.

Badnews: Wow. But it was perfect timing though it seems because you done a lot of parties at different Colleges around the area. Now one of the people you work with closely is DJ Nasty. Who did you two link up?

DJ Wes Will: Nasty and I were in the same frat, and he didn’t know I DJ’ed but we met up at a party, exchanged info and then I didn’t really link up with him until Craig University.

Badnews: Okay I see. Now you two have the group S.W.A.T. DJ’s… how long has SWAT been around?

DJ Wes Will: We started this Three Years ago. It includes 16 DJ’s from all over the Tri State area.

Badnews: That’s what’s up. Now what does SWAT look for in a DJ? I mean what’s the process of getting accepted into SWAT?

DJ Wes Will: Theres going to be a lot of give and take. Were looking for DJ’s to grind. Were trying to make a movement. If you want to become apart of our moment we come check out your shows and see how everything is, and if we like what we see, then we will talk. We have a couple cats in our group that grind. There really making moves there’s a lot to name but SWAT is doing there thing.

Badnews: Ok. Now how is SWAT branching out o reach that national stage?

DJ Wes Will: Well were starting to branch out now. I’m trying to go on the road and tour. But hopefully around the end of May, We start in Georgia and work there real heavy, then Miami all the way to the Bay.

Badnews: Well good luck with that, I hope it all works out. Now they say the name represents the brand, but where exactly did you get the name DJ West Will? Is that a block or something?

DJ Wes Will: (laughs) nah, it’s basically my goverment cut in half. I was always called Wes Will by my homies forever since like middle school. So instead of just trying to make up a name, I just decided to go with what everyone has been calling me.

Badness: Makes sense. I had to ask because I thought it was the block (laughs). Okay moving along, what kind of equipment are you using?

DJ Wes Will: I keep it real light. Ratio, Mac book pro, 1200’s Deville… you know real light (laughs)

Badnews: I feel that. All that can get expensive but being a DJ can get a little expensive right? Especially if you’re not really out there like that

DJ Wes Will: Absolutely. A lot of DJ’s say there making x amount a show but for some its there regular 9 to 5. But as for me, I just stay working; I do like 14-15 shows a month, and just take that money and flip it. I use to work for Merryl Lynch. But I want to take my 40 or 50 and settle down and buy some property. And then try and get into producing from the crib m trying to retire when I'm like 36, 37 (laughs)

Badnews: (laughs) I feel that for real. Now I always ask this but do you think it’s a good thing for the DJ to become the artist?

DJ Wes Will: Absolutely, I feel that it’s a long time coming. The only shine a DJ would get is his breaks off his mixtapes. 50 came up heavy in the mixtapes and now it’s our time to shine. But there are some DJ’s that come out lacking skills, like the basic skills on how to DJ, they just go on the internet and download music and slap it on mixtapes, its not cool.

Badnews: I know what you mean. So basically if you could give a message to the up and coming DJ you would basically say step your game up.

DJ Wes Will: Yeah. DJ’ing is a craft just learn the basic skill

Badnews: That’s what’s up. Now how do you feel about certain DJ’s being one sided and only breaking certain DJ’s music? Do you feel that’s a bad thing and it disrupts unity?

DJ Wes Will: Yes and no. certain artists look to work with certain DJ’s because there the only people they know. Like D-Block and DJ Green Lantern. But then there are some rifts between certain artists that spark a touchy situation and keep certain artists in cliques

www.myspace.com/DJWesWill

ANTOINE ALLEN C.E.O OF LONGEVITY ENTERTAINMENT INC

Tell us a little bit about yourself (hometown, growing up, & your parents)

G.CHILD- I was born and raised in queens New York. My mother had four kids.

Two boys and two girls. I am the superstar out of the four.

What is the difference between G-Child & Antoine Allen?

G.CHILD-it no difference. Same person. When I was 17 years old. My friend gave me that name before he past away. One day me and my friend from school. Was out late at night and some person tried to rob us. He told us do not move. Me being dumb. I move and the guy point his gun to shoot me. But the gun jam. So after we got away. He said your new name is GOLDCHILD. After the movie.

How did you become an A&R for Urban threshold?

G.CHILD-I put together a mixtape call the OPEN DOOR MIXTAPE hosted by

DJ BEDTYME367 (REMY MA’S OFFICIAL DJ)

URBAN THRESHOLD ENTERPRISES PRESIDENT AND CEO JESSE ATKINSON.

Listing to the mixtape and contact me. To let me know that he like the mixtape and said I have a good ear for music. He asks me would I like to be A&R for his company. I was like year. Urban threshold is amazing company.

What were you doing before you started working with Jesse?

G.CHILD-promoting the “The Open Door Mixtape and working on my movie scripts.

Tell us about "The Open Door Mixtape"?

G.CHILD-I creative "The Open Door Mixtape” To give unsigned artists the opportunity to be in the spotlight. With out all of the politics. My myspace page get about ten messages a day. From unsigned artists asking me to help them with they music.

So one day I had a bright idea. I call on my friend. MENTAL SUPREME to be apart of my bright idea. Mental Supreme has had the number one music showcase for the last 6-years in New York City at club pyramid weekly. I put out a Bulletin on myspace. telling all myspace unsigned artists, to submit music for this mixtape I am working on. Out of 200 submissions. i handpicked 13-unsigned artist to be on my OPEN=DOOR mixtape.

5-lucky artists out of the 13 on the mixtape will be handpicked by Mental Supreme to be in his $1000 April,29,2008 showcase at the PYRAMID club in Manhattan.

In addition the mixtape will be on DATPIFF.COM and submit it into the 2008 UNDERGROUND MUSIC AWARDS. This is my way of giving back. No unsigned artists I pick to be on this mixtape are paying to be on it. I am not making any money off this. Some people ask me why I am doing this. I am not rich and I still work a 9 to 5 job. It just that we as people do not stick together and some of the A&R’s need help finding new talent. Most important I have not seen know one come up with this idea be for and that what LONGEVITY ENTERTAINMENT INC is all about. Thinking outside of the box

Whats makes your mixtape different from all these other mixtapes out in the streets right now?

G.CHILD-no artists on the mixtape pay to be on it and I am giving them the opportunity

To win $1000 in cash.

Where can your mixtape be purchased?

G.CHILD- DATPIFF.COM OR MYSPACE.COM/LONGEVITYENT

they can download and listing to it for free.

What other projects are you working on?

G.CHILD-my movies scripts and I will begin filming of LONGEVITY ENTERTAINMENT INC first independent movie in 2009

What are your goals for this year?

G.CHILD-to have all of the funds together to film my movie next year.

What inspires you to be involved with music?

G.CHILD-I love working with all kinds of people. Music is worldwide.

In your opinion what do you think is the biggest mistake that most upcoming artist make?

G.CHILD-artists need to listing more and do less talking.

How do you feel about the state of Hip Hop today?

G.CHILD- I love it.

If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be & why?

G.CHILD-I like the way the music industry is now. The artist have more control then ever before. Independent all the way.

What are your thoughts on the Remy Ma & T.I. situation?

G.CHILD-NO COMMENT

Who are you supporting in politics? Obama or Clinton & why?

G.CHILD-OBAMA. It time for a change.

Are you a spiritual person? & if so what are your beliefs?

G.CHILD-NO

What can we expect from you in the near future?

G.CHILD- a lot of independent movies. I believe if you do not go after your dreams, you will be working for somebody that did. So dream big

Last but not least the most important question of all.... If you had the opportunity to lay the pipe game down on Beyounce or Janet Jackson who would you pick & why??

G.CHILD- BEYOUNCE. Because It the “ROC” L.O.L

Jelani

1- Tell us a little about yourself.

What's up y'all? I go by the name of Jelani, fly guy and MC extraordinaire. I'm the son of the legendary Dapper Dan and I was born and raised in Harlem, USA. Right now I'm 22, still in college, and I've got an album done and coming out soon called "Wait, You Can Rap?!?!", which features my lead single "The Proposal" that was produced by my man 6^th Sense (Notherground Music/Rawkus 50). Some of you might have already heard of me through the buzz that the single is generating online, but if you haven't, you soon will. Google me. Shout to Teyana Taylor (laughs).

2- How do you feel about the state of hip hop right now?

I mean, I love the fact that Hip Hop is making the registers ring, albeit mostly ringtones, but I'm disappointed in the lack of exposure for the many varieties of Hip Hop artists that exist. The market is so fickle now that people who used to get a shot circa '96 don't really get that chance in 2008. But on the flipside, thanks to the internet there's been a lot growth and some would say, preservation of the culture. Also, I really wish that we could bring emphasis back to the live show; I think it'd be a great thing for Hip Hop both financially and culturally. Mainly due to the fact that it would really show that the art form is still alive and can still generate an excitement amongst the people. Especially the ones who love searching for that new artist on the verge. Who knows, one day maybe we could even see something like a Warped Tour but for Hip Hop.

3- How would you classify your music?

As having lots of integrity: I mean what I say and I never waste words in rhymes. Every conjunction, breath, or pause in my cadence is a well calculated event. The way I see it, recordings are intended to last forever, so I want to be able to stand by my recordings with pride on any given day, whether I'm 22 or I'm 62. And I'm not saying that to sound arrogant, but I feel strongly that you're hard pressed to find a Jelani song or guest verse that you don't like, or at least respect; be it my approach or my cadence. I think the difference with me is that I take my craft very very seriously and I've also put lots of time into studying the art of songwriting. From growing up on the Hip Hop legends around my Father, to going to Prep School and being exposed to rock favorites like Bob Dylan, and Lenon & McCartney as a tandem, then hitting College and getting my hands on everything under the sun in a quest to master different styles of expression and approaches to songs. So to answer your question, I blend all those influences of how to write a great song with my personality to produce music that feels natural to the soundscape at hand. I sound comfortable on any beat and can address any topic; it's the art of conversational rapping but flowing like water. RIP B.I.G.

4- Have you worked with any major producers?

In terms of "major" producers, no I haven't. The bulk of my work has been done with 6^th Sense, Frequency, & Ryan Durkin who are all certified animals in their own right. But I do have a dream list of producers that I'd like to work with, so hopefully I'll see that come fruition in the near future.

5- How much money would it take to push a Jelani album? Give us
some numbers like 20,000 marketing, 10,000 radio promotion, 30,000 video etc.?

I think digital is the way to go in 2008. That said, marketing, radio promo, video, and touring budgets would be my top priorities. I'd obviously take whatever I can get to "work" a record in the right way, but in order to make it do what it do I could make waves with $25,000 to market, $20,000 to sneak onto the Radio scene, somewhere around $15, 000 for videos, and the tour budget would depend entirely on sponsorship opportunities, which I'm still looking for by the way, so if you're reading this and want to have a sit down: let's do some business!

6- What would you change about hip hop right now?

Well for one I would like to see more programs on TV catered to the tastemaker demographic. I feel like there are places that exist for that niche online, but if it were widespread on well publicized TV then we could really see the birth of an interesting change in Hip Hop. Another thing I'd like to see is the death of this whole beef thing. It's 2008: let's make music, better our situations, and set an example for those who'll follow us. You gotta think like.. we had good Hip Hop growing up, but you got kids in elementary school now who are growing up on some real bullshit quite frankly. And that bothers me because if they never get exposed to good music they'll just perpetuate what they were force-fed to believe was "hot". It makes you think about what things will be like when guys my age are well into their 30s.

7- Who do you have in your mp3 player?

Funny you should ask that because I don't own an mp3 player (laughs). I guess it's one of those weird artist things but I like to be in tune with my environment when I'm on the go. I always feel like I might miss something if I'm caught up in Track 8 on so & so's album. However, when I travel back and forth to school and to shows etc I use the mp3 player on my BlackBerry, either that or a CD player. And usually what I'm playing is a new mix of a track we're working on but for listening pleasure I'd say Common, The Roots, Yeezy, Talib, Slum Village, and Little Brother. Then I keep the legends in Jay, Nas, & BIG on constant repeat. Constant repeat (laughs). I'm also in tune with the younger wave of lyricists on the scene too though, such as Lupe and others. Basically I do my best to keep my finger on the pulse of what's hot on the blogs. Not only am I a huge fan of the music and want to hear what's new, but for me it's also like being a CEO and reading the Wall Street Journal everyday: I wanna know what's going on.

8- If you could change hip hop, how would you change it or would you?

I could go on and on about this but I think the younger generation needs to step up to bat. People who are around my age who feel the way I feel and also make music should step to the plate and do what they want to see done. Plain and simple. I hate when people say "blahzay blah should've made an album like this" or "he should do songs like that". If you make music, achieve your expectations! 9 times out of 10 the artist that people are commenting on is 30+ years old so it's time we carry the torch, change starts with the youth. We need new leaders.

9- Do you mix your music with any other genre?

In terms of crossing over into other genres, that's something I'm capable of and have done before, both in College and in High School. But as of right now I'm sticking to Hip Hop. Be clear though: I'll sample anything from any genre, chop it up and bring it into Hip Hop. And even though I love all types of music, and I mean that, you probably won't find me doing the Steven Tyler thing (laughs).

10- How can your fans contact you?

Fans can reach me at MySpace.com/JelaniMusic and they can also reach out to the Notherground Music Blog at Notherground.Blogspot.Com. If you hit me up, I'll hit you back. No egos here, life's too short to be sour. Oh, and before I go, be sure to check me out in the College Nationals Music Championship too: Contest.CMJ.com/Votes. Peace.