Month: January 2007

These are my favorite type of interviews.
After a long-hard day in the studio, Detroit producer Stir Crazy and Detroit rapper Spit Vishiss, sit down to relax and talk with us one on one.
Both of the individual’s are very talented and both of them have bright futures ahead.
I hope you enjoy their interview, as much as we did.
Donna
Stir Crazy & Spit Vishiss Interview
1.) Do you feel you have an advantage being an artist/producer coming from Detroit, compared to others?
V- I dont think so. No.
SC- No.
2.) If you could thank one person, for helping get you where you are today…Who would it be and why?
V- We’ll its a miracle, So Thank You Jesus.
SC- My father…
3.) Tell me where you see Stir Crazy/Vishiss’ career going in the near future and why?
V- I can’t disclose to much information, but lets just say you’ll see
for
yourself very soon. It’s big!
SC- It’s going to be some crazyness.
4.) How much time daily, do you spend in the studio and what does an average day consist of?
V- I spend a lot of time smokin’ and playin’ Xbox 360. I rap in my
sleep.
Sh*t, is that easy.
SC- A lot of work.
5.) Being so busy in the studio, you rarely get free time. Tell me what you did the last time, you two, had free time to just hang out?
V & SC- Same thing we do every night ……Try to take over the
world.
6.) Do you ever struggle creating new idea’s?
V- Nope.
SC- No.
7.) Being a journalist, it is hard to have your talents reconized. Have either of you ever experienced that and how?
V- I will experience that untill I’m famous I guess, god willing.
SC- Everyday, too many haters.
8.) If you could meet anyone–famous or not–who would it be and why?
V-Jesus.
SC- Too many people.
Copyright2007 by Donna Kshir and Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

A friend of mine, Jason, who also goes by the nickname Papa Graz (he is also known as a Detroit underground emcee) did a beautiful piece of work that was all about having heart.
In the cold contemporary society we live in, it is God s gift to differ from the great mass of people who usually show the greatest indifference in front of other people s sorrows.
It as become such a common thing to affect being someone you are not, whether on the net or in real life. People often prompt to make themselves look good, physically and morally, but the image they spread around them often doesn t represent the real them.
Our modern world makes many people choose the way of being superficial. Very few choose the golden path of being true to themselves and showing compassion to other people.
Girls and guys choose each others in function of their looks and despise personality and character.
Let me tell you something. What you call “love” is called lust. Real love is something else; it turns a less beautiful person into the most wonderful being on earth. Why? Simply because, the real beauty is reflected by the inside.
I remember having watched a tale as a kid, during which two ugly characters were disguised in order to seduce each other. The charm worked and they fell in love with each other. One day, they lost their disguises and appeared as the ugly persons both actually were. But the love didn t vanish. You know why? Because this was true love!
Whether you are an artist, a journalist, a writer or whoever else, you need to be heartfelt.
This is maybe the most important thing in life when you will achieve success.
Like the salt acting on meat , it will prevent you from becoming corrupt.
Big Ups to Jason for his heartfelt article!
Copyright2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Compton artist Arlandis Hinton aka BG Knocc Out turns 32 today…have a great one and thanks for the music:)

Rating:4.5 stars
For those who ever doubted Lil Eazy E s verbal dexterity and, generally speaking, his skills as an emcee, just listen to the Eternal E s last track.
A Lil Eazier said will allow you to appreciate a tasteful combination of RIP Eric Wright and his son s voice.
The song first starts with Eazy E s voice on an Eazy-Er Said Than Dunn sample that is continued by Lil E.
Rhythmic drum beats, various instrumentals and scratches sounds will introduce the listener into the typical Compton hustling atmosphere.
Repetitive guitar and trumpet sounds will reinforce the continuity between father and son.
Lil Eazy shows an amazing rhyming ability, he intelligently combines old school and new school knowledge with a true OG spirit.
Get caught into his verbal cascade, enjoy his nice flow delivery and the astute use of beats and instrumentals.
Eazy E put Compton on the map. Lil Eazy E keeps the legacy alive.
Don t sleep on a talent such as Lil Eazy E. The new Prince of Compton is taking over. Check him out, he is definitely worth your attention!
Copyright2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Global rating of the product: 5 stars
I think that the element I admire most in hip hop is some artists ability to fully master words and vocabulary. An excellent artist from NYC who goes by the name of Papoose attracted my attention a year ago or so. His stormy flow delivery will certainly impress a great majority of listeners.
Not only can Papoose be proud of his fast flooding flow delivery, he also masters wordplays like the excellent wordsmith he actually is.
Dear readers, I highly recommend you Papoose s brand new video in collaboration with DJ Kay Slay.
The Alphabetical Slaughter video will allow you to discover the incredibly skilled artist who is a real king in handling words.Watch Papoose break it down for you in an amazing manner, breaking tongues verbally while harsh instrumentals and rapid drum beats totally watch with the offensive lyrical shooting.
Papoose has definitely conquerred lyrical legacy. Watch the excellent artist send you his lyrical bullets with the genuine style of his here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Detroit underground artist Stir Crazy interview by Donna Kshir

Let me start by saying this was an interview of a lifetime, as a journalist and on a personal level. If this was my last interview, I would be totally satisfied. As important as it is for an artist to have a good voice or sound, it is more important who’s putting the song together, who creates the beats and adds the final touches, that make our favorite artists sound so good. I recently had the opportunity to interview a very talented Detroit producer, Stir Crazy. He was above and beyond anything, I could have ever expected. I only hope, I am given another chance to interview him again, in his career! For being so young, only 20, he has more talent and has worked with more people in the game, than most who have spent a lifetime in the business. I can only hope you enjoy his interview as much as I did.
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself and your background?
I was born in Detroit, Michigan. I moved around a lot when young, my mother had family here in Michigan and in New Hampshire. So I was always moving back and forth, from Michigan to there. She worked hard. I also have a sister and taking care of us both being the only parent, we really must have made things real hard for her. My sister and I have different fathers, but hers passed away when she was young. She was always a huge part of my life. Whenever I had the chance, I was at my father s store. He owed a lingerie store. It has a house on top of the business, so I would stay there and visit when I had the chance. Thats when I met DJ Rec, who did a lot of production for Eminem before he blew up. Rec stayed with my dad for a bit and was always on his turntable. That s when I decided I would like to do what he did. Rec taught me a lot and took me to some studios around Michigan. I met Eminem threw him and many others in the music business. One Christmas, I asked my father to get me turntables.
Instead, he ended up getting me a keyboard. Truthfully at the time, I was hurt because I wanted to be a DJ. So I rarely touched the keyboard. I was always watching Rec and just learning anything I could. I studied the music I heard and that helped me a lot later in time. When I was 15 my father passed away due to alcohol related problems. After that, the business was in my name and my mind changed about keyboards. I soon decided I was going to be a producer. And that was it, I started learning computer programs and working with anything music related, I could get my hands on. After getting money together and getting help from others, I started making a home studio where I would create my art (beats).
2.) What or who motivated you to become a producer?
As stated above, it would for sure have to be DJ Rec. Without him I don t know if I would have had any motivation. I used to write rhymes and poetry all the time and figured I would become a rapper if anything,but I’m way too shy of a person and that wouldn t have worked out well.
3.) Making it in the music business is a lot of hard work. What s the biggest challenge you had to face?
The biggest challenge I ever had to get over was my own problems. Being shy and my own worst critic. I didn t play my production for many people…until I met Tre Pound. I went to his home studio so some of my friends could record some tracks and after seeing his triton studio ( a keyboard for production) I went back and used it for one of my beats, and ever since then I ve been an in house producer for him and Super Phat Productions.
4.) Which artist, were you most pleased to work with and why?
I will have to say Tre Pound, as he was the one that took me in and got me started working with everyone he knew. Without him, I probably wouldn t have had the opportunity to work with as many great artists like I have. Being shy it s hard for me to get in contact and sell beats, he taught me to make money off of what I love.
5.) What motivated you to collaborate with each other?
After him helping me, I knew that he would become not just a business partner, but a great friend. I’m a hard guy to work with because I like things perfect music wise and he has dealt with a lot of shit from me.
6.) Which accomplishment are you the most proud of? I have had the chance to meet and/or work with some the best people you could ever imagine. I’m just glad others gave me a chance, that’s why I m always down to help anyone when needed.
7.) I had a chance to review some of your people, Vishiss, Kamal Nassar, Sol, Duece Duece and Tommy Gunn. You are working with some very talented people…Can you tell me a bit about them and any upcoming projects?
Vishiss has been working on a cd called “V for Vishiss. He has a lot recorded for that. I can t go into details, but he once had a huge major label contract and once again has another, as the last didn t work out as planned. Sol is a great guy. Easiest guy to ever work with. He s a perfectionist like me and always ready to get in the booth. He also has a new cd in the works and as I type, he in Cali shopping some of his work to some labels. Tommy guns has a new cd coming out called The Laundromat. So far it s some the best work, I have heard from him and is going to be a classic Detroit album guaranteed. Deuce, he s everywhere and always working on collabs. Yesterday, we had him in the studio recording a track with Tre Pound and Kamal for there collab cd. Track is banging! Kamal has a new mixtape type cd with a few mixtape tracks and other non mixtape audio, called Certified. It was just pressed and about to be in select stores and online to buy.
8.) Tell me a bit about Vishiss and where you see his career going?
I know a lot about his future, but can not speak on that just yet. Just be on the lookout for some huge news later in time.
9.) I was very, very impressed with your work…especially Kamal Nassar’s-certified sampler 1 & 2 … What’s your favorite track and why?
The whole album is great. Kamal has a way with making anything sound great. My beats had nothing to do with the song as I feel without him and the others on it, it wouldn t be anything great, but my favorite track is a song called Heart.
I brought a sample of a beat I made into the studio, and right away Tre Pound and Kamal decided to use it. I didn t even have breakdowns or anything in the beats its just 4 bars looped over and over, because they didn’t want me to take the time to finish the track. They decided to record right away and it sounded great as is. Then Sol, was over and he wanted to lay a verse on it, after that we had offers of having many others on it, but in the end its just them 3 as that’s all it needs.
10.) Which artist haven t you collaborated with yet, that you envision to work with in a close future and why?
I d love to work with Obie Trice one day, I feel that he is very under-rated. I had the chance to work around and with some people from Psychopathic Records, I’d like to talk more about it, but cant really get into that right now- wait until the Super Phat Compilation comes out to understand… but I d like to work with them more in the future. I always respected to legendary Detroit producer, Mike E Clark and hearing his beats on there cds in the past really made me step up my production.
11.) Tell me a bit about Super Phat Productions? Super Phat Productions, AKA SPP, was the label/production team started by Toxsick (Tre Pound, Deuce and Tommy Gunns) and is what everyone on the label drops there cds under.
It s just a team of people making music. It s just friends and a family like environment. I fit in perfect with everyone on the label.
12.) You are so young and have worked with some of the best people in the game. As a producer… Where do you see yourself in five years?
By then the lingerie store will be sold, and I will have worked with everyone I ever dreamed of. I want to be making the money that people like Scott Storch, Timbo, J.R. Rotem and Neptunes are making. Living off music is hard right now for me, but my promotion tactics and pushiness has helped me a lot.Speaking of J.R. let me just state without Vishiss and working with him, He wouldn’t be making beats for 50, or any of them and last I heard he’s with Britney Spears,maybe one day he will step out and give more thanks to Vish!
13.) As a producer, is there one producer you look up to or base your skills on?
I don’t listen to much mainstream artists or the radio much, if at all. I don t have time, I don t base my production off anyone or try to copy any style. I have a style of my own for the most part. I like some things people are doing. Timbo has changed the music industry for the better in my opinion.
14.) What is your thoughts on Detroit s underground Hip Hop scene?
Detroit s underground scene right now, is drama. Too many trying to prove themselves. I think that we need to come closer together and step up as a team. I love the fact that so many Indie labels are combining forces and right now Super Phat is working with Ponyboy and Movement Records, another label with some great artists. We re kind of combining, and forming a stronger team.
15.) Where do you see Hip Hop going in the near future?
Hip hop is so crazy now, I really dislike groups like D4L, and others doing the snap type music. I think they are killing the music industry. I could elaborate, but I don t have enough hate to ever put people down. I let them be them and wish the best. To be and do what you love is all that matters in the end and if these people I feel are ruining the scene are happy with themselves and there work that s all that matters.
16.) As a fellow Detroit-er…Detroit has been under fire, since Proof s death…What s your thoughts?
This stuff happens everyday, it s just sad to see it happen to one of the best people/things Detroit had. I had the chance to meet Proof a few times, and he was a great guy. He was really into the underground scene and was helping and doing collabs with people that would and could never imagine having someone on his level on there cd. He was there for the people of Detroit and the fact people are looking at us now because of this, what about others in the Detroit scene that have passed…Bugz, Blade, among others. We will have no one left to help bring/keep Detroit to the top, if this keeps happening.
17.) Since the release of the Eminem Presents: The Re-up there has been many mixed opinions, some like the album and more seem not to like the album. Many blame it on Em’s selection of rappers. Others blame Em, and his courageous venture into the world of producing.
What’s your opinion?
I have a few things to say on this topic. Eminem has a lot of talents, production is not one of them, I feel. He has done a few nice beats, but most are repetitive and I feel they sound the same. The fact that he likes doing it is great, but maybe step it down a bit and do less. I liked only few tracks on the new cd, but we never know what to expect from him with the next material.
18.) If I had to describe myself, I would say… I’m a leader not a follower. How would you best describe yourself?
I m a leader because of the fact I had to become one. I had to do most of this on my own with the exception of the few that helped. I worked my ass off to get where I m at now and everyday new projects are coming. I m a busy person and always doing work in the studio or promotion. I do have to admit it s hard because everyone I work with is a leader and in may ways that helps, but also gets in the way when a disagreement comes around.
19.) With you being so busy in the studio…What do you do when you get some free time?
I hate to say it, but most everything right now I do is music related in some sort. I have a problem with not being or living my life up when it comes to getting away from what I love. I like to read articles about music and try to check out other music whenever I can. I wish I had time to see friends not involved in music more, but I feel like I m slacking when not working. I don t really enjoy video games and don t watch much TV. Concerts are great and family is wonderful to be around at times, but right now my main focus is music and I dont let much get in my way of it.
20.) If you could invite anyone to dinner tonight—past or present–Who would it be and why?
I owe a dinner to my friends not involved in music. They are all such great people and anytime I get the chance, I make sure they know that. I few weeks ago, I took my ex-girlfriend out for putting up with all my shit in the past. She deserves it. Right now I don t have time for friends, let alone a relationship, but my past and friendships mean a lot to me.
For more information on Stir Crazy or Super Phat Productions, visit the following place.
Copyright2007 by Donna Kshir and Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Global rating of the product: 4.5 stars
Scratches, catchy drum beats, crazy instrumentals introduce Let’s Fight. Tupac appears like a walking nightmare, ready to oppress with his offensive lyrics and his unbeatable flow. Open your ears and let the master teach you about thug life.
Tattoo Tearz is built on soft guitar and violin sounds combined with an harmonic melody. Instrumentals are intelligently worked on and totally match with the unsafe atmosphere described by thug poet Tupac in the inimitable and genuine style of his. This song is truly a must hear.
Style biters are probably a rapper s worst nightmare. Pale imitators and untalented people are often attracted towards genuine talents with a true style. My Own Style is a rhythmic and lyrical Makavelli-branded song that features Greg Nice. Don t sleep on this one!
Secrets Of War will surprise the listener, because its slow start will gradually lead him into a highly euphoric atmosphere. Keyboard sounds and swinging drum beats create a re-creative chill out ambience that will refresh your ears. I loved the song.
Where Ever U R has a beautiful funky background. It beautifully enlightens Tupac s lyrical ability and his stormy flow delivery.
Big Daddy Kane s participation also makes the song highly enjoyable.
The Struggle Continues is based on very rhythmic drum beats that will remind many of you of typical African rhythms.
It explains black men s rage and survival strategy in the ghetto.
White persons with an open ear will understand the actual meaning of Black pain.
Brothaz At Arms is softly built on saxophone sounds. The streets are in a state of war. Follow black folks fight in a merciless ghetto world. The softness of the saxophone contrasts with the harshness of the descriptions.
World Wide Dime Piece disappointed me a little bit. The vocals rather create an impression of disorder and the filthy details were, as far as I am concerned, unnecessary. I guess there was a little bit of Snoop influence in it.
Military Minds will bring you back to war. Not my favorite, though. Again, I found the vocals a little bit disappointing.
Globally, the One Nation album is definitely worth a look. It fully enlightens Tupac s talent and spirit. My advice: cop the album and give it a deep listen. It will teach you a lot about the African American community’s sorrows and fights in America.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

One of most religious people s misconceptions is to think that giving the beggar or the poor old, used things that they don t need any more or that are totally out of use, are good actions.
This is how many Europeans get rid of their awful conscience problems and send their old, fashioned, maculated clothes to the poor in Africa. This is how many people will get rid of their rotten food and will give it to the beggar in the street. The same way, wealthy people will let their hand wander through their pockets and eventually capture an old 20 cent piece of money aimed at a freezing, homeless man in the cold streets without even exchanging a glance with him.
Then the same comfortable people will drive home, satisfied with their conscience, thinking they totally accomplished their so called religious or moral duties!
Little did you know if you think God approves such actions. Stop being religious and start being a true believer.
Next time you cross a poor person s road, try to envision that you have an important meeting with a prince, which is actually the case.
Stay humble. The person you have in front of you might not have the best appearance, but this person has the same value as you in God s eyes, which is something you should definitely bare in mind.
Treat this person the way you would like to be treated in his/her place. Do something that costs you: offer him/her your best garment, your best food or give this person a reasonable amount of money if you are in position to help him/her out.
God will give you your retribution in function of your actions towards others. In a society that is cold as ice, you can make a real difference by having heart.
The underprivileged of this world deserve as much consideration as the wealthy.
The way we come to earth and the way we leave it is the same for a President and for the most insignificant human being to our society s standards.
Isn t that a strong call to stay humble?
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Rating: 4 stars
Bizzy might anger a lot of people through his unconventional ways. Bizarre is nevertheless a funny artist who manages to push laziness, compulsive drinker and abusive weed smoker habits to their paroxysm.
His lyrical content is exaggerated on purpose and the big tattooed belly, shower cap wearing artist draws the image of a lazy family man who fully angers his wife. Chilling on his sofa, smoking week in front of their daughter, drinking like crazy, Bizarre is definitely the bad example to follow.
I m the reason why my daughter got asthma/ I m a fuck up 
I m a fucking natural disaster…all I do is drink and smoke
Bought to you in a very humorous way, the song is based on soft instrumentals. Maracas will contrast with the mellow keyboard sounds and light drum beats. The surrealistic situation drawn by Bizarre , his crazy lyrics manage to create a comical effect.
Reminiscent of his science classes, Bizzy will narrate his first experiences with  grass .
I recommend you Bizarre s hilarious song. Of course, it requires a little bit maturity from the listeners. You must be able to make a difference between fiction and reality. Dads, be good to your kids. Don’t act like Bizarre unless you want make your family unhappy
Copyright © 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

January 18, 2007
Brittany Murphy says her ex-lover Eminem is a “wonderful human being”.
The actress – who had a brief romance with the rapper after meeting him on set of 8 Mile – says, despite his hellraising reputation, the rapper is one of the sweetest people she has ever met.
She said: “I don’t like talking about him, because I respect his privacy, but I will say that he is a wonderful human being.”
Brittany – who also dated Ashton Kutcher before he married current wife Demi Moore – has also admitted there is a price to fame.
The 29-year-old star says one of the main dangers with being an actress is that you can attract obsessive and scary fans.
She said: “Good things happened when I became famous but I also got my first stalker. It’s not an experience I’d recommend. But these things can go with the job. And I love my job.”