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In memory of the wonderful artist and person Big Proof actually was, I am posting an exclusive photo taken with permission of DJ Butter of Crazy Noise Productions.
Many thanks to Barry ” Butter” Yett for this photo that recalls Deshaun Holton’s nice smile:)

Please don’t take this pic, as it is subject to copyright. PS:this is serious: you are exposing yourself to a lawsuit by the owner of the picture

A lot of people are actually hoping for a better future. However, their current living conditions or external circumstances seem to prevent them from being happy. So they keep complaining with a gloomy spirit and non hidden dissatisfied faces. The more they are complaining, the more they seem to be hit by adverse circumstances. In addition, these people will nourish their angriness towards past circumstances. This is a common mistake that will leave your heart in chains. Forgive-let the past go for good, as you cannot change whatever might have happened.
Your present circumstances might not look as good as you’d wish, but if you really wanna change them, you need to change your own perception of things. The way you look at things and the way you think are the major components that actually determine the life you are living.
If you believe in bad luck, misfortune and poverty, they will become a reality.
If you are caught into a circle of negative thinking, it is never too late to reverse the process!
The first rule is to be grateful about what you have and stop complaining about things you don’t have. If you learn, day after day, to thank God for the many blessings He brought into your life, you will get even more blessings in return. But what do you expect him to do if you’re not happy with what He gave you? It is indeed a spiritual law: the more grateful you’ll be, the better your chances are to be blessed in abundance.
Consider each day as a new beginning. With the right attitude, a positive spirit, a “can do” attitude, you will work wonders.
Once you are totally committed to positive thinking, sit back and relax, envision the future the way you want it. Don’t forget to let go stress and worries for good. Take at least 10 minutes a day to visualize the materialization of your accomplished dream. If you are persistent enough, you will see it happen.
Remember that nothing’s impossible, but you gotta act now. With the right, empowered vision you will soon be able to sing along with Louis Armstrong ” What A Wonderful World”. The world is shining, exposing its multiple treasures and bright jewels: all you have to do is to open your eyes all around you and enjoy your present time.
Copyright by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Global rating of the product:4.5 stars
If you ever asked yourself what Detroit underground emcee Journalist 103’s anagram K.R.A.M ment, it reveals the very intentions of its author: keeping rap alive movement. Unlike many young and unexperienced emcees who step up into the rap game with loads of arrogance, the excellent emcee Journalist 103 takes you back to the roots of rap music’s essence. The former Proof collaborator recalls that hip hop’s first struggle was political. The K.R.A.M mixtape features a good range of interesting Detroit talents such as R.I.P Big Proof, DJ Houseshoes, Miz Korona. A few tracks are produced by Sick Notes producer Essmann.
Soft harp sounds introduce the CD. It features Joey Loopz whose aim is to take you listeners to a higher level in which artistic honesty and a great sense of reality matter.
Vangard enlightens Majestic Legend’s talent on rhythmic instrumentals. Lyrical empire builder, the artist will truly amaze you with his skills who paints life in the hood with a lot of realness.
Learn the truth from Journalist 103 himself: past, present and future are an occidental concept. We gotta learn from history ( the past) to master present and future. Only those who have full control of their present will master past and future. All three elements are ONE. Only a good knowledge of rap music’s original meaning will prevent emcees from making the same mistakes. Understand its political fight and rebellious spirit and go for it!
One very valuable track is Writer’s Block in which lyrical bullets hit their targets and play the role of an eye openers. Journalist 103’s expertise in handling the track is remarkable. Words and instrumentals work together to harmonise a rapper’s harsh fight. I loved it!
You can call Reality Rap a classic already. Yes, real hip hop is all about reality- this is how it should always be.
Listen is another beautiful composition based on flute sounds and sharp lyrics. It captivates your ear with the intensity of the swirl and splash of sea water. Apex slams racist white politics and is a strong call for people to stand up for their own freedom.
ReIntro is a hot keyboard built track in which Journalist 103’s competence fully comes to shine. Keyboards and piano work together to create a sensation of discomfort. Open up your eyes and ears an listen to the emcee from th 313.
All Proof fans will recognize the melody of Proof’s Broken track that features Mu and RIP Proof. The production is handled by DJ Houseshoes and Jareed. Jam to the beat and enjoy the Detroit classic!
Endangered Love features the Laila Ali of rap aka Miz Korona. Soulful vocals are combined with a good manly duo.
Move recalls the dangerosity of the hood. With its scratches sounds, its knife alike vocals and lyrics, the track is truly a hip hop jewel.
Jihad Music puts you into Journalist 103’s muslim heat atmosphere. Pay an attentive ear to the emcee’s fighting spirit that is enhanced with a beautiful Nas sample.
Globally speaking, the K.R.A.M mixtape is a beautiful piece of work, that will take you back to the original roots of hip hop. It will also allow neophytes to get more insight about Detroit emcee’s know how. Journalist 103 and his collaborators’ hearts beat in unity to the sound of high quality hip hop.
For more info about Journalist 103, check him out here:
MySpace profile
Copyright by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

If you are into Iron Fist artists, the name Purple Gang is certainly familiar to you. Today I have the great pleasure to interview 40 Flame whose word is definitely worth your interest. Have a look!
1.What motivated you to become an emcee?
Well..The actual Music at the time i started rapping is what motivated me….i LOVE street music…so round 02-03 u got rocafella,ruff ryders all making quality street music…so i started rapping in my neighborhood…memorizing 16s and spitting them just for fun..so thats what got me started…but the motivation came from my cousin i lived with…he was rapping…watching him write raps and going to the studio got me started to really rap..
2.What is the story behind your nickname?
My 1st rap name was T-FLAME..i got that threw the streets…round the time the hot boys was poppin…me and my boys used to break in cars and steal sounds and shit off that nature for a living…so 1 time i broke in a car by jumping threw the sunroof of a camaro (i think it was) to open the door..which was parked next to security booth…security guard was sleep…i did that and my boy said that was some hot shit….ya name T-Flame…T because my real name is Ty.Flame because i use to do HOT shit in the hood…
The 40 Add On Came From 1 day Me.Fame And Lofat Went To The Gun Range And I Shot The 40cal And My 1st Shot Was A bullseye..I said my new name is 40flame…
3.Describe your music within a few words…
Unique,Real,Creative,Picture Painting,Street,No Gimmicks
4.You knew Deshaun Holton aka Proof personally. Proof is the man behind the Iron Fist label. How was he as a friend, CEO, collaborator?
Proof as a Friend:He was just like one of the homies…he was good with cash and all that..but he act just like a normal nigga would..I could depend on him…he got me out jams a couple times..
Proof as a CEO: He was very hands on with every element of the label…music,radio,promotions anything he had his hand in it…
5.I heard from Rude of IF (I interviewed him a while ago) that there were beefs inside of the label opposing you and two other Purple Gang members…can you give us more insight about the beef that opposed you and Famous to First Borne and Killa Kaunn?
Basically Me and Fame didnt like the way things were being handled after proof passed…so we felt us leaving was the best for our careers…For as all the diss records and negative interviews…should have never happen…just it was such a touchy situation at the time..where it was more emotional actions instead of thought out actions….we took jabs killa threw at us…we threw jabs..diss records…basically because of misunderstandings maybe and outsiders in each party ear talking shit..but thats the past…wish everybody over there the best!!
6.How did you come up with the “ Skrilla Gorillas” concept?
Honestly i dont know who came up with it..me or famous….when we talk..we have are OWN slang….we make new words up on a daily…and come up with witty quotes….but i imagine round the time the skrilla gorillas show mixtape came about…the name was created….Skrilla Gorillas Is NOT the group name for Famous And FLame….its just a name that represents people we fuck with musically,street and whatever other avenue being used to get MONEY!!!
7.Which artist(s)-mainstream or underground have earned your respect on the Detroit scene and why?
Mainstream:Eminem,Royce,Obie Trice,Black Milk
Underground: Seven The General,Rock Bottom,Tone Tone
8.What is your personal outlook on the Detroit scene?
EVERYBODY SAY THIS… but its divided…its gonna stay this way..cuz its too many egos….I can honestly say i extend my hand to help others and collab..but that shit is never shown back..which is cool…im happy with doing songs by myself and with famous…until the divided shit comes to a cease…we will never grow as a city…simple as that..
9.Which artists have you collaborated with already?
Ive done songs with most of them…rather it was sending verse to dj young mase and he mixing the verses together…or actually sitting in the studio with them…i work with others that i respect…but im not big on features…always been like that…not being a asshole..but i think im just very selective on who i work it….gotta make sure they official…
10.Which artists you haven’t collaborated with yet would you envision collaboration with?
Only artist is probably Royce 5 9 and Guilty Simpson…i listen to they music…its dope…the streets would like that…
11.You have a new mixtape coming out soon…a few words about your upcoming work and what listeners should expect from you?
Yeah Directors Cut…Dropping September 11th…its me basically showing that ive grown into a real artist…people know i can do mixtape joints..hot punchline filled freestyles…but i really wanted to show i can make songs…concepts,hooks and try different flows…..also with this project i think it will help people understand me as a person..some artist try to paint a picture in the listeners mind on what they think they listerner would like instead of being themselves…im giving ya the real me…so u can expect an very nice piece of music put together by yours truly….i expect it to be one of the best mixtapes of the year NATIONALLY NOT JUST LOCAL…we shall see…lol
12.cAccording to you, what is your main strength as an artist?
I’m good at Concept songs…And I’m Very Creative….THE MIXTAPE WILL PROVE IT!!!
—
www.skrillagorillas.com
www.myspace.com/tyfarris
www.twitter.com/tyfarris1
R.I.P BIG PROOF
FAMOUS AND FLAME!!!!!
Copyright by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Global rating of the mixtape: 4 stars
Dark, cadenced instrumentals with a soft soul touch, the Murph Derty and Zo (of the Detroit I Dash group)’s avant-gardist use of their sounds, their rapid flow and constant syllable slapping will definitely conquer a hip hop loving audience. Murph Derty hails from Sidney, Australia. Zo and Murphy’s complementary know how reveals the listeners a brand new dimension of handling words and instrumentals- darkness, offensiveness, a scurrilous mind is astutely mixed up with a soft note that has a refreshing dew effect.
The dynamic duo is marching on, introducing Monsta Music to the world. Two lyrical soldiers who carry the power of a whole army are ready to fire hot syllables out of their mouths. Attention, please! Both emcees are ready to rip it off.
Face Off is sharply written. Electric guitar sounds offer a beautiful, opposing contrast to the harsh keyboard sounds. Our emcees are ready to conquer the world. Follow them into their crazy ride.
U Gone Love Me has some Dirty South accents. Piano, keyboards, violins introduce a dramatic dimension into the sounds. Two artists won’t compromise their style to please anybody.
I Don’t Dance combines some repetitive techno accents with a Dirty South flavor…groupies get smashed in that one! I liked it. Well done.
Pimping gently contrasts with Bodyguard’s dark notes. Light piano notes, some ironic accents make the Pimping song an ear delight.
Cinema is made of soulful guitar sounds combined with violins notes. Rhythmic beats truly enhance the song in which both emcees lyrically excel.
Instrumentally, I’m A Jerk is probably the most surprising song of the mixtape. Repetitive sounds on mad Zo’ lyrics: have a listen and don’t be afraid to discover something innovative-instrumentally speaking. It is proof that the rap game is constanly changing, requiring agood adaptability from the listener.
Among the songs I really appreciated, count Strung Out. Enjoy the depth of the instrumentals: yo gotta dig the piano-violin-bass-drum beat intelligent combination.
I’d also recommend all of you Good Die Young: enjoy the astute wordplays and the hammering piano background. Reminescing hip hop’s lost soldiers, the song reveals both artists’ know how.
Globally speaking Politics has a lot to offer to hip hop loving ears. Because of its yet unexplored musical techniques, it might surprise some of you, but don’t let this element distance you from good quality hip hop.
Copyright by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Global rating of the product: 4.5 stars
A pissed off Slim Shady with a dark minded spirit is addressing Mariah Carey’s recent ridiculous ” Obsessed” video. Unlike some ignoramus comments I read on you tube recently ( “Eminem barely disses anyone, so why did he get at poor Mariah?”), people who are less familiar with Marshall Mathers should know that disses are Slim Shady’s specialty. Eminem has been earning credibility on the local Detroit scene as a battle rapper. A battle rapper is not supposed to be nice, nor to show warm feelings to any opponent.
Some might object that Mariah is not an emcee and that a female shouldn’t be dissed. I’ve also heard from some commentators that the ” Mariah fling” dates back to 2001 and that it is childish to get back at ” such an innocent person”.
You naive people don’t get it: if Slim Shady is so much angry on the song, he’s got good reasons to be. If a former boyfriend denied dating me, believe me, I think I’d be angry too. Eminem astutely confronts Mariah lies by displaying her voice from the past voicemails she left into Slim’s mailbox.
The song is built on some catchy beats that totally fit with Eminem’s loud and angry voice that is shanking Mariah’s fakeness, step by step. Hammering piano notes accentuate the rapper’s ire. Here comes the thunderstorm: better be prepared for the avalanche of words that will follow, exposing true facts. I totally enjoyed Eminem’s honesty in exposing the truth.
Call it a revenge, yes, it certainly is, but moroever it is a lyrical slaughter in which the talented rapper shows some claws to rip his victim off in a very merciless manner. This is how the lyrical master will put sluts playing innocent virgins into a pool of blood- which is very enjoyable in my point of view.
Whatever dark and horrible “secrets” ( by the way, to know secrets about a man, it is quite obvious you must have been dating him, didn’t that pop up into “Mary Poppins” innocent mind?) Mariah might reveal about Slim Shady and even though he’d schock and lose some die hard fans because of them, the full mouthed rapper possesses a treasure Mariah aka ” Mary Poppins” seems to be totally deprived of: an undeniable talent!
I totally enjoyed the grimy spirit, lyrics and flow. Slim Shady is back. For good. You go, Eminem!
Copyright by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Glad to share this exclusive diss with you. It is called The Warning and it is lyrical as hell. ou go, Em:)))
Here are the lyrics to the song, folks…enjoy:)
Eminem/ The Warning
Only reason I dissed you in the first place is because you denied seeing me
Now I’m pissed off
Sit back and relax homey, kick back and relax, grab a six pack while I kick facts
Yeah Dre’s sick track, perfect way to get back
Wanna hear something wick wack?
I got the exact same tat that’s on Nick’s back
I’m obsessed now
Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee
Wow Mariah, I didn’t expect her to go balls out
Bitch, shut the fuck up before I put all them phone calls out you made to my house when you was wild n out before Nick
When you was on my dick and give you somethin to smile about
How many times you fly to my house? Still trying to count
Better shut your lying mouth if you don’t want Nick finding out
You probably think cuz it’s been so long if i had something on you I woulda did it by now
On the contrary, Mary Poppins, I’m mixing our studio session down and sending it to mastering to make it loud
Enough dirt on you to murder you
This is what the fuck I do
Mariah, it ever occur to you that I still have pictures?
However you prefer to do and goes for you too, Nick, faggot
You think I’m scared of you?
You gonna ruin my career you better get one
Like I’ma sit and fight with you over some slut bitch cunt who made me put up with her psycho ass over 6 months and only spread her legs to let me hit once
Yeah, what you gonna say? I’m lucky? Tell the public that I was so ugly that you fucking had to be drunk to fuck me?
Second base? What the fuck you tell Nick, punk?
In the second week we was dry humping. It’s gotta count for something.
Listen, girly. Surely you don’t want me to talk about how I nutted early cos ejaculated early and bus all over your belly, and you almost started hurling and said I was gross, go get a towel you’re stomachs curling. Or maybe you do.
But if I’m embarrassing me, I’m embarrassing you and don’t you dare say it isn’t true.
As long as the song’s getting airplay I’m dissing you.
I’m a hair away from getting carried away and getting sued.
I was gonna stop at 16. This is 32. This is 34 bars. We ain’t even a third of the way through.
Damn, Slim. Mariah played you. Mariah who?
Oh did I say ”whore”, Nick? I meant a liar too.
Like I’ve been goin off on you all this time for no reason.
Girl you out ya alcholic mind. Check ya wine cellar. Look at all the amounts of wine.
Like I sit around and think about you all the time.
I just think this is funny when I pounce you on a rhyme.
But it now i’m about to draw the line.
And for you to cross it that’s a mountain that I doubt you wanna climb.
I can describe areas of your house that you wouldn’t find on an episode of Cribs
A blubba load ribs if I hear another word so don’t go opening your jibs cos every time you do it’s just another load of fibs
I ain’t saying this shit again, ho. You know what it is.
It’s a warning shot for before I blow up ya whole spot
Call my bluff and I’ll release every fucking thing I got
Including the voicemails right before you flipped your top
When me and Luis were tryin’ to stick two CD’s in the same spot
(Slim Shady I love you)
I love you too
Let me whisper sweet nothings into your ear, boo. Now what you say?
(It’s nothing)
Guess what I’ll do?
I’ll refresh your memory when you said ”I want you”
Now should I keep going or should we call truce?
(You think you’re cute, right? Hahaha)
You bet your sweet ass I do
(I’m Mary Poppins, b)
And I’m Superman, mmm
(Mary P. Slim Shady)
Comin’ at you
So if you’ll still be my (babygirl)
Then I’ll still be your (Superhero, Wilma M.)
Yeah, I’m right here
(You like this)
Nope. Not anymore, Dear.
It cuts like a (knife) when I tell ya get a (life)
But I’m movin on with mine
Nick, is that your (wife)
Well tell her to shut her mouth then I’ll leave her alone
If she don’t (sing this script?) then I’ma just keep goin
(I se Mary Ann. Mary Ann’s saying ”cut the tape, cut the tape”. Knife!)

You can also read my interview at Skrillagorillas.Com
Dear readers,
Today I am more than pleased to announce that a big name on the Detroit scene kindly accepted my interview. This excellent artist happens to be Barry Yett aka DJ Butter who is notorious for his numerous mixtapes and collaborations on the local scene. DJ Butter used to hang out with Eminem, Bizarre, Mr Porter and Proof back in the golden days of the Hip Hop Shop. Very dedicated to his hometown, DJ Butter is currently working on an important movie, the 7 Mile movie that depicts the Detroit scene as it is. Wanna know more? Listen to DJ Butter’s words!
1. DJ Butter, you are notorious on the Detroit scene and well known for your numerous mixtapes that include a lot of local collaborations. How did you get started in the hip hop business?
– I was making mixtapes in High School selling them to my friends. My cousin, Shon used to got to New York and bring me back mixtapes in the late 80’s. My late friend, Patrick got me started as a DJ for his group, Sudden Strength.
2. What is the story behind your nickname?
– I have a light skinned skin color and I thought DJ Butter was marketable.
3. Can you define yourself as an artist within a few words?

– Multi-Talented. I can do all the elements in Hip-Hop.
4. You were a personal friend to Marshall Mathers aka Eminem. How did you meet the talented artist?
-I used to see him at the Hip-Hop shop in the early 90’s all the time. We got to know each other closely by going to the How Can I Be Down? music summit in the late 90’s. It was me, Proof, Mark Hicks, Bizarre, Eminem and Paul Rosenberg all together trying to get seen and heard out in Miami. I used to see Eminem all the time, in the streets selling his cds, while I sold my mixtapes. I was one of the first dudes to put him on mixtapes and featured him in my magazine, FUNKFRESHINTHAFLESH
5. You were also befriended with Deshaun Holton aka Proof whose life was cut short in April 2006. It is really a great loss for the hip hop community as far as I am concerned. To what extent did his death affect you and the whole Detroit scene?
– Proof was the voice of our Hip-Hop culture here. We had our ups and downs, but I was glad to talk to him before his death.
6. Who have you collaborated with on the local scene?
– I worked with almost everyone into the Rap Scene here. Except Kid Rock. That’s my next goal. I recently just got from a month long tour with, Esham. He’s the main reason for Detroit’s Rap Scene.
7. What is your best memory in Detroit?
– The Hip-Hop Shop and the unity we had a St. Andrews before the radio station fucked it up. The days before our major deaths of our rap stars.
8. Besides the Detroit scene, which artists have you collaborated with already?
– I’ve worked with Reggae legend, Junior Reid, Dipset, Yukmouth and I threw a huge party with the legendary, E-40.
9. A few words about your upcoming 7 Mile movie?
– My film, 7 Mile is the before and after of Eminem’s 8 Mile film. I’m just giving the fans a documentary version by covering the Motown Era until our music scene in 2009. I’m just showing the world, why Detroit is the mecca of music and reminding folks that Michael Jackson made his first checks here and that J Dillla gave people like Kanye West and Pharell their swag and all the footage is from my cameras.
10. You are the CEO of Crazy Noise Productions. Can you tell us a little bit about your company?

– I started my label at the age of 15 and released 5 albums under my label.
11. What are your current/ upcoming musical projects for 2009/2010?
– I’m working on some original music with Slum Village’s DJ, Dez and getting set to drop a mix-tape with Proof’s former producer, Essman.
12. Which artist(s) earned your respect on the local scene and why?
– I got love for Black Milk and it’s real cool to see Royce Da 5’9 re- invent himself. I respect all the guys here.

13. What is the biggest challenge you faced as an artist?
– When Eminem and D12 went against me. I just never under stood how I can break bread with those guys before the big label deals and they couldn’t break bread back. They made me out to be the bad guy. I was supporting Denaun Porter’s music before he was making any rap money from Shady Records or any other platinum artists he deals with today. I paid those dudes to do songs for my label and they gave the tracks to Em’s label. Last time I talk to him, he said he was gonna be a better DJ than me. I was there from the earlier days, when Eminem wasn’t returning there calls. I always wanted the best for the Shady family and it’s always been some bullshit politics. I have a conversation with Denaun on the phone, that will wake a lot of people up and I just didn’t leak it. It’s a G-Unit radio on Shade 45 and not D-12 radio and that’s my point. But, I understood why Eminem waved a walked away on the 8 mile movie.
14. What is your personal outlook on the Detroit scene?
– Our Music scene is the shit. We just gotta stop killing each other and going against one another. It’s crazy to see the world have that much love for J Dilla and Proof after they died. Those two struggled so much to display their talent and it seemed they all died with financial problems, even Mc Breed. To have rich business partners and to die broke is not my destiny.
15. According to you, what makes you appear as a unique artist on the Detroit scene?
– I really care about our rap scene. I’ve been documenting the rappers here for more than 15 years. I’m not the DJ that you can email a song too and I scream over it and say, I’m the best DJ in Michigan. I got the master tapes to prove it. The DJ’s on the radio here don’t give a fuck about the artists. We too busy trying to make Gucci Mane more richer.
Stay tuned! www.7milemovie.com

l
Copyright by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Global rating of the product: 4 stars
I recently had the chance to be granted an interview with Detroit emcee Big A who also happens to be deeply rooted with Lebanon, his country of origins. To fully understand the emcee’s pain and struggle in his folks’ names, you have to watch his Same Struggle video in collaboration with Zhao-Ski.
Sometimes raw footages speak louder than any words. Sometimes words are the metaphorical support to the deepest wounds that are reflected in the images shown in a video. My intentions as a reviewer are not to enter into a political discourse regarding the Middle East conflict and its consequences, or to reflect any kind of biased views on one side or the other, but rather to expose the pain and drama that are expressed through the music.
Today’s Lebanon is a broken country that is destroyed by war. It is also undermined by a huge political divide. Lebanon used to be a glorious and rich country. Lebanon is mentioned in the Bible 71 times and one could barely think about Lebanon without mentioning its cedars, as Psalm 92 enlightens it so well:
“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” (Psalm 92:12)
This biblical verse will make the reader want to wander through scented forest of huge cedars and just enjoy its olfactive benefits. But I digress…what I meant is that Lebanon used to be an admirable, wealthy reference country, but the war reduced it to destruction, drug traffics and ruins all around its magnificent landscape.
Big A’s musical background is introduced by monotoneous piano notes that are the prelude to the drama. Along with his fellow emcee, he will underline the Israeli government’s wickedness in handling issues. Love doesn’t know any frontiers: the Detroit based emcee is marching along with his folks and supporting their fight. Enjoy his way of telling the story and making words rhyme together in a rebellious way.
Discover Big A’s video here.
Copyright by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Who is aka Big A? Big A is a Detroit underground emcee of Lebanese origins. Deeply rooted into Detroit City, the emcee stays true to his Lebanese heritage. Listen to his say!
Big A interview questions
1.What motivated you most to get involved into the rap business?
-I’ve been listening to rap music ever since I was 3 or 4 years old. I loved walking to the record store in South Lebanon an hour away to buy rap tapes. The feeling I got while listening to this music was a mix of entertainment, empowerment and inspiration. It really touched the deepest parts of my soul. I travelled to the United States at age 18 and didn’t start rapping until 3 years after that. The pure business aspect is necessary for an artist cause when you dedicate more time for the music by quitting your day job if possible for example, you will be able to paint a better picture with your music.
2.What is the story behind your nickname?
-My real name is Ahmad and after growing up listening to a lot of Big L and Big Pun, I decided to be the next “Big” rapper and now you have me: Big A.
3.From what I understand you’ re of Lebanese origins. To what extend is your music bridging your country of origins with the Detroit style?
-I love that you said -Detroit Style- cause Detroit got so much style and so many international music pioneers. The bridging of styles and cultures is all over my music. A local Hip hop producer: Zhao-Ski (who’s my music mentor in a lot of ways) played a huge role in initiating my recording career and he introduced my 1st album Conscious Gangsta to the music scene in the summer of ’08. One way to really answer this question is by watching the music video of the song Same Struggle which showed how the 2006 Lebanese war can be put in the same video with the struggles of Detroit city.
4. What is your opinion about fellow Detroit Lebanese rapper Merciless Amir? Do you like his style?
-Wow I really respect that you know Detroit’s history like that. I’m really still learning myself and it’s amazing when you look at the influence that such artists like Merciless Amir had on our favorite rappers in Detroit. This made me make a phone call to my homie Mudd from 5 ELA and the conversation extended to almost 2 hours. He told me to look up the song “A Day Without A Rhyme” by Merciless Amir and was showing me how he was like the Rakim of Detroit! Thanks for this question yo! And also as far as Lebanon’s contributions to Hip hop, my homie DJ Lethal Skillz from Lebanon has been holding it down for quite a while and the Hip hop scene there is growing with artists that have amazing talents like MC Moe, Malikah, RGB and so many other rappers, producers and so on.
5.What is your opinion about the local Detroit hip hop scene?
-I love the Detroit Hip hop scene and I’m proud to be a humble representer of it. Last night I went to my favorite spot called 5 Elements Gallery. This spot is starting a movement thanks to DJ Sicari (the owner) who is one third of the crew 5 ELA. Piper Carter was hosting a weekly event called Foundation and it’s about bringing it back to the roots of Hip hop culture. At any moment you’ll see music heavy hitters come through like Finale, Invincible, 5 ELA, Dj Head (Eminem’s 1st Producer), Jessica Care Moore, Monica Blaire, Dwele, USM crew, Slum Village, T3, Elzhi, DJ Dez, One Be lo, Nick Speed, AML crew…. The point I want to make is: The atmosphere is amazing and the theme can vary from Break Dance lessons to Graffiti art to the vital role of Women in Hip Hop and so on. It’s just amazing to me to see positive things and positive people in the middle of going through an economic crisis. I have a big front-bumper sticker on my truck that reads: I LOVE DETROIT. “what more can I say?”
6.According to you, is it an advantage to be Detroit rooted?
-It’s a huge honor and something to be proud of to be Detroit rooted. I’m building with different groups of the community and we all love Hip hop. J Dilla, Aretha Franklin, Steve Wonder, Awesome Dre & The Hardcore Committee: They all from Detroit. There’s a lot of credit to be given and that’s a whole interview by itself but for example a lot of people don’t know Detroit is where Techno music was originated.
7.What is the most difficult challenge you had to face since you started rapping?
-Being in the States in 2006 while my family and friends were in Lebanon during the July war.
8.Which local Detroit artists have you collaborated with already?
-Zhao-Ski, Fes Roc, Miz Korona, Technique De Elite, Illite, Finale, Asylum 7, Aztec, Lab Techs, Sleepy Biggs, J Borro, Joe Nehme and some more other cats…
9.How would you define yourself as an artist?
-I spit that real grimy gangsta rap combined with the humility of being God’s servant. I reach out to everybody and I love making songs with different artists from all around the world. I’m just here to learn and I’m down with creating a new revolution based on respect and honesty while taking over the world.
10.According to you, what makes you appear as unique on the Detroit scene?
-The way I represent Lebanon to the fullest and stay true to my Arab Heritage and our Palestinian cause.
11.Who is your biggest influence on the local scene and why?
-Of course I’m very influenced by all Detroit artists but Zhao-Ski has been consistently my mentor through all this journey. We’ve developed an amazing stage show together and he’s been bringing a lot of knowledge and wisdom to the table.
12.Could you summarize your work since you started rapping within a few lines, especially for the readers who don’t know you well?
-I’ve shared the stage with the best local and international performers. The musical collaborations have been non-stop. Most importantly,my album “CONSCIOUS GANGSTA” speaks for itself. Please check me out @ WWW.MCBIGA.COM
13.What are your current musical projects?
-There will be surprise joint projects coming soon with a couple artists I look up to. And I’m also working on new Big A solo material. If any beat-makers want to provide beats, my email is mcbiga@yahoo.com and you can go to facebook.com/mcbiga
14.Which Detroit artist(s) (you haven’t collaborated with yet) would you envision a collaboration with?
-5 ELA, Invincible, One Be Lo, Black Milk, and Elzhi to name a few…
Thank you for the interview.
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