ElpaDrino interview

1.How did you get started as an emcee ?
When I was in middle school I used to read a lot of Poetry and enter these poetry contest reciting great authors poems, Until one Contest I decided to write my own poem titled “Listen To Me”, Thou I lost that contest i’ll never forget the reaction I got from the crowd for something original while everyone else recited other peoples poems, From that day on I wanted people to listen to me.
2. What motivated to become a rapper?
Growing up on Dwyer Rappin was the only thing cats in my hood did not do but they love to listen to Rap music, that’s when my poems converted into rap lyrics and i’ll spit for the people around me, they always love to hear me spit because they could relate.
3. Who are your biggest hip hop musical influences?
#1 Nas, Slim Shady, Pac , SMalls, DMX, Mountain Brothers, Run DMC, Scarface, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim,
Twinnz, Dove Shack, BDP, Warren G
4. According to you, which elements give your music a genuine and original flavor?
The way I pattern my word play making sure I make since with everything I say keeping my listeners in tuned and able to paint and complete a perfect picture.
5. What is your current CD all about?
My current CD is Titled ” No Love For Nothing ” A lot of mixed emotions and anger asisted when creating this project, I kinda isolated myself while writing this album into some what of an equilibrium state, This album will reflect the lives of people who live with type of mantality, We all have been their so hopefully a lot of people will relate to it.
6. What are your thoughts about the current Detroit hip hop scene?
Its no love in the city everybody wanna do they own thing Its no artist to artist support Constant beef you know, But when real cats come together sometimes you’ll catch a good show, one people will pay to come see again, I know I show cased in some.
7 According to you, is it an advantage to come from Detroit?
Fa show its some legendary peoples come out the D and I would love to be recognized as just that.
8. What is your preference: old school or new school?
Old school Music all day everyday
9. Besides hip hop/ rap what kind of music are you listening to?
Smooth Jazz and Classical
10. How did you come up with the nickname ElpaDrino?
To be honest back in like 95 My nick name was The Griot, the story teller, during the middle of recording the Multiplicity Album With Kalivero, Mech, Efrane Supuvenda gave me the name cause we was on some mob shit.
Check the skilled artist here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

DJ Erupt's Hip Hop Compilation Volume I/ CD review

Global rating of the product:4.5 stars
DJ Erupt hasn t stolen his name. He manages to unite a fine choice vulcanic artists who will ignite the fire of a true passion for their music.
DJ Erupt s mixtape associates British and USA talents. It will allow you to discover a great range of various and talented artists.
The first track, My Space Promo, will expose different talents, including extraordinary skilled 6 Mile representing ElpaDrino.
Can t Leave Rap Alone features Detroit artist Quest M.C.OD.Y and DJ Mase. Based on a Jay Z sample, enhanced with some electric guitar sounds and some intense vocals, the song enlightens Quest M.C.O.D.Y s speedy flow delivery. Open your ears and be ready to catch some good sounds and the positive spirit of men who are determined to keep hip hop alive.
Let Shit Go is introduced by hammering piano sounds and dark basslines. Murdakkh and Lost expose a situation of stress and desperation in the ghetto. Drunk, high on drugs, guns in their hands, two buddies are experiencing a harsh situation of stress that is about to exploses. As the song goes on, the hammering piano sounds are superposed with symphonic violin sounds, strongly suggesting an increasing pain.
Boomin System leads you into a tunnel of dark sounds and bad boys strong discourse.The lyrics are repetitive on purpose. Gradually the loud sounds will increase the unsafe ambiance of the song. It is dark and the hell is hot, to quote DMX. I liked the bad ripping spirit of the song.
Just aka Justina s performance needs to be pointed out. She has the qualities that make a good female rapper: a good offensive spirit, a banging attitude, a sharp voice.
UK artist Sway will overflood your ears with some hot drops of lyrical rain. A stormy flow delivery, a good use of his intrumentals, the attitude of a winner will allow the incredible artist to conquer his audience in no time.
The author of Learn Chinese, Jin, appears on Doing What I Do in collaboration with Dina Rae. The song is rhythmic, well handled instrumentally. The lyrics didn t impress me, though. They could have been more researched.
Explosive skilled Detroit artist P-Live blesses the mic again in Get It. Lyrical slugs will make weak emcees drop dead. The swinging rhythm of the song combined with some good instrumentals and catchy beats is highly enjoyable. I loved the song.
Harmonic piano sounds, soft female vocals will totally contrast with Lil Dee s rough voice and the rapid drum beats that will follow. Lil Dee spits with confidence. Violins, drum beats and keyboard sounds will enhance his good flow delivery.
If you like it hot and spicy, this good compilation of emcees brought to you by DJ Erupt is exactly what you need!
Discover more about DJ Erupt here.
www.myspace.com/eruptmixtapes
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

What You Call That/ a burning Royce/ Termanology collaboration

Sorry to disappoint all of you who wanted to bury Royce da 5.9 since he was facing a jail sentence. Royce is back, stronger than ever, with a new partner in crime, determined to put fire on the scene.
The song is perfect for true hip hop heads. I promise you: you are going to like it!
Murderous, offensive, self confident, both rappers spit their hot lyrics. A trumpet and scratches sounds will point out both emcees determination to impress their public with their killer rhymes.
Cadenced, well worked on lyrically, rich of two confident emcees with a hustling mind, the song will probably conquer any hip hop loving soul.
Too much underrated on the Detroit underground scene, Royce Da 5.9 certainly deserves more recognition for years of hard work. He is that kind of emcee who never compromised his style in order to please people. Royce attaches a real importance to the quality of his lyrics. Check his brand new song and judge by yourself.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Underground artist Dr Jeckel from Colorado is back…

with two more songs…
Global rating of the product: 3.75 stars
The World
The World is based on electric guitar sounds, rhythmic drum beats. The track expresses an artist s fight to be understood by the world. Dr Jeckel s voice has some raspy accents. Not only is the song a strong appeal to catch the world s attention, it also points out the many issues of a troubled world.
What has Dr Jeckel to offer to the world? An attitude, some inventive lyrics, a good flow delivery. With his insightful remarks Dr Jeckel wants to be an eye opener and let the world know how he feels about our contemporary issues.
Who I Am
Xylophone introduce Dr Jeckel to the world. A cadenced rythm, a good flow and a man who is determined to unveil the mystery about who he actually is. Dr Jeckel shows some teeth and will gradually spit in an incisive and offensive way. Too many times, people jump to rapid conclusions about an individual. Dr Jeckel will show you who he really is. The streets are in his genes and he will teach you a lesson about hood life.
Curious to know more about Dr Jeckel? Check the Colorado artist here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

RIP Bugz was an amazing rhymer!

Having reviewed deceased D12 member Bugz These Streets EP, I can tell. Karnaill Pitts aka Bugz was an amazing wordsmith with an unbeatable flow delivery.
Unfortunately, his life had been cut short in 1999, at the tender age of 21. Bugz might have left us, but his music will remain for ever as a great testimony of his incredible talent.
A Bugz my space account currently pays tribute to Detroit s fallen soldier. Today it looks like fellows Proof and Bugz are blessing the mic from Heaven with the Act A Fool song, a beautiful DJ Butter, Proof and Bugz collaboration that makes the emcees shine.
Introduced by crazy scratches sounds, the song has the typical ol Detroit flavor. Bugz and Proof come up with a raw and inventive freestyle. The word competition fully enlightens both emcees lyrical skills. The track, that also features Bizarre and Kon Artis, is fully representative of the Detroit hip hop scene in the late 90 s. Hip hop lovers, don t sleep on that one!
Rydaz For Life is built on violin sounds combined with very rhythmic drum beats. The instrumentals suggest an army marching on. Let the Dirty Dozen teach you the art of war. Lyrically superb, based on rhythmic sounds and various instrumentals, the song soon leads you in a very overheated atmosphere that is enhanced with gunshot and bell sounds.
Detroit Detroit is truly a Detroit underground classic in which Bugz describes his hometown with an amazing sense of reality. The rhymes, the mic, the instrumentals, Bugz voice beautifully enhance the gifted emcee s skills. I highly recommed the song to all of you who never heard of it. It gives you an idea about what a skilled emcee can do.
No need to introduce Bugz 97. The song is featured on D12 World as a Bugz dedication.
If you are curious about RIP Bugz, you will find some more links, some additional info about his biography and his murder on the following my space account. Check it out!
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Black Folk Inc interview

After a long-hard day in the studio, a very talented group of guys fromBlack Folk Inc., Walter Lee, B-Lo Brown and Jimmy Wayne, sit down to relax and talk with us one on one.
I feel, one of the most important traits for any Hip Hop artist to have is the ability to master their vocabulary and Walter Lee, B-Lo Brown and JimmyWayne do just that.
They are natural performers! They have the most creative and powerful lyrical skills, their flow is remarkable and clearly undeniable to anyone who listens!
I hope you will be able to appreciate their skills, as well as I did.
I was very impressed by Black Folk Inc., I can honestly say they are one ofthe best group of rappers I have ever heard!
Black Folk Inc. Interview:
Extraordinaire The Great AKA Walter Lee Younger
B-Lo The Failure AKA B-Lo Brown
and Introducing: Jimmy Wayne The Bandit
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself and your background?
B-LO BROWN- Well I’m the dude they call B-Lo Brown, The name has no
true origin really. I’m the go-to guy in the group, I’m Mr.loudmouth, Mr. Do it all. I’m a hustler by nature, I got a gift that let’s me open my mouth and people listen you know?
WALTER LEE- Yeah I am Extraordinaire The Great AKAWalter Lee Younger and I’m about that music.I’m the quality control…..I’mthe assh*le of the group!! (all laugh)
JIMMY WAYNE- …yeah and I keeps it country!! (laughs)
2.) What or who motivated you to become a rapper?
WALTER LEE- You remember back in the days when the term “dope” became popular in hip-hop? Well I became addicted to this “dope” at an early age.
All the music I heard during the late 80’s coming up in elementary
really turned my life around.
B-LO BROWN- Actually when I was in elementary, rap had just started really getting out there. I fell in love instantly.The music kinda choice me Ididn’t choice it, unlike a lot of people out there today.
3.) Making it in the music business is a lot of hard work. What’s the biggest challenge you had to face?
B-LO BROWN- Coming out of a place not necessarily known for hip-hop andbeing taken seriously, That pisses me off.
4.) Which artist, were you most pleased to work with and why?
B-LO BROWN- I would have to say the Ying Yang Twins, We did a hurricane Katrina tour with them, An the krunk cats you hear on record, is them in real life. But, they are smart business men and it shows when you get to know them.
5.) What motivated you to collaborate with each other?
B-LO BROWN- We just grew up together really. I would never let Extro get on the mic, he was like my side kick. But then He started showing up in the basement (studio) and just started bogarding his way on songs. So It kinda just made sense to do this music together. Jimmy Wayne is my cousin and healways was like our number 1 fan,but dude be so krunk and he got his own flavor. We had to put him down, it was only right.
WALTER LEE: Yeah I was rapping, but I wanted to get in with what he wasalready doing. So I was a hype man and I started doing beats too and eventually it was done deal.
6.) Which artist haven’t you collaborated with yet, that you envision to work with in a close future and why?
B-LO BROWN- Hopefully if they get back together… A Tribe Called Quest. I think that would be tight. Best of both worlds.
WALTER LEE- Yeah our vibes are so different from what we do but what they did back in the day was an inspiration that kept us going. Outkast also comes to mind, but of course this is all just wishful thinking.(laughs)
7.) Which accomplishment are you the most proud of?
JIMMY WAYNE- I proud to be apart of this movement man. We are about to turn some heads.
B-LO BROWN- Our first album release… Natty Strong and This New Album “The Legend of Cootie Brown” is coming soon. All these other so called rappers better watch out.
WALTER LEE- This is one of them joints where I can see why they come up with terms like “it’s a labor of love”
8.) As a rapper, is there one rapper you pattern yourself after or do you have your own style?
B-LO BROWN -Own style, Man I don’t even look at videos or nothin”. I don’t want no comparison. I’m selfish with my music. Hell, I don’t even listen to the radio, I don’t want to sound trendy.
WALTER LEE- Its funny how nowadays it’s kind of accepted when you hearsomebody with anothers sound and style. Back in the days that wasn’t even cool and somewhere down the line you would be called on it.
Now career wise there are artists that I would want to pattern ourselves after. Those who have that longevity and were able to parlay it that into the avenues of business…now thats whats up!!
9.) Musically speaking, who was your biggest influence?
B-LO BROWN- Extro, dude crazy as hell but he got heart and definite drive and love for the music. His beats are untouchable.
WALTER LEE- Yeah I have to say B-Lo. I know that sounds crazy, us propping each other like that we vibe off of each other well. with ideas andconcepts. This was the first dude I knew who was really trying to make some noise with this music when we were coming up and I was with that!!
Thats the reason I am in this rap game to this day!
Back In the days your Rakim and Big Daddy Kanes, Your N.W.A. and PublicEnemy, Run DMC and Cool J’s.Your Geto Boys,UGK’s and 2 Live Crews.Then you Tribes andOutkasts,Pacs Big fan of Richard Pryor cause he was able to speak about anything and have no shame
10.) What is your thoughts on the underground Hip Hop scene?
WALTER LEE- I think that is where all the good stuff is coming from now in music.
B-LO BROWN- It’s cool I guess. Cat’s just need to know that this is not a game. It’s an art not to be abused to get seen or to get these females etc.
If you know who you are you can do all that without exploiting the art.Hell, I did. I had women when I had a VW rabbit….quit playin!
12.) What is your thoughts on today’s mainstream Hip Hop artists and where do you see them taking Hip Hop, in the near future?
WALTER LEE: Right now with only a few exceptions the rap game has no balance… no in betweens…either you are a”mainstream” artist or you are undergound.When I started enjoying hip-hop back in the days there was noformulas to it …people just made good music and you didn’t know what
toreally expect.That was the excitement about it. A lot of doe mainstream artist but there is a need for a few surprises to shake things up.
11.) If you could thank one person, for helping get you where you aretoday…Who would it be and why?
B-LO BROWN- Our old CEO. He let me realize that in this business you think you know people, then you find out they snakes. Just like him.
JIMMY WAYNE AND WALTER LEE (laugh)
12.) I was very impressed with your music. Are you always so quick togenerate idea’s or do you ever struggle?
B-LO BROWN- Nah we don’t struggle at all., It comes from the heart so as long as we can talk, it’s easy. It’s just like having a conversation.
13.) I found you have creative and powerful lyrical skills, your flow is remarkable and clearly undeniable to anyone who listens. Would you agree with that statement and why?
WALTER LEE: Thank you. I think that we always try to challenge ourselves lyrically and style-wise to avoid becoming stagnant. And of course you are you own worst critic so we try to set our standards high. I have a line”I’m not trying to impress none of yall I’m trying to impress myself!!”
Soin the end I am not trying to let me or my partners down.
14.) Currently, do you have any projects in the works for 2007?
B-LO BROWN- Yeah The New album is my baby right now, dudes is gonna be mad cause I’m not holding back on this go around. Last time Mr. CEO wouldn’t let us get loose. But this time it’s on us.
15.) How much time daily, do you spend in the studio and what does anaverage day consist of ?
WALTER LEE: I literally go to sleep and and wake up in the studio!! I am always concocting music based on ideas I have or the group has presented me with.
16.) Tell me a bit about Black Folk Inc.?
JIMMY WAYNE: Black Folk Inc. is another way saying Black Folk are about their business.
WALTER LEE: Yeah that’s right and we wanted to be able to show diversity and range. Black Folk in general have been behind alot of the great popular music from rock to rap to R&B and jazz. We want to be able to show those interests in our music. We are incorporating all that into the mix. In the end what all those music forms have in common is that soul the artists have to put in to make that music.
17.) Where do you see yourself in five years?
JIMMY WAYNE: Still making good music, touring and making some major moves in the entertainment industry.
18.) In the beginning, as a journalist it was hard to have my talents
recognized. Have you ever experienced that and how?
WALTER LEE: It’s been a few times that I have produced jams for artists that were in the industry and didn’t get my proper credit or cheese for my tracks or input. Wasn’t their fault, but people I was dealing with on my end.
Money,greed, and power can change people that you ride with. But karma is motherf*cker….ask our old C.E.O.!! (group laughs)
19.) If I had to describe myself, I would say. I’m a leader not a
follower.How would you best describe yourself?
JIMMY WAYNE- … I keeps it country!! (all laugh)
B-LO BROWN- I’m an aggresive, creative, loveable, hateable soul.
Understand?
WALTER LEE : I took this Human Relations test the other day a friend sent me in the email. I scored a 42 and it said I was”fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who’s constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind,considerate, and understanding; someone who’ll always cheer them up and
helpthem out”…..that sounds about right to me. (all laugh) *
*
20.) If you could invite anyone to dinner tonight–dead or alive–who
wouldit be and why?
WALTER LEE: It would have to be a big ass banquet with alot people that are no longer here that I would like to ask about how they accomplished what they did in their lifetimes. Off the bat James Brown , Richard Pryor, Scott La Rock, J.Dilla ,Dr. Charles Drew, Martin Luther King Jr, 2Pac, JimiHendrix, John Lennon, Biggie, JFK, Malcolm X. Jesus and My Grand Daddy
and that is only for starters…..
For More Information On Black Folks Inc. or to purchase their latest album, visit:
MAIN PAGE
WALTER LEE
B-LO BROWN
JIMMY WAYNEWEBPAGE
TO PURCHASE THE ALBUM
Copyright 2007 by Donna Kshir and Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Music is like chemistry, it is all about finding out the right chemistry…

People who work in catering jobs will probably confirm it: a delicious and tasteful dish often depends on a proper mixing and choice of the ingredients.
The kind of ingredients we choose to make our dish, a subtle calculation of the amounts of food, the specific spices we add will determine color, taste, smell and the aspect of our dish.
With the same ingredients, two individuals can make either a crappy, disgusting plate or a subtle, aromatic and delicious dish. The cook s know how, his personality, his creativity will play a determinant role in composing an unforgettable plate of tasteful food that will make the customer come back and order it over and over again.
The same rules apply to the artistic world. Many people claim to be artists or musicians. Many of them have a swollen ego and pretend to be the bests on their local scene. Many of them pretend to have a unique style, but when you look at it closer, you will notice that they often bite other artists style.
In the very diverse world of rap music, so many emcees sound the same. There are armies of new Jay Z s, Eminem s, Westcoast imitators etc, all using overwritten themes in order to play it cool.
If you had no other choice than eating couscous during 30 days, wouldn t you like to eat something else as soon as the 30 days were over? I assume you would.
The selective listener wants to taste something unique, a music that talks to his 6th senses. Yes, the listener wants to eat a delightful and perfumed dish , which will allow him/ her to appreciate the subtle sound texture, a good beats quality, a flow that will run faster than light speed, creative lyrics and an innovative way of expression.
After a hard day of work, the listener wants to escape from his monotonous world. His always curious mind wants to explore new worlds of sensations and ignore time and space while enjoying the music to the fullest. Your music is his relaxation dream island, a unique moment during which you and him share this very specific communion between ear and sound.
Artists, don t forget that the listener is like a customer in a shop. New smells and new colors are more likely to catch his eyes and nose than the same old stuff he sees day after day, week after week.
Don t sound like everybody else: be unique, original, creative. Try to create that relationship with the listener that will make him recognize you at first sight because your voice is special, your style and the beats are a unique composition of yours.
Of course, it requires more intensive efforts, but it is really worth it in the end. You don t wanna be the next Jay Z, do you?
Go to the lab, put your colorful and spicy ingredients together and be the mad chemist that will enchant our ears for years. You can be that person if you really want to!
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved