Thursday 26 June 2014

@iamDO #ATDS Interview

On the second of 2 dope interviews today we get to chat with D.O. (aka Defy All Odds). 

Can you give as a little introduction to you as an Artist?

D.O. stands for Defy the Odds - I grew up in a lot of small towns so people said it would be impossible to make it.  I didn't listen to them!

How long have you been making music?

I put my first demos together back in 95, so its been almost 20 years.

How many songs /albums have you released to date? 

I've released four albums

First one was Northstarr and the most recent is Down Home

The Northstarr (2007)

Down Home

Can you tell us about your new project and the background and inspirations behind it?

I've known Classified for over ten years and he has produced songs on each of my albums so was cool to come together with him and do a full project, especially since I have strong conniption to Nova Scotia as thats where my family is from.

How have you ended up in the music industry?

Necessity.  At first I just wanted to rap, but I learned that it will be a hobby unless you take it serious.

What do you think of the music industry at the moment?

This morning I've had emails from the UK to Taiwan to Netherlands to US, this wouldn't have happened 10 years ago.  It's no longer about record deals and CD sales, and all about how you build your brand worldwide - so I like that.

Who inspires you when you make your music?

I love listening to new artists.  Their hunger inspires me.

Can you recite a few bars that inspired you to start writing?

"I sip the Dom P, watching Gandhi til I'm charged

Then writing in my book of rhymes, all the words past the margin
To hold the mic I'm throbbin', mechanical movement
Understandable smooth shit that murderers move with
The thief's theme - play me at night, they won't act right"

Nas!

Who have you collaborated with so far in your Career?

Classified, Saukrates, Maestro, Joell … those have all been fun!

What book are you reading at the moment?

Dope book by an artist and friend named Manafest called "Fighter"

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?


Busta Rhymes and Snoop.

What was the first album u bought?

Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.  Classic.

Where was the first gig you performed and did it go well?

Sarnia Ontario - one of my hometowns.  Funny thing is it went good, but I felt like it didn't.  Looking back I realized it was a learning experience.

If the question above wasnt the worst gig you have ever performed at, can you tell me about the worst?

I think the challenges are when things don't go right.  Like when the sound is completely off or the mic doesn't work, but again, looking back, some of those 'worst' shows are all good because people come up and say how much they respect you for grinding it out.  Like one time the DJ of the spot was playing my records SUPER slow.  I guess one of the buttons was off.  I had to cut the music and get the crowd to give me the beat with hand claps.  So it all worked out!

And the best gig you've had?

Probably the last one we just did.  Had thousands of people rocking out in Singapore.  Was sick!

What was the first thing you downloaded illegally? 

haha… I was down in Barbados going to school and the Chronic 2001 just dropped.  Downloading wasn't big at that point, but I needed to hear that record.  So it was dope that I could get it.

Whats your favorite song at the moment?

Big Homie.  Diddy!

What to you is the definition of a Wack Emcee?

An MC that won't spit rhymes on the spot.

If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your drawer?

Tribe - Low End Theory.

Your dream collaboration track for a future album - Producer & Feature artists (Dead Or Alive).

I'd have to say J Cole production featuring Common.

What do you do when your not making music?

Kick it with my kids.

How do you feel about Underground Hip Hop at the moment, do things need to change?

Underground is great, its where the real music comes from.

At All That Dope Shit we like to feature as much underappreciated artists as we can. Can you name a few guys from your local area we should check out? 

My man Famous!

What are your thoughts on the All That Dope Shit Blog?

It's dope! and love the support you give so I've always been spreading the word!

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for the interview and check me out at iamdo.ca

@Has_Lo & @CSTLNOVA - D​.​L​.​S. (Single)

Producer Arcka opens "D.L.S." with a guitar pluck driven beat that inspires rapper/mc CASTLE to declare the definition of Swagneto (magnetically attracted swagger). Meanwhile, partner-in-rhyme, Has-Lo, glides in like Jordan on the opening verse.  But rather than go into the typical 16, Has-Lo and CASTLE begin an uncouth rhyme trade off.  But the real star here is the energy between the two emcees as they bounce back and forth spitting, laughing, and dancing through Arcka's lively production that would have served as a perfect backdrop for some Dirt McGirt, if we were fortunate enough to still have him around.

The mixture of drums, closed cymbal crashes, string plucks, and soul sample vocal stabs is a perfect beat backdrop for the two creatively unfiltered emcees to rhyme,  laugh, and enjoy rapping on.  Why? Because it feels good. It's a musical friendship played out with the record button luckily pressed.  Vibe with Has-Lo & CASTLE, and if you like the feeling in your brain-stem when you're done,  pre-order "Live Like You're Dead."

July 29th
iTunes | CD

@fongsaiu - Dopeamine Ft @DICERAW (Single)

Washington D.C.-bred, California-based rapper/producer Fong-Sai-U presents "Dopeamine”, the self-produced new single featuring Dice Raw, from his forthcoming album Ballads Of A Massacre. "Dopeamine" is the followup to the release of his music video for "Bad Guy" (watch). An underground hip-hop veteran, Fong has collaborated with Black Thought (click to stream "I Own This Microphone") who was an early mentor to Fong and took him on tour with The Roots. Fong also produced a song for Guru of Gang Starr on his solo album Bald Head Slick under his given name Divine (click to stream "O.G. Talk"). In 2011 Soulspazm Records released Fong’s album A Soldier’s Story (click for info) which featured Raheem DeVaughn and Res. "I've known Dice since he was 15," says Fong. "We were both shorties doing our thing with Black Thought, so when we got in the lab I told him 'I want that 'Clones' shit'. It was three hours before The Roots' annual Grammy party so we were feeling right. We got in the booth, killed it, and when we got out we had 'Dopeamine'."
 

@TheRealSkeezo & @Rediculus - Stuck In Da 90's (Remix Project) @DJBooth @ParkStreetPR

East Coast rhymesayer Skeezo and producer Rediculus have come together with The DJBooth to bring listeners their new joint street release, the Stuck in Da '90s Remix Project.

The project finds Rediculus remixing seven standout cuts by Skeezo. Two bonus remixes bring the set to a total of nine tracks. Throughout Stuck in Da '90s, Skeezo is joined on the mic by Bekay, DJ Modesty, El Gant, Napoleon the Legend, Nutso, Shabaam Sahdeeq and Vanessa Renee.

Stuck in Da '90s Remix Project is available for streaming and free digital download.

Skeezo & Rediculus 'Stuck in Da ‘90s Remix Project' (Track-list):

1. Stuck In The 90s (Rediculus Remix)
2. Pick Up Lines Feat. Shabaam Sahdeeq & Vasnessa Renee (Rediculus Remix)
3. Party Starters Feat. Nutso (Rediculus Remix)
4. Hudson Valley Renegade (Rediculus Remix)
5. Watch Ya Step Feat. El Gant, Bekay & DJ Modesty (Rediculus Remix)
6. The Mission (Rediculus Remix)
7. How You Spit Feat. Napoleon Da Legend) (Rediculus Remix)
8. Stuck In The 90s (Rediculus Head Bang Remix)
9. How You Spit (Rediculus Reflex Remix)

Follow @TheRealSkeezo @Rediculus @DJBooth @ParkStreetPR

@felsweetenberg "THE NAME ITSELF" (prod by @djbrans, cuts by @djdjaz)

@Slimkid3 & @DJNUMARK - Bouillon (featuring @DelHIERO & @MURS)

@brokenpoetz1 - Made up my mind (Prd. Runone & Molotov) [Official Video]

Fingerfood ft. @bva3, @Res_oner, @mcleafdog, Upfront, @Jmanofficial1 & Flying Monk - Back to the Roots [Official Video]

@PalmerSquares #ATDS Interview


We were recently granted the chance of interviewing 2 guys ive been following for a few years now thanks to my younger brother. They gave us some interesting reactions to some of the questions posed. So Have a read, and Enjoy

TERM K:

Can you give as a little introduction to you as an Artist?

well, i grew up in a musical family, with roots in punk and metal and playing instruments with my dad and brothers. So my approach to what we do now is primarily as a songwriter than an autobiographer or however most rappers are seen traditionally. But yea, I've always seen writing as not only a way to exercise my creativity but also to share my feelings or philosophies or what have you, and maybe even bring insight to others interested in said feelings or philosophies or whatever.

How long have you been making music?  

well I've been making music as long as i can remember, but none of it was really any good. but together, hip hop, probably about 8 years now. as sad as that is to say. but the first few years it was sort of a hobby that we practically kept to ourselves, until the whole youtube outlet came to light and we started getting positive feedback. so we've been taking ourselves almost seriously for like 5 or 6 years.

How many songs /albums have you released to date? 

songs? i have no idea hahaah

we recorded two mixtapes at home, then two EPs (Spooky Language and Square Tactics) which were our introductions to working in recording studios, and then our latest project, Finna, which we consider our first full length album, was our project almost entirely recorded in house at the Stank Face studio with our full time engineer Drew tracking, mixing, and mastering it all.

Can you tell us about your new project and the background and inspirations behind it? 

We don't exactly have a locked concept or title yet but we do have several new tracks, a number of which will definitely end up on it, so not sure what I can say. I guess I can say the same sort of shit I say for every upcoming project we've had, which is that we feel it has a different sound than the last one, which we feel is progressive not regressive. A few more contemporary sounding tracks influenced by a number of things but all of which are current and relevant i guess.

How have you ended up in the music industry? 

Well we're not anywhere near as prevalent in the music industry as we plan and hope to be, but its a number of things. I guess the first being the support of everyone who's been on board since we started, because without that no one could really consider us 'in' the music industry. But also just the times and the transformation of it all, the recent dominance of independent artistry has a lot to do with it, but also I think its just in my blood.

What do you think of the music industry at the moment? 

I really hardly know to be honest. I mean its nice that major labels aren't as dominant as they used to be but that doesn't eliminate factors like commercialization or the ability for generic garbage to dominate markets. But there's no denying the fact that people like us really only have the chance we have thanks to the internet and the ability for instant connectivity to the rest of the music making and listening world.

Who inspires you when you make your music? 

I try to look less towards other artists these days, just as a sort of precautionary measure to avoid biting styles or rhymes schemes and all that. Since back in the day though we'd always go to like MTV jams and watch a lot of shit we don't like, just to know why we don't like it, what makes it appealing and popular, what we can learn from it and maybe filter out the whack shit. Knowing that something i think sucks is getting way more play than what Im making has always kind of been my biggest inspiration. And almost just alike is knowing something I think is really dope is getting more play than what Im making, which inspires me to try and write something equally as dope.

Can you recite a few bars that inspired you to start writing?

"got more soul than a sock with a hole." -MF Doom

listening to madvillainy on mushrooms when I was like 17, this particular line got to me for some reason, and I wanted to try it.

Who have you collaborated with so far in your Career?

Theory Divine, Haley Reinhart, ProbCause, Umphrey's Mcgee, Street Light, Felly, Saba, Hongry Bogart, Kembe X, Psalm One, Loud Mouth, Wes Restless, City, Nonsense, Shamar Telly, Flashman Wade, Shlick Smit & Benny Els, Grant Flows, Jay Bends, and I'm sure there's many more.

What book are you reading at the moment?

Dean & Me; a love story.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Kweli, Qwel, The OMY's, Phonte, and Chance.

What was the first album u bought?  

Coal Chamber, self titled. hahahhaha.

What was the first thing you downloaded illegally?

Kyle's Mom Is A Bitch by Eric Cartman, downloaded on Napster.

Whats your favorite song at the moment? 

Onsaya Joy - Richard "Groove" Holmes

If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your drawer? 

Ramsey Lewis - Them Changes

Your dream collaboration track for a future album - Producer & Feature artists (Dead Or Alive).

either featuring and produced by MF Doom

or featuring Joni Mitchell produced by J Dilla

What do you do when your not making music? 

Jerk Off. Watch TV. Eat. Shit. Nap.

How do you feel about Underground Hip Hop at the moment, do things need to change? 

I think things HAVE changed and for the better. thought I understand aspects of it, I overall hold a pretty strong disliking for the whole 'drill' scene and culture, but nevertheless I love the attention Chicago is getting at the moment and while they may not be in the spotlight there is a seemingly endless supply of dope spitters on the come up.

At All That Dope Shit we like to feature as much underappreciated artists as we can. Can you name a few guys from your local area we should check out?

Obviously the entire Stank Face crew, we're hella psyched on the team we currently have put together. But all around if I had to name one cat in particular who I not only admire and listen to but also consider under-appreciated considering his talent, I'd say Saba. scope his new tape when it drops!

What are your thoughts on the All That Dope Shit Blog?

Its tight, I like the content, lots of shit I either haven't heard of but enjoy or thought I was the only one who heard of it type shit. But I gotta be honest, for the most part I don't read stuff hahaha. I don't even read books. that book answer back there, I bought thsat book four years ago, got half way through it, and since then Ac's read the whole thing and probably 10 others. my B.

Anything else you would like to add?

listen to Black Phillip.



ACUMENTAL:


Can you give as a little introduction to you as an Artist?

The Palmer Squares consist of Term K and myself…Term has been one of my closest friends since elementary school and we started writing raps as a goof in high school.  After high school we just stayed persistent with the rhyme writing and slowly but surely, we started to develop a fanbase.  We've already made it way farther with this shit than either of us anticipated, but it's only the beginning…

How long have you been making music?  

We've been rapping for about 8 years, but have only been "seriously" releasing music as The Palmer Squares for the last 5 years or so.

How many songs /albums have you released to date? 

We had a couple of no-budget mixtapes back in the day that we recorded in our apartment, but we now have 3 official releases (2 EP's and 1 full length album):
Spooky Language EP (Spring 2012) - https://thepalmersquares.bandcamp.com/album/spooky-language-ep
Square Tactics EP (Winter 2012) - https://thepalmersquares.bandcamp.com/album/square-tactics-ep
FINNA (Fall 2013) - https://thepalmersquares.bandcamp.com/album/finna

Can you tell us about your new project and the background and inspirations behind it? 

Our newest project was FINNA which we released back in October.  We gained most of our popularity from our YouTube video uploads of us rapping live to the camera, so I think our main goal for FINNA was to create hip-hop music, as opposed to just raps over beats.  We wanted to challenge ourselves a little more to structure cohesive songs rather than just punchline raps and stuff.  We didn't have a theme for the album or a title while we were working on it though, we just kept recording a series of songs and then narrowed the list down to the best-of's that we thought were album worthy as they came together.  We've also started working on our next project recently and we're approaching it pretty much the same way, but with new ideas in mind.

How have you ended up in the music industry? 

Haha it's funny to think that we're in the "music industry" because we never give ourselves as much credit as others tend to and maybe it just doesn't feel like we're professional musicians…because we're not.  I'm broke as fuck and still have to ask my mom to loan me money for bills and shit occasionally so yea, I feel like somebody who's actually in the music industry should be a little more stable and established, but we're working on it.  All I know is we wouldn't be where we are now if it wasn't for the creation of YouTube.com.  YouTube was our ONLY outlet for a long time before we had connections or studio resources, so the fact that people were able to find us on their own before we ever released an official project was a huge head-start for us, and with the help of our manager and other loyal followers we've been able to make a lot of useful connections and capitalize on some great opportunities.

What do you think of the music industry at the moment? 

This term "music industry" keeps throwing me off because I feel like I know nothing about it or what it actually entails…all I really know is the Chicago music scene, which is incredible.  The music industry is good, I guess.  I just write raps.

Who inspires you when you make your music? 

George Carlin, Patrice O'Neal & other various comedians - their concepts and ideas are similar to the ones that we try to emulate when working on our lyrics.  Term and I inspire each other as well, I think we keep each other on our toes.

Can you recite a few bars that inspired you to start writing?

"I'll beat you half to death twice, then smack you back to life" - Qwel
"You couldn't beat me to death if I let you jump first." - also Qwel…I took a lot of inspiration from cats that could take a simple turn of phrase like that and approach from a dual-angle with a rap.  I gravitated to obscure references, metaphors, double-entendre, shit like that.  Basically anything that isn't surface level…lines that make you stop and think for a second in order to fully comprehend the meaning or inspiration behind it.

Who have you collaborated with so far in your Career? 

Wax is one artist in particular that it was cool as fuck to collab with.  Wax was one of our big lyrical inspirations, he was also one of the first people that proved to us that we didn't need swag or a budget or a deal to gain a respectable following.  He was a DIY guy and our initial goal when we started rapping was literally to just collaborate with Wax, which we achieved Summer 2012.  We've also been privileged to work with artists like Umphrey's McGee, Kembe X, Street Light, ProbCause, Psalm One, Saba and several others…we've become personal homies with some of our favorite musicians and that's dope.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I'm actually in need of a good book to start reading…the only 2 books I read this year were Mike Tyson's Undisputed Truth (which was phenomenal) and Happy Endings by Jim Norton because I think he's hilarious.  I don't read many books but I usually only like interesting biographies and books from comedians.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?  

Juicy J & RiFF RAFF.  Same song…2 features…4 bracelets.

What was the first album u bought?  

I'm having a hard time remembering the first CD I ever purchased…but I definitely had Totally Krossed Out by Kriss Kross & C'Mon 'N Ride It by the Quad City DJ's on cassette tape way before that.  I was like 8 years old…I never left home without those tapes.

What was the first thing you downloaded illegally? 

Not sure, probably porn.

Whats your favorite song at the moment? 

So many contenders, but I can't get enough of "Vinyls" by Pro Era.  I fuxwit Pro Era.

If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your drawer? 

I'd probably leave the first album that we ever recorded on Garageband circa 2006 in there, mostly because I don't ever want anyone to hear that. Ever.

Your dream collaboration track for a future album - Producer & Feature artists (Dead Or Alive).

Realistically: Qwel & Maker.  Dream Collab: Jaylib & Doom

What do you do when your not making music? 

I work a full-time job at a Chicago-based university during the week so I'm always trying to write raps and edit our videos when I'm not at work.  Other than that, I just like going out drinking with the homies, catching rap shows in Chicago & chatting with our fans online.  Blowjobs are dope too…love a good blowjob.

How do you feel about Underground Hip Hop at the moment, do things need to change? 

I think underground hip-hop is alive and well and full of talent, but certain things definitely need to change.  I can't stand that rappers walk on stage and demand that the crowd "turn up" before they even play their first song.  I can't stand that the dope local acts get NO LOVE from the crowd, but as soon as the DJ starts playing Migos between sets the crowd starts jumping.  I can't stand that rappers don't trust themselves enough to cut their verse vocals during a live show and choose to just rap over an album cut.   I can't stand that some rappers focus more on their outfit than the quality of their music…lookin like a GQ spread on stage, soundin like pile of dogshit. Turn up.

At All That Dope Shit we like to feature as much underappreciated artists as we can. Can you name a few guys from your local area we should check out?

Yes, I recommend:  Saba, Pivot Gang, Mick Jenkins, Psalm One, The Whoevers, Rich Jones, Martin $ky and (even though he's been around for a while), Qwel.  I think Qwel should be a household name.

What are your thoughts on the All That Dope Shit Blog?

I spent some time browsing the blog this afternoon and it's definitely the type of platform we need more of.  It's not always easy for up and comers to get their name out and gain support in the genre so I support what you guys are doing.  I feel like a lot of blogs & promoters are afraid to take risks sometimes and put an unknown on, but the music speaks for itself in most cases.

Anything else you would like to add? 

We are The Palmer Squares.  We are from Chicago and you should get to know us.

@Willy_Gonza - Benadryl (Prod. by @LLAMAF1DG)

IN HOUSE: Ep 16 Ft. @alyssamarieraps

@DagSav "The Beginning" Official Music Video

@ShabaamShadeeq - "Keepers of the Lost Art" (Official Video)

@Fivethreemc - LIVING ON A CLOUD ft. Dion (Music Video)

@JdotOdot - Monologue (Official Music Video)

@ImScottRamirez - Old Sport (Music Video)

@FamosoHTR - Crooklyn Bars Ft @TheRealTajMahal

@Rediculus - Kalashnikovs & Kush Ft @ShabaamSahdeeq @ElGant @FamosoHTR @TheRealBekay

@grimacelove feat. @nishraawks - 20 Piece (Remix) Prod. @Lancecape (Music Video)

@Princepo & @ohnothedisrupt - 1st Word To What Was Last Said (Music Video)

@PotentOfficial Ft @FLOeticLara - JUST WONDERING (OFFICIAL VIDEO) @Global_Faction

@RafRafallmyself "SLUMZ" feat. SNOOK DA CROOK & @WyldBunch (prod by @djbrans, cuts by DJ @djdjaz) @Effiscienz

@iamthelastman "The Kwestion" Prod By @DJKwestion (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

@TPSFAMILY - Ruff Draft (ft @Res_oner, @phoenixdafire & @GEEBAGULAR)

@Typ_iLL - Just Me ft @THEREALNATURE (Prod by @Snowgoons) OFFICIAL VIDEO @DeepConcepts

@MacKenziePro Ft @girobabies - Sky Without Sun (Music Video)

@matfleming4 - Blinded (Music Video)

@Anyextee - Spin Cycle Official Music Video

@TechN9ne feat. Mackenzie O'Guin - Fear - Official Music Video @StrangeMusicInc

@sarocthemc: DC X BROOKLYN Produced by: @REALDJPREMIER (Music Video)

Tuesday 24 June 2014

@dalocksmith - Free (Music Video)

@rustejuxx357 Ft @skyzoo - BK's Illest (Music Video)

@FUGITIVE_9 - Phoners (Music Video)

@BIG_VK1 - Raponomics (prod. @KHRYSIS) (Music Video) @MelloMusicGroup

@IAMFORTUNATO - Unbreakable Ft. @BeRealiztic & @TheHoeCave (Music Video)

@gwatsky - Who Whoa Whoa (Music Video)

@felsweetenberg Ft @DPSINCE02 - The End Of The Book (COOL FD Remix)

@gitbeats X @itsHubbs - Another Day/Commencement (Music Video)

Stone Bench - If I Ever (Music Video) @ParaleticHQ @elmithamoshi

Wee D - Ego Down (Official Music Video)

@dilatedpeoples (@Evidence / @TheRealRakaa) - Good As Gone (Prod By @REALDJPREMIER) (Cuts By @djbabuforeal)

@atmosphere - We Ain't Gonna Die Today (Official Video)

@Royceda59 - Dinner Time Ft @BustaRhymes (Music Video)

Army of the Pharaohs (@vinnie_paz @CelphTitled @ApathyDGZ @Blacastan @planetaryAOTP @MCEsoteric) The Demon's Blade (Official Video) Prod By @mcleafdog

@PapaJRuiz - Scary Movie

SUBURBAN TRUTH - Forgotten Faces (Music Video)

@RunwayBella - LIKE THIS (Music Video)