Interviews

The Notorious B.I.G – A Story To Tell

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

By: Kristen Teesdale

Ask any hip hop artist in the industry today to list their influences and it’s a good bet that Notorious B.I.G. is among them. 
 
Christopher Wallace was born May 21, 1972 in New York City. When he reached his teenage years, drug epidemics permeated his Brooklyn neighborhood and Wallace found himself entwined in life on the streets. He dropped out of high school and began dealing. After three arrests, Wallace redirected his focus. Assuming the stage name Biggie Smalls, the boy from Brooklyn dedicated more time to his raps. Biggie was already a neighborhood entertainer, but it was his demo tape that catapulted him to new heights.  
 
With little expectation in place, Biggie’s tape was promoted by Mister Cee, a local DJ. The material found its way to A&R executives at Uptown Records and Biggie was signed immediately. When his friend Sean Combs was released from Uptown, Biggie followed. Combs founded Bad Boy Records and signed Wallace to the roster.  
 
While he was making advances in the industry, Wallace’s home life was also growing. His girlfriend gave birth to a daughter in 1993. But his street and financial struggles still plagued him. To support his family, Wallace returned to selling drugs. When Sean Combs discovered this, he forced Wallace to quit dealing. 
 
Biggie began to collaborate with other artists under the name Notorious B.I.G. Following his newly charted success, B.I.G. released his first studio album, Ready to Die, which saw immediate success among peers and on the charts. During a time when rap was synonymous with the West Coast, B.I.G. managed to refocus fans’ attention to the streets of the East. Its lead track, “Juicy,” jumped to #27 on the charts. The two subsequent singles released, “Big Poppa” and “One More Chance,” garnered increased popularity as they rose to #1 on U.S. charts and became best selling singles. B.I.G.’s smooth flow and semi-autobiographical lyrics resonated with listeners. The rapper famously married unedited, gritty content with pop-friendly beats and the combination expanded his audience exponentially. B.I.G. broke boundaries as his first album found mainstream popularity in spite of, or perhaps as a result of, its dark and menacing material. 
 
Wallace rose to intense levels of personal and professional success in 1995 and 1996. In the midst of reaping almost unparalleled fame and celebrity, he met and married Faith Evans with whom he had his first son. But success was priced high for the East Coast artist. B.I.G. found himself wrapped up in a feud with former friend and associate Tupac Shakur. When Shakur was shot in a robbery attempt, he blamed Wallace, Combs and their affiliates. After the feud was ignited, Shakur signed to Death Row Records. The battle consumed Death Row and Bad Boy as they represented their respective coasts and fan base. The opposition culminated in the deaths of Tupac Shakur and ultimately Notorious B.I.G. a year later. While neither of the crimes has been solved, many parties have theories in which the men’s rivalry is to blame.  
 
Christopher Wallace died just before the release of his second studio album, ominously titled Life After Death. The album received critical praise and commercial success and was one of just three rap albums to receive the honor of diamond certification in record sales by the RIAA. The success realized by the 1997 release cemented B.I.G. as a major influence in hip hop and in the industry.  
 
Since his death, many artists have sampled lyrics and beats from Biggie’s work. Notorious B.I.G.’s influences can be heard in music released by friends who had the opportunity to work with him and fans who are just beginning their journey in the rap game. B.I.G. burst onto the scene during a volatile time and chose to portray his tense, cold reality in rhymes. He paved the way for artists that followed and popularized a genre, sharing his life experiences, good and bad, with no apologies. 
 
Notorious B.I.G.’s ability to translate life into lyrics made him a household name. His capacity for telling the story of the struggle in an unforgiving, unrelenting city helped him portray the reality so many endured. His aptitude for honesty broke the boundaries that others feared to cross. As an artist, B.I.G. is survived by his flow, his talent and the musical legacy he left behind. As a person, Christopher Wallace is survived by his family, his friends and the artists that continue to be influenced by his work. His unbridled skill made him a hit-maker. His untimely passing and thwarted potential made him a legend.

iStandard Interview With Stay Gettin

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

scratch92006-29web

Written by Kristen Teesdale

Thanks for sitting down with us for a few questions, Mike and Kuntre. Let’s backtrack a little in the timeline of Stay Gettin’ Entertainment.

Your first compilation “Operation Come Up” was both impacted by, and a great impact on, the city of Baltimore. Do you maintain many of the relationships you built during those early years in your hometown?

We still maintain relationships. A lot of those artists are still recording and putting out independent projects, so we still kick it from time to time.

Talk about your experience with DJ Kay Slay. How did that develop?

Our first major check came from work we did with DJ Kay Slay. He was our first experience doing business, actually negotiating as far as points, publishing and signing producer agreements. At the time, he was on Sony/Columbia. He showed us love. Regardless of the fact that we were brand new producers, he gave us the opportunity to do seven tracks for his second album. Only five made it, but that was a big blessing for our start in the industry. He always kept it at 100% and played fair. That’s rare in this industry…LOL.

I understand there was a bit of a battle over your beats. What did that exchange between Kay Slay and Camron do for your mentality at that point in your career? Did you feel like you’d found your place in the industry?

LOL…Shout out to DukeDaGod. It was actually Duke (Dipset’s A&R) who initially had our tracks. We were his “secret weapons” at that time. We were just happy to be around those guys. It made me feel we were good enough to at least be considered at the time. The Heatmakers were the go-to producers for Dipset. We felt it was a step in the right direction but also felt we had to promote our brand and sound. When we got the call that our beats were chosen, we were ecstatic. We are grateful to Camron today and we are still fans of his music.

How have E-Weezy’s contributions further developed the Stay Gettin’ name in music?

Shout out to E-Weezy!! Eric is our partner on the label/entertainment side. He doesn’t produce. He is an executive (Co-CEO) of Stay Gettin’ Entertainment. He’s been there through some rough times and he’s kept us focused. Sometimes you need people in your corner that support and believe in you no matter what. He is one of those people – our brother in the struggle!!!!

In your transition from producers to label owners, how has your process for shopping tracks evolved?

Shopping tracks is still an uphill battle in most cases. You still have to bring the heat regardless of your position. Your sound speaks volumes. It’s a little easier to get in the building…LOL…but the competition is thick right now. You have to carve your niche and go hard!!

When you inked a deal with Def Jam, you recognized the stress of answering to one of hip hop’s biggest names as “good stress.” What does that pressure do for the quality of your work?

It definitely keeps you on your toes. It keeps you innovative and inspires you to go that extra mile.

When Jay-Z offered you the opportunity to drop a track on his desk for an upcoming project, did you immediately start work on it? Did you production process change as you considered the possible artist on the other end?

Meeting with Jay-Z was a dream come true. But that is one of the things we feel we didn’t capitalize on 100%. We were new to the label side of things and we took advice from people we thought had our best interest at hand. That was a wonderful opportunity, but it was still business. Word got back to us that our priority was to finish up that album and then focus on Jay. In hindsight, we should have worked harder to accomplish both things. We learned from that situation – keep your own best interest at hand!!!!!!

Your success with Young Leek has certainly helped put you on the grid. Do you have new artists in mind to add to the repertoire?

We have a few artists we’re working with. Shout out to Heavygold, Bosco, EJ and Reek. But right now our focus is production. We need to solidify our imprint, “Stay Gettin’ Productions.” Once we do that, breaking a new artist can become a little easier because our sound will be proven.

Your relationship building really proves how important it is to know people in this industry. Do you have networking tips for up-and-comers who want to foster similar business partnerships?

Our advice to up-and-coming producers would be to trust your own judgment. Own your situation. Right now, good A&R’s are few and far between. So developing relationships with artists is a must. It is very important to get out there, to get out from behind the computer and pound the pavement.

What is your equipment of choice?

We are still MPC advocates….LOL, keyboards and of course thousands of records. Also getting into software.

What are your thoughts regarding sites and coalitions like iStandard? How does the focus on new producers help create additional opportunities for those trying to reach the next level?

We love the idea of producer sites. It allows opportunities that weren’t available five or six years ago. We used to travel to New York from Baltimore every week to stand in front of labels all day, just hoping to meet anyone who would listen to our beat CD. Sites like iStandard make many aspects of beat shopping easier and more convenient. New producers keep the wheels of the industry turning. We have to realize our worth. New producers are necessary in all areas of music. We define the sound of a whole culture and genre of music.

Where can we find you online?

Check us out at www.myspace.com/staygettinent, twitter/cuttyred and twitter/mikemilz

Thanks for the interview and thank you for your continued support of producers!!

iStandard interview with Young Yonny

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010


Interview by: Kristen Teesdale

What’s up Young Yonny. You really dove head first into music and made huge waves in the last number of years. What was the catalyst for this burst onto the music scene?

Man, music is all I know! (Laughs) I started banging on pots and pans at the age of 4!

You had some impressive credits from 2005-2009 but managed to stay under the radar. Did you find some positive aspects to that? Was it beneficial to contribute to major artists without feeling pressure from the limelight?

Nope, I actually was an artist first, but I didn’t like the things that came with it. I’m married and I have been with my wife for more than 11 years. I love being a husband and dad first! Producing allows me to do that.

On the flip side, what does that added pressure now do for your work; does the publicity challenge you to work even harder?

Yes it does. A lot more calls, work etc. So it is just a matter of balancing that and family right. With regard to publicity, I just try to keep myself out of bad situations.

There seems to be a split consensus on the value of MTV. Some people have issue with the direction the company has taken, others welcome the evolution. Talk a little bit about your personal experiences with the company. When you landed a spot with MTV Films’ The Longest Yard, what value did that add to your credentials?

Well I never really noticed a change – any time you can have any of your work on MTV is an honor! It was my first placement on CD and in a movie! I took all my dudes to the opener and it felt crazy to hear something that I made at home in my room go worldwide! “God is Good!”

In 2006, you partnered with fellow Cleveland native Ray Cash on his first album, which received critical acclaim. Critics can be extremely blunt and unsympathetic. How does it feel to be part of something that garnered approval from such a challenging audience?

Well I threw Ray that beat on the love because we were from the same city and rocked with each other. So I wasn’t really thinking about others.

When you took on a judging position on BET’s 106 & Park, you started extending your reach and visibility. Did that contribute to some of the placements you landed in 2007 with Birdman, Lil’ Mo and others?

No, I already had those relationships brewing from being on the inside a little bit. But that was definitely an amazing experience!

Building and maintaining relationships are huge pieces of the puzzle for achieving continued success in an industry that can sometimes dismiss people too quickly. What keeps artists like Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, Mya or Trina returning to the same producers?

It is more than just money and a quick check. Trey Songz just recently told me “Yonny, you with us now, you’re family, and we’re not going to do this next album without you!” That means a lot! Because now Trey and I are friends, as well as Troy Taylor and the whole Songbook Crew! Same with Mya & Trina. They believed in me long ago. So I will go to bat for them and they will do the same for me. You can’t buy that!!

What is the trick for evolving music when you work with some of the same artists? How do you keep your sound fresh?

Just don’t listen to other music! (laughs)

You have expressed the importance of your family. How does this industry take a toll on family life? How are you working to prevent the challenges that sometimes plague people who attain fame and financial success in music?

Well, I keep God first. And family. That’s the only way! You can lose everything tomorrow if you don’t! I also have the most amazing, patient wife in the world. She always holds me down.

What is on the horizon for the coming year?

Day 26, Trey Songz, Birdman, Diddy, Trina, Mya, Jagged Edge, can’t think of all of them right now. (laughs)
 
Where can people find you online?

www.oohyonny.com
www.twitter.com/grammynomyon
www.myspace.com/yonnyrockstarr

Jo Blak Interview ‘Get Your Buzz Up’ 2009 Finals Winner

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

What’s been going on Jo Blak? For the people that don’t know, break down your history for us real quick? 

A lot of hard work and determination. I was born and raised in Flatbush Brooklyn, Ny. I was a lil knucklehead growing up like every other juvenile growing up in the ghetto. My father wasn’t in the picture for the first half of my life but then returned in my early teens. I moved with him on a naval base in central jersey were I found my love for writing rhymes. I got in a lil trouble living with my pops and we weren’t getting along so I moved back with my moms. At this time she was located in Newark, NJ.  I started selling drugs at the age of 16 in school and ended up doing dumb shit that got me in inappropriate situations. At this time I started pursuing my rap shit so I started avoiding situations that could’ve ended or put my life on hold. To make a long story short, I’m now at a space were I can do something positive and make this music work for me so here I am.

Could you run down the list of people you have worked with in the game?

Nobody (laughs). No Big names. They’ll be around soon tho.

You have traveled the entire coast, how do you plan on bringing the east coast back?

I plan on reminding the listeners about that genuine east coast sound with a new twist to it. The east coast invented this thing of ours we call hip hop. Now we need to reinvent it. Hopefully I can lead the way in doing so.

Recently you linked up with Coast to Coast mixtapes how will being them help your career?

Hopefully coast to coast can back me up with promotion and realize that I got what it takes to be an important artists in hip hop. All I need is someone that has some form of power and belief in my music. I can make a little situation a big event. Believe in me!

What are some of the things that keep you motivated?

GOD, My niggaz, Sour Diesel, Good music, loyalty and my hood.

Who are some of your role models in the game?

I know this is probably every rappers role model but Hov is definitely a inspiration. He’s like the only artist that can bow out gracefully and say I fulfilled my goals to the fullest. I respect that.

What would you consider to be one of your first major breakthroughs in the game?

I don’t think I got a major breakthrough yet. I’ll be able to answer that better on our next interview.

Whats up next for Jo Blak?

The “Undivided Attention” mixtape is on it’s way. It’s a golden project. On February 22, I will be performing at Don Hill’s N.Y.C. Come thru and check me out.

If someone wants to know more about Jo Blak Where can they go?       

Google.com will lead you to all my music. Certain areas in the streets can help you out too. Dig deep (laughs).

Any last shout outs or comments?

In anything you do keep GOD first. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to connect with the audience. To all my niggaz, GET MONEY! STOP THE BLOODSHED! Hopefully the tragedy in Haiti will make us realize we need each other more than ever.1!

iStandard interview with DN8

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010


Interview by: Kristen Teesdale
Music has been my life since I was young. I started playing guitar in middle school and had a few bands throughout those years. After the bands broke up, I needed an outlet for my music. Nate tuned me into hip hop and rap more and I started to see that in production, I could be all the instruments. I started playing the keys soon after and made amateur-esque beats with an old keyboard, a computer microphone and MAGIX music software. From there, I went to a Florida studio and just kept learning what I could. It naturally progressed to what I do now.

What’s up D? First of all, congratulations on the iStandard showcase win. We’re happy to sit down and talk with you a little bit about how you got here and what’s on the horizon. So let’s rewind a minute and review the beginning. How did you begin your journey into production?

You mention that your sound, if defined, would be a mix of R&B, Jazz and Hip Hop. Who are your major influences in these genres? Do you take advantage of live jazz bars in your city?
 
I grew up on jazz from what my parents used to play in the house. I’ve just come to love and appreciate it more as I got older. My major influences in jazz would have to be Norman Brown, George Benson, Earth Wind and Fire, and the Rippingtons. Also DJ Quik, who I consider to be a hip hop/jazz artist in terms of production. For R&B and hip hop, I would definitely say that the Neptunes have been my biggest inspiration beyond DJ Quik. The amount of truly amazing records they have done is staggering, just check Wikipedia for their catalogue because sometimes you forget just how influential they are. As far as jazz bars, I definitely try to get out to as many events as possible where I can immerse myself in that music, it is inspiring.

D, you’ve relocated to the NYC area and your writing partner Nate has remained in Boston. What challenges does this physical separation pose? 

It doesn’t pose too much of a challenge because when we used to collaborate at home, it was mostly done in separate sessions. I would do the beat and then he would hear it after I left and write to it. Then we would come back and  work out the kinks on the hook together.

To some degree, it could be argued that the separation might allow for you each to gain a different perspective on music as influenced by your respective cities of residence. Do you find this to be true and is it beneficial to your collaborations?
 
Yes. Being in a new city has definitely opened my eyes and allowed different inspirations to come into play. Plus being in New york now, I see that there are so many creative people to vibe with – it really allows a lot of new perspectives in my music. I would have to say that it is definitely beneficial because new perspectives are always good for the progression of music.

You mention that your goal is to create timeless, classic music. What are the key ingredients to your music that qualify it as such?The soul and feeling from the music. Every time I create something, I’m trying to take your mind somewhere. Maybe somewhere in your past or somewhere that you haven’t been yet. I think when you can connect to someone’s emotions with a piece of music, that’s what makes it classic. You have to get beyond the trends and get to the basics of what we enjoy in timeless/classic music. I try to the best of my abilities to bring out that feeling when I make someone a record.

 

Talk to us about Kyle J. How did that relationship develop? How do you see it progressing for 2010?Kyle was actually a friend of a friend. This friend always told Kyle about me and the music I did because Kyle was a rapper. About 6 months ago, he sent me a message on Facebook with his music. Within the first 30 seconds of hearing those records, I was hooked to what this guy was doing. We got in the studio soon after and clicked and it has been tight ever since. We are finishing up his project right now and it should be out in February/March. After that, we have a lot of stuff planned to promote it and have fun with the music we are releasing. We have a lot of interesting things coming, so stay tuned and look out for us at a party near you…

 

You mentioned some things on the horizon from Indy and Major labels. Anything you can divulge at this juncture or will we have to wait?

With the way the industry is right now, nothing is for sure. A lot of artists record songs and never release them; they tell you they are going to use them and don’t or they leak and you are back to square one. I’m not one to count my chickens before they hatch but if the records I’ve done are meant to be placed, then this question will answer itself very very soon. Either way though, I appreciate every opportunity I get to work with an artist and learn from them.

What sort of forum for your music have you found with us here at iStandard? How has this relationship been of benefit to you this past year

It’s been a great platform for me to meet artists, A&R’s, managers, producers and other people in the recording industry. Almost every opportunity I’ve had to further my career can somehow be traced, if not directly connected, to the organization. The networking and growing you do from iStandard events is priceless and extremely beneficial. The work that J Hatch, Don and the whole team at iStandard put in is greatly appreciated…to say the least!

www.dn8productions.com
www.youtube.com/dn8productions