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Exclusive Interviews

Exclusive Interviews

Tuesday, June 10, 2014 • BSR Admin

Check out the interview with Baltimore Emcee, Wordsmith by Producers XChange.

Check out the interview with Baltimore Emcee, Wordsmith by Producers XChange.

CHECK OUT THE BLUE COLLAR RECITAL ON SOUNDCLOUD

 

Friday, May 31, 2013 • Eric Gomez

Our first interview for BSR was an Interview with Dynasty, The Femcee from Tampa, Florida. Emcee Artist of DJ Sandman and DJ Young Deacon from TampaHipHop.com. BootSlapRap.com Catches up with her for some words.

From the streets of Queens, NY to the sun-bathed population of Tampa, FL; most of you should have already heard of that one they call "the femcee." Her introduction to the game was definitely a natural progression, and her story is one that increasengly gains movement on Hip Hop's list of the most beloved emcees of the time. Her feminine swag is matched by her ability to engage a crowd in her very own story within a culture that most had thought lost honor and dignity.

We caught up to Dynasty and had her agree to share some thoughts with us, and answer some questions that we could provide our readers. We asked her how her journey has been since her proclaimed "awakening" into the local arena, when she performed at a Little Brother show in the historic Ybor City District of Tampa Bay.

BSR: So, tell us how has your journey been from the Little Brother show in Ybor to now?

DY: WOW. My journey has been amazing, and, it's still just the beginning. The Little Brother show was where Tampa started paying attention, and they haven't stopped showing love since! :-) Since then, I've had two singles on major radio, opened for Wu-Tang, KRS-One, AZ & Cormega; and [we] had an unbelievable turnout for the "Dreampusher" release party. So yea, it's been amazing! :-)

BSR: What started you rhyming prior to then when you lived in Queens? Any favorite throwback emcees?

DY: Well, it was just something I started doing because the boys were doing it. Me and my girls would take rhymes and switch them up to make it our own. My favorite group at that time was Das EFX. All I wanted for gifts were Das EFX tapes. (LOL!) After a while, I realized that I was pretty good at it, and once I got a taste of the stage, it was a wrap!

BSR: What lessons have been the hardest to learn for you in this game?

DY: The hardest lesson was that this thing really takes work! It's not just about being a dope emcee; (and) just because you're good at one aspect of it, doesn't automatically make you good at another (aspect). For example, recording was never natural for me. I always considered myself a PERFORMING artist (because) THAT comes naturally (for me). Standing in a booth, in front of a mic, not so much. That really took work for me to conquer, and I still feel that I have work to do, but I am growing.

BSR: What is a victorious moment, and what is a dissappointing moment you have had at a show?

DY: A victorious moment at a show --- I rocked the Wu-Tang crowd, which was a tough crowd. (LOL) I saw them boo the act before me. Well, they didn't boo - they started chanting, "WU-TANG!, WU-TANG!" 1000 plus people chanting, "Wu-Tang!" in the middle of the act's set!?!? Well, i went on the stage and said, "Let me hear you say WU-TANG! WU-TANG!" and got them ALL chanting. Then I said, "Good, I saw what you did to that last dude. Now that you've got that out of your system, we can start the show!" They went CRAZY! After that, it was smooth sailing! =)

(I haven't really had a disappointing moment at a show… sorry!!)

BSR: So, being from Queens, how do you feel the music in Tampa differentiates from your hometown?

DY: They have quite a few artists down here doing Jook music, which is different than what we do up north. But, truthfully, Tampa is a melting pot and a lot of people are here from all over (the place). So, it's a nice variety in the music scene here, not just in Hip Hop, but ALL genres.

BSR: Since everyone keeps asking this, we felt we probably should appease the masses but ask it a bit differently. Where do you see Hip Hop heading in regards to production, lyricism and the business as a whole?

DY: I'm not really one to speak to much on the business side. My concern lies with the art itself, and right now I see people looking for a little more variety. The dance music is cool, the money, hoe's and clothes flow is still alive and well; but people are looking for MORE. I think people embracing artists like Jay Electronica is evidence of that.

BSR: So, who's spinning in that music list of yours these days?

DY: Oh man! My music list is so random!!! It will go from Erykah (Badu), John Mayer, Mos Def, Gladys Knight, Adele, to Slaughterhouse. (LOL!) Whatever I am in the mood for, I find it… and listen.

BSR: Who has shaped your experience thus far? Is there anyone who has had an impact on your style, approach or views?

DY: The artists who influence my views are artists who are true to themselves like Erykah Badu and Mos Def; and the list grows as I'm exposed to more music. Any artist who doesn't compromise who they are to appease anyone impacts me. Authentic artists encourage me to keep doin' what I do!

BSR: How did the "Dreampusher" concept come about?

DY: I felt that this project was my introduction to the world, and I needed to let people know who I am. A "Li'l brown girl from queens with big dreams." I'm a "dreampusher", doing what I have to do day to day to get by, but I know where my heart lies and what my dreams are. That's what I push for.

BSR: So, when can we expect the LP? Any signs of that in the horizon?

DY: There is no date set yet. We just dropped "Dreampusher," and the feedback has been overwhelming. So, we are running with that for now. The world has to hear "Dreampusher" before the album drops!! Well… most of the world at least. :-)

BSR: So, are you keeping it independent, going for a signed deal or not sure yet?

DY: It's all up in the air right now. =) It's about making GOOD MUSIC and connecting with the people. I live for the stage, but don't get it twisted, my team handles biz! (LOL!)

BSR: What would you say to any aspiring artist in this Hip Hop game?

DY: You already know what I'm going to say… keep Pushin'! I know that may sound cliché to some, but it is TRULY my mantra and it gets me through everything. Pushin' forward has brought me to where I am now, and it's going to take me far beyond here. This is just a stepping stone.

BSR: Any other thoughts, shoutouts, etc?

DY: Shouts to my team, TEAM DY. Sandman, Jinx, Deacon, DJ Fader (The Rotten Orange), and anyone who supports me in pushin' for my dream. I appreciate you! Be sure to stay in touch at thefemcee.com and http://facebook.com/thefemcee!

 

Want more information on Dynasty (aka Ya Girl DY!), the Femcee?

- Website: http://www.thefemcee.com/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thefemcee
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yagirldynasty
- Booking Info: booking@thefemcee.com

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 • Eric Gomez

After catching up with Rook Da Rukus, we finally got some words from him on life, music and future plans as well as old connects. Check out the video and share the link with your friends and social networks.

 
 
 
 
 
Friday, December 16, 2011 • Eric Gomez

So, we caught up with the infamous Larcen at the URUP showcase early November, and we got him to speak on his latest project, "Good Morning, Get Money," his future plans and some insight from him on the game overall. Peep our the first BSR Video Interview!

 
 
 
 
 
Friday, August 5, 2011 • Muneca

The best way to describe this man is simply unique. From his lyrics to his swag he definitely leaves his mark in the independent hip-hop game.

Eghosa Igbinosun, better known as Ghos WryTer was born and raised here in Tampa, FL (Timberlane). The best way to describe this man is simply unique. From his lyrics to his swag he definitely leaves his mark in the independent hip-hop game. With his favorite line being "Pay attention and watch me" we have no choice but to follow his rise to the top!

I'm sitting here with Ghos and producer Wally Clark discussing the making of Ghos WryTer.

BSR: I gotta ask where did your name come from?

Eghosa Igbinosun means God's time is the best. Ghos WryTer came from my first name. My dad actually wanted to name me Paul and he's the African!

BSR: When did you first start rhyming?

Looks at Wally and asked, "What were we on the bus nigga?" I started when I was like 12, when I missed the bus back home; when I was listening to bone thugs. I didn't even know who Pac was. I was in and outta Tampa nigga.

BSR: What or who would you say is your biggest influence to date?

This nigga! (points at Wally Clark)

BSR: Where do you draw your inspiration for your songs?

My head. (laughs) I don't know…. real life! I write about what I have lived, what I have seen, and what I been through. I try to keep it 100.

BSR: Who do you consider to be your favorite artists?

Jay-Z, Eminem, Fab, Joe Budden, Dipset, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Xzibit

BSR: What's playing in your car right now ?

Kendrick Lamar

BSR: What message are you putting out there with your music?

PAY ATTENTION AND WATCH ME! The message will come through if they pay attention and watch me.

BSR: If given the chance to collab with anyone who would it be?

D.J Premier. His beats are fuckin crazy. They make you wanna rap. No, they don't even make you wanna rap they make you wanna write. It aint a whole bunch of drops, synths, hand claps, chants and stanky leg shit like that … Oh my bad I ain't going no further.

BSR: Are there any past experiences that you draw from for your songs?

My father is African so I feel like I have to have something to say… I should have something to say because he taught me better. My mother passed when I was younger. She told me go forward with my music. Also going to prison and listening to the trash around me; listening to the radio. Wally made me start writing and he told me to stop bullshittin and start writing shit down."Imma start eatin niggas they ain't ready for me!"

BSR: What sets you apart from Tampa artists?

Fuckin look at me… listen to me.. What sets me apart from the niggas in Tampa? I don't even look like I'm from here. No disrespect to the Tampa artists but I'm not normal. I'm not the average Tampa artist.

BSR: What do you bring to the table that you feel others can't?

Versatility, Lyrics, Personality, Uniqueness and last but not least that mutha fuckin gangsta shit!

BSR: When you get on stage to perform, what are you giving to the crowd?

ME. This isn't no character. This isn't no thought up idea. This is me. Half the time I think about what imma do on stage but it always comes out different. This is me G-H-O-S . Tell your mom about it!

BSR: What makes you think you can hang with these Tampa artists.

Whose to say they not tryna hang with me ? I mean like REALLY? Should I really be controversial right now.. I mean come on now.. "I'm on it…My shoes match my shirt." I mean shouldn't they? Didn't your mom teach you that? Please don't beat me up when you see me in the club! (with the illest serious face) Because I can't fight! But nah… actual dudes that are born and raised in Tampa actually put it on.

BSR: How do you feel about the younger generation coming out now?

With the younger dudes it's our responsibility to show them to step up. My obstacles should be their stepping-stone. The world is run by dudes in the background. You don't really know who is running the world. We should be able to teach the newer generation how to step it up!

Ghos WryTer is a character and one to look out for. He definitely has a lot to say and has never been afraid to say it. I have been to a few of his performances and entertaining is an understatement for him. Ghos WrYter has made a name for himself with his lyrics alone. With lyrics such as "I'm swagged out/My dick in my hand/Rockin my flag proud" you can't help but notice the "I don't give a fuck" mentality. In my honest opinion the controversy and ad-libs alone keep me interested. Ghos WrTer is definitely an artist to pay attention to and watch. "Ask your mom about me" -Ghos WryTer
 
Friday, July 1, 2011 • Muneca

I like making people feel like I'm really talking to them. Like if you walk down the street and trip on a rock I'm going to walk down the street and trip on a rock too. I like to make people feel like we are going through this together.

 
Suntin' Xtra, definitely brings all that and more to the stage! Born and raised in Tampa, FL, David Hill knew that music was his passion. At 21, this young artist has grabbed and kept the attention of the south's hip-hop community. Seeing Suntin Xtra perform definitely gives you that "wow" factor. He has so much energy on stage; yet in person his humbled attitude is amazing. "I rather talk about what happened instead of what's going to happen!" Life experiences allows him to make hits such as "Cant stop fuckin wit ma nigga". His mixtape "Xtra Credit" gives you the very best of southern swag! Suntin Xtra is definitely a performer that is a MUST see! Be on the look for this young artist because he is closing in hard!

When did you first start rhyming?

The first time I started pushing my rapping skills was when I was 18 years old.

What or who would you say is your biggest influence to date?

Cassidy. I like his punch lines. I like how he makes people say ooo and ahh. I like the way people look at me when I rap. I like making people laugh. Ya'll gotta give them that WOW factor! Entertainment at its best!

Where do you draw your inspiration for your songs?

All my songs come from real life situations. People that I know, situations that they are in and situations that I have been in. I like making people feel like I'm really talking to them. Like if you walk down the street and trip on a rock I'm going to walk down the street and trip on a rock too. I like to make people feel like we are going through this together.

In your song "I can't stop fuckin with my nigga" who was your inspiration?

Lamont Mayfield people call him Lil Money, Bro Boy and Prophet.
That song was made for them.

What are some of your favorite artists?

I like Prophet, Young A.J, Tom G, B.O.B, 2 Pac, Chris Brown's "Beautiful People" and Plies.

What message are you putting out there with your music?

I was one of those kids who never said how I felt… I always held back. I used to play football and I held back from that too. But when I do music I feel like I can let it all out. For the kids I want them to know that they don't need to be scared to do or say stuff. I want them to know that they can do anything. Overall I can do this too nigga… I can do this too!

Who if any are you trying to collaborate with?

Iceberg. Because he sounds like he be chillin and down to earth. He sounds like the people I chill with. The way he talks, it sounds like me and my dawgs.

Are there any past experiences that you draw from for your songs?

I was in a car accident in 2006. The car flipped twice and we hit a pole. Like Cassidy. I had stitches all in my head. "4 stitches in my ear, 40 in my knuckle, 5 staples in my head". The front part of my head was all burned off and I wasn't wearin a seatbelt. The ambulance sat me down and I closed my eyes and I stood up and started pacing and rapping. The EMT's were telling me to sit down cause I had lost too much blood. I realized at that moment that I'm supposed to be here and imma do something while I'm here. Life is to short.

What sets you apart from all the artists in Tampa? What do you bring to the table that you feel others can't?

I think it's my energy, my stage performance, and my lyrics. LMAO I bring that energy, THE FIRE, I bring humbleness with the cockiness to the table. AKA TANG

When you get on stage to perform, what are you giving to the crowd? Tell me about all that energy!

When I get on stage you may not know it but I'm scared, I'm nervous. In one of my songs I say, if you aint gon show, show out aint no point in showin up. I wanna give you everything, I wanna make you come back. I be real considerate about the crowd. I wanna give a good performance! I don't want them thinking "oh man not another local rapper mad boring"

When I first saw you I thought that you would be just another cocky ass rapper and as surprised as I am your very humble! Where does that come from?

Me, being humble comes from the fear of not making it. Not making it to the top and not getting signed. What if I put my all into this and nothing happens? What now? I rather talk about what happened instead what's gon' to happen. That's why I am that humble, because there is always that fear of it not happenin. Not saying it won't happen but imma go HARD!.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

5 years? Most rappers would say I would be on TV with a number one hit single la da dada.. but honestly I don't know…

Where do you WANT TO be… in 5 years?

I wanna be the number one featured artist. I wanna have 2 songs on 106th and Park (Numbers 3 and 7) and I wanna be financially stable. I don't want money to be a problem.

How do you feel about the older heads and competition in the hip hop game?

I feel like states come here like Atlanta. Tampa I don't like how it is. I understand how everyone wants to be the top dog of Tampa. It would be best for everyone to just come out and do it for the city. I feel like the old school rappers should come out and show the new school rappers how to do it. They don't know how to take good competition. We live right around the corner from each other there is no reason to be hot. I feel like you comin out here lookin for something, you gon get what you ask for. Niggas come out here tryna run shit. Once they get out here they see different. No one runnin shit!
 
I grew up on old school hip-hop. What I consider real, raw hip-hop is not what plays on the radio; unless its ol skool hour. In this case I can honestly say Suntin Xtra's mixtape Xtra Credit is one of the top 5 cds played in my car. I can dig the down south swag and vocab. Not only that but having the pleasure to sit down and really speak with him opened my eyes up to the younger generation artists coming out now. He has the talent, the stage presence, the look, and personality. All the way around Suntin Xtra is goin hard in this game!!!!!
 
Friday, November 5, 2010 • Eric Gomez

R.A.P.P. Quelle interview with BootSlapRap.com discussing his background in music and future goals in the indepednant music arena.

So, we decided it would be in everyone's best interest to bring some exposure to R.A.P.P. Quelle and get some insight from this all-around artist. It became obvious for me that his passion for music was just one way of expressing his general views on life. With a talent to both move people yet still maintain a level of respectable content is matched by his ability to properly assess his own position in the industry and push forward towards his goals like any real artist should.

So, on a busy day of reinstalling machines in the studio, replying to various requests for reviews and nonstop text messages that for some reason wouldn't give me a moments rest, I was able to sit down for about an hour to ask some questions in a chat session with Quelle.

BSR: So, tell us about your background in music, and your parent's contribution to it. You mentioned that they were both music lovers on your website [http://www.rappquelle.com/].

RQ: Well, I've always loved music. It was a big part of my childhood. My dad was into Sam Cook and Stevie Wonder, and my mom was always playing music when she was cooking or cleaning. My dad is a great part of how I look at music and [how I listen] for great music. We took rides together when I was growing up. He would flip through the dials where we'd listen to tons of music on our rides, no real talking; it was kind of like the songs said everything we would want to say. :)

Christmas time was always great, because my dad would get all the tapes together and set the double deck machine to play tapes back to back, and he would get up in the middle of the night to put new tapes in. Christmas times were the best because I fell asleep to music and woke up to it. Nat King Cole, Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles.... All the greats!

I remember one time in particular I became "aware" at Xmas that my dad was making something in the kitchen and Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas" was playing and I began to cry. That was one of the first times I felt the very real impact of music. I was about 9 [at that time].

BSR: So, would you say you try and make that same impact in your music?

RQ: Yes, my goal is to give you something important every time I write and entertain you. I want to leave an impact [on the listener].

BSR: Sounds good. That's important. Now, how is it being from the Bahamas and promoting music in the states?

RQ: Well, honestly, at first I used to say it was "doing the impossible;" but now with the internet market growing by the second, it's become a very real thing for me and that ironically changed and widened my focus.

I look at it like this - nothing in life that's really "worth it" is gonna come easy, so this is something I'm gonna have to work hard for and I am ready to do that. So now a great deal of my time goes to networking and making genuine connections with each body on the other side of the screen.

BSR: Now, you also mentioned being involved in photography. Does that experience shape your way of marketing your artist image at all?

RQ: Well I think it does in some way. When I was only doing photography, my favorite images were the really abstract and artistic ones... the ones that stood out. I think I try to do that in my own way with my image as a recording artist now :)

BSR: What do you consider as major influences of your music besides the old school music? What of the 80's and up era stood out to you?

RQ: One of my strongest influences as a writer comes from Brandon Boyd of Incubus.Around 13 or 14, I'd say was when the whole Hip Hop love came for me. The videos used to come on TV and I'd record them on a VHS tape and play them back [in order to] write out the lyrics of the songs so I could know them in and out. I started writing down lyrics from KRS-One, Rakim, and then later DMX and Busta Rhymes.

My biggest Hip Hop influence at that time was Tupac, and it wasn't the "gangsta" image that had me; it was WHAT he was saying. I felt connected like I could live every word of it and feel all of what he said. He helped me to understand the importance of the words behind the songs and why things should have a meaning in Hip Hop.

BSR: So do you feel your music has that movement of feeling personally, or do you see yourself as "getting there"?

RQ: I think it hits and misses. My goal now is to find the best way of getting people to understand the whole [concept] of the art. With so much music coming out, why should someone take time to understand the meaning behind every bar? So I guess am getting there. (HAHA)

BSR: So, how do you feel about being compared to other artists?

RQ: Well, I take it as a compliment...Ya know? I think it's good for people to be able to say "Hey , you remind me of ..Etc etc" and still be able to stand on your own with your own artistic dogma.

BSR: So, do you think that helps or hinders your overall image? Sometimes artists feel the need to break away from that.

RQ: I think if you don't feed into it and give the listeners as much of your "true self" as possible your individuality will shine through. But if you use that to gain more support it's a career killer.

BSR: What do you feel is one of the best things about doing music independently?

RQ: Besides freedom...LOL (jokes). Well, I think it's great to be able to say what you want to say, and how you want to say it. The ability to give your listeners the full expression of your art is priceless.

BSR: What are some of the challenges you encounter, and how do you address those?

RQ: Well, I think something that challenges a lot of Indie acts is money, and this is where the internet has become such an invaluable tool for my team. There is so many free ways to get the word out, and you can pick and choose for yourself what is worth paying [for].

You can create your core with virtually no start-up cash, and with the new age of DIRECT TO FAN networking, the fans now can support you in more ways than just going to your show and buying a CD. With online branding I've been able to meet one of my biggest challenges head on, and I feel consistency will only improve this.

BSR: Sounds like you know your marketing :) So, who all run's the R.A.P.P. Quelle brand from behind the scenes?

RQ: No disrespect to your job at hand, but I think there is strength in my team being "behind the scenes," so I think I'll just leave it as that. People like BootSlapRap.com help [us] push the brand :)

BSR: Fair enough! :) What's one lesson you would be willing to share with all our readers out there, artist or fan?

RQ: well, it's not really a lesson, but more of a quote I go by in a lot of situations that helps me to remember I can never learn enough.

"The man that knows something, knows that he knows nothing at all"

BSR: True indeed, one of my favorites as well. So, what's in your Media Player rotation these days?

RQ: Brand New Heavies, Joe Budden's "Mood Muzik 4", Funkadelic's "America Eats Its Young", Tony McKay's "Exuma", Jamiroquai, and some snippets of Jaco Pastorius' "Live Shows with Weather Report"

BSR: Any other words you have for our readers or shout outs?

RQ: Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me and i hope you enjoy the music. Shout out to everyone living their dreams and those trying to get there :)

Official Website: http://rappquelle.com
 
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