Simple Plan x Talib Kweli New Years Show.

I swear I would never have expected both of those artists to perform at the same show. I didnt even know Talib was gonna be there, so he was a nice surprise. I was just gonna go to see Simple Plan and front like I knew the words to their songs. In additon to Simple Plan and Talib Kweli, some next cat from Cali performed. You could not pay me to remember his name, he sucked so thats probably why I can't. But any who cats at rock concerts are energetic than a mug. I even experienced my first moshpit, shit was pure madness. T lost an earring, I almost lost my shoe, and my poor Sidekick. Overall I had a blast, even though we had to act like it was a New Years show (its airing on MTV and YouTube on Jan 1st) throwin' confetti, and rockin those ridiculous HAPPY NEW YEARS hats (which I wore all the way home). Big Ups to Mike over at MTV for hookin us up with the tickets, he's cool as shit.

P.S. Pics are in order of appearance.
P.S.S. I forgot to charge the digi cam so the shit died on me when Simple Plan came on, so I snapped some on the shitty SK camera.


That Rapper Cat Whose Name I Can't Remember.





Talib Kweli.






Simple Plan.







Spread love its the BROOKLYN way.

Sais the OverAchiever.

Just when you thought it was safe, he's back. Sais that is, and he has just dropped his new mixtape OverAchiever. He adds his own flow to some well known beats to make for a one-of-a-kind sound. I'm sure you dedicated Sais fans will most definitely enjoy it. Scroll down to find out more about his randomness.

Why did you title it OverAchiever?

Oh, I named it the OverAchiever because I feel with how the rap game is right now, people aren't trying their best. They are taking the lyricism aspect of hip hop very lightly. I feel that the fans don't really expect much as far as lyrics go either. If you listen to the OA I guarantee that some metaphors won't be picked up the first time so in that essence, I am doing way more than needed to get by in this current hip hop culture.


What made you pick that picture for the cover of the mixtape?

I'm a big Twilight Zone head. This a pretty long story, but here it goes. You might've seen the tracklisting of the OA and seen that it was dedicated to Jamie Tennyson. The person on the cover is Jamie Tennyson. He was a chatterbox that liked to hear the sound of his own voice, so much that a rich man bet him that he couldn't stay silent for a year for a sum of money because he was so aggravated by his talkative nature. After he completed the year effortlessly , the person he made a bet with confessed to everyone that he was indeed broke and he embarrassed himself and lost respect. The twist in the story is that Jamie Tennyson cut out his vocal chords to win the bet. I feel that is an overachieving attitude. Going way past necessary.


Why do you call yourself the Random MC?

I don't call myself the Random MC. Actually that song is about my ex girl you could hear her at the start of the mixtape version of Random MC. She used to spit random rhymes to me jokingly and used to be like "I'm the Random MC" So it was an inside thing. There's actually a random MC 2, but i didnt want to overkill the overachiever with sentimental tracks lol.


How did you figure out which beats to use for the mixtape?

That's very random. If I hear something that seems like it could fit me i just pick it up. People told me i had a good beat selection so I guess I'm doing alright in that sense. I like beats with a lot of instrumentation and if it has some sort of piano I'm usually on it. I may get on this piano beat that my good friend James Watts who is also featured on the tape showed me the other day. This was just a warmup big things to come!


How did the collaboration with Arcieri Keness come about?

You know he actually made that some time ago as a suprise, and i always dug his style and right before I uploaded it , i told him hey you still got that OverAchiever track? I want to use it, and he was all for it.


You have a song called Black Belgian. I don't know many Black Belgian rappers. Well I don't know any at all actually. Do you think your paving the way for black belgian rappers?

Ha, I'm actually Haitian, but i was born in Belgium but left when i was a few months, I need to visit some day.


So do you like Belgian Waffles? Can you make them?

I can't cook, I make a mean cream of wheat and peanut butter and honey sandwich though.


What sneakers were you wearing when you recorded Girl Crazy?

I probably had wheat SB's or Supremes I kinda wear those like I dont have any other kicks.


Would you do a collaboration with Shaggy?

Hey you never know, he had some bangers . A MR LOVA LOOOVA MMMMM ha


So Mileena from Mortal Kombat has a Sais? Is that her weapon or something?

Sais is plural form. It's a sai so she has sais so that's where my name comes from. People actually think Mileena when they see my youtube which is www.youtube.com/saisandmileena. That used to be my old aim screen name too.


Can I get a Sais T-shirt?

No. Ha nah just playing I got you. They're almost gone though. I only got a few size Larges left.


Shout outs: Shoutout to Lil Britches @ streetcosignor.blogspot.com, my homie Spades, My southern belle Heather over at herfection.blogspot.com , the whole GFC, Laced Mag, Of course James Watts and Arcieri which really added to the tape and most importantly you , the downloader ha.



Oh yeah , the whole Gloomy Squad that got the icon promoting my shit on my top friends list on Myspace.

Track 14. Stalley Interview!!!!!

Tell everyone your name and where your from?

Stalley (StalleytheAPe) and I am from Massillon we call it (DaMilq)

How did you get the name Stalley?

It came from my all my friends and family calling me a Stallion, then i just flipped it too my own style. [Laughs]

I don't know many rappers that have an actual band. Why did you decide to do that?

I like rocking with a band live its just a whole other level of energy when your up on stage with a full band behind you. I mainly did it for that, but we ended up doing a whole album. [Laughs]

You are muslim. There isn't a large number of muslim rappers. Do you think that'll help or hinder your success as a rapper?

I think it can do a little of both. I mean it can help cause its something different an emcee with a different out look on life you know. The way it may hurt is because some people may not take to you, due to some stereotypes surrounding Muslim culture.

What has been your latest project thus far?

Well like i was saying earlier i just finished a live album with my band the Wax machine and right now i am working on my mixtape/ep titled "GoinAPe" be on the look out world!!

The content of your music is pretty positive. Do you think that it is the job of rappers to be positive role model to their listeners?

I wouldn't say be a role model but I do think its our responsibility to put something good in our community and try to help uplift our people.We don't have anyone like Malcom or Martin anymore to help us and speak for us. so with the power of music right now and the influence it has on our people and culture I think we should put something positive in their ears.

What has been your proudest accomplishment as a rapper thus far?

I think in this very short year of me doing music and taking it serious it has to be going over to London and rocking over there and seeing a different side of the world. Look at what Hip Hop has did for me it took me abroad and got me fans in another country, and I've only been rocking for a little less than a year.So I'm proud of that!!!

Who/what do you get inspiration from?

I get inspiration from everywhere, it could be listening to music or it could be fashion, reading, walkiing down the block it comes from all things.

What do you look forward to doing?

I look forward to rocking and making more music and doing this non stop and just building a solid fan base.

If given the chance to work with any artist/producer, who would it be?

I think i would like to work with Nas. I would just like to see what runs through his head while writing. [Laughs]

What artists are you listening to right now?

Right now I am listening to Feist, Freeway, Nas, Jay, Ben Harper, Muse a little bit of everything but nothing to much on a consistant basis.

Has Hip Hop lost its way?

I don't think it lost its way I think it just took a sthort stop along the way, but its getting back on the right track and seems to be coming back around slowly, but it is coming.

Official myspace URL www.myspace.com/stalleysb

Shoutouts: I like to shout out OHIO and the whole city of Massillon i would like to shout out Brooklyn and east new york my 2nd home! and also everyone who supports and listens to Stalley, do keep it keeping on and keep it hip hop. Also i would Like to shout MaMaAPe. Everyone around the world be cool how you be cool!

Word Association

Allah- The creator

Nas- One of the best to ever do it, the one who made be pick up the pen and start to ink these ryhmes of mine.

Chicken- Something I eat too much off. [Laughs]

Family- One group of people i can always count on and i know they have my back.

Music- the love of my life.

Women- 2nd love of my life, but they have been Good and Bad to my life as well. [Laughs]

Thanks for allowing me to interview you.
Peace, Stay Up, & Good Luck.

Track 13. Mickey Factz : Heaven's Fallout!!!!!

Mickey Factz. He is back at it again with Heaven's Fallout, his latest mixtape dropping today. I am positive that his distinguished wordplay, and fresh new approach with production is the perfect balance that his devoted fans will find stimulating.

How did you come up with the name Heaven's Fall Out? Is there a story behind it?

Well while making Flashback, I dropped 3 masterpieces that people gravitated to. Which was You Remind Me, Never Fallout and Stop Me. Those 3 songs got so much of a buzz. That we decided to release this mixtape after Flashback. Heaven's Fallout actually means to me at least a fallen angel who can't return to heaven until his mission is complete. His mission is to restore music to it's true art form.

Why did you choose to drop it on Halloween? Did that day have any significance?

No, Halloween has no significance on it. It was supposed to be dropped on 9/11. But we did some extra tweaking. We just decided that it was going to be released on a holiday. That way it can be instilled in people's mind. But now that you mention it, I'm the fallen angel fighting costume MC's. [Laughs]

What can we expect from this mix tape?

You can expect a totally different sound. You can expect something you have never heard before. A lot of personal lyrics, a lot of emotion and a lot of MICKEY FACTZ. So you know what that means. We're just expanding our sound. So hopefully the core audience can grow with us.

Which song is your favorite?

Honestly, it's very hard to pick one. And a lot of people who get it will agree. There are so many great songs on this release. But if I absolutely have to pick one, it would be Breathe.

Musically this seems like a new approach. You rapped on a beat from theFrench electronica band Telepopmusik. Whose decision was it to do that?

That was acutally saint's idea for the Breathe track. When I heard the beat I was in a trance. All of the music put me in a trance. It was like wow, then we started creating our own music. So we definitely know what our sound is going to be from now on.

Do you think it's important for rappers to constantly reinventthemselves, or should they remain consistent every time they drop newmusic?

I think reinvention and consistency go hand in hand. One hand wash each other both wash the face. Without those two ingredients, you'll fall by the wayside in life period. I'm very happy that I can do both very well and from the looks of things, I'm always ahead of the trends. Just ask Kanye. [Laughs]

You performed in China. How was that experience?

That was an amazing experience. I performed on water over plexiglass with lights, firecrackers, dancers and fire from the stage. I felt... I was a superstar. And it's an experience that'll I'll hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life.

The Supra song is ill. What made you do a song about that specific shoe?

It's a GFC song. We were playing around one day and BAM. We had a song about supra's. We took it as a joke. So we put it out... People started feeling it. I love the song personally. And so is supra. KUDOS TO GFC. [Laughs]

Here's a scenario: Somebody steps on your Supra's. Mickey Factz reacts by____

Getting a another pair. It's so light. I swear!

Do you think you have any competition with any other up and comingrappers?

At this point, I don't think any other up and coming has my mindset. I think their competition is within their genre of music. In my eyes, I'm redefining my own genre. So truthfully there is no competition for me. I'm going to be the trend setter in my genre of Hip Hop. Heavens Fallout is like manna from heaven. You can't refuse that!!!!!

Thanks, Stay Up & Good Luck.

Track 12. Steve-O!!!!!!!!

I love all of the interviews that I do, but this one has had to be one of the most enjoyable to date. I decided to go left field with this one, and ask more personal questions. Everyone knows him for his mean shoe game, and his sneaker themed magazine Laced, but I guarantee that you will learn something that you didnt know. We touched on topics ranging from Aunt Jackie to Air Beds, so scroll down and enjoy.


Tell everyone your name and where your reppin'?

The names Steve-O. Harlem raised me. I'm A&R of GFC sounds and Co-owner of Laced Magazine.

Why do Harlem cats say B so much?

Cause that's harlem... B is as harlem as Mo is to the Bronx or Shawty is ATL or Mayne is Alabama. If your from harlem thats just what you say.

Can you do the Aunt Jackie?

Hell No! We just styled him. No Aunt Jackie shit for me. I'm still on my Harlem Shaking shit. What you know about that B

So why a magazine?

I bet this question was asked to Ralph Lauren when he made Polo, same with Bill Gates in college when asked why a computer, also with Steve Jobs with the iPod. I'm in the same category as them because I'm the best at what I do and I'm changing the game with it.

Who would you most like to feature in the magazine?

Michael Jordan of course. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't even be into kicks. I would probably still be into comic books. [Laughs]

What size are your feet?

I wear a size 8.5 my foot size matches my..... [Laughs]

How many pairs of sneakers do you own?

I've been selling alot of kicks lately, so about 175. I'm trying to get it down to 50 pairs, quality over quantity.

Who are you listening to right now?

Im listening to alot of music. The supra song by the GFC All Stars is hard! The Neptunes version of Harder, Faster,Stronger by Daft Punk. Mickey Factz, J Rawls, Kenna, The Cool Kids, Uffie, Radiohead, and Freaky Will, I heard he recently got signed to Ed Bangers Records, his new tracks are dope. I just been on some other shit lately trying to get inspired by others.

Would you prefer your lady with sneakers or a nice pair of heels?

I like girls with heels, with nice feet. Sneakers are cool on occasions but im a grown man, and I need my lady to be as grown as I am.

Speaking of lady is there a Mrs. Steve-O?

[Laughs] Hmmm. Yeah there is a Mrs. Steve-O, shes around. Relationships are complicated but she sticks with me through it all. We just dont spend enough time together, I dont take time for granted. Life is too short spend it with the ones you love while you can.

What type of females do you like?

I'm into all types of women, black, white, spanish, I'm with it. I need a chick to stimulate me in both ways though. Sex is dope but if I can't build with you then what's the point. I'm not a sex for no reason type of dude.

Are you romantic?

Yeah, I'm pretty romantic. I be on my carl thomas, Jon B shit. Heres an example of a good night with me. You come through to my house, I strip you naked, and make a bubble bath for you. While your in the bath relaxing, I'm cooking your favorite food. Love me!

What's your favorite body part on a female?

Im a breast man.

Were you rooting for Kanye or 50? Why?

I was rooting for hip hop. It was a good look, it brought competitiveness back into the rap game. I just think one of the main reasons kanye out sold 50 was because people view 50 as the bad guy. They wanted him to lose.

Finish this sentence. If I had a million dollars I'd buy me a_______

I would buy a crib, finance Laced, and GFCnewyork/Mickey Factz.

What was the last book you read? How was it?

Alright, Manchild In The Promise Land by Claude Brown. I picked up this book because I read the back of it. It kind of related to me not because my last name is Brown either, but because it was a Black man in the '50's living in Harlem trying to survive. He came across some negative things and turned them positive, and thats what my life is about. It was like an unauthorized autobiography.

If you could get with any chick in Hollywood who would it be?

Scarlett Johansson, im diggin her alot. She has a figure that is amazing.

Tattoos? Where?

Nope, just an oversized birthmark that only my special lady sees.

Dumbest thing you have ever bought?

Air Beds. I use to pop them every month at 100 dollars a piece, them shits got expensive.

Do you read your own magazine?

All Day, its dope. I only put things that I would actually read in the magazine. Do you read it?
Whose giving the interview to who here. [Laughs]

What advice would you give to anyone who'd like to start up their own magazine?

Have your business straight before you start getting creative. Make sure you know what you getting into, because this isn't an easy career. Stay focused and strive to make history.

Official Myspace URL: http://www.myspace.com/sneakersteve

Thanks, Stay Up, & Good Luck.

Track 11. Arcieri Keness!!!!

Tell everyone your name and what city your repping?

[Clears throat and adjust suit tie] Hello, ladies and gents, I'm Arcieri Keness at 6'2, weighing in at 190LBS hailing all the way from Baltimore Maryland.


Where/ how did you get that name? Is there a story behind it?

There is no story, I'm just Arcieri Keness... HELLO.


What inspired you to begin rapping?

What? No, it's more like who in my case. I was inspired by The Fresh Prince and Methodman... strange combo, eh? Heh. I saw how The Fresh Prince painted pictures with words, and he made the whole story totally make sense, that was awesome to me growing up. Plus, I didn't really have a male figure to look up to growing up (victim of a single mom and dead beat dad). To me the art of it seemed to challenge my somewhat complex young mind. Methodman showed me you could play with words to the ulimate degree which made rapping that much more interesting.


What rappers do you get inspiration from?

Jay-z has been a huge inspiration... much love to everyone in BROOKLYN!!! I also love the people that are hungry as if they hadn't eaten in decades... such as Jean Grae, Royce da 5'9 and Common.


Would you call yourself a conscious rapper?

I honestly wouldn't label myself, because you limit yourself once you stick a label on what you are. If you mean am I aware of my content, indeed... as anyone is with anything they say. Your words and what you display to the public eye define you to the one's on the outside looking in.


What has been your latest project thus far?

Pardon, but would you happen to be interrogating me? Haha. jk. Nah, but it's TOP SECRET SPY STUFF, if I tell you... I'd have to... you know. Ha!!


When can we expect an album?

I'm actually done with my mixtape, I just have to redo the intro. So, I'd say it should be dessert after your Thanksgiving dinner.


The AIR Interlude is so dope. Who is the female that your speaking to on that track?

See, you wanna know the method to the madness. You can't go to the circus asking how the fire breathers really eat the fire. Nor can you ask the clowns how they squeeze into that tiny little car... the mystery makes it that much enjoyable and fascinating. Seriously though its Janet Jackson [Laughs].


What would be your dream artist/producer collaboration?

I'd love to do an album with DJ Premier, Danger Mouse (my favorite dj/producer) and the RZA. When I say an album, I'd honestly do and entire album per producer, seriously.


How do you think you will contribute to Hip Hop?

Mainly the topics I touch on, I think I do it in such a fun way without it being commercial. I'm from the era where what you had to say mattered as well as your delivery. This new era is like a poorly sewn together fitted. Palabra!!


Has Hip Hop lost its way?

HIPHOP is the culture, and the people mold HIPHOP. So I'd say the people have lost their way if anything. I'm touching on the artist as well as some of the listeners. Truthfully, the listeners allow such horrible quality of music to continue, they control what comes out and what doesn't... whether they know it or not.


So is their a Mrs. Keness?

Yes. [Impish grin] She's beautiful. She reminds me that no matter how hard you fall, you can always pick yourself up and go on stronger.

Word Association

I'll tell you a word, and you tell me what comes to mind.

Religion- GOD

Honesty- Keness

Music- LOVE

Family- Foundation

Bullshit- 95 % of new artist

Obstacles- Goal


Shoutouts: GOD, my mom Gabrielle, Ashley B, d33ZILLA, the makers of Mike Tyson's Punch Out for NES, Stefan and Stephanie, Miss S. Lambo, Iman Stevenson and Tyler, Sais, Lexx Bubble, Lena Lee, Jay & Edith, Marbolous, Oscar, Malte, my big sister Tracy Springs, Brittany Boone, Brit Parker, Brittany Street, Gia, Eddie, Eric McFatty, The After Clap, the creator of the Cinnamon Cruch Begal at Panera BREAD and the Hazelnut cream cheese, Mario and Luigi, Link and Zelda, Will Smith, Mason Bovie, Soo Kyung, Ms. Lo, Imani Waddy, Heather, Jannah Tate, Cynthia, Viz One, Drew, Wade, Jason S, Sickness and a whole lot of other people I left out.

http://www.myspace.com/keness
Thanks, Stay Up, & Good Luck

Track 10. McFly Interview!!!!

I'm happy to get back into the swing of things. Word to Brooklyn had a bit of a hiatus. I'm glad to return with a really dope cat, he goes by the name of McFly. The name pretty much explains his demeanor. Check out the interview for more on his clothing line.

Let everyone know your name and where your from?

The name's McFly, Im from Cleveland, but I reside in Atlanta.

Tell everyone about your clothing line. What is the concept behind it? Where can we purchase it?

The concept of The Popular Brand is 6 years in the making. Over the years its been through many stages, from paint shirts to what the overall brand is today. I basically want to give people a stylish alternative to what they see everyday, while bringing styles from the past and putting my own creative twist to them. You can purchase Popular http://popularphasion.com/

What sets your line apart from the many that are out now?

Well first off I am an artist and designer, so i bring my art and design to every piece that I do. I bring concept and vision also to the table. Popular is not just a line, its a brand as well as a lifestyle. Most lines are just a spur of the moment type of thing, but this is my passion this is my life, I believe that i bring an unmatched dedication and drive to the industry.

What is your ultimate career goal? Can we expect any other ventures from you?

My ultimate career goal is to leave behind a legacy of quality, creativity and innovation. I want to touch as many lives as I can with > my art and design. Yes, you can expect many other ventures in the future. Art and design can be applied to almost everything we do in life. I feel that the world is my canvas so I will continue to create > until I am no longer able to.

Would you like to collaborate with any other designers?

Takashi Murakami, Jeremy Scott. James Roper, Fafi.

Are there any designers that you get inspiration from? If so who?

Including the ones I said I want to work with, um INSA, and few graf artists. Most my inspiration comes from other sources such as music, film and just the ills of the world. I look up to Designers but I don't really draw inspiration from them.

What does an everyday outfit for you look like? What key item should every guy own to be on his style A game?

For me it depends on where I'm going. If I'm on the way to school I'm not really worried too about my attire, so you might see a fresh tee, some jeans and a fitted. But if I'm going out, then the world becomes my stage. You get me in all my glory. We all dress ourselves different for different reasons so a key item for me is not a key item for someone else. The only thing i think that every man needs to own in his life is a tailored Power suit, if not a Power suit, at least a high quality suit that fits you nicely.

What advice can you give to people with emerging lines?

Never let someone tell you that you cant do something. But you have to be ready to commit pretty much your entire life to it. ALWAYS DO YOUR HOMEWORK !!. Research everything you can about the industry as you can. Fashion is 80% business and 20% talent and design. And make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.

Which artists are you listening to right now?

My iTunes stays on shuffle for the most part but I listen to alot of Jay-z, Tupac, Fatboys, Lily Allen, M.I.A. Kanye, Lupe, Outkast, Gym > Class Heroes, Steed Lord, Daft Punk and The Eurythmics.

I'm sure the ladies would like to know if your taken or not. Is there a Mrs. McFly?

[Laughs] but of course, her name is Art/Design. I used to cheat on her something terrible, but now we're working things out and she is the love of my life.

Word Association

I'll give you a word and you tell me what comes to mind.

Trends- Here today, gone tomorrow. Brought back next decade. Only to repeat the cycle.


Home- Where the heart is. Where ever I lay my fitted.

Art- The driving force of my life. My reason for being.

Mistakes- The best learning form known to man.

Love- Art/Design and Ohana (Ohana means family)

Shoutouts all the Popular people of the world, all the fans who support me and my passion, and all those who believe in me. I wont let you down.

Thanks Stay Up & Good Luck

McFly
http://popularphasion.com/

Popular Street Couture. Never settle for less.