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.

Track 9. SKYZOO Interview!!!!!!!

This is the most exciting post to date. Today's interview will be with a Brooklyn native, and a true lyricist. He's worked with 9th Wonder, battled Jin, and had songs with the late great J Dilla (R.I.P). His word play is out of this world, and guess what? He's from Brooklyn. Anyone who knows me knows that I show a great deal of love to my fellow Brooklynites. Now I'm sure your still wondering who it is. You'll just have to read the interview to find out.

I'm sure you've heard this question too many times. How did you get the name Skyzoo?

Well my middle name is Skyler. That's the name that my parents, family, friends, teachers, everyone calls me. That's my name, and when I was born in 1982 there was a big disco group out from Brooklyn named "Skyy" and they had a big hit song called "Skyyzoo". My fam used to sing the song to me as a baby and it stuck as my nickname. So when I started rhyming I just ran with that, but I took a "y" out to make it closer to my name

Cloud 9: The Three Day High is ill. How did you write and record that in the short span of only three days? What was that process like?

When I make music, I usually write everything on the spot. The majority of my material was written right before I recorded it. I don't write at home and then bring it in later. I write it, record it, move on to the next. So with Cloud 9, I just started writing and recording. I didn't set out to do it all in 3 days, I just recorded until I was ready to stop. I felt 12 songs was enough, and it just so happened to be all within a 3 day period. It was an incredible process because I was doing the music just to do it. I didn't have a plan on releasing it. I just did it for me and 9th to bump in the truck.

There's a song on Cloud 9 called You & Me. Was that written for a specific female?

Nah it's a combination of experiences. Past girlfriends, current situations, etc. It was a series of collective points in my life thus far. That's one of my favorite songs on the EP.

9th Wonder did the beats on Cloud 9. How did that relationship with him come about?

I met 9th and the whole HOJ through my man Chaundon. He introduced me to them about 2 years ago and ever since then they've been my second family. I have tons of love for them and all they've done for me. 9th is one of the best producers out right now, so having him produce the entire EP is something that not too many people can say they have.

On Cloud 9 you spoke a lot about hustling? How does that influence your music? Did those experiences help shape you to be the rapper that you are now?

I speak about what I know and the world I come from. I choose not to glorify it but instead show all sides of light on it. The good, the bad, the ups, the downs, etc. It definitly shaped me to be the artist and the man that I am today. I try to keep my music as authentic as I possibly can. Meaning if I speak about it, I either went through it, experienced it, or had family and friends go through it as I watched. Whether it be good or bad.

Corner Store Classic recently came out. What collaborations and producers are on there?

The production on there comes from 9th Wonder, Dj Premier, Ron Browz, Black Milk, Illmind, Hi-Tek, Khrysis, J Dilla, and tons of other. Featured artists on the tape include Maino, Torae, Guilty Simpson, Sean Price, Stimuli, Nina B., and more.

Can we expect any up-coming shows?

Definitly. I'm hoping to hit the road real soon. I love rocking the stage almost as much as I love recording. To go to different cities and get love from people of different regions is unexplainable. I love the rush of watching the crowd get their money's worth.

You have done collaborations with some pretty ill artists and producers. Out of the many artists that you've worked with who has been your favorite?

I think working with Dj Premier has been the craziest so far. Someone of his caliber only comes by once every 20 or so years. To be able to say I have 2 songs with one of the pioneers of our culture does it all for me. If I never recorded again I can say that accomplished that. But everyone I've worked with has been a great experience and a blessing.

Are there any rappers and producers that you would still like to work with?

I definitly wanna work with Kanye, Timbaland, Just Blaze, Eminem. I think me and Em in the studio together would be crazy. Artist wise, definitly Jay, Nas, Mos Def, 50 Cent definitly, Jeezy, TI, and a few others. I'd love to pen for Diddy too. Diddy is the dude!

Who are your top 5 rappers of all time?

Aww maaaan, hmmm. In no particular order and not including myself; Jay-Z, B.I.G, Nas, Mos Def, and Andre 3000.

Rumor has is that you ghostwrite for a couple rappers. Is there any truth to that?

Aww maaan, I can't disclose that. Hahaha. Lets just say that the longer I'm around, the better everyone's music will sound. [Laughs].

How did it feel to win Underground Artist Of The Year?

That was an extreme blessing. I won "male artist of the year" in 2004, and that was wonderful. I'm up for another UMA this year as well so hopefully I can bring that one home to keep the other one company. Anytime you get recognized for your talent it's a big deal. No matter what kind of award it is. I treat all of them like a Grammy.

What artists are you listening to right now?

The Clipse, Black Milk, Lupe, Jeezy is crazy, 50, and anytime Jay drops new shit I'm always all ears.

Has hip hop lost its way?

Nah, not it's way, just it's direction. But everything has it's ups and downs. Nothing can be up forever. Hip hop will be here for as long as the world exists. We just have to keep the balance in the game or else hip hop will lose it's direction more and more. There's nothing wrong with change, but it has to make sense. The changes that are being seen in the game nowadays are ridiculous. I don't complain about the game at all, but I do see what's going on within it and there's needs to be a little more structure. But I'm not worried. Everything will work out fine when my shit drops. [Laughs].

Tell everyone your official Myspace URL: Www.myspace.com/skyzoo.

I'm on there everyday and I run my page myself, so if you holla at me I'm the one reading it and responding. I try to answer every single person back one by one.

Shoutouts: My whole crew, my engineer Dj Nyce, my manager rickcaps, my whole team behind, the whole NYC, and everyone who's a fan of what I'm doing. I appreciate it all.

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

http://www.jdilla.org/

"Corner Store Classic (The Mixtape)" Hosted By Dj Kay Slay & Mick Boogie Available NOW @ www.myspace.com/skyzoo R.I.P. Dj BK R.I.P. Stack Bundles R.I.P. Jay Dee/J. Dilla (the greatest)

The Interlude: Curtains Interview !!!!!

> I'm truly excited to finally get an interview with one of the most sick up and coming rapper. In addition to that he's from Brooklyn, and you know I have to show love to anyone reppin' the best borough in NYC. Make sure you cop the mixtape at http://www.firstplacelosers.com/dopecity.

> Tell everyone your name and where your from?

Hello world its the magnificent, vanglorious, hot steppin fella they call Dope Boy C better known as *CurT@!n$*

> How did you get the name Curtains?

Curtains simply mean the show stopper...Walk in a room and its just "All eyes on me" [Laughs]

>Your song "Its The Shoes" is extremely popular. Why did you choose sneakers as a topic for the song?

I love sneakers...I aint no sneaker head but I love me a nice pair. I wear all my kicks, I dont buy 2 for storage or none of that, I dont do the line up thing, I'm not on hypebeast searching, I just like a real nice pair of sneakers so I make music about my life and why not make a song about my foot game.

> YO! When the hell is the mixtape dropping? The anticipation is crazy right now.

August 1st I promise you. Its worth the wait...for the meantime check up on it at www.myspace.com/thegreatadventures.

> What will be the title of mixtape? How many tracks will be on it?

The Great Adventures of Dope Boy C: Dope City Vol. 1...its bout 18 tracks total including skits, freestyles and songs...its one big story so expect the unexpected. August 1st!!!

>You have a song called "I Promise" was that for a specific female? Speaking of which, Is there a Mrs. Curtains?

[Laughs], Yeah. "I Promise" is a true to life song that I definitely experienced. Very much written about a specific female.

> You have an 80's influence in your style and music. Where does that stem from?

That's a big misconception that i wanna clear up, i was born in '84, I barely experienced the 80's. My music is heavily early 90's influenced. The first song i've heard in my life was "Rampage" by EPMD. That was '91. I wasn't into music before that. So this vibe I got is from that era and on, that "Know The Ledge" era, that's the vibe I be on. I may nod off at the 80's and dig into that chamber every here and there but i definitely get my whole scene from the early 90's EPMD era shit.

> You do a column in Laced magazine. How did that begin?

Steve-O, Kwazz, and Saint are my homies. I bugged Steve for years to let me write a column in blog-like style before blogs were popping and he let me do my thing, so i get to talk my shit every issue. Shouts to Laced Magazine. Shouts to Connected Magazine, I had a huge hand in starting that magazine up and getting it running. I wanna do my own magazine real soon, something real epic.

> Who are some of the people that make up Hang Em High Entertainment? Can you elaborate furthur on exactly what it is?

Hang Em High is my family. My immediate circle of people that i ran with all my life. It got nothing to do with music really. Its more of a family based thing. High Society Life is the company we do all our ventures under. Check the blog... http://www.highsocietylife.blogspot.com/.

> Erik B and Rakim's "Know The Ledge" is a classic hip hop joint. What made you want to rap on that beat, and do a video for it as well?

That song was so epic growing up. Rakim said the coldest rhymes on that record. Rakim fanatics argue me day to day, but I could care less, those were his coldest rhymes ever said and that beat goes beyond magic. I just had to get my lil shit off on that one. Far as the video, I just wanted to take it back to the basics of fresh ass grimey videos. Niggas videos be too clean. The black and white grain look is so missing these days. I had a hella great time making that video, all my homies came out and it was cold as shit, but we had a hella great time.

> What rappers do you get inspiration from?

Kanye West, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Common, Andre 3000, Joe Buddens, Stack Bundles (R.I.P), Cee-Lo, John Legend, Will-I-Am and uhm Lupe Fiasco. That's bout it.

>Who are your top five dead or alive rappers of all time?

Jay-Z, B.I.G, LL Cool J, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Kanye West.

> What artists are you listening to now?

Marvin Gaye, Kanye West, John Legend, Gnarls Barkely, EPMD, LL Cool J, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Sam Cooke, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Donny Hathaway, and Lil Wayne.

> Are there any record deals in the works right now?

Yeah I'm signed up with the big homie Tyrese...we got that Transformers money behind us. Got a few labels hollerin now, but I'm tryna raise the commas up in the offers so we takin it slow. Transformers just did $300 million worldwide, we aint hurting! [Laughs]

> What artist would you most like to collaborate with?

Kanye, Gnarls Barkley, Common, and Andre 3000!

>We all want to know when the album is going to be dropping? Will there be any collaborations on there?

The album coming before I die! [Laughs]....nah its halfway through, i'm tryna create a masterpiece. Its called "A Beautiful Mind" and "Its The Shoes" is on there..." Show Off" is on there, "I Promise" so you see the caliber of music coming. Far as collabs, I cant say as of right now.

>Your style is out of this world. What items should every man have to look his best?

Why thank you ma'am. A dude should have a great pair of jeans. I'm the type to get a great pair and wear the shit out of it for months. Uhhh i dunno, my style is so unorthodox i dont know what advice to give to others, [Laughs]...I go all out with accessories and hats and sneakers, every dude just gotta be clean, clothes gotta fit, not too baggy, not too tight, just fit.

> Tell the readers a little about HSL, and the HSL clothing line?

We still tryna develop it. My style is a cross between YSL and Coca-Cola so i'm trying to find that medium line to create a scene with. So 'til we find that perfect balance, we still developing.

>What are your top five brands/designers?

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coca-Cola, Benetton, and Levis.

> Your kick game is insane. How many do you own? What are your favorite pair?

Honestly I own about 15 pair of sneakers now, I've downsized and stop buying like I used to, I just find myself wearing my favorite shit over and over. My favorites in my closet are my Jordan 1's in black and blue, my Jordan 3's in white/cement/red, and my adidas Gazelle Gucci edition. That bout it. My Fila tennis' get a lot of love also.

> How does Curtains want to be remembered, when he is no longer here?

"That nigga had fun while he was here" that's what i want them to say. Remember me for being fun.

> What ventures/projects can we expect from you in the near future?

HSL clothes, the magazine, the album, im on my Hollywood shit so a movie/tv show aint too far fetched, I'm still ghostwriting, I'm producing now, engineering, I just want to stay busy all day so i keep on a chase to outdo myself in every venture.

> Tell everyone your Official Myspace URL :
www.myspace.com/curtains
www.myspace.com/thegreatadventures

Shoutouts to Hang Em High, Headquater Ent., Clark Kent, Jon Stock, Tyrese, Ody, Torch, Bless, Show, and everybody i love. And thank you for this opportunity to talk my shit! [Laughs] =)


Thanks, Stay Up, & Good Luck.