The Big Ten with Matt Wetherbee of Work Hard Play Hard Apparel
Compiled and Edited by MK
THP: Tell us a little bit about your brand, and how you got your start?
Matt: The idea for my brand really just came to me one day. I had thought about starting a clothing line for some time because I love good clothes and fresh designs. The idea of using “work hard play hard” just popped into my head one day. I thought it would be cool and unique to apply such a popular philosophy and lifestyle to the name of a clothing line. I started working on the company in September and officially launched with my first shirts in December.
THP: What inspires your designs?
Matt: Ideas for my designs come from anything that has to do with the saying and philosophy of “work hard play hard”. Everything is really based off of that. Using images and/or words to come up with new and unique designs that people will want to wear is the challenge.
THP: What do you feel are some secrets for success?
Matt: It is all about marketing and how you get your message across. That is true with any business. One thing that I think is key, however, with fashion is being able to consistently come out with new designs and have a lot of variety and choices. The ability to always have something new on the horizon is what keeps customers coming back.
THP: What sets you apart from other brands?
Matt: The uniqueness of our brand name. We have taken a well known lifestyle and philosophy and made it the name of the company.
THP: Is there a typical Work Hard Play Hard customer?
Matt: I would say that the typical customer is anyone who believes in the philosophy of work hard play hard and lives their life that way. College age and up. I don’t think there are any limitations on age in terms of the target market. I have had customers who are college students to a businessman in the Netherlands.
THP: What valuable lessons have you learned through your start up venture thus far?
Matt: One lesson that I have learned is very true about business is that you have to spend money to make money. Spending money on marketing and advertising is something that is necessary in order to make the market aware of everything that you are doing. This has been tough to do so far because of the small budget that I am working with.
THP: Where can people find your apparel, and where else can you be found on the web?
Matt: Right now the clothes are just sold online at www.workhardplayhardapparel.com. We are also on Facebook and Twitter @WHPHApparel. I am currently working on getting my clothes into various retail shops in the Boston area.
THP: What is on the horizon for Work Hard Play Hard?
Matt: We will be coming out with a limited number of new tanks within the next few weeks to finish off the Summer months. In the Fall the plan is to come out with all new designs for hoodies and long sleeve tees and possibly snap back hats. We will be pushing to stores in the Boston area to hopefully get the fall line into some physical locations as well as online.
Also, our goal for the future is to create a new “Athletes & Celebrities” line of shirts. These shirts will feature athletes and celebrities who we think embody the ‘work hard play hard’ philosophy. Through my connections to celebrities at my other job, my hope is to get them to agree to have their faces drawn and printed on the shirts so that they can be sold legally. The shirts will feature an artistic drawing of the athlete or celebrities face that will be the lone design on a white shirt.
Young Trajik – Global Warming Mixtape & Interview
We got the chance to link up with rising Ohio native, Young Trajik. He is fresh off the release of his Global Warming mixtape, so we wanted to take the opportunity to get more familiar with the MC behind the music.
DOWNLOAD: Young Trajik – Global Warming
THP: Tell our readers about who you are and how long you been doing this music thing?
Young Trajik: What’s da WallStreet world??! It’s your boy Young Trajik aka Trizzle Da Hottest! Checkin’ in! I’ve been writng rhymes since I was 12 years old. I’ve been seriously chasing my dream in Northeast Ohio since about 2006-07. I recently relocated to South Florida.
THP: Who are some of your musical influences?
Young Trajik: I really got a lot of influence from Nas,Jay-Z, Rakim, Tupac, Biggie, Snoop, Dr.Dre, Eminem, ScarFace and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. I also have alot of influence from not so mainstream artists like YukMouth & Brotha Lynch. I respected the business grinds from such empires like Cash Money, Rap-a-Lot & No Limit.
THP: You have a new project out. Tell us about it.
Young Trajik: I have a new smash mixtape dropping, hosted by Miami, Florida’s DJ Seizure, called Global Warming When you hear the title, that’s just what it is, HOT! Bridging the gap from state boundaries to nations abroad. I feel like I will solidify my spot as a emerging emcee & full fledge artist. Not just that, but fill the void we need in Ohio hip-hop today.
THP: How has your music evolved from your prior releases?
Young Trajik: My music has evolved from my previous releases by lyrical maturity, subject matter and production. Usually my mixtapes had industry beats included, but I felt it was time to get more intimate with my audience by giving them real songs from me.
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Artist Spotlight: The Big Ten with Chris Webby
Interview by Christian Silvestri for The Higher Plane
Intro and Editing by MK for The Higher Plane
For those unfamiliar with up and coming East Coast rapper Chris Webby, it may be time to get familiar. With over 8 million views on YouTube, the young Connecticut rapper has been blazing a his trail all over the Eastern seaboard, and his latest release, Best in the Burbs shut down Dat Piff on the day of its release.
From getting booted out of school to working with producers Ski Beatz and Statik Selektah, Webby’s story is an interesting one for sure. While some may call his raps and subject matter bizarre, the MC is certainly passionate about his craft as he looks to build his ‘Ninja’ fan base throughout the US. Now, let’s hear more from the man himself.
THP: For all our followers, fill them in on who you are and how long have you been doing this music thing.
CW: My name is Christian Webster. I’m better known in the hip-hop community as Chris Webby. I’m from Connecticut and Norwalk specifically. I been doing this shit for a long time time. I been doing this since I was in sixth grade.
THP: When did you realize rapping was really the career path you wanted to pursue?
CW: Well, I kind of always lived in my own little fantasy World where everything was going to work out regardless, so I always thought I was going to be a rapper. Everyone else just thought I was crazy, and now I think everybody else is crazy so there you go.
THP: As a white rapper you are going to get comparisons to Asher Roth, Sam Adams, Yelawolf and sometimes Eminem. What do you feel sets you appear from them?
CW: Well, I really try to stay true to myself and just have fun with it because it is always something I have been passionate about. I really just do whatever I like to do, and lucky for me, other people fuck with it so that’s how been rocking.
Obviously, there are some differences between me and those other guys. I am possibly the goofiest and most bizarre with the shit I rap about like cartoons and video games and all that shit. Dude, I just have a good time with it.
THP: Outside of Eminem, what other rappers did you look to for inspiration over the years as you were coming up?
CW: Well, I have a wide variety of musical influences. I grew up listening to classic rock so I’ve always had a pretty wide range of music I’ve listened too. I fuck with reggae. I fuck with house music, and obviously, hip-hop is my favorite genre.
Who else did i look up to? I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again just cause it really was the album that got me started rapping. It was Dr. Dre’s Chronic 2001. That was honestly my shit, but back then I used to listen to a lot of Dre, Eminem and Xzibit when he was on point. He used to have some fucking jams. You know shit that was really popular then.
Then I got into underground rap for a little bit like Jedi Mind Tricks and Non-Phixion and all those cats. After listening to all different kinds of hip-hop, I tried to find my own style and run with it.
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Artist Spotlight: The Big Ten with The Green Brothers
Compiled by Kyle Tillar
Edited by MK
THP: To properly introduce Green Brothers to our audience, tell us who are the members and their role in the group What brought you together? Do you share a common love and style for music?
Bern One: What up! I’m Bern One, and DJ Inform for those that don’t know.
I make the beats and do the cuts, and the homie Claude 9 is the MC. He does all the mixing down of the album and the graphic design. We both definitely love music a lot, but have pretty different tastes. We both like jazz a lot though, so that’s good. I personally dig a lot of soul, funk, psych and overall good music from the late 1960’s-mid 1970’s. That comes from being obsessed with records and music in general.
Claude 9: We started hanging out around the Columbus Hip-hop scene like five or six years ago, but it was during my Mother’s breast cancer that we really went from being friends to family. He also was one of the people that helped remodel four rooms in my parents’ house while my Mother was going through surgery so all that made us real close.
As far as music though, it took a blizzard with three feet of snow and literally being trapped in the studio for 72 hours. Plus both of us picking up new mediums (Bern making beats/Me with emceeing) before we started working as artist. I don’t think our taste is as different in music as Bern tends to think. Outside of the hip hop world, we dig a lot of the same stuff.
We’re both big music heads but I don’t go digging like I used to and Bern’s a vinyl fiend. He needs new music every day. I more have a playlist of my favorites from my DJing days that I sprinkle with new tunes every once and a while. Reagardless, I think we make really good music together and that’s all that really matters at the end of the day. Our differences only make the equation more interesting if anything.
THP: What’s the motivation behind your music? What keeps the group together pursuing your dreams in the music industry?
Bern One: We like our music, and end of the day, that’s mostly all that matters to me. Putting out quality product that people can bump and maybe take something away from is good too. My motivation has always been making quality product.
Claude 9: Word. Other than that I’d simply add that I’ve always seen music and art as the most universal way to spread an idea to the most people. We’re trying to offer Hip-hop with an uplifting message.
THP: From knowing you personally, it seems you are on a passionate and continuous pursuit to create new music and improve your craft. I haven’t been to your spot and not heard a new song you have been working on. How do find a balance, and what are you hoping to get in return for all your hard work?
Bern One: Well, I’m sort of balanced these days. I make music to make music and because it is in my blood. I feel a need to do it. It’s nice being recognized for music, but end of the day, I’m most concerned with how I feel about the stuff I make. I still have girlfriends, go out to shows, smoke pot and do normal stuff, but my mode of operation for the past year or two has been create, create, create.
Lately, I’ve been adding more keyboard stuff into my work which has been exciting. Really though, as a person, I’m pretty boring. I read a lot. Don’t really watch TV, but love The Simpsons. I get overly worked up about the insanity that happens daily in our society and like making music. As far as a return, I’d love to never have to work a corporate bullshit soul-sucking job again and hopefully music can provide that. That’d be awesome.
THP: You’re about to embark on a life changing moment and move to California. Share with us your thoughts on your upcoming transition to the West coast? What are you going to miss most about Columbus, OH?
Bern One: Well, I’m writing this in San Diego right now, and truthfully the town is very nice. I’ve lived on the West coast befor in LA, San Fran and Seattle, so I’m familiar. It’s cool out here, but I’ll always have love for Columbus. There is a rich musical legacy in Columbus with Hip hop, indie rock and jazz all contributing to the national scene.
The Hip-hop scene especially has seen multiple people make it on the national level, so there is the sense that people can make it if they get the right breaks and work hard enough. There is a really strong desire for artists to perfect their crafts and in order to make it people have to work extra hard to get noticed.
People are also really humble. It’s just not cool to be arrogant in the Midwest. Columbus is a nice city. I like it. San Diego is nice too though, and there’s the beach here. I like the beach.
Claude 9: San Diego won him over with beaches, medical cards and lots of press…lol.
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Artist Spotlight: The Big Ten with Stalley
Complied and Edited by MK
As our Spotlight week rolls along, we are blessed to get a closer look at one of hip-hop’s most raw up and coming talents in Stalley. His journey through the industry has led him from his home of Massillon, OH to the bright lights of NYC where he has begun to make his mark in the game by working with the likes of Creative Control, legendary producer Ski Beatz, Curren$y, The Cool Kids and the list goes on.
As this 330 kid continues to push the genre forward with his heartfelt narratives and creativity, I have a sneaking suspicion that Stalley will be gracing the cover of XXL’s Top Freshmen issue for 2011. From travelling to China to do shows to displaying his skills in Nike ad campaigns, it seems as if the bearded MC they call is here to do it big. He just dropped the lead song, ‘Hercules’ off his upcoming project Lincoln Way Nights: Intelligent Trunk Music. In the interview we talk about his come up, working with industry vets, what he’s learned in the game and what music you can find him and Ski cooking up in the studio. Dope photo by Jen Ferrer below as well. Enjoy the interview!
THP: For our readers who may not be familiar with Stalley, can you give us a little background about where you are from and how music became such a huge part of your life?
Stalley: I’m from Massillon, Ohio. Music has always been a part of my life. Each stage of life its role has grown, and here we are today. MadStalley: The Autobiography is available now. Lincoln Way Nights: Intelligent Trunk Music is about to be with you.
THP: I have to commend you on your style as an MC. Your music is very rich and heartfelt. It seems you are able to successfully bring your reality to listeners in a very relatable manner. The production you rhyme over also complements your narratives extremely well. How much of that do you attribute to your Midwestern roots, and who were some of your musical influences that have helped you develop and enhance your style?
Stalley: I told this story in another interview, but it’s a good one I think. As a child I listened to a lot of Country music with my grandmother. Garth Brooks, Reba, great storytellers. From them, I learned about narrative. Then, my love of rap developed through the likes of Nas, you know big names, but also Midwestern acts like the Dayton Family. I’m influenced by both the great storytellers and also the folks that made music to ride with. I’m a car guy. I appreciate a little trunk rattling.
THP: For those aspiring artists out there, can you tell us a little bit about your grind leading up to the release of your breakthrough mixtape, MadStalley: The Autobiography?
Stalley: Well, before that I had released my first real project called Goin’ Ape with Terry Urban. It’s not like I wasn’t around, but that project was more of just me doing songs than anything conceptual. That was also before I linked up with GFCNy (who I no longer work with) so Goin’ Ape wasn’t really pushed that hard anywhere, and I realized that I really needed more support to get where I wanted to be. If anything that was when I was just getting on my grind and figuring out what it takes to be a success in this industry. That was a big learning stage.
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Artist Spotlight: The Big Ten with MaG
Compiled and Edited by MK
For today’s feature, we turn to a dope MC out of the Bronx by the name of MaG. Listening to MaG’s last major project, I Ain’t Going Back to Retail! really reminded me of why I love this Hip-hop as much as I do. While new rappers are spawned faster than the Chinese churn out trinkets (sorry KeilyN I had to re-use that line), good music is still unmistakeable when you hear it. To me, MaG is a throwback MC: substantive narratives and poignant deliveries. Rich music overall.
He is also an MC I respect a lot for his grind. I receive countless e-mails a day of artists trying to promote their music (as they should), but for some reason, I always really payed attention to this man’s e-mails and the tone he was using to connect with people even though it was just digitally. I think you will see this is a humble MC, but one not to be slept on because his skills are more than the real thing.
THP: For our readers who may not be familiar with MaG, can you give us a little background about where you are from and how music became such a huge part of your life?
MaG: Well I was born and raised in the Bronx. I think music was embedded in me man. My father was a DJ for a local radio station and my moms side of the family pretty much all played in bands back in the Caribbean. My brother played nothing but Hip-hop and R&B/Soul records in the crib. My moms played everything from Rod Stewart to old Soca records. I just love music. Always have.
THP: For those aspiring artists out there, can you tell us a little bit about your grind thus far? What do you consider some of your largest accomplishments thus far?
MaG: I try and not take anything for granted. Every e-mail, every blog post, interview, I appreciate it all. As far as accomplishments, that’s such a hard question cause 2010 has been full of so many great blessings. I gotta say, being featured on the Talib Kweli Blacksmith Community project was an honor. To know that an artist of Talib’s caliber listened to my music and liked it enough to place it on a project of his own just goes a long way you know? Completing my previous LP, I Ain’t Goin’ Back to Retail!, was a huge accomplishment for me because I executive produced it. I wrote everything, picked all the producers, picked all the beats. The vision was mine so to see it come to fruition was just amazing.
THP: Let’s talk about NYC for a minute. NYC and Hip-hop are synonymous. How has the climate changed since you started doing this hip-hop thing and where do you envision it is heading?
MaG: The unity and lyricism is missing. I feel like NYC has become the bandwagon city, as far as Hip-hop is concerned. Growing up on the Wu-Tang’s and the Jay-Z’s, the Nas’, the B.I.G.’s, you’re spoiled. They made music and didn’t follow trends or what was being deemed “popular” by radio. I think you’re starting to see a shift though, especially with dudes like Torae, Skyzoo, Emilio Rojas and others putting more of a focus on lyrical ability and song making. There a lot of emcees right now in NY who are really being creative with what they’re doing. Homeboy Sandman, the list goes on man.
THP: Who are some of your influences and where does your inspiration to create come from?
MaG: B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, and Andre 3000 are probably the major influences. Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones are also in the mix. My inspiration is everyday life. Family, friends, love, the world, and everything else in between. There is something new and different that happens everyday in our lives. I try and capture that in every piece of music I put out you know?
THP: Having listened to your last official release, I Ain’t Going Back to Retail, I must say I was super impressed. There is a soulful grittiness to your music. It seems that you really put a lot of thought into each bar and crafting a song, not just rhyming aimlessly bar after bar (no shots Wayne). Tell us about your process and how you approach putting a song together.
MaG: Well, first off thank you for that for real! I mean I’m a fan of music first and foremost. So, I think when I’m writing I’m trying to reach everyone. Each song is different. Normally, I’ll listen to a beat and let it take me where it will. Certain keys and sounds and elements in an instrumental bring me to a place, and I let that place dictate what I’m writing about, whether that be war, or politics, or homelessness or my lady, it’s all incorporated in the music.
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Artist Spotlight: The Big Ten with SoulKlap
Complied and Edited by MK
To kick off our Spotlight week for December, we kept it close to the home team. To give you a brief background on our history, I met Soul back in my early college days at Ohio Wesleyan. I wouldn’t say we were ‘close’ friends, but he was someone I’d kick it with every once in a while. I played baseball with the homie James John, and they had a working relationship. I heard some of their earliest work, so it always amazes me when they release new material just knowing how far they have come. How much they have improved. Now, I am glad to call Soul a friend. We BBM daily and do a lot of building together. He’s a very positive dude, and a talented MC/producer. The future is bright, and I am grateful to be along for the ride.
One of my favorite things is always getting a late night e-mail (mind you I am five hours ahead of everyone in the O) with new music from Soul. Whether it is something he is ready to unleash on the World or just a new track the select few get to hear, it’s always a treat. I can speak first hand about his evolution, and I believe great things are on the horizon. We were so happy to be part of their Give Up the Sticks release earlier this year, and we will always support or have a hand in everything he does. Find out more about our good friend below.
THP: Let the readers know a litte bit about SoulKlap. Tell us a litte bit about your background, and how you first got involved with music?
SoulKlap: My name is SoulKlap. I’m from Cleveland, OH by way of the small suburb of Solon. I’ve been doing music independently for 12 years. I started writing when I was 13. It started as a hobby and was inspired by the likes of Jay-Z, DMX, and The Notorious B.I.G among others. I used to make little albums for my friends to listen to. I made my own album covers and all that! It was just for fun back in middle school and high school. It wasn’t until I got to college that I also began beat making. Then, I became more serious about being an artist.
THP: Fill people in on your moniker, and how the name SoulKlap came about?
SoulKlap: I actually picked that name while in college. I began my years as a rapper with G-Money as a name because my last name starts with G. Then, I became G-Effectz, and then for a while I was known as Burbs. I picked that because that’s where I was from and grew up at. Then after some thought and internal debate, I felt I needed another name something that meant more. I picked SoulKlap for three reasons: 1) I make all my music strictly from the soul 2) my music is more meaningful than your average and has the ability to get your soul’s applause 3) I love soulful music! After that, SoulKlap just stuck.
THP: You have done a lot of great work over the last two years from The Quan to G.U.T.S. to having your song ‘iOweYou’ featured on Talib Kweli’s Year of the Blacksmith Community mixtape to the release of your own mixtape Prelude to a Parallax. What has been the highlight for you?
SoulKlap: I think my true and most major highlight to date is my feature on the upcoming Talib Kweli Y.O.B.S. Community Mixtape. Kweli actually handpicked my song as one of the songs to be featured on the project. I was totally blown away, because I don’t usually submit my music for contests like that. I didn’t expect to be selected, but low and behold he selected my song. He actually hit me up personally on Twitter and told me he really loved the song ['iOweYou'] that I submitted for the project. Obviously, Give Up The Sticks was a highlight as well because me and Divine Minds got to work with two internationally known and hometown DJs, Terry Urban and Mick Boogie.
THP: As a an emcee/producer let’s talk about your creative process a little bit. Is it in your nature to hammer out a beat first then write to it, or do you usually write bars first, then figure out what type of beat would complement your message?
SoulKlap: To be honest, it switches from time to time. At times, I make a beat first and other times I write first. I actually write to other people’s beats a lot, and then make my own version of what I wrote over. As far as my writing process, I go wherever the beat takes me. If the beat’s is telling me to tell a story, then I tell a story. If the beat is telling me to write about my style, I write about that. If it’s tellin me to write about history, whatever the case may be that’s what I do. The music takes me over literally. But my inspirations for writing come from life experiences, conversations and other day to day activities. If I already have something written, then I definitely make a beat to compliment the message. I do a lotta crate digging, both physically and digitally. I get a lot of stuff off YouTube, and locally from this record shop in Coventry (in Cleveland Heights).
THP: I have been able to get a sneak listen on your next project, and I have to say, like most your other work it is very well done. I think you have shown a lot of growth as an MC since your intial release of Soul-Xpolitation in 2008. What do you attribute that to and is it something you have tried to focus on?
SoulKlap: Thanks for the compliment. I actually wanted to focus more on my growth as an MC. When The Quan came out, I played the background. I produced the whole project, while J rocked on every track. I was only featured on the intro alone. Before that, I did Soul-Xploitation, which got a little bit of buzz but Quan put my name on a larger stage. People knew SoulKlap the producer, but they didn’t really know SoulKlap the MC. My goal with Klapisms Vol. 1 is to be taken seriously as an MC and a producer. This is why recently I’ve been puttin out a lot more music. Prelude to a Parallax was a project put out to introduce and re-introduce people to SoulKlap the MC. Since then I’ve been posting a lot of new shit at my blog (www.soulklap.com) and via my twitter (@SoulKlap). I’ve been getting great reception so far, and I’m so thankful for all my fans, followers and supporters. I promise Klapisms will be epic.
THP: Piggybacking off that last question, as an MC what do you feel is more important content or delivery? Why?
SoulKlap: Man, that’s a really good question. I think that although one may argue that they’re equally important, I think for me delivery outweighs content. I tend to gravitate more to artists with conscious material (i.e. Kanye, Common, Lupe) but some of these other so called “artists” are fucking wack!!! I mean it’s bad enough you ain’t really sayin shit, but you don’t even have a dope delivery?! Get the fuck outta here! Put the microphone down! Yo, I’m not a huge pothead, but I think Wiz Khalifa is fuckin dope! Why? He has an ill delivery. What separates Weezy from Gucci? Not content, but delivery. So although I’m biased to saying something with substance, you gotta have an ill delivery. I mean I listen to Nas and Wiz Khalifa and some would argue they’re not even in the same demographic. They aren’t, but they both specialize in delivery.
Check out SoulKlap’s two most recent offerings and continue reading the interview by clicking below.
DOWNLOAD: SoulKlap – I’m From Cleveland
DOWNLOAD: SoulKlap – SoAppalled
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The Big Ten with L.e. For The Uncool
Compiled and Edited by MK
Out of all the interviews we have conducted, this may be my favorite artist we have interviewed. That’s saying a lot considering Brother Ali’s music dominated my college years, Jay Electronica held down 2009 all on his lonesome and Wiz has been bumping since he entered the radar screen in early 2010.
I have yet to find a more honest, creative and versatile new artist. Okay, yes, I mess with Blu. Besides him though, the Columbus, OH native has continued an upward progression and displayed a lot of growth in his music since I first heard him back in 2006. Now, every time he drops something, it’s dope. In the interview we talk about his latest mixtape, the incredible The Measure, his go-to producer, balancing the messages in his music and why Orpah is evil.
Check out the interview to learn more about the up and coming spitta they call L.e. For The Uncool. I think you all will really enjoy it.
THP: Let our readers in on the background of L.e. for The Uncool, and how long you have been doing this music thing?
L.e. For The Uncool: I have been inspired by Hip-hop, and music all together since I was able to speak. I have been serious about pursuing Hip-hop since around 2005.
THP: You have one of the more unique monikers in hip-hop. You previously had just gone by L.e., but have added ‘for The Uncool?’ What is the significance of that?
L.e. For The Uncool: I don’t have swag! I am who I am. I am an individual who has always decided to do what I feel whether it was cool to the majority or not. Also, I believe no one can tell another person they aren’t cool.
THP: On August 31st, you released The Measure, your second solo mixture. What were some of the things you were trying to accomplish with this project?
L.e. For The Uncool: I was focused on evolving as an artist. That’s why it took a while to put that project out. I felt like I was growing, and I wanted to wait and let my growth get to a certain point so I could show my fans. I wanted to show them I am moving upward lyrically and personally. I am still growing.
THP: On both Anti-Parachute Theory and The Measure, Rashad handles the majority of the production. How did he become your go to producer after leaving Fly.Union, and what is your creative process like working with him?
L.e. For The Uncool: $haddy is like my big brother. I have looked up to him musically since I was a kid. Honestly! It is very simple working with him, and that’s why he will play a role in every project I release.
THP: I have to say: I think his production allows you to showcase your versatility in regards to rhyme patterns and subject matter. He can go from a soul-sampled track to a Southern type track to a Neptunes-esque track. Is this showcase of your versatility something you set out to do consciously, or is it something that just fits for both of you?
L.e. For The Uncool: Writing songs has always came natural to me. That’s why $haddy pushes me to make a “Run Me To The Mall.” I wanted “The Measure” to be a grimy, no hook project. So, we create a great balance.
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New Artist Week: The Big Ten with OnCue
Compiled and Edited by MK
The kid OnCue hit my radar a little while back when I had seen that he flipped the Dave Matthews joint ‘Crash into Me’ into something seriously ill. I then found out he was affiliated with the good homie Christopher Truth and the fellas over at The Press Play Show, but I also took some time to peep more of his music.
The Connecticut-bred MC brings a little different flavor to the table, and on his latest mixtape, Cuey Sings the Blues, his versatility is on full display. In the interview, we talk about that versatility, getting personal on records, success in today’s music business and more. Also, he just let loose a new track from his new project due at the end of November, so make sure to grab that at the end of the interview.
THP: Fill our readers in about who OnCue is and how you got involved doing this music thing.
OnCue: My name is OnCue, and I been grinding for a bit now. Slowly starting to see some success, finally. Started very young, very young. Started writing my own rhymes at the age of 9 years old. I daydreamed in front of the TV all day idolizing and imitating what I saw on MTV, and Rap City the Basement. I immediately fell in love with this music. I also had a older brother [by 7 years] so I caught onto Hip-hop when I was still a toddler almost.
THP: It’s rare to find a white rapper from Connecticut to gain this headway. Has that background made your entrance into the industry more difficult?
OnCue: Yes, of course. On every level possible it’s harder. It’s way more difficult to gain people’s respect. Most consumers and tastemakers, as much as they pride themselves on finding the next “big thing,” still take everything for face value. Nothing more and nothing less. But on the contrary, when I did start breaking through certain barriers, it was also easy to gain a decent amount of ground earlier on because I do stick out like a sore thumb. Most rappers are not white, and most of them aren’t from Connecticut. None are — matter of fact. (Laughs)
THP: From listening to CSTB, a few things really stand out. Mainly, your versatility on the mic and determination in your voice. Discuss how you formed your style.
OnCue: My style probably came from the influences I was listening to growing up. When I was a kid I was a big DMX, Jay-Z fan. That whole Def Jam movement in early 2000’s was my “golden age” for Hip-hop. I’d buy a CD if it had the Def Jam logo on the back anything from Hard Knock Life Vol. 2 to Young Gunz. Simply because of the Def Jam logo, I bought College Dropout, arguably one of my favorite albums of all-time. A lot of my earlier rock influences came from my father. Later on, I caught onto the rock/indie/alt bug back being an emotional teenager in early high school trying to swoon women.
THP: Do you ever find it difficult to develop hard bars and melodic hooks, or is it something that comes natural?
OnCue: When I was growing as a writer, as a human being and as a artist, it became difficult. I think I finally found “my voice” so things are coming easier with every song written. Not saying I’m perfect, I just feel like artistically I’ve passed a point, where I kind of know what the hell I’m doing now.
THP: It seems that you bear your soul on every track. When you go in to create a song do you view the track as a blank landscape? Describe your creative process for us.
OnCue: A lot of the CSTB records I choose the sample, melody riffs and I’d tell the guys “Yo go in, build off this. This is a skeleton.” The chord structures and melodies I immediately say yes or no to. If I don’t like the chords much, I’ll trash the beat. From there, depending on the type of instrumental, I’ll start with a verse to set the tone. Most times, I start with a chorus and go backwards. I love lyricism, but to me the chorus is still the most important piece to a song from a marketers stand point and for a music fan.
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The Big Ten with Terry Urban
Compiled and Edited by MK
Let’s kick off November with our Big Ten series and guest Terry Urban. An Ohio native, Urban, also with a skate and graf background, has blazed his deejay trail through Cleveland and on to NYC. Urban is one of the nation’s most sought after club DJs, and he is known for his incorporation of juxtaposing genres on his acclaimed mixtapes. He is also a frequent collaborator with fellow Ohio native, the renowned deejay and Higher Plane favorite Mick Boogie. Their tapes have captivated listeners all over the globe, and their radio show, The Press Play Show can be found on Sirius Satellite Radio.
OK LET’S DO IT! (c) Weezy
THP: Can we get the obligatory introduction? Just provide us with a little background on Terry Urban and how long you have been doing this music thing.
Terry Urban: Hi, my name is Terry Urban, and I’ve been intrigued by music all my life.
THP: Growing up in Northeast Ohio, who were some of your influences musically when you were growing up? How was Hip-hop introduced to you?
Terry Urban: Growing up I listened to a lot of NWA, Eazy E, ATCQ [A Tribe Called Quest], De La Soul, Eric B & Rakim and BBD [Bell Biv DeVoe]. I was introduced to Hip-hop through a NYC mixtape compilation that I bought at a Gold Circle because I thought the artwork cover was dope. I remember the tape had BDP’s [Boogie Down Productions] My Philosophy on it, and I memorized every word while listening on my Walkman.
THP: Beyond starting off doing house parties, how did you come to be one of the most sought after club DJ’s in Cleveland?
Terry Urban: With a little bit of talent and a lot of help from Mick Boogie.
THP: You have had a long standing working relationship with Mick Boogie. How did you first start working together and how has that working relationship evolved over the years?
Terry Urban: I started working at a club called Cloud 9 because I knew the owner at the time. He gave me a weekly and then introduced me to Mick Boogie who was gonna help close the weekly night out. Mick and I became best friends and then started to work together musically.
THP: You guys seem to have a pretty successful formula in place. For you, what was the added value in becoming collaborators rather than being competitors?
Terry Urban: Mick and I have always had similar ideas. It was only a matter of time before we started working together and collabing on mixtapes. We both are down to Earth dudes and would never want to compete against each other. We would rather try to help each other than to hurt.
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