512-WORLDWIDE

WILL HUSTLE M.A.S.H (MAINTAIN ALL SORTS OF HUSTLE)

2006-09-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?

IM WILL HUSTLE THE NAME SAYS IT ALL. I WEAR MANY HATS IN THIS INDUSTRY FROM RUNNING A RECORD LABEL, HOSTING AND PRODUCING TV SHOWS AND PROMOTING CONCERTS. I GET MY HUSTLE ON. I REP AUSTIN TEXAS/ A-TEAM AND SET FOR LIFE IS THE CLICK.

Where are you from?

I WAS BORN IN NEW YOURK RAISED IN AUSTIN AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN HOUSTON AND ATLANTA.

How long you been in the industry?

I STARTED IN 96-97 RAPPING. IN 98-99 THEN I PUT THE MIC DOWN AND BECAME A BUSINESS MAN. SINCE THEN I HAVE WORKED FOR SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE INDUSTRY SO I WOULD SAY REALLY SINCE 1998.

Whats up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?

I JUST DROPED A NEW MIX-TAPE WITH DJ KNOWLEDGE AND PAUL WALL CALLED WHAT-A-HUSTLA. THATS IN STORES NOW! WE ARE WORKING ON WILL HUSTLE DVD VOL. 3 & 4 PLUS OUR SLAB RIDERS DVD. THE MIX TAPES WILL BE OUR WAY TO KEEP CONSTANT HEAT IN THE STREETS IT WILL BE THE RADIO FOR THE STREETS AND WILL HUSTLE TV WILL BE OUR VISUAL SO WE CAN STAY IN YOUR FACE ITS B.E.T FOR THE STREETS. DOK HOLIDAYS OPEN SEASON ALBUM WILL DROP REAL SOON ON SET FOR LIFE RECORDS THERE IS SOME REAL BIG NAMES INVOLVED IN THAT PROJECT. P.L.A'S "WELCOME TO THE CLEANERS" MIX TAPE IS HAS ALREADY MOVED THREE THOUSAND MIX TAPES IN TWO MONTHS.

How does your new project differ from your previous projects?

THE MIX TAPES ARE THE SAME CRUNK EXCLUSIVE TRARKS, JUST A NEW DJ AND STYLE OF MIX. THE DVDS WILL STAY THE SAME "RAW AND UN-CUT". THE PRODUCTION IS WAY BETTER. THIS WILL BE DOK'S FIRST ORGINAL ALBUM. HE ALREADY HAS CLASSIC UNDROUND CDS IN THE STREETS THIS CD WILL BE SOUND SCANED AND WE ARE EXPECTING BIG NUMBERS DUE TO OUR STREET BUZZ.

How do you feel about the music industry in general?

THATS A CRAZY QUESTION. I FEEL TWO WAYS. ONE WAY IS IM TIRED OF EVERY NIGGA THINKING RAP IS THIER WAY OUT THE HOOD. ITS FUCKING UP THE GAME WE DONT EVEN HAVE FANS NO MORE EVERY BODY HAS A LABEL OR SOME SHIT. NIGGAS DONT WANT TO SUPORT YOU BECAUSE THE ARE IN THE GAME AND WANT TO MAKE IT BEFORE YOU. (THATS WHY I HAVE A MULTI MEDIA COMPANY MAKING MONEY OFF ALL THESE CATS. IF YOU NEED HELP IN THE GAME HOLLA) ON THE OTHER HAND I LOVE SEEING BLACK PEOPLE GET MONEY AND MAKE IT OUT THE HOOD MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE. BUT THE MARKET IS SATURATED AND IT MAKES ME SICK. THERE IS OTHER WAYS TO FLIP YOUR MONEY BESIDES MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

THE GOOD THING IS THAT IN TEXAS ALL THE UNDERGROUND ARTIST HAVE WENT MAJOR AND THE UNDERGROUND IS WIDE OPEN IF YOU HAVE GOOD MUSIC AND A GOOD BUSINESS PLAN YOU CAN MAKE IT FAR. THE BAD THING IS THE MARKET IS SATURATED AND THE CONSUMER ALREADY HAS WHO THEY LISTED TO AND YOU HAVE TO REALLY TWIST NIGGAS ARMS TO LISTEN TO YOUR SHIT DUE TO THE FACT THAT ALMOST EVERY CD THEY BUY FORM A INDIE ARTIST OFF THE STREET OR AT A PERFOMANCE IS NOT GOOD. THE CD AND THE GROUP NEEDS TO STAY AT THIER DAY JOB. AND THEY MAKE IT BAD FOR THE NEXT MAN THAT MAY HAVE QUALITY PRODUCT.

How has the internet affected the way you promote your music to the industry?

THE INTERNET AS A WHOLE IS A BLESSING FROM GOD AND THATS 100. I THANK GOD FOR MYSPACE ITS LIKE CRACK BUT ITS GOOD FOR YOU. I HAVE MADE SOME BIG DEALS ON MY SPACE.

Do you have any ventures outside of music?

THIS YEAR WAS MY FIRST YEAR GOING INTO FILM AND BROADCASTING, IM BOUT TO PUT A LOT OF TIME INTO THAT IN THE FUTURE. THIS YEAR I WILL START ON SOME PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCEMNTS, SINDICATIED TV SHOWS AND MOVIES IN THE FUTURE. IM ALSO HELPING MY BOY DOK OUT WITH COUNTRY BOY CLOTHING AND REAL ESTATE. ALL THE MONEY GOES TO REAL ESTATE, FUCK CARS AND JEWLERY. LOL

Anything else you want to add?

THANKS FOR INTERVIEWING ME MUCH LOVE. LOOK OUT FOR SET FOR LIFE, WILL HUSTLE TV AND THE A-TEAM AND FOR GET TO LOG ON TO

http://www.willhustle.com/

MR SUPREME OF NOTABLY PROFICIENT MUSIC

2006-09-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?

I am Mr. Supreme the Magnificent aka Klassic Kompletion. I'm your guy. I was born in Austin, Texas "Live Music Capitol of the World", and at a very early age I knew that music was my thang. I was always attracted to beautiful music and all of the magic encompassed in the art. My daddy will go down in history as one of the biggest hustlers in the state of Texas. This is one of the people that gave me the "drive to survive". If y'all don't know who he was just ask me off the record and I'll tell you some ill shit. My mamma is....well we all know who she is. Nuff said. I picked up the piano at age 3 and didn't really do a damn thang with it but play around until I was good enough to fake it. Shortly thereafter I picked up the guitar and just started playin' it. At age 12 I picked up the Trumpet and did the same. Around the same time I was introduced to REAL HIP HOP in the form of Whodini, RUN-DMC and Dana Dane. Then came the turntables. The rest is history. I started producing hip hop and never looked back. My man Mirage was the first artist that I produced for and we still have archives that will BUST YO HEAD!!!

Where are you from?

I'm from the all mighty 512, Deuce Tre to be more specific. If you don't know where that is...don't take yo ass over there unless you wanna get killed for little to nothin'. Bottom line, I come from what was once the place where black folks got to live in Austin when they had a "little" paper. Not much, just enough to say we had some shit. Now in 2006 you better be on ya game when you step up or... it's "what happened to that dude, he was just here a minute ago"?

How long you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry since 1974, I just didn't know it yet.

Whats up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?

My new projects are all under the umbrella known as Notably Proficient Music. They have always been there in the dusty crates, and clouded haze of my emotions, feelings, and life experiences. The most notable of these projects has to be Secret Wars and Black Politics. This album will drop when everybody is ready to hear the truth about the world, themselves, and life in general. "Be afraid wack ass emcees. Be very afraid".

How does your new project differ from your previous projects?

Secret Wars and Black Politics differs from my previous projects in one simple way. This one will be complete. Got it. Thorough. Supreme in nature. Not like a celestial being, but supreme like the pizza...It has a little bit of everything on it.

How do you feel about the music industry in general?

Bored to fucking death. Get ya heads out ya asses and wake up.

In your opinion what are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

Pros---Can't nobody tell me shit about what my music should sound like.

Cons--- "Good Luck Getting Out There"

Do you have any ventures outside of music?

Yes. Fatherhood, and Livin' Life to the Fullest. (You just might wake up dead one day and realize that your "Could'a, Should'a, Would'a list is long as your arm.)

Anything else you want to add?

Please visit:
http://www.myspace.com-notablyproficientmusic/

Also read the words, don't just look at the pics, and jam the music. (But by all means, don't forget to jam the music) I love you all.

WILDCARD OF THE SMOKEJUMPERS CREW

2006-09-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?

WildCard of the Smokejumpers(formerly of Arctectonics). I started writing and rapping in the late nineties after graduating highschool (McCallum) in ' 96. Hit the scene real tough on the Arctectonics album Style & Grace, an underground classic, and hit'em again in 2002 with Transistor. After winning some cash in a local battle I started stacking my own equipment and started making making my own beats. Fast-forward thru a year on the westcoast and back to the great state of Texas to connect with my new crew The Smokejumpers consisting of Mr.Roboto(Jag formerly of Arctectonics), Sach, Toby #9, and my Houston brethren J-Mo and The Mann.

Where are you from?

The Great State of Texas....born in Houston circa '77 and been holding down Austin since '91.

How long you been in the industry?

I've never been in the "industry". I never even wanted to have anything to do with folks in the music biz. I just wanted to be able to rock mics and sell cd's. Funny how things change when you get older.

Whats up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?

Smokejumpers Mixtape Vol.1 "WildCard and Sach was released in early 2006, Smokejumpers Mixtape Vol. 2 WildCard and Mr. Roboto was released in August 2006. Mr. Roboto Solo Album coming in early 2007 as well as solo's from WildCard,Sach, and J-mo and The Mann.

How does your new project differ from your previous projects?

My early work(Arctectonics) I was strictly and MC and we had a full time producer(Glitch). The newer projects I have 3 beat makers(Sach,The Mann, and myself) as well as a wider range of vocal talents lending to the creation. We mix and master our own songs as well as design our own CD artwork. Press them joints up with our own money and hit the streets with some hand to hand combat.

How do you feel about the music industry in general.

For the most part I simply have to ignore the industry as a whole. Labels have abandoned artists development in leu of piggybacking an underground artists self generated buzz. Which is obviously good for the undergound artist but bad for people who make good music but dont have the knowhow to promote themselves beyond their local scene. The focus of the biz is so narrow that there is only room for that which generates the most money. Thats good for the clubs....bad for the art.

What are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

Pros: Making music you want to make. Never having to compromise artistic vision.
Cons: You stay broke as a bitch doing shows for no money.

Do you have any ventures outside of music?

A friend of mine and I have a small clothing company called Streetworkz. We had a shop in Northcross mall for a short time but the mangement and security were very shady and we got broke into twice now we ust slang hand to hand.

Is there anything else you wanted to add??

Yeah....what up with the Mirage and WildCard colabo???
O yeah one other thing....run spell check on my shit...lol

Peace

Wildcard

VISIT THE SMOKEJUMPERS ONLINE

ROCHELLE TERRELL

2006-09-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Tell us who you are and
give us a quick bio?


My name is Rochelle Terrell,
Vocalist/Songwriter are a couple
of the God given talents that I have
been blessed with. I grew up singing
in church, so my music reflects the
 love of God in my spirit.

Where are you from?


I was born In San Diego, California. Transplanted
to Austin, Texas.



How long you been in the industry?


I have been working in the music industry since I was a teenager
around the age of 14 or 15 years old. But I have always been 
surrounded by music whether it was in my home or church.

What’s up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?


I am currently working on a new project with some very talented people
I am so blessed and fortunate to have in my life. There is Element7D,
Bavu Blakes Obadele Thompson, they are going to help nurture the 
project and give it the solid foundation that it needs. I also have 
some other upcoming artist and producers that will be blessing the 
project as well. Paul Washington is a young man that I recently 
began to start working with; he is 17 years old and is a triple 
threat. He is an excellent writer and musician. He has the voice
of angel, and can also hang with some of best when it comes to his 
lyrical skills, he has partner in crime by the name of Trent and 
together I truly believe they will go a long way. I also hope to 
work with Mirage as well. So just to name a few these are some 
of the influences will be apart of my up and coming project. 
I pray to have it complete in the July 21,2007. Which is actually 
my B-day.

How does your new project differ from your previous projects?


I believe this project will differ from my previous projects in a
lot of ways. 1) vocally, because I have been working to master my
craft which is singing. I have not yet mastered it. But in all of
the practice my voice has gotten more mature and much stronger.
2) Lyrically, I feel that this project will be more focused and
geared towards that lighter part of life and not just darkness that
we are surrounded by at times. In the past I have written songs
that were really deep and very truthful and they may have rubbed
some people the wrong way. But that was my intentions. It was more
like therapy for me. Now I am ready to use my music as therapy for
the world.

How do you feel about the music industry in general?

I feel that the music industry is a very cut throat business.
I feel it is oversaturated and very competitive.

In your opinion what are some of the pro's and cons of being an
independent artist?


The pros of being and independent artist to me are, being able to
work with any other artist or musician that you want to at anytime.
Because music to me is something that show flow naturally and it
can be very spontaneous, meaning you never know when the chemistry
is going to kick in between two musicians or artist. To be free
from contracts and the control of a record label is very freeing.
But the on the other hand not being represented by a label forces
an artist to have to do all of the leg work that one would not have
to do if there was a label involved.

Do you have any ventures outside of music?

I have a few other areas of passion. One would be working
with children. I truly believe that the children are future,
and we as adults need to start paying attention to them and
start nurturing their dreams. Because it only takes one person
to be believe in you. It only took one person to believe in me
when I was growing up. I would like to provide that same support
for other children by providing a safe place for them to go to
after school. I would also like to form a music camp for the
summer. Teaching the children about the history of music and
how music is formed and created, something that will inspire
them to want to change the direction of music as a whole.



Anything you want add (shows, advice etc)?

Shows: Well I will be performing with Global @ emos for the Method Man 
show on October 22,2006. Also perparing to do SXSW 2007 that is all I have for now 
but I will keep you posted!

Advice: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own 
understanding and in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct 
your paths. Pray for strength, courage, wisdom, patience, and longevity.
Remember there is power in the Word. 

Go get it!!!!!!!!!!

R.o.B of the Top Texas Crew

2006-09-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

(Left to Right) Empra T. Moore RIP & R.O.B

Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?
I'm R.O.B of Top Texas Crew rep'n for the whole state and I'm doing this for EMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell us a little more about EMP, who is that?

Empra TaVar Moore aka Emp Da Pemp is my older and only brother who was murdered by the Pasadena police here in Texas. Emp was the first out of my entire family to graduate from college.(Prairie View A&M) Emp started this Top Texas Crew movement back in 1996. He graduated from Prairie View Dec. 12, 1998 and was murdered Jan. 6, 1999 not even a month after he graduated. The police shot over 46 times and Emp caught 7 slugs from the same people who are suppose to protect and serve. I was the passenger and I got shot twice. So to all you niggas out there claiming to be this and that, SLOW DOWN BABY!!! Take it however you feel.

Thats deep. So are you spearheading this movement in light of the tragic events of your brother?

Music is a big part of my culture, so first off I'm rapp'n for the love of the sport. Yes, my brothers death was/is fuel to my fire.The police took so much away from me Jan. 6, 99. and I need to finish what my brother started. This thing is bigger than R.O.B or Top Texas Crew. We have so much work to do as a black race, period!!!

Where are you from?

Born in Wichita Falls (Killa Falls) but I've lived all over Texas (Austin-Dallas - currently I live in H-town).

How long you been in the industry?
I've been rapp'n since I was 13.

Whats up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?

It's that gutta, gangsta music and my next project is gonna be a mix tape. Before March 07.

How does your new project differ from your previous projects?

I'm working with some genuine people this time around, so we all put more luv more time into this project.

How do you feel about the music industry in general?

I love the music industry and I respect all music coming from the heart.

What are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

Pros-Complete control. Cons-Most definitely there's more foot work. U get what u put into your goals.

Do you have any ventures outside of music?

I tamper with grillz and basically anything to do with money that's legal of course.

Anything else you want to add?

To anyone that reads this come checc me out on myspace.com/roboftoptexascrew

POP / Poetry Of tha People

2006-09-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?

Yo! It's your boy Pop I'm a real hip hop head and that means the culture and all not just the music. I first started on the block with the boys freestyle and playing the dozens. As the freestyle grew so did my thirst to get my foot in the door. Now I'm independent with Trashman Entertainment and that ATX movement that's happening as I speak.

Where are you from?

Repping ATX by way of Greenville, North Carolina.

How long you been in the industry?

I've been doing music for six years now seriously.

what's up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?

I have a solo project in the works with my folks, Southern Society out of Dallas, I have another solo project in the works with Soundview and my peeps E7D, I have another project with Young Nick and Dirt tics, and Young Nick, E7D and myself also have a project coming out. I have a plan to try and drop as many of these projects as I can throughout the course of next year.

How does your new project differ from your previous projects?

My first project was produced by Southern Society and I'm still down with my folks, they fam. I have several projects in the works right now. My next projects differs from my first in that I've grown and my music have grown. I've been through more so I have more to talk about and like fine wine I get better with time and also my next album is much more personal, I touch on many different subjects.

How do you feel about the music industry in general?

The industry is over flooded with subpar albums and an identity crisis, everyone is rich pimps and gangstas (we need variety). I think the industry is watered down with the same bullshit over and over. The industry is only putting out certain types of music and unless you are a true music head then you only get fed what the industry wants you to hear. For myself I personally don't like the radio so I search record stores and the net for music that I want to hear. There has also been a shortage of banging CD's. These days CD's have a couple of bangers at the most, unlike albums of the past that jammed from beginning to end.

What are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

I love being independent because of all the control I have on my music and some of the cons are just the promotions or lack their of. The internet though, has open the door to a whole new world of advertisement, promotions and sales.

How has the internet affected the way you promote your music to the industry?

The internet has gave the independent artist a greater chance of success without the industry, but illegal downloading and bootlegging needs to stop.

Anything else you want to add?

I do and will continue until that love is gone. So check for your boy online or in your area because I'm on the move. TRASHMAN! HOLLA!

SHANKA & D-RUSS

2006-09-09T20:29:00.000-07:00




Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?

We met in 96. We were introduced by an old school legend in Austin
named Cassius Claymoe and we’ve been putting down together ever since.
We started out in a larger group and due politics and bullshit, have scaled
down to just us two. At one point we stopped doing it all together because
of legal agreements and things we had to wait on, but we’re back in a capacity
that is much more positive. It works better for us we seem to get much more done
and are more focused and in tune with each other. And it doesn’t hurt that D-Russ
is also my brother-in-law so we spend a lot recreational time together outside
the music.

Where are you from?

Shanka I’m originally from Rockford, IL, as smallcity right outside of Chicago
and D-Russ is originally from Gonzales, TX but we claim Austin and call it our only
home.

How long you been in the industry?

Boy, a long time like I said before, off and on. Butall and all,
about 10 years in different capacities. D-Russ used to DJ early on
and I (Shanka) used to be dancer. We’ve have performed with sooo many
relevantgroups in the past..Run DMC, EPMD, Shaggy, 2 Live Crew back in the day..
just all over.

Whats up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?

Well we have a 2nd volume to our new mixtape series called “The Grudge Mix:
Vol. 2”. We were only going to do one, but we’ve had such a positive response to the first one
that we thought we let the people know that the flow, the lyrics - it wasn’t a fluke or a one time
thing, this is how we do it. Plus it gives us a chance to work with groups we haven’t worked with..
mostly out of Austin, but if things go as planned we’ll also have some East coast cats, some Midwest,
Louisiana flavor, but all of that is still up in the air. We also have our actual album coming out some time
in 2007 called “Texas Hold ‘em”, but there’s no finalized date on that yet.

How does your new project differ from your previous work?

The beats really, we’re going to be working with some producers we’ve
never worked with. Gives us a chance to expand our sound and experiment more with
what we already know works for us. The lyrical standards have been raised to show
our growth, but we’ve always focused on lyrics, our goal has always been to hit listeners
with what we call the “wow! factor”. We want people to walk away like “wow, did you
hear what that nigga just said…let me listen again” or they listen and hear something
that’s new to them every time. That’s what used to get me time after time as a fan.
I never got enough of that.We want people to keep holding us to that expectation…
it drives us, keeps us hungry and creative.

How do you feel about the music industry in general?

We keep hearing people say “Hip Hop is dead” I mean Nas even is
calling his next album Hip Hop is Dead but for us..never that!
How can they say that and mean it? THE POWER OF HIP HOP IS IN THE
HANDS OF THEARTISTS AND CONSUMERS. We’ve gotten to this place where
we let businessmen dictate what we listen to and decide for us what
we think is hot. I mean I can see how we’re losing control and where
that comes from. We’re slowly losing the art to big business. We have
businessmen turning into rappers instead of rappers turning into businessmen
so the artform has tapered off, but for Shanka & D-Russ, hip hop is inside of
us and rap is just where our talent has landed us. The underground is so
relevant to keeping hip hop alive! It takes you back to the late 80’s, early
90’s – youknow not the sound, but at time when it was about diversity and
creativity. The mainstream music and it’s machine sucks man! The industry
has become industrious so now these albums come out with this manufactured
feel to them. Not saying any names, but I can hear the same songs over and
over by different niggaz and that’s no different than going to a dealership
where it’s all the same car, just different colors. Plus everybody got they
hand dipping in these artists’ pockets and keeping them broke. There are so
many sharks in the pool that the only way to go is independent but that has its
downside too.

What are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

The main pro is the money, the decisions, creative control, image, marketing, its all yours
pride of creating a movement that people understand! But the distribution and promotion
reach can be a serious con. Our machine isn’t oiled as well yet so we arefaced with these issues
or limitations; and we’re growing pretty fast so it becomes difficult at times. However, at the
end of the day we wouldn’t have it any other way right now. We don’t think we should
become part of a bigger machine until we are in a position that allows us to have
them working for us. That way if the relationship doesn’t work out, we can go right
back to where we came from and continue our mission.

How has the internet affected the way you promote your
music to people?

The internet has put us in a place to reach people in markets it might have taken
us years to reach. The networking is undeniable. Some of those producers and acts
that we will be collaborating with are relationships first formed online so we have
nothing bad to say about the internet

Do you have any ventures outside of music?

D-Russ is working on a couple of movie scripts and we’re planning on forming an entertainment group
or umbrella that will house online entertainment ventures, games and such, the films for his scripts,and
merchandising… we also want to get into realestate at some point, but this is a long in the future after
our label is fully established.

Anything else you want to add?

Yes, visit us at myspace.com/shankadruss. There you can pick up “The Grudge Mix”…
If you don’t have a grudge, GET ONE! Also you can keep up with album release dates and updates on
new projects as they develop which seems to be gaining momentum daily and we’re going to start
posting show times and locations. We’re getting lots of email these days, but we answer all of it.
We are looking to work with as many peopleas possible, so if you are looking to work with really
professional individuals, start with us and let’s build this. Like we said before, no matter what you think
about hip hop, dead or alive, the control is in the hands of the artists and the consumers…
NOT THE LABELS AND RADIO!

MR. BLAKES

2006-09-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

--Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?

Mr. Blakes - Texas MC, one of the premier lyricists inthe lone star and most visible independent artists,also a journalist (Dallas Morning News, Down Magazine,etc.) and television host (host of "Smoooth" on ME-TVCh. 15 Austin).

--Where are you from?

Austin (13 years) by way of Garland, Texas (9 years)

--How long you been in the industry?

Going on 7 years but of course rhyming since childhood

--Whats up with your new project(s)?

When will itdrop?too many to name, but solo album number two "TooSelfish" drops summer 2007. DJ Princesscut "SameStruggle" hosted by Mr. Blakes & Big Tuck availablenow. Rapid Ric & Mr. Blakes "Woodgrain Collection", DJWhiz T & Mr. Blakes "Concrete Rose Gold", DJ Bull &Mr. Blakes "I-35: Dallas to Austin", plus "ActualFreestyles" and some other stuff all coming soonenough...

--How does your new project differ from your previous projects?

Latest and greatest, more experience.

--How do you feel about the music industry in general?

I feel that industry is industry, just different commodities.

--What are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

The pros are freedom, fun and money. the cons are misunderstanding, envy and fatigue.

--How has the internet affected the way you promoteyour music to the industry?

It's almost like the world is a bit smaller.

--Do you have any ventures outside of music?

Absolutely. day jobs, publishing rhymes in newspapers and articles in magazines, hosting a video show on a 24-hour cable music network, much more coming to surface in the future.

--Anything else you want to add?

Work is measurable, loyalty is important, god is real!!!!
VISIT MR. BLAKES ONLINE

ARSON OPTICS

2006-09-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?

Peace world, this Arson Optics reppin the Word Power movement. I've been a musician since birth and I've been makin beats and rhyming since like '98. I'm comin to you live from Los Angeles but Austin, TX is the hometown. I've done 8 releases through my label, full length albums, vinyl, mixtapes, and even cassettes for those who don't know. I've produced for countless artists but I'm still one hit away. I got my degree in Music Business/Management at Berklee College of Music in Boston, so now I'm bending their laws. Recently I've been working with Interscope Records as Urban A&R and getting my new album, Plant The Seed, ready.

Where are you from?

ATX kinfolk.

How long you been in the industry?

Depends on what you mean by "industry". I've been doing my thing for what feels like my whole life. But as far as living in Hollywood and working with these major labels, I didn't get that love til this year [2006].

Whats up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?

Plant The Seed! This is my new album, been a long time in the making. Word Power hasn't released anything since a 2005 mixtape, so it's long overdue for me to put this in y'all veigns. I've been living out here in L.A. this summer recording the rest of the album with Interscope, really gettin the sound right. As usual I'll be handling most of the production, but look out for my protegé Matt Bang to start hittin y'all with some heat. He's on another level with his keyboard chops, and he's bringing a whole new sound to Word Power right now. I'm looking to drop in the first quarter of 2007. You'll also hear me on new projects from Medusa, Bavu Blakes, Mirage, Young Nick, Kaizen and a whole gang of other shit.

How does your new project differ from your previous projects?

It's better than all of those.

How do you feel about the music industry in general?

Anytime you talk to someone in the industry they're gonna act like they're letting you in on a big secret by telling you it's shady, artists don't write for themselves, A&R don't listen to demos, cats are paying to get their records on the radio, labels don't want to pay for sample clearance, artists be fake thuggin it, getting shot up for promo, and it's all true so listen when someone like that speak.

What are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

Man everyone is going independent! Lil Jon, Ice Cube, Ying Yang, Paul Wall, Jim Jones, all them cats. But these cats hustle and understand the game. They've been on both sides of the fence, so they are able to negotiate unique situations with these indies. I know A&R right now who are strictly considering the indie route for their passion projects. But not just anyone is gonna march in there and get that love, that comes with clout and street buzz.

How has the internet affected the way you promote your music to the industry?

A better question is how has it not affected everyone in the industry? The internet has flipped this whole shit upside down. Units aren't moving like they used to for your big artists. Busta is still barely gold with The Big Bang. Interscope wanted to see him put up platinum numbers out the gate. I don't really mind seeing things shift to the iTunes. It's different, I'd rather hit the record store, cop it and almost wreck the whip trying to tear it out the plastic. It's sad though, there's not too many artists I anticipate dropping anymore. That's why you got kids on the internet downloading, they only want the one hot song off the album.

Do you have any ventures outside of music?

Yea, but I'm not fixin to put my business out there like that

Anything else you want to add?

Get involved! Holla at me on the MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/arsonop). If you feelin that, dig a little deeper and hit my website (http://www.arsonoptics.com). I appreciate the folks that took the time to read this, we're never gonna elevate if each one don't teach one. Peace&Bless

KEEP YA HEAD ON A SWIVOL

2006-09-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Tell us who you are and give us a quick bio?

Im Alfred (Tre'mindus The Great Swivol) Johnson III. I grew up listening to every kind of music there is. Classical, symphony, jazz, hip hop, rap, r&b, oldies...etc. I have been featured on Alumnyh (1997), Boys From The Stix (2001), Mr. M.I.G.G.I.E. (Even Though 2004), Ghetto Angel (2001, 2004, 2006), Lady Legacy (2006). Released a solo maxi single Don't Take No Mess (2004). My production lablel is Drastic Products (DP). I watched my brother Mr. M.I.G.G.I.E. make beats and write songs all my life so that's who I learned from.

Where are you from?

Austin TX (Lakeside 7872-4)

How long you been in the industry?

Since 1997

Whats up with your new project(s)? When will it drop?

Im writing, making, as well as getting beats made for my next project. It will drop Summer 2007

How does your new project differ from your previous projects?

My maxi single didn't have any r&b songs or any songs particularly for women. So the next project will have a few r&b songs that I've written and a couple of rap songs for the women. I don't have beef with anyone but I will talk about some people directly.

How do you feel about the music industry in general?

It's Hard Work.

What are some of the pros and cons of being an independent artist?

There are times when people are supportive and there are other times you're the only one believing in yourself. You get to see more of the business side. You're doing everything yourself (booking for shows, looking for studios, writing, performing, and investing in your own product).

How has the internet affected the way you promote your music to the industry?

You can't beat WORLDWIDE action.

Do you have any ventures outside of music?

Photography

Anything else you want to add?

"Press on for what you believe in".