Dem Getaway Boyz (Atlanta, GA)

Since Atlanta has become the new mecca of hip hop, rising stars have emerged at a fast pace.  Adding to the list of artists on the rise is new hip hop group, Dem Getaway Boyz.  The east Atlanta natives have taken the music scene by storm with their latest hit, “Get Up” produced by Kane Beats.  Dem Getaway Boyz talked with SheBloggin.com about their journey in this industry, how they got where they are, and how they feel about their new fame.

How did you come together as a group?

We all met and came together in high school. We started off just being friends doing music.  We sounded good together and went from there.  We’ve been together 5 years.

Being that you’re in Atlanta, what’s your opinion of the local music scene?

There are a lot of people following everyone else, in the whole Atlanta music scene period.  That’s why we’re in our own lane; we don’t want to be like everyone else.

With there being so many artists coming out of Atlanta sounding similar, how do you plan to stand out?

We do what’s real and not what’s hot.  Other artists do what’s in style and we do what we feel.

You’ve created a nice buzz for yourselves.  Give some examples of what you did to get yourselves noticed.

The internet was the main thing.  We used Soundclick, MySpace, etc., all of the social networking sites.  They’ve all been beneficial.  Also, we go to places that might not be that well known and perform. We like to touch all bases.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Jay-Z, NAS, Lil Wayne, Biggie, and Pac to name a few.

Have you collaborated with any artists or producers?

We’ve collaborated with Killa Mike, Mr. Bentley, and got more on the way. As far as producers, we’ve got tracks with Dre Day, Marvelous J, Mike Major, and our single is produced by Kane Beats.

Which artists are you hoping to collab with?

Nicki Minaj, Drake, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne.  Anybody really, we’re open to collab with anyone.

Your new single, “Get Up” has gained a lot of attention.  How did it come about?

We were in the studio when Kane produced it.  He sampled it from someone he knows in St. Louis.

Were there any DJs in particular that showed you a lot of love in helping push the single?

All of the Arsonist DJs, Hoodrich DJs, and Coaliton DJs.  The DJs around here have been showing us a lot of love. Also DJ Jay One, he’s been supporting us since day one.

What do you currently have out and what’s coming next?

We’re currently pushing our mixtape, “” and hopefully we’ll have the album out this year after the negotiations are finished with the labels.  It will be self-titled.

Any shoutouts?

Shout Warbucks music, Arsonist DJs, Hoodrich DJs, Dre Day beats, Kane Beats, In the Building Records, the whole ATL and everyone supporting us.

Check out Dem Getaway Boyz new single, "Get Up"

Travis Williams aka T-Will

Travis Williams aka T-Will

 

Hip hop and sports have always been closely linked, and often times intertwined.  Many rappers have a little athlete in them, and several sports figures have a little rapper in them; some have even pursued a music career, but not all were successful.  Travis Williams, aka T-Will is a former NFL player turned rapper ready to bestow his musical talents upon us and separate himself from the stereotypes.  T-Will talked to SheBloggin.com about his football career, his transition into music, and why he’s different than the rest.

Tell everyone where you’re from?

I was born and raised in Columbia, SC.  I grew up in Saxon Projects, and later lived in Northgate trailer park.

You have had an accomplished football career.  For those that don’t know, where did you start playing?

I went to Spring Valley high school in Columbia and broke all their tackling records.  After high school I went to Auburn University.  Later graduated from there; then left there and went to Atlanta and played for the Falcons.  I played for 3 years then I suffered a back injury.  Now I coach at Auburn.

How was the transition from college to NFL?

It wasn’t that hard.  SEC is the best college conference so it prepared me for the league.  Nobody was really helping in the league, I had to do a lot on my own.

So what made you decide to start rapping?

One of my teammates had a studio in his crib.  I came thru one day and just started playing around and actually liked it.  Then a few of my teammates was saying that I was good and I started taking it seriously.  I’ve always been a big music fan though so I’ve always had it in me.

Who are your musical influences?

A lot of people don’t keep it real about their influences, but mine is definitely Master P.  I grew up on No Limit.  Also Kanye West, his first three albums were classic.  And 50 Cent.  I’m a big fan of Get Rich or Die Tryin.

Pro athletes turned rappers usually don’t get taken seriously.  How has it been for you?

It started out slow, but it’s starting to pick up.  In some ways it made people draw back from me, but it also worked to my advantage.  But I know as soon as people hear me, the music will speak for itself.  At the end of the day, people notice that I’m taking this seriously.

What’s going to keep you out of that category?

Back in Columbia, the people that really know me know that I’m telling the truth in my lyrics.  I’m not afraid to say that I lived in the projects.  I talk about things I’ve really been through in my music.  The realness of my music will keep me away from that category.

What project are you currently working on?

Right now I’m pushing the single, “Get Low”.  I just did a song for Auburn too that’ll start playing when the season starts.  I might do a mixtape with a South Carolina DJ or DJ Scream, or I might do an EP.

Any producers you would like to work with?

Kanye of course, I just got a beat from Drumma Boy, and I’d also like to work with Kane Beatz.  But I wanna help the upcoming too.  Cats like Sixth Man; I wanna help him get on.  He’s done a lot of my beats and he’s real talented.

Any artists?

Kanye again, 50 Cent, Rick Ross, etc.  Continental GT definitely, that’s my partner.  We’ve been talking about a collab for a while.  Also Lil Ru.  I’m willing to do a song with anybody from the Carolinas. Send it to me and I’ll knock it out.

You currently coach for Auburn football.  Is it hard balancing your coaching duties and pursuing your music career?

Yeah, it’s tough at times. I get up at 5am and don’t leave the office until 8pm.  So in my free time I go to the studio or I’ll write.  I recognize that I’m an underdog with the music, but I’m gonna show people.

You know ladies love athletes and rappers, and you’re a combination of both!  So for the women reading this, are you single?

Yeah I’m single.  I keep a level head, but I do embrace the women.  They’re my target audience so I love the attention, lol.

What can we look forward to hearing from you this year?

I wanna stay in everybody’s face and ears as much as possible.  I wanna collab with as many SC artists as possible.  I’m gonna shoot a couple videos in the next few months.  Everything I do I’m reppin SC to the fullest!  I’m always gonna let people know where I’m from.  I wanna do some major collabs.  I just wanna put South Carolina on the map.

Any shoutouts?

Shouts to you for the opportunity, shouts to Charlamagne, Chuck T, Sixth Man, Blitz Squad Ent, Major League Ent, and the whole state of South Carolina.

CHECK OUT T-WILL'S SINGLE "GET LOW"

Brisco Explains Robbery Incident, So Icey Diss

Florida has played an important role in the progression of hip hop over the years.  With the recent success of such artists as Rick Ross, Plies, and T-Pain, their stock continues to rise.  But while a new movement in the sunshine state has begun, you can’t forget about one of the state’s founding movements, Poe Boy.  Star of the long-running label, Brisco, has been contributing to Florida’s music scene for years and has carried Poe Boy on his back throughout his career.  With the help of his Cash Money deal, Brisco is ready to make his mark in the mainstream in 2010.  He talks to SheBloggin.com about his thoughts on Florida hip hop, his robbery incident, new music, and his recent So Icey diss track.

Tasha:  You’ve been an important element of Florida’s hip hop scene for a while now.  Do you feel that you are still underrated?

Brisco:  Very much so.  Hip hop has been over-saturated.  A lot of this ain’t real out here.

Tasha:  Recently it seems that the whole “goon” movement has become watered down due to fakes and phonies. Explain what a goon really is and how you feel about rappers throwing that word around.

Brisco:  Goon is a movement. Just like when Pac started the thug movement.  It’s just a way of life; I do what I gotta do to feed my family.  But I feel like I started the whole goon movement.  I’ve been saying it since I was 12.   As far as the other rappers, they just using it, I don’t take offense to it.

Tasha:  Poe Boy has been a strong force in Florida for a long time, but with the recent success of DJ Khaled’s movement, do you feel that Poe Boy has been overshadowed?

Brisco:  Yeah I kinda do.  Poe Boy brought that feeling, you know?  They brought that family feeling.  It’s not the same as what Poe Boy brought.  We’ve been a unit, always been like family.

Tasha:  What’s your relationship with DJ Khaled?

Brisco:  I don’t know, I feel like he can help a little more.  I’ve made my contribution to him so I feel like he can help me a little more.  But it is what it is.

Tasha:  You recently released a track called “Waka Blocka” dissing Waka Flocka, Gucci Mane, OJ the Juiceman, and Yung Berg.  First off, what made you go after Waka?

Brisco:  Gucci made a track called Heavy where he mentioned my name.  He said “Wish a nigga would run up on me like I’m Brisco”.  He dissed me while I was down.  At the time I was dealing with issues in the streets, so that was my response. This was just all for the sport of it but I’m gonna go at the whole camp.  I was in Atlanta when I recorded that track.

Tasha:  You dissed him right after he was shot.  You didn’t think that was inappropriate?

Brisco:  Before I did the track I made sure that Waka was OK.  I’m a spiritual dude so I wouldn’t have done that unless I knew he was OK.

Tasha:  Ok, so you went at OJ too because he’s apart of Gucci’s camp?

Brisco:  Yeah.  He’s with Gucci so I had to go at all of them.

Tasha:  The Yung Berg mention was kind of random, why did take shots at him?

Brisco:  I used him to get a little more popularity.  He was just a stepping stone.

Tasha:  So if Brisco and his camp ran into So Icey…

Brisco:  We would probably just smile and laugh about it.  There’s no beef.  This was all for the sport, just hip hop.  They definitely wouldn’t put hands on me.  Nobody wants another Tupac/Biggie situation.  I don’t think either of us would let it get to that level.

Tasha:  So what’s your status with Cash Money?

Brisco:  Everything’s good, I just had to gather myself and get my mind right.  I want to come correct with my music, so I’ve just been taking the time to get it right.

Tasha:  How do you feel about Lil Wayne going to jail?

Brisco:  Aw man, I don’t ever like seeing a nigga go to jail.  Free all the real niggas in jail.  Free Gucci and Boosie.  I’m just gonna carry the label.  I’m gonna use this time to holla at the bosses and help them make more money.

Tasha:  How has your aura been since you got robbed?

Brisco:  I don’t trust anybody now.  I move a little wiser now.  I don’t go certain places I used to go; I’m just smarter with how I move.  But it’s all good because it just adds to my story.  I wasn’t really robbed, I was shut up.

Tasha:  When’s your album dropping?

Brisco:  Street Medicine April 20^th.  You’re gonna hear my story and the things I’ve gone through.  I gotta mixtape out now, no DJs, no drops just music.  I detailed what happened with the incident.

Tasha:  Do you think mainstream is ready for Brisco?

Brisco:  They better be!  One thing about mainstream is you can’t lie to them, so what you see is what you get with me.

Tasha:  What’s going to set you apart from other rappers out?

Brisco:  My deliveries and my whole brain structure.  I research things, plus I got a story to tell.  I lost my mom, dad, older brother, and seen my best friend get shot in the head.  I’ve been through real things and my story will set me apart from everybody else.

Follow Brisco on Twitter: @briscoopalocka

www.myspace.com/brisco305

WarrenJae - "What Dreams May Come"

Fellow Carolinian and rising star Warren Jae took our breath away with his amazing debut, “What Dreams May Come”, which was released at the end of last year. His lyrical presentation was fully equipped with diversity and passion, which made me want to know more about this young talented artist. WarrenJae talked to me about his dreams, drive, and what’s to come.



Tasha: For those that might not know, where are you from?

WJ: Columbia, SC by way of Monroe, Louisiana.

Tasha: How long have you been rapping?

WJ: Since 2003. I needed some way to express myself. I’m a big RnB fan, but I can’t sing. So I started rapping.

Tasha: Your style is refreshing, much different from what is out right now. Who are your musical influences?

WJ: Kanye West, Bilal, and Lupe Fiasco.

Tasha: In my opinion, “What Dreams May Come” was an indie classic. What was process like in creating this project?

WJ: It was about a 6 month process. The album was actually done in September, but we took our with mixing and placing the tracks.

Tasha: How was it working with Randy Roper?

WJ: It was crazy! But me and Randy are like family. He’s been listening to my music for a while. He saw my hunger and finally gave me a shot. He’s so honest; he’ll let you know straight up if something is wack.

Tasha: How about working with Sam King?

WJ: Sam is a musical genius. He made it easy because he already has a vision for each track.

Tasha: Were there any particular moments, people, or other things that served as motivation when you went into the booth to record?

WJ: I feel like the first project an artist drops is their most important, so I brought everything that’s important in the booth with me. My family and my mother were my main motivation.

Tasha: What would be your dream collaboration?

WJ: That’s hard, it would have to be between Lauryn Hill, Bilal, or J. Cole.

Tasha: So what’s next? What can we look forward to from you this year?

WJ: The Dream Catcher is next. It’s gonna be a traditional mixtape and serve as a build up to Welcome to My Dreams, which will be the next soundtrack.

Tasha: Anything else you’d like to add?

WJ: I just want to say thanks to everyone that listened to my music and supported me, I really appreciate it. And I wanna thank you for giving me the time of day!



Please take a minute download WarrenJae’s “What Dreams May Come” Soundtrack HERE

ATL's Diamond (Formerly of Crime Mob)

Atlanta rap princess Diamond is back and ready to take the industry by storm with her new solo project. Formerly a member of Crime Mob, the young star talked to me about going solo, her latest ventures, new music, and Lil Scrappy.

So what have you been up to since your departure from Crime Mob?

Working on my solo project, tryna make my mark into the Hip-Hop game.

What is your relationship with the rest of the group now?

It’s all love on my end, even though the bond is no longer there.

Your new single, “Superbad” is a success. How does it feel to have a solo hit?

A blessing, Superbad is my very 1st solo single so it’s my baby, I get excited like I’m a fan everytime I see the video.

How was your experience working with Cee-Lo?

Another blessing because he is a legend in his own time, so I truly feel like it was right to make this my 1st single.

What other producers are you looking forward to working with?

Honestly I’m down with whoever that have the hits, if you have that then lets make the magic happen.

So what project are you currently working on?

My 3rd Volume of Bitch Muzik w/DJ Scream

What would be your dream collaboration?

Rihanna

Are there any female rappers that you would like to work with?

Da Brat

You and Lil Scrappy have sort of become the Prince and Princess of Atlanta. Can we look forward to a collaboration between you two?

Yes we have a collab on his upcoming album called phone tag, and also a collab on my album, plus we will be dropping our mixtape Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Outside of music, are there any other ventures or projects you look forward to pursuing in 2010?

I want to get into modeling, establish my very own clothing line, and a beauty salon.

Dre P (VH1's Tool Academy 2)

Dre P – Not Just a Tool

I got the chance to have a talk with VH1 Tool Academy 2 cast member Dre P and discuss his background, his experience on Tool Academy, and his future plans.  I truly enjoyed chatting with the Toledo, OH native and learned that he is far from a tool and has quite an impressive resume – in music!  Yes this VH1 heartthrob was a hard working rapper before the show, and upon his return he got back to his grind like he never left.  Dre P is a young, humble, multi-talented man ready to make big things happen! Check him out:

You were a bit of a local celebrity before you appeared on VH1.  What were you doing before you were cast on Tool Academy 2?

Well I’ve been running a company called Fly Guy Entertainment.  I’ve been doing music since 2003, and while doing that we also threw the hottest parties and events in the city.

We’ll get back to the music because you have an impressive rap sheet.  So what brought you to Tool Academy?

I’ve dipped in film a little here and there.  I actually auditioned for I Love New York 2 and made it pretty far so I’m not a stranger to castings and auditions.  My girlfriend, Leah, told me that there was an opportunity to be a part of the HER Energy Drink campaign and I felt that I had the personality for that so we flew out to California.  Next thing I knew, I was on VH1’s Tool Academy 2.

So it REALLY was a surprise to you that you were going to be on Tool Academy?

Yes, it really was!  Like I said, I’ve gone to auditions before, but this one really caught me by surprise.

How was it getting along with the other guys in the house?

It felt a luxury prison – no phones, no TV, nothing.  It’s 12 guys in there and we’re all sleeping on these little cots. There was a lot of testosterone in the house so every guy wanted to be the big dog and intimidate people. 

Do you feel that you deserved to be on the show?

Yeah, definitely.  I’m a nice guy but I can ignite, go off quickly.  I had some personal problems that were affecting our relationship.  We had actually broken up right before the show started taping, but when I found out that I got casted on VH1, we both saw it as a sign that maybe this was meant to be and we worked through it.

Do you feel that you learned/gained anything from the experience?

Yeah I feel that I’ve changed a lot.  My outlook on relationships and dealing with females is different.  The therapy sessions were REAL.  As the show progressed, the sessions got tougher and I really learned a lot from them.

Why do you think that you were really eliminated?

Honestly, even though I kind of lost my cool that episode, I felt like I was progressing but my girl was digressing.  Leah is a hot head.  She was having problems with some of the other girls on the show.  I feel like she lost focus as the show progressed and fell out of tune with the purpose of us being there.

So how has it been between you and Leah since you left the show?

Being out in California opened up our eyes to a whole new world.  I saw that we could really advance ourselves and progress together, but I think the show went to Leah’s head. 

Yeah…I saw that she is now pursuing a rap career.  How do you feel about that?

I really think that she knew the exposure that she could get from the show before we went.  I think that the whole thing was pre-meditated for her. Before the show she wanted to go to school and get into film, now all of a sudden after the show she’s a rapper.

When you returned to Toledo after the show, did you notice a difference in the way people treated you?

Yeah, it’s funny how everyone thinks that since you’re on a reality show, you’re rich. People think that you’re mainstream so they wanna start hatin’. I get more support from other states than my own. It’s funny that when I did Apollo and 106 & Park that they couldn’t get enough of me.  But since I came back from the show I haven’t been getting any support. But shouts to The Juice 107.3.  They showed me love.

And that brings us back to the music, you have a nice resume. 

Yeah, I performed at the Apollo in Harlem in 2006.  After performing, a talent scout came to me and said she wanted me to meet Boyz to Men’s Shawn Stockton.  So we met, and after I free styled for him on the spot, he told me he wanted to sign me to his label.  Unfortunately, nothing ever came of it; I think he was kind of in over his head.  So later I performed BET’s 106 & Park.  That led to me doing advertisements and commercials for BET.  I also toured with Young Joc and his label Swagg Team for a while.

What are you working on now?

I’ll be in a fashion show in LA next month, as well as performing at 740 Club.  I’m currently pushing my mixtape, “106 & Parr” with the lead single “Rockin’ off my Rocker” which was produced by platinum producers, Trackzillas.

What’s next for Dre P?  What can we look forward to seeing from you next?

Look forward to some surprises.  I’m gonna catch people off guard.  You might see me in a few movies, or even a Got Milk ad.  Also look out for Ray-J's “Turn It Around” featuring me. 

Check out Dre P at:

Myspace.com/drep419

Twitter: @drep419

Youtube.com/user/drep419

Dre P's single - "Rockin Off My Rocker"

Big Boss E - Houston, TX

Big Boss E - Leader of the New Age Swag

Houston has bred some of the best contributors to hip hop. Legendary artists like UGK and Scarface set the bar for southern hip hop, sending a message that real MCs live in the south. Following them were H-town all-stars Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, and Chamillionaire. Let’s not forget the contributions from artists like Trae, Lil Flip, Z-Ro, and my personal favorite, Lil Keke gave in building the underground scene. It’s quite obvious that Houston owns a giant piece of the evolutional hip hop pie, and their stock continues to climb with their newest addition. Big Boss E is the leader of the new class of Houston hip hop and he’s setting new trends. His fast-talking, smooth and original style will show and prove what it means to have natural swag.

So when did you start rapping?

I started when I was 15 years old. I had a group called Dime Squad, all people I grew up with.

What inspired you to start rapping?

I’ve always loved music. I was born in Brooklyn so I grew up listening to Wu Tang and other New York artists. But I’m southern bred so I got the best of both hip hop worlds.

Who are your musical influences?

Pimp C, Snoop Dogg, Notorious BIG, and Jay-Z. Everybody that makes that good music that got swag to it.

Are there any particular Houston artists that inspire you, or that you admire?

Yeah - Slim Thug, Bun B, Scarface, Pimp C. I watched Slim Thug’s grind for a long time. I would see him in the streets and in the clubs always grindin’ promoting himself and I respected that.

What’s your opinion on the current Houston hip hop scene?

We’re just stuck in tradition. They’re used to just one style, and I’m trying to bring something different, a new delivery. H-town is a great place and I’m ready to bring the new age swag.

What will you contribute to Houston’s music scene?

New age swag. It’s flashy and flamboyant, but it’s real. I’m a hustler and I promote hard work. I want everyone to see Houston in a different light. It’s a whole new time around here.

What would be your dream collaboration?

Not so much any artists, but on the production side, DJ Paul. A producer is going to help take you another level more so than an artist. I’ve always been a fan of his production so that would be a dream collab.

Tell me about your mixtape. Any artists or producers featured that you’d like to mention?

The mixtape is called Grape Jelly Hoe and it’s hosted by The Empire. I’m bringing a new style and originality, along with the new age swag. I got a song on there called “Datz Me” featuring Ricki Li; he represents that new age swag. J. Kut did most of the production. He did Licky Licky and Role Call as well. He’s very serious about his craft and he’s contributing to the new age swag.

What is Grape Jelly Hoe? How did you come up with that?

It’s a way of life! Instead of me saying I wanna be successful, I say I want that jelly! I grind for that jelly. It’s like everything mixed in a pot of gumbo. It’s that lifestyle, it’s about swag.

Big Boss E’s “Grape Jelly Hoe” mixtape, hosted by The Empire coming in 2010.

Big Boss E - Roll Call