Last week I got a chance to jump on the phone with the very popular New York rapper, Vinny Cha$e. We chopped it up for about 20 minutes, and I was able to discuss several interesting topics and uncover a lot of great information about one of the best up-and-coming artists in the game right now. Fresh off his latest mixtape release, Survival of the Swag, Vinny has had an increase of national attention and I was very fortunate to be able to talk with such a focused, dedicated and educated artist. For Vinny Cha$e, music is one of many of his artistic talents. His passion expands so much further than just beats and lyrics. He's takes a lot of pride in all of his work and dedicates the necessary time to his craft to be able to say that he is putting out the best material that he can. Whether it's fashion design, film production or music, Vinny makes sure to stay relevant and stay focused on the goal in mind. Check out the Q&A portion of our conversation below... LMD: How is NYC right now after the Giants brought back another ring?
VC: Man, it was pretty crazy. They just had the parade and shit. I’m not a huge football fan, but I definitely like football. I’m more of a basketball dude, but the city was definitely on fire after that.
LMD: I feel you. So you fuck with the Knicks a little bit more than the Giants?
VC: Yeah, I definitely fuck with the Knicks. I like the Lakers too, though. That’s really my favorite team but I’m definitely a Knicks fan too.LMD: That’s what’s up. Did you get a chance to see Jeremy Lin yet?
VC: Yeah, man. That dude is illin’ right now.LMD: Yeah he’s kinda serious.
VC: No doubt.LMD: So, what part of NYC did you grow up in?
VC: Yo, I grew up in Harlem. 155th, Saint Nicholas Place. Right down the street from where Juelz is from.LMD: That’s what’s up, man. Actually, real shit, Juelz is my all-time favorite rapper.
VC: Hey that’s what’s up man, that the homie right there.LMD: Are you guys thinking about working together at any point in your career?
VC: Yeah we definitely got some shit coming up on the music side. I used to film for him a lot. I used to go on tour and all that shit. I was filming all his shit, like music videos and what not. We definitely got some music coming up, he was supposed to be on Survival of the Swag, but he had some prior obligations to deal with.LMD: Okay, I got you. That kind of leads into my next question. I read somewhere that you’ve been in the game for a minute now, doing more behind the scenes stuff like film and production and shit like that. What made you want to pursue your solo career and really concentrate on your career as a rapper?
VC: It’s not like I always knew I wanted to be a rapper. I actually only figured this out last year. It’s not really something I planned on doing, but I see so many new artists making it look so easy that I was just like, fuck, I know I can do that. You know what I’m saying?LMD: Yeah I feel you.
VC: I mean, I respect Lil B and all them, but if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have really thought it was possible.LMD: So basically, you’ve been kind of watching from a behind the scenes point of few and one day you were like “I got that talent, so I’m going to give it a shot” and started? And so far it’s worked out for you.
VC: Yeah, exactly.LMD: So, to talk a little bit about the mixtape, Survival of the Swag, that was dope as fuck. Hands down, one of my favorite projects of the year so far. What’s up with the creative process? Describe what it’s like in the studio with you when you’re about to go in on a track.
VC: I mean, really we usually record in the house. We’ve got our own set up and get everything mixed down. It’s rare that we go to a studio unless it’s for a feature. Like for Theophilus, or something like that, we might go to the studio and chop it up, smoke out, sip some lean, pour up, shit like that. I just be surfing the net. I try to know everything that’s going on everyday and just be relevant with the shit I’m saying. Keep it cutting edge and artistic, you know what I mean?LMD: Yeah, for sure. You kind of touched on my next question too. You mentioned Theophilus London and I noticed him, Soulja and maybe a couple other cats are the only features that you had on the tape. That really showcased your talent, but if you could collaborate with anybody, who would it be right now?
VC: It would be motherfuckin’ Jay Z! I gotta do it big, ya know? I need to be cool with Blue Ivy and all that.LMD: Yeah, man. Anybody that can get in with Blue Ivy is good for life.
VC: Yeah, man that’s who I want to work with. But on a more realistic level though, anybody that’s taking it serious. I don’t want to fuck with a nigga just cause. You know?LMD: Yeah I feel you. So any hard worker that you can help out, and they can help you out too?
VC: Exactly. Because I like all types of music too, it’s not only rap. I listen to everything.LMD: Yeah I noticed you had some dope samples on the mixtape. You had the Michael Jackson one, the Glen Frey one, the No Doubt one and you can tell you fuck with all types of music from different era and shit. Who did all the production on the tape, was that you and Kid Art?
VC: Yeah, it was me and Kid Art but it really was mostly Kid Art. Kid Art did a lot of the production on the beat side of things. I co-produced maybe 4 or 5 of them that I can think of off the top of my head but it was really all Kid Art and Cartier. He’s my manager and Co-Owner of Cheers Club.LMD: So Cheers Club, that’s the set? That’s you Kid Art and Cartier right?
VC: Yeah that’s me, Kid Art and Cartier. We’ve got some other artists about to drop too, like L. Hudson, and we’re working on some other shit to come out too.LMD: So right now, coming off a pretty hot mixtape, have you noticed a difference in the attention and buzz around you?
VC: Yeah, I’ve definitely noticed a difference. It feels cool to get such a positive feedback on it. It’s always good to create something and have other people like it as much as you do.LMD: As far as other projects, video or singles, do you have anything that you’re working on right now?
VC: Yeah, right now I’m working on me and Kid Art’s mixtape we’re about to put out next. We’re about to do a collab with just me and him on it. Other than that, I’m just making songs for my album.LMD: Dig it. I’m going to let you close out the interview, let the audience know why they should fuck with you. What are you bringing to the game that nobody else has?
VC: What I bring to the game is that I really give a fuck about this shit. It’s not like I wake up in the morning and do nothing, you know what I mean? I’m really passionate about fashion. I’m really passionate about music. I’m really passionate about what the fuck we’re doing and we just aren’t like anybody else. Also, we own everything, you know? We came together to make a company and just did it like that, so that’s what’s up. Mixtapes
Aside from providing arguably the greatest tweet I've ever read, Blackbear is also a hell of a musician. He represents the artistry of music more than most current musicians I can think of. When you listen to his work, whether it's his vocals or a song he's written for another artist, it's a reminder of why you love music so much. The passion, creativity and quality are never lacking from any of his material. With quite a few accomplishments already under his belt and a very promising career, you should all keep a very close eye (and ear) on Blackbear and watch greatness as it grows. Name? Blackbear aka Mat Musto Hometown? Palm Coast, FL / Atlanta, GA / Hollywood, CA When did your career in music start? When I made my first 100 dollars off playing my little cousin's birthday when I was 12. For those who might not be familiar with Blackbear yet, can you talk about the Mat Musto name change and tell the readers who Blackbear is as an artist? Blackbear is a dark character with much more of a conceptual vision of entertainment. I took on the roll at the perfect time, and I know if you liked anything Mat Musto has done before you will love Blackbear. What projects are you currently working on?I've been doing a lot of single work for major artists, but mainly writing and recording my debut 4 song EP "Foreplay," That will come out early 2012. So far, what has been the proudest moment of your career?When I told my mom she didn't have to cry about money anymore. How do you feel you differ from the rest of the music industry?I take my time with the art direction of all aspects of my project. Blackbear is a story. We all know you can sing, but we want to know: can you spit?No. What is your biggest inspiration to follow, and keep following, your dreams in music?The feeling I get when we are in the studio bouncing down a record, then the feeling doubles when I release it, and triples when the cubs know the lyrics at my concerts. There's no drug in the world to make me feel that way besides music. You were recently featured on Mike Posner’s mixtape and have worked with him in the past; can you talk a little bit about your friendship and work relationship with Posner?He hit me up on twitter and asked me to write with him and fly to California. Mike is such a talented lad, I was skeptical about working with him at first but once I walked in the room and we started writing our first record together I realized the heat that this dude can come up with on the spot. He's like my big brother. You also worked with MGK and Kyle Lucas, who we recently featured on the site, and because of you we also became fans of them back when you dropped “Over Being Sober.” Can we expect any more collaboration from you guys anytime soon?I'm glad you dig those guys. Kells and Kyle are some of my best homies, we all go miniature golfing when we're in town. I did a song called " End of the Road" with MGK last year that made his mixtape and we made "End of the Road Pt. 2" a few months ago, keep on the lookout for that! Did you ever have a “mentor” for your career? If yes, who? What did they do to benefit your career?My mother. She taught me to keep a balance and live my life in moderation. Today I strongly believe it is the best advice anyone can give. The universe works on a balance like karma, I'm a strong believer. If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?Anyone? I would collab with Andre 3000. I learned from him to never hold my weird back. Give our readers one last fact about yourself that you always want fans to remember about you.Enough about me, just always remember that you are not a mistake, and if anyone tells you different let it be the last one they ever make. Contact
A few weeks ago, on Halloween, Yonas Michael dropped his genre-defying album, Lost In Hollywood. The Seattle native put together one of the most complete projects I've heard this year, but contrary to what you may think, this was not his first album. Formerly known as Y-O, Yonas Michael's rap duo U-N-I has had much success in the past. Now focusing on his solo career, he blends together a series of sounds like you've never heard before. I can feel inspirations from all genres of music, which is what makes his work so easy to listen to. The ability to stand out is tough these days and Yonas Michael has created his own lane to do so. The future is bright for this humble star on the rise as long as he doesn't too get lost in Hollywood. [Photos by Kevin Coffey] Name?
Yonas Michael
Hometown?
Seattle, Washington
When did your career in music start?
My career started as a kid, and of course I didn't realize it. I used to do my best Michael Jackson impersonation inside my grandmother's kitchen...
So far, what has been the proudest moment of your career?
For now, I can say my album release party was just one of those nights where everything was perfect and in slow motion. The energy under the roof that night was unbelievable.
How do you feel you differ from the rest of the music industry?
From the type of music I prefer to make a song over, the topics I choose, from the way I sing or rap it & best answer of all....SEBASTIAN!!!
What is your biggest inspiration to follow, and keep following, your dreams in music?
Anytime I think of my mother it makes me work harder, she's been on her grind since she gave birth to me and never stopped. I can probably can count on one hand for the amount of vacations she's had. Only goal for me in music is to keep making great music for everyone to dance, smile, laugh & bob their heads to.
Did you ever have a “mentor” for your career? If yes, who? What did they do to benefit your career?
I think I had a few down the line. One for sure was my uncle Anthony. I've watched him record in my old basement room as a kid and took notes. Finally, when I got older he was the first to record me and showed me how to count bars and structure a song. Uncle Bobby was another mentor, he played more of the motivation and confidence roll for me which helps.
If you could collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
Mos Def & Adele on the same record. Black On Both Sides was the first album I bought and studied. Adele's voice and presence is just so huge and beautiful you can't deny it.
Fill in the blank, I will be satisfied with my career when I ____________?
Can't answer that...
Who are your top 5 musicians, dead or alive?
Mos Def, Andre 3000, Jimi Hendrix, Kanye West and N.E.R.D.
What is ONE thing you want our readers to know about you, as a person or a professional, that they might not already know?
I'm a SCORPIO!
"Lost In Hollywood"
Meet Tinashe Kachingwe, better known as Tinashe. Simply put, she is a star. Ever since her first words as a baby, she's been singing, dancing, acting, and performing. Only 18 years later, she's earned herself so much success and still has so much more she can accomplish. Notice I said singing, dancing, acting and performing. I wasn't saying that to stretch my sentence length, Tinashe starting touring as a young teen with an all-girl group called The Stunners. The group was affiliated with Lionsgate Entertainment, Columbia Records and Universal Republic Records during her time with them. They recorded a lot of music, shot a lot of videos and toured a lot of cities before Tinashe decided to concentrate on her solo career. As an actress, Tinashe has had some very early success. As her film credits rapidly increase, the highlight of her acting career thus far would be starring along side Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men, which has consistently been one of the highest rated television programs over the last 8 years. Back to her singer career. Now solo, Tinashe is recording an album and shooting videos while still managing her multifaceted career. Don't act surprised when she becomes the biggest name in the entertainment business. It could happen any day now. Q&A with Tinashe Name?
Tinashe
Hometown?
La Crescenta, CA
When did your career in music start?
I first was signed to a major label at age 14 when I was in the girl-group The Stunners.
So far, what has been the proudest moment of your career?
I don't think anything compares to hearing yourself singing one of your own songs on the radio.
How do you feel you differ from the rest of the music industry?
I have so much to offer. I'm a songwriter, a performer, a 14-years classically-trained dancer, a forward-thinker, a video editor and I can really sing my ass off [laughs]. Besides that, I'd say stylistically I always try to push the boundaries or be a little unexpected. The only thing I'm certain of is that if I continue to make music that is cool to me, someone else is going to think it's cool too.
What is your biggest inspiration to follow, and keep following, your dreams in music?
My biggest inspiration to continue following my dreams is myself! I would never be content or settled if I stopped, simply because I have been so certain for as long as I can remember. Giving up now, or ever, would be a huge insult to myself for all of the work and energy I've put into this.
Did you ever have a “mentor” for your career? If yes, who? What did they do to benefit your career?
No one really ever mentored my music career, but my parents were definitely responsible for all over-all advice I ever received career-wise, dating all the way back to my child-actor days. They have helped benefit my career so much and I can see that now, especially as I grow up and witness other kids my age who have wound up in bad business deals with bad people. Having my parents protecting my rights from an early age really always ensured that I was set up for a music career I was in control of.
If you could collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
Beyonce because she's amazing
Fill in the blank, I will be satisfied with my career when I ____________?
choose.
Who are your top 5 musicians, dead or alive?
Michael Jackson, Sade, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Kanye West
What is ONE thing you want our readers to know about you, as a person or a professional, that they might not already know?
I can do... a lot of different things.
Contact
If you grew up in the Atlanta area as a fan of hip-hop, it's safe to say that Outkast has somehow left an impact on your life. For Kyle Lucas, that impact may be a little different than others. Three years ago, after a long road of hard work, Kyle Lucas and his band Vonnegutt were signed to Purple Ribbon Records, which is owned by Outkast. Kyle Lucas' lyricism and unique flow fits perfectly with Vonnegutt's mixture of hip-hop, rock, and funk which earned them a spot on the label after creating a huge national buzz for themselves. Aside from the band, Lucas also works as a solo artist and tours both with and without his band. He's rocked crowds at Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, Bonnaroo and the Pitchfork Music Festival. He's also taken the stage on The Letterman Show, as well as the George Lopez show. If you're not already a fan, now is the perfect time to catch up. He just released his latest EP last week and Vonnegutt's new album hits the shelves early next year. Should be a great year for this Purple Ribbon All-Star... Q&A with Kyle Lucas Name?
Kyle Lucas
Hometown?
Marietta, GA
When did your career in music start?
I signed my record deal 3 years ago, so I guess I've been making music professionally since then, but I've been recording music since I was 15.
So far, what has been the proudest moment of your career?
[Wow, that’s a great question] The past two years have been like a blur. We’ve done a lot of cool stuff, but the proudest moment would have to be performing with Big Boi on Letterman. That’s a dream come true.
How do you feel you differ from the rest of the music industry?
I’m not sure. Probably just cause I’m a normal college kid who loves making music. I’m not really a industry type of dude, just a Marietta kid who’s not too shabby at rapping.
What is your biggest inspiration to follow, and keep following, your dreams in music?
My parents. They are always so supportive as well as the hardest working people I know. They literally made something out of nothing. It’s just super inspiring to be around them. My work ethic comes from them for sure.
Did you ever have a “mentor” for your career? If yes, who? What did they do to benefit your career?
Yeah, when I was 17 years old I worked at a book store in Marietta called The Book Nook. It sucked [laughs]. But there was this guy who worked at the gas station next to it named Syd Vicious. He was and still is the dopest rapper in my city. He kind of guided me on rhyming and shaped how I rhyme now. He still rhymes; he’s big in the battle circuit and runs Grindtime ATL. You should check him out, he’s phenomenal.
If you could collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
I always wanted to make a song with Claudio from Coheed & Cambria. They’re my favorite band and I think he’s an incredible vocalist and lyricist. We’d make a sick song.
Fill in the blank, I will be satisfied with my career when I ____________?
Win A Grammy.
Who are your top 5 musicians, dead or alive?
Claudio Sanchez (Coheed & Cambria), Outkast, The Temptations, Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z.
What is ONE thing you want our readers to know about you, as a person or a professional, that they might not already know?
Just know that I’m just like you.
Terry Urban is what you call a Renaissance Man. He has a significant amount of skills in various areas that leave him with very few limitations to what he can do. The man who was once an Art School student has had professional experience in skateboarding and Graffiti art. Now, we call him a DJ, but I prefer to use the term Musical Entrepreneur. Rocking huge NYC clubs every weekend is only a fraction of Terry Urban's career. I'm sure you can find him playing host on one of your favorite recently released mixtapes. If you tune in to The Press Play Show, then you know he kills it on a weekly basis with his long time friend and music partner, Mick Boogie. He also uses his Renaissance Man skill-set to venture outside of music. With clients, fans, and colleagues in all types of professional industries, Terry Urban shows that with hard work, talent and a good attitude, only you can limit how far you can go. Oh yeah, and Terry Urban is his real name. Get to know him a little better in the Q&A below. Q&A with Terry Urban Name? Terry Urban Hometown? [ I was] born in Cleveland, but reside in NYC. When did your career in music start? About 10 years ago. So far, what has been the proudest moment of your career? There is a lot of star studded moments I can talk about, but nothing beats getting paid for the first time at my first gig and realizing I could make a living off of DJ'ing. How do you feel you differ from the rest of the music industry? A lot of people get scared to listen or perform other genres of music. I luckily grew up listening to all kinds of different shit, so im not scared to listen or play your music just because you look different than me. I'll play a punk song at a club and then go into a hip hop song. I don't care if you like it or not. At least you’re still dancing and I taught you something in between time. What is your biggest inspiration to follow, and keep following, your dreams in music? Music is my biggest inspiration. As long as I have music I will always be happy. Did you ever have a “mentor” for your career? If yes, who? What did they do to benefit your career? Mick Boogie helped me out a lot. If you could collab with anyone, who would it be and why? The Rolling Stones. They’re rock gods, obviously. Fill in the blank, I will be satisfied with my career when I ____________? I’ll never be satisfied. Who are your top 5 musicians, dead or alive? Van Morrison, A Tribe Called Quest, Neil Young, Biggie and The Rolling Stones What is ONE thing you want our readers to know about you, as a person or a professional, that they might not already know? I'm a nice guy who started DJ'ing for the love and not because it's cool right now to be a DJ. Also, Mick Boogie and I just started a new website called MixStream. It's an awesome and simple site for people to go listen and download mixtapes. These are our three favorite Terry Urban mixtapes. Enjoy them! Contact
When we asked Mod Sun to list some of his biggest accomplishments, he simply said, "being alive."
How cool is that?
This is a guy who is creating his own lane to the fullest. Mark my words, if there aren't already, there will be people who try to emulate his Hippy Hop style of music.
He started as a drummer in a group called Four Letter Lie and was touring by the time he was 18. That experience was when he realized that he born to interact with crowds so he progressively worked his way to the solo career he is molding for himself today.
Don't sleep on Mod Sun. An artist with this talent, versatility and uniqueness doesn't come around too often. His music is easy to listen to, which is something I value heavily. Check him out and be on the watch for some major growth from Mod Sun because this is going to be a huge year for him. Q&A with Mod Sun Name?
MOD SUN
Hometown?
Bloomington, MN
When did your career in music start?
At birth.
So far, what has been the proudest moment of your career?
Being featured in Rolling Stone Magazine & Hitting #1 on the iTunes hip hop chart.
How do you feel you differ from the rest of the music industry?
I can't really speak on any other artist but myself. I can tell you that I'm not doing this for money, chicks or fame. I devoted my life to spreading positivity and at this stage I'm doing that through music, hippy hop.
What is your biggest inspiration to follow, and keep following, your dreams in music?
The Law Of Attraction. Look up "First 15 Minutes of The Secret" on YouTube.
Did you ever have a “mentor” for your career? If yes, who? What did they do to benefit your career?
Bob Dylan is my inspiration. I've never spoken to him but he speaks to me [through music]. Cisco Adler is a "mentor" of mine, when it comes to people who I know.
If you could collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
Bob Dylan or Tegan & Sara.
Fill in the blank, I will be satisfied with my career when I ____________?
I'll always love what I'm doing, but I'll never be satisfied or comfortable.
Who are your top 5 musicians, dead or alive?
[Musically] Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Jimi Hendrix, Travis Barker and Neil Young.
What is ONE thing you want our readers to know about you, as a person or a professional, that they might not already know?
I believe in you. I have no fans, just friends.
Downloads Contact
When Mick Boogie came to Indianapolis this Summer, one of my partners (Pat) got the chance to go see him spin at one of the premier clubs downtown. The second he left the show, he texted me and said, " Mick Boogie is the best I've ever heard live. Hands down." At the time, Talent of the Week wasn't even a part of this website so when we decided to start this weekly feature I told Pat to do whatever he had to do to get an interview with Mick Boogie. I sent Pat the interview questions early the next morning. Later that night, I had a complete interview with one of my favorite DJ's transcribed and ready to post. It was that simple. I was blown away because usually getting in touch entertainers can be difficult, especially an entrepreneur of this caliber. It is confusing to me that most generic local rappers give me the run-around for a simple interview, but Mick-fucking-Boogie made this happen the same night! Think about that for a second. I can't say that I know Mick personally but I can say that when you carry yourself with a great, humble, hard-working attitude, like he does, only positive results will come. His clients are your favorite rappers, singers, movie stars and companies. His specialty is putting on energetic live performances and hosting unreal mixtapes. Get to know Mick a little better in this short Q&A below. Q&A with Mick Boogie
Name?
Mick Boogie
Hometown?
Poland, OH but now Brooklyn, NY.
When did your career in music start?
When I started playing piano and drums in elementary school...
So far, what has been the proudest moment of your career?
I can't really say. Every year something happens to makes me revise that. I'd say right now, it's a three-way tie between traveling the world multiple times to do what I love, moving to NYC & being successful and doing mixtapes with the guy who inspired me to DJ (Jazzy Jeff).
How do you feel you differ from the rest of the music industry?
I'm creative, I'm about my business and I'm also ethical. 3 traits rarely combined.
What is your biggest inspiration to follow, and keep following, your dreams in music?
The fact that my wife and I will have kids someday and I want to provide an awesome life for them.
Did you ever have a “mentor” for your career? If yes, who? What did they do to benefit your career?
Not officially. [But] more esoterically... Jazzy Jeff inspired me to become a DJ, and is an awesome friend/advisor now, which is amazing. Also, my wife helps make every decision I make [at least the big ones]. She is usually 100% on point.
If you could collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
The Red Hot Chili Peppers. My favorite band.
Fill in the blank, I will be satisfied with my career when I ____________?
I'll never be able to answer that because I keep evolving.
Who are your top 5 musicians, dead or alive?
Jay-Z.
Miles Davis.
Eric Clapton.
Gershwin.
Sade.
What is ONE thing you want our readers to know about you, as a person or a professional, that they might not already know?
I have two cats who are awesome, but one pisses on the floor too much and the other eats way too much food.
Upcoming Shows:October 11: Darby // NYC October 13: Red Bull Event // Houston October 14: XIX // NYC October 15: Adidas Event // Chicago October 16: Studio Paris // Chicago *visit site for more show dates
He is Your Wifey's Favorite DJ and strongly encourages you to Cuff Your Chick. He is most likely the host of your favorite mixtape. He is the content director of the website you probably download all your new rap from. He is an award winning DJ that resides is LA but always represents his Indiana roots. He is DJ ILL WILL.If you've ever listened to a respectable rap mixtape then you know exactly who Ill Will is. Aside from being a world famous DJ, his is also a humble, hard-working, entrepreneur who continually strives for excellence. Meet the homie. Q&A with DJ ILL WILL
[complete the following sentences]
My name is: DJ ILL WILL
I am from: South Bend, Indiana
I’ve been doing this since: 2007
So far, the proudest moment of my career has been: being named a MTV Top Mixtape DJ for 2010. That was pretty big for me.
I am different from the rest of the industry because: of my grounded upbringing. I think being educated and from the Midwest has made it a lot easier for me to deal with the industry Executives. I’ve heard it a million times that it’s refreshing to deal with a humble person in this chaotic business full of crazy people. (laughs)
I was inspired to follow this dream by: passion. I was always kind of obsessed with music, but it kind of grew even worse over time. [In college] at Ball State I played baseball my Freshman year and I feel like I replaced my Baseball obsession with music after my freshman year. I have that type of personality [and I think more likely due to boredom] I missed having something I was passionate about after being so focused on Baseball for so many years.
[But definitely] BSU groomed me as far as music is concerned. It helped me realize the market that is out there, but more importantly I was exposed to so many different varieties of music from all the parties, tailgates and unique friends I met over my 5 years at BSU. (laughs)
If I could collab with anyone, it would be: ...I would love to work with many artists. Probably my first pick to do a Mixtape with would be Lil Wayne, though. Gotta be all original music, no industry beats!
I won’t be satisfied with my career until I: ...I think I have the type of personality where I will never be satisfied, but I think I will be able to sleep more at night when I reach the financial goals necessary so that my future kids don’t need to worry about working [unless they want to]. (laughs)
Upcoming Projects:New project coming out with his artist, Kid Ink, dropping 10/10. Touring and hosting mixtapes year around. Recent Releases:Check out all of Ill Will's 300+ mixtapes here.
The name grabs your attention and the talent makes sure you never forget the name. Tayyib Ali is an 18 year-old rapper from Philly who has earned himself quite the buzz. Let me throw some numbers your way. 19,334 Facebook fans. 7,226 Twitter followers. 28,453 downloads on his debut mixtape. 38,951 downloads on his Sophomore mixtape. Numbers do not lie. Ever. What can you expect from a Tayyib Ali record? His bars are the epitome of real. He offers a wide variety of song styles, but you can always hear that authentic East Coast hip-hop influence in his bars, which is a great thing to have. Look out for Tayyib to be making major moves in the near future. Remember the name. Q&A with Tayyib Ali
My name is: Tayyib Ali
I am from: Philadelphia, PA
I’ve been doing this since: I can remember.
So far, the proudest moment of my career has been: Performing at Highline Ballroom in NYC.
I am different from the rest of the industry because: I got that fresh wave of dope, rare shit you can only find in the Keystone State.
I am inspired to follow this dream by: Joel Madden and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte. They give me great advice.
[Could you describe your relationship with the Madden brothers? How did you meet and how have they been helpful to your career?]
"The Madden brothers were originally fans of my music. So, they got in touch with my people and I made a trip out to LA around that time. When I was out there, we linked up. I've been a fan of Good Charlotte since I was young so it was a pleasure to be a part of some of the things they are doing right now. We met and vibed out, they are the homies now. Just real people, and thats hard to come by in the game."
If I could collab with anyone, it would be: Pharrell Williams.
[Why is Pharrell your "go-to" collaboration?]
"I've just always loved Pharrell's sound and he's inspired me in many ways."
I won’t be satisfied with my career until I: can match the accomplishments of Jay Z.
Upcoming Projects:Currently working on new music and doing shows. Featured on the upcoming Good Charlotte mixtape. Featured on Statik Selektah's Population Control album. Most Recent Projects:" Eighteen" " Keystone State of Mind" Most Recent Songs:"Live on the Road" ft. Dave Patten (below) "Do It" (below) "California Love" (below) Previous Releases: Contact:Email:Management/Booking: Chris@TeamVisionary.comSocial Media:Twitter // Facebook // Web // DatPiff // YouTube
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