Shooting the 5 with: FIEND

(Interview Co-Edited with J-SEVEN)

When it comes down to the popularity of the South, there are people and camps that made history to make it a force to be reckoned with.  But for those empire to be strong, the foundation had to be strong.  And that foundation meant strong artists that could compete with anybody at any time.  For No Limit records, Fiend was one of the frontliners to any competitor coming for the label #1 spot.
Then came the time for the lyrical assassin to make his own lane and build his own brand.  Projects after projects, ghostwritting for  successful artists and having a distinctive voice that nobody has, Fiend has followers and fans from all over the world.
Now with a new album to offer the world, « 1st Rolex », we made sure we got in touch with Fiend to let the people know that this album is fire and why you HAVE to get it.
1- 1st Rolex:  what is the idea behind that title?
The concept behind 1st Rolex is, if you work hard for what you want or you can possess the motivation to be the person you want to be or obtain the lifestyle you desire and  then invest what those hours got you into something that exemplifies your drive you get 1st Rolex.  How bad do you want it?  Everyone knows the value of a Rolex and my 1st one was reward from getting up and making it happen.

 

2- With this project, it seems like it is more « Mr Whomp Whomp » than « Sweet Jones », more agressive.  Would you agree?
This project is a bit more aggressive for my day one supporters but make no mistake the smoothest brother to do it is also cooking up « Cool is in Session 2 » for the International Jones supporters as well.
3- What was the process to create that project?
The process of creating the music can vary, track selection, mood, surroundings can all play a major part in creating albums.  At the end of the day you got to let your soul speak.
4- Being independant, how do you make sure that a project will be promoted to the fullest?
Being independent and wanting to promote your project is never easy but hand to hand to people will never go out of style.  I use a variety of digital platforms such as social media etc.  But word of mouth tends to still work effectively.
5- I can’t forget about MAC who use to be your labelmate.  Do you keep in touch with him?
Mac from No Limit, yes I still talk to him.  Not as often as I would like but we keep in touch we miss him and C Murder dearly.  Be on the look out for his documentary about his case being falsely accused and charged for a crime he did not commit.
We would like to thank Fiend for this inteview.  Make sure you check out his new project,  « 1st Rolex ».  It is solid from beginning to end.  Also, check him out on social media.

No « I » in team: how to win as a group

(sidenote: we are using the male pronoun for the article but everything can be applied to women too)

Let me break it down like this: there is no way you can win on your own. You need associates, comrads, connects… TEAMMATES.
When you look at an artist, you often see his « day ones » as they say nowadays. But are the friends coming together beneficial to the artist?
This article is to guide you folks out there on how to be more organised and move as a team.  Here are the different aspects of a click that came to win.

Lil Wayne is by far one of the most charismatic artist out there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE ARTIST: he is the one with the talent, the one all eyes will be on. The main event.  A successful artist can write hits and perform them to entertain an audience. He has a charisma that attracts people to listen to his every word and impatient to see him. He can nail any style and would sell anything he presents to you.

 

Johnny J (RIP) is responsible for a lot of 2Pac’s hit records.

 

 

 

 
THE PRODUCER: also known as the beatmaker.  He is the hitmaker. He knows music because that’s his life. He creates instrumentals every day to perfect his craft and knows exactly what the artist’s voice would sound nice on.  He can produce any style and deliver in a short matter of time.

Young Guru is known for making those Rocafella hits sounding crisp.

 

 

 

 

 
THE ENGINEER: he makes everything sounds perfect. My advice: get one that learned music engineering because if he fails at making you sound clean you are doomed as an artist.

When it comes down to negociating deals, Wack100 makes it happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
THE MANAGER: the negociator of the crew. the manager is the middleman between the artist and anybody that wants to collaborate with him.  He gets the music to the different outlets (DJs, media, radio, etc…) and places (clubs, shows, on cars, etc…). He handles the contracts, find sponsors and make sure the image of the artist is spread properly.

DJ Blaster is one of the most successful DJ in Montreal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
THE DJ: most of the responsibility of a hit record is made by the DJ. Because if the DJ cannot spin your record anywhere and get a good response from the crowd, you will have to go back to the studio and rec another track.  A good DJ has a large fanbase that follows his craft and respect his judgement of a banger.

Someone should always be there to capture moments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
THE CAMERAMAN: that is the one who captures the priceless moments and put them out immediately.  He knows how to edit videos and at least produce small videoclips (for studio sessions, freestyles and hood clips). They say a picture is worth a thousand words and the cameraman/photographer is there to broadcast the stardom of the artist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***BONUS*** THE VIXEN: look at any commercial that really caught your eyes. What did you see?  A beautiful woman. Everybody is attracted to a nice face and a nice body (thick girls included). They will take notice at any eye candy and memorize what she has to offer.

 

Once you get a little bit of fame a couple of things will need to be added up in order to be top notch in the industry. Let me tell you what they are.
THE BARBER
THE STYLIST
THE LAWYER
THE ACCOUNTANT
THE COOK

Last but not least, there is a couple rules to go by as a team. Let me share with you the main ones.
1- Everybody knows his/her role and never tries to stumble on another one’s job.
2- A good associate is available 24/7.
3- If there something to get done he knows in advance and gets it done.
4- Everybody moves in an orderly fashion (nobody wants to follows bums)
5- EVERY TEAM GOTTA HAVE A NAME TO BUILD A BRAND

Hope this article was helpful for any small crew that wants to enter the scene.  Start slow and good luck.

TEAMWORK makes the DREAM WORK.

SHOOTING THE 5 with: COREY WRITES

 

When it comes to Canadian HipHop, usually Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal come to mind as the main markets. But there is more than those areas and Corey Writes is here to prove just that.
Coming from Halifax, Corey Writes been creeping is way up the industry to make a solid name for himself and his homebase. And now, after going through a tough period, a 9-year prison bid, he is ready to reintroduce his brand, lyrics and more.

1- Can you officially introduce Corey Writes to the people?
I’m Corey Writes (formerly known as Vinny Deniroz) an independent Artist/Songwriter and I’m Scotian to the bone. From Halifax, Uniacke Square but ain’t nothin’ square about it. I changed my industry name in prison, I just felt like it was time for a new beginning. I wasn’t proud of everything that I was representing at the time. So, new start and new name. Also, it’s my real name (No gimmick).


2- People been sleeping on the Halifax scene. Can you explain the vibe that makes it different from any other place?
The vibe that make it different than other places is that, not all of us ride the same wave. There is so much talent and many waves in Scotia (must be a coast thing). And once everybody wakes up, Scotia will be a force to be reckoned with in the music scene. I ain’t saying we are the best and all that. I’m just saying we have our own sound and it’s very rare that someone listens to us and don’t like us.

3- You have survived a very tough experience. What can you say to those that think that jail is cool?
Ain’t nothin sweet about it. You’re away from your loved ones, someone telling you when you can eat, sleep and take a piss. It’s being degraded on the ultimate level. Your opinion, your health and your name means nothing. You are just a number. It’s a very lonely place. And if you are fortunate to get visits and outside mail (as I was) then you also gotta carry the pain that your loved ones feel when they seeing you locked up or read it in a letter.


4- What can we expect from your latest projects?
Well, I think “Appreciate The Wait” is one my pride and joys. Because, it’s the first mixtape I dropped when I came home.  And, I felt as if it had to be a statement to the world saying “I’m Back”.  Since I been home I released 3 mixtapes: 1.“Appreciate the Wait” 2.“The Lost Files” and 3.“CW” in that order. And, yet “Appreciate The Wait” is a classic to some, I’ve been told.


5- If anybody wants to holler on some business/collaboration tip, how can they reach you?
I just dropped a new single on iTunes, GooglePlay, Tidal and all other music platforms called “Picture Me Rollin’ ft. (Juno award winner) JRDN. And, I have over 22,000 streams on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/2fHj2rAufNcDWDj6eZIbMa
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/whozcoreywrites the link to the new single is in my bio. My Twitter (www.twitter.com/coreywrites) isn’t used that much but when I do i post my thoughts time don’t post on other sites. My Facebook page (www.facebook.com/coreywrites1) is where I do a “Question of the Day” everyday.

We want to thank Corey Writes for this interview.  Like he said, he has a new single, « Picture Me Rollin » featuring JRDN.   Make sure you check him out on his Instagram (@whozcoreywrites) and on his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/coreywrites1). Catch up on his music via his Soundcloud too: https://soundcloud.com/coreywrites

 

SHOOTING THE 5 WITH: PRICE DA BOSS

STRAIGHT outta Toronto, Price Da Boss is the latest to make noise courtesy of his latest project, « Cameras ».  To make sure we don’t miss the wave -word to Max B.- we made sure we connected with the artist behind the fire bars to get more familiar with him.
1-Can you introduce yourself to the people?  (explain your alias at the same time)
 For those who dont know, I go by Priceless aka PriceDaBoss.  I also go by the name P.O.L.O which is an acranomn for « Pricey Only Lives Once » which was inspired by drakes Y.O.L.O slogan.  I am CEO of my own Record Label called « First Class Empire », and founder of a clothing called « Everythings Merch ».
2-With so many artists from the 416, how will you set a different tone from the pack?
One thing that puts me in a unique group of artist out of Toronto is my ability to cross the US border. I feel that if you are taking your craft seriously that is one of the things you want to protect with your life which is that ability to cross the border. I havent taken advantage of that fact as yet but I feel 2017 is that year to do so . Also im a fan first of Canadian Hip Hop, i know the industry in which I want to take over, its very important to know about the fans in Canada, your qoute unqoute competition, as well as media outlets like your self, shout out to @514Smoke for this opportunity.
 
3-What is the concept behind your project, « Cameras »?
Cameras are used to capture Priceless moments, and I feel that this is a moment for me, Priceless, so fuck it lets call the album Cameras.

4-What does the next 5 months look like to PRICE DA BOSS?
Definently plan on coming out to Montreal and linking up with your team most definently, I also want to just put out the best quality music I can, and take it from there. Dont worry im holding back a lil bit with this question just know that #514Smoke will get that exclusive word when the time comes.

5-Last but not least, if anyody wants to holla for business, how can they reach you?
They can reach me directly at @PriceDaBoss on Instagram/Twitter, or check me out at www.PriceDaBoss.com for updates , new music and videos.

Thank you PRICE for the quick quiz.  Make sure you check out his visuals and his project as well as his presence on social media:
INSTAGRAM: @pricedaboss

SHOOTING THE 5 WITH: C.STRUGGS

Sometimes how you discover an artist is some other shit.  And C.Struggs is one of them artist who we have a particular story.

A couple of months ago we came across a clip of a heavyweight individual in which he was dropping some gangsta knowledge.  But all we was focus on was the size of the dude spittin.  We put out a little comment and went about our way…  Until the individual in question replied to us.
To our surprise, C.Struggs was an artist moving up the latter to be one to be recognized in the game.  Even cosigned by Maybach Music tycoon Rick Ross himself.  We had to do our work and get familiar.  And we did.

Now, it’s time to introduce you to the man behind the gangsta tales, strip club parties and dope deals.  Ladies and gentlemen: C.STRUGGS.
1- For those who have yet to know you, where are you from exactly?
I’m From Dallas Texas, OakCliff to be exact by way of a small town called Ennis TX

2- When did you decided to take this rap business seriously?
In 2010 I wrote out a list of goals ann started knoccin dem out.
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3- How did you hook up with Rick Ross?
Through IG.  He was liking my videos so I reached out and he reached bacc.  He showed me love and did me a verse.  (Rick Ross did not charge the rapper for that verse, gave the 16 stickly on the strengt of support)
4- What’s next for C.Struggs?
New projects: « #DaFatCrip » is up next for a January release plus more videos and more grinding.
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5- If anybody wants to holla for some business, how do they get in touch with you?
Easy: IG @cstruggs232  Twitter @cstruggsgmg or hit my management on IG @clonefreeatm
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Thanks to C.Struggs for the quick interview and make sure you cop the latest mixtape, « Why Not Hustle.

« SHOOTIN’ THE 5 » with: BLCK COKE

 

With the release of their new EP, « Helluva Drug », we chopped it up with the collective with a quick quiz  for the regular reader to enjoy.  Let’s shoot it up.

1-What makes this project better than the last one?

This project was hand crafted from beginning to end. We spent a lot of time making sure it sounded how we wanted it to. Picking what we felt were the right songs that stood well next to each other from verses, to hooks & production. Oppose to when we’re in mixtape mode, those tracks are just created off vibe and whatever’s hot at the time. #HelluvaDrug

2-Best city « Outta Here »: Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver?

Toronto

3-Favorite « Drug »: Weed, Lean or Sex?

Star-Time & Fly Doh: WEED.

Prince Akeem & OneShot: SEX.

4-Describe the best outfit from head to toe to look « Super Clean ».

It’s all in ya confidence. All depend on how you carry it. 20% what you wear, 80% how you wear it. Just gotta be saucy. 

5-In honor to the « She Likes Me » snapchat: Top 5 Montreal Vixens to look out for?

You’d have to name some cause we don’t know of any.  No disrespect. 

We want to thank BLCK COKE for this exclusive quiz and make sure you cop that new project « Helluva Drug ».

Instagram: @BlckCoke

SHOOTING THE 5 WITH: JOJO CAPONE

jojo

Coming from the mean streets of Chicago, you have to be strong to survive. Going from there to make it in the music industry is a bigger challenge.
One who survived one and living off the other is none other than Jojo Capone. You probably saw him in those Smack DVDs (catch up youngins) or you sure heard about him saving rappers from sticky stuations.
Now with his own imprint, Act Like It entertainment, we chopped it up with the CEO on a couple subjects.

1- You came from a street environment and switched to a more business surrounding. What is the number one thing to do to make that transition?
CREATE GOALS THAT’S LEGAL.

2- They say the record business is a very complicated one. Would you agree?
YES IT IS WITH SOME OF THE MOST WICKED PEOPLE YOU CAN IMAGINE IN IT.

3- What is your relationship with Cash Money/Rich Gang?
MY FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS. #WILLIAMSBOYZ

4- You have your own brand, Global Gangsters. What are you bringing to the game with that brand?
#ACTLIKEITENT MY ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY GLOBAL GANGSTERS MY MOVEMENT AND I CREATED A GROUP FROM THE NAME ASWELL WHICH BROUGHT A MODERN DAY NWA STYLE GROUP MEMBERS BEING MYSELF, C-NOTE/BIG BLAST/PISTOL PETE/CHA-CHI /BLACK ROSE AND EXTENDED MEMBER CHIEF BIAS WHICH ACTUALLY LEAD THE YOUNG GLOBALS GROUP ALONG WITH HAITIAN GANGSTER/CHANE/SQAULLY.

5- One of your most memorable moment/untold story in the industry?
MEETING ERIC B IN PHILLY AND ALWAYS BEEN TOLD WE LOOKED ALIKE WITH THE BRAIDS LOL.

We would like to thank Jojo Capone for this article. Make sure you get familiar with his Act Like It imprint and check out his latest video  »Bad Bitches Only »

Is there a « New Texas »? – Introducing Manny Sauce.

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Screw music, slowed and chopped, laid back sound and Codeine lyrics. Texas been known to make classics out of those concepts.

But lately we’ve been hearing a more energetic style coming out of there and Manny Sauce is one of the main one responsible for that new type of sound.

So it’s only right for us to go and ask the man himself about the wave passing trough the South.

1- For people to get familiar right away: who is Manny Sauce?

I’m Manny Sauce aka Manny Bezza Mr#weworking Ima straight from Sauce Park apart of the wave but co.ceo of Stay Down for the Come Up ent

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2- Can you explain the meaning of « Sauce »?

Having Sauce is like Sauce Walka say is having Flava yall might say swagg but we drip.

3- It seems like Texas has a new vibe coming outta there lately. How do you describe it?

I believe Houston has reborn With a Monster the city has more unity then it did in the past south to the north so it’s looking good for us

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4- Talk about your project, « Welcome To Sauce Park ». What is the concept behind it?

Welcome to Sauce Park the Driptape comes with a look into Sauce Park from my eyes with features From Logo, Sauce Walka, Sauce Bands, Dead End Redd , Spilly Sauce Dough Boy Sauce and more
Producers like J Ragg , XO , Da Trak Major and more!!!
But I definitely want yall to look at Sauce Park from my point of view the struggles the pain the hustle and it’s gonna be a banger

5- For collabos and bookings, how do we get in touch?

If you need to book me you hit Wack or hit my Assistant Tootie 832-352-7201

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Thank you Manny Sauce for this quick interview. Get his mixtape « Welcome To Sauce Park » and follow him on Instagram: @mannysauce_staydown