Archives de catégorie : 514SMOKE

514SMOKE, Autres Villes, Editorial, Etats-Unis (PAYS), Non classé

REST EASY HOMIE – R.I.P. COREY « C.STRUGGS » STRUGGS

A man, a father, a brother, an artist with a Makaveli-like work ethic, C.STRUGGS made his mark on not only the Dallas Texas scene but the whole world.

By collaborating with every artists he could associate with, he made them recogognized to the world as well.  And that is priceless.

You didn’t loose your battle playboy, you won your spot in Heaven because God saw the beautiful work you did for the people.

You will be missed.  #LONGLIVECSTRUGGS

514SMOKE, Entrevues, Événements, Photos

Peezee presents: CAFE

On a snowy December 13th night, Peezee launched the release of his photobook, « CAFE », at Seasalt & Ceviche bar in the old port.
 
Many supporters and fans we’re there to see the man behind the art.  I, myself, made sure to be present as Peezee greeted people and shared stories.
 
In this interview, we chopped it up with Peezee on his latest accomplishement.  Ladies and Gentlemen: Peezee The Director.
1- What made you decide to release a photobook?
Anytime I would visit a city where I would direct a music video for an artist/label I would end up taking pictures of the locations to show them during the scouting process. I was posting most of these pictures on Instagram and the demand from people for actual prints were increasing as my IG account was getting noticed more and more by people liking this dramatic type of photography. This past summer I stumbled on a book publisher and approached them to see what the process was. It ended up being way simpler than I though it would be so I tried it with my 1st book entitled California Love!
2- How did you pick and chose which pictures would make the final cut?
For this book I wanted pictures with a darker vibe, even the ones in plain sunshine. I wanted something super uniform that would look more refined and could fit on any coffee table… I wanted it to look more « grown up«  if I can say. As I was working on some of my recent pictures, I noticed that most of them had a brownish or coffee tones to it. Then came the title « Café« .
3- What is one of your most memorable place you shot at?
My everyday favorite place to shoot in California is Laguna Beach, I go there 3 to 4 days a week just to shoot and chill by myself. I have directed multiple music videos for major labels there since 2009. But weekly personal shoots have become a therapeutic need for me when I’m in Cali. The dopest and livest location I have visited though was the sand dunes in Death Valley National Park… I took the trip there with my friend Viranova, an R&B singer from Orange, and we just had the best of times just driving up there! It’s about 4 hours from L.A. but to get there you gotta go through some of the craziest landscapes and scenic routes I had ever seen… Looks like Mars on many occasions… They actually shot many Star Wars scenes in the region… It’s a must see! I will be back there in the spring to direct a music video for a Bollywood artist!
4- Being a professional director VS being a successful artists?  Which one you love most?
I think it’s all connected. I couldn’t be a successful director without knowing how music works and what an artist goes through in his mind. When I was 20 years old, the artist thing was without a doubt something I needed as it was a direct mean of expression that I needed in life. Now that I’m older and don’t feel the need to express myself and perform for people, the director part fits me way more. The photography part even fills my heart with joy more than the director job these days!
5- If you could share one advice to someone who would want to follow you footstep, what is the one rule that he/she has to follow from jump?
There’s only 1 rule that I teach all my kids in Cali and here in Montreal. NEVER STOP WORKING. For each year that you stop, whether it is because of personal problems or anything, it pushes you back 3 years in your professional development. In a business that moves so quick, 3 years in entertainment is 10 years in real life. Never wait for the perfect opportunity, CREATE IT!!! Money means nothing in this game. Mobsters try to pay their way in all the time but hard work and knowledge of how it works. Experience is key, there are no shortcuts for that, you gotta live it and it can’t be bought!!!!
 
We would like to thank Peezee for this exclusive interview and congratulations on the launch.  
And make sure to follow Peezee on his social media network:
Want to book him?  Here is how: INFO@SKPFILMZ.COM
514SMOKE, Entrevues

CROWD CONTROLLA 101 – with J-SEVEN

When you go to a party, you go to have the maximum fun.  For that, some people will play a big part in making sure you enjoy the whole night and go back home with memories and laughters.

Enter J-SEVEN, the city’s infamous master of ceremony.  Hosting some the biggest events in every top spots in the 514.

For the future promoters, party planners and hosts, we got in touch with J-SEVEN and asked him how can someone not fail in his/her goal to please the crowd.  Enjoy the resume.

1- Always follow the vibe and energy of the crowd you are MC’ing for…
Respect the audience you are working with.  Try to create a kind of build up throughout the night.

2- Be clear and understandable when you are hyping up or trying to convey a message to the people…

Nothing worst then a MC who just sounds like a mumble rapper

3- Don’t let the liquor and the women get the best of you.  We know ladies in Montreal are fly but don’t lose focus…  And if you get too twisted after a few drinks, just keep a water bottle close by or better yet stick to that all night

4- Keep the charisma level super high.  Positive energy is contagious.
No matter how you feel that day, no matter what you think of the music, the crowd or the event you’re hosting, you are there to do a job but also to have fun.  If you have fun the crowd has fun.  Remember that.

5- Last but not least showcase your skills.   If you can rap or sing or be funny do it.  Whatever it takes to separate yourself from the pack.  Make sure that whatever you do, your presence is a positive addition to the night or party that you are hosting.

 

We want to thank J-SEVEN for this exclusive.  Make sure to get familiar with him and his many parties, events and ceremonies.  And if you would like to book him, get at him on his INSTAGRAM or on FACEBOOK.

514SMOKE, Entrevues

A man of many skills: Knemesis

In showbiz, if you want to make it you have to know how to do more than one thing.  This is an advice knemesis alias K-Fresh took to heart and applied to the T.

An artist first, K-Fresh been making a name for himself being the camera.  Enter Goldmine media 1.  A lot of the visuals coming from Toronto have been directed by the man himself.

We got in touch with Knemesis so he can explain why he thinks it was important for him to diversify his craft.

1- When did you know it was time to have a second hustle in the business?

Well they say if you turn your passion into a hustle it’s not really like working. I’ve been involved with music for so long and I pay close attention to every aspect of producing materials and video production became a new passion for me. I have strong connections in Toronto with artists so it was a good look to start this new venture when YouTube became the main tool for artists to get their music out there.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RpmsPjAjrjA

2- What is it about directing videos that caught your attention?

One things was having another director go hiding with my video that we did together. On a different occasion my older brother passed on some video equipment to me while I was on house arrest some years back. That’s what really sparked my interest to start. Here I am now with more than 200 music videos Directed, shot and edited.

3- Any funny story about a shooting?

I was downtown Toronto filming one day and I put down my drone behind me so It would be in my shot and a lady coming home from work just picked it up an walked away with it so I had to run her down and yell out « where you going with my drone! ». She said « People always leave things around here, you don’t know about this area? People leave things laying around here all the time ». I got my drone back but I thought she was crazy cause my drone doesn’t look like garbage.

4- Being an artist VS being a director.  Which one you enjoy most and why?

I’d have to say being a director but only because it’s a bit newer to me than being an artist. I enjoy competing with other directors and even with my previous work. I always want to go harder every time. To sit back and watch finished projects is the biggest joy.

5- Is there any other businesses you want or will get involved in the future?

I really want to level up with the video production and get into movie making and high end commercials. Maybe even a TV show who knows.. The sky is the limit.

We would like to thank Knemesis for this interview and remember people: working on your business craft is how you will survive in the game.

Follow Knemesis on Social media:

Facebook: The Knemesis

Instagram: @TheKnemesis

Soundcloud: @TheKnemesis

And get familiar with his directing skills by checking out all the videos directed by Goldmedia 1

514SMOKE, Autres Villes, Entrevues, Etats-Unis (PAYS)

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.

514SMOKE, Entrevues

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
514SMOKE, Autres Villes, Entrevues, Etats-Unis (PAYS)

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.
c-struggs-do-it
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.
c-struggs-too-real-1024x576
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
qfclur8x
Thanks to C.Struggs for the quick interview and make sure you cop the latest mixtape, « Why Not Hustle.

514SMOKE, Entrevues

« 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
514SMOKE, Entrevues

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 »