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HHN#95 January Issue Part 2 - Difficult Takes A Day/Impossible Takes A Week
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Written by AMA ENTERTAINMENT
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Tuesday, 10 January 2006
 ****************** ******************
HHN ISSUE #95
* HOLDING DOWN THE REAL HIP-HOP SINCE '96 *
SPITKICKER, THAT'S THE CREW!!!
****************** ******************
Hip-Hop Without Boundaries - From The Web To Your Block
ADVERTISE IN THE HHN
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HHN READERS:
HHN is looking for writers!!! We are looking for writers from all across the globe to talk with some of the biggest names in music and write regular features in the HHN. All positions are non-paid. Writers will receive full credit for their work. Hit us up at mailto:amaent@rogers.com and get down with the HHN!
:::::::::::::::::::::::RECORD CHECK:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HHN features more reviews than any other online Urban music source.
Understanding HHN rating system:
***** - Classic
****.5 - Excellent, add to your collection today
**** - Very Good, worth checking out
***.5 - Good
*** - Strong points, but needs work
**.5 - Average
** - Poor
* - Wack
JUELZ SANTANA
What The Game's Been Missing!
Def Jam
Rating ***
Santana's new nickname could be the lone soldier. As his Diplomats family fled Def Jam for Warner and KOCH pastures, Juelz stayed put with President Carter for his 2nd album. Santana's debut album "From Me To U" is one of the most underrated debut albums in Hip-Hop history. The passion and confessional tone to Santana's lyrics made songs like "Why", "Raindrops" and "One Day I Smile" certified heaters. The new album retains some of the emotion from the first LP, as songs like "Daddy" (sampling Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing), "Changes" featuring Razah, and the family oriented "Good Times" are powered by personal stories from Santana's life and more than a few ounces of pain. But the focus on "What The Game's..." are the streets. "Mic Check" is a kick to the chest, as Juelz spits fire over a booming Neo Da Matrix track. Additional highlights include the "Mr. Postman" sampling "Oh Yes" and "Shottas" featuring Cam'Ron and Sizzla. Unfortunately, much of the LP is pure thug posturing with little substance, and any true Diplomats fan knows that Santana is capable of much more. "Kill 'Em", "Freaky", and the atrociously bad "Kid Is Back" are a few examples of the large amount of under produced and unpolished material that appears on this album. If you've never bought a Santana album before, pick up his near classic debut before this uneven effort.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "I Am Crack"
DJ MUGGS VS. GZA
Grandmasters
Angeles Records
****
Hip-Hop fans nearly wet their turntables when word dropped that GZA and DJ Muggs were linking up for an entire album of dirty basement beats and the Wu-Tang's most fluid lyrics. This LP does not disappoint and ends up being one of 2005's finest Hip-Hop releases. The duo of Raekwon and GZA on the early era Wu-Tang sounding "Destruction of A Guard" is pure genius, while "Those That's About It" and "All In Together Now" showcase DJ Muggs knack for dirty beats that still retain a Soulful backdrop. GZA's shining album moment is the conceptual "Exploitation of Mistakes" as he runs through the fictitious story of a mysterious crash. Additional highlights include "Unprotected Pieces", "Opening" and "Advance Pawns" (featuring a heater of a verse from RZA). "Grandmasters" is one of the strongest pure Hip-Hop albums you will find from the year of '05.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "Advance Pawns"
ETERNIA
It's Called Life
Urbnet
****
Eternia is one of Canada's most critically acclaimed MC's. "It's Called Life" is her debut album and she's already been called "Canada's dopest female MC" by Exclaim Magazine. Eternia's flow is a booming one and her vocal sound is difficult to swallow for an entire LP. However, the positives with Eternia lie in her lyrical content, which is a heavy dose of confessional and historical looks into her life and family. "Time" and "Hate" are excellent cuts aided by booming tracks from producers Rude and Simahlak. Additional highlights include "Love" featuring Jessica Kaya, "Bang" produced by Collizhun and the album's highlight "Understand (If I)" featuring Freestyle. Aside from a flow that will take a few listens to get used to, Eternia is far more than Canada's dopest female, she's probably one of the better one's in the whole game right now. "It's Called Life" is a great album in the same vein as Common's "BE" and Talib's "Beautiful Struggle."
DOWNLOAD THIS: "Understand (If I)"
::::::::::::::::::::: FAMILY BUSINESS :::::::::::::::::::::::
By Todd Davis
"Alabama stand the fuck up!!!! THE PRESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH ARE HERE NOW..."
- 334 M.O.B.B.
"To be honest, we've been doing this for a long time," Sawed-Off, one half of the Montgomery, Alabama rap duo 334 M.O.B.B. begins, while attempting to retrace the group's early beginnings. Reflecting, "Our father had us in music at a young age, like 7 or 9, doing music. Then we grew up, and got in the streets and started rapping -- doing indie tapes, then mixtapes, etcetera."
The whole musical inception of real life siblings, Supa Star and Sawed-Off, actually dates back well over a decade to when their father first formed a gospel group back in 1994. Since that time, the brothers have continuously honed their songwriting and production skills, thus garnering them the recent attention of Def Jam brass, LA Reid. "We have a huge following on these streets, Internet, etcetera. So, we've been dropping mixtapes, CD's, MP3'ing singles to every damn deejay in the world. And, we basically got noticed for our hard work," Sawed-Off believes whole-heartedly. Further adding, "Next thing I knew we were on a plane to New York City to work out some things with a few business partners. And, the second time we went to N.Y.C., we came back with a deal. We did the showcase for Def Jam (Records) exec., LA Reid, and a whole host of others, and they loved it. LA was really shocked to see how we kept their attention, and how we rap and sang, and it's on some hood shit. So, he wouldn't let us leave the building (until we signed a deal)."
On the group's unique moniker, Supa Star explains its' derivation, "3+3+4=10. MO (Montgomery).B.rothers B.uried, is what we represent. There
(are) ten more niggaz that die each day with this same dream of being something in life." Continuing with seriousness in his voice, "We are the voice for them. It's not about us; it's about the people we lost along this road. We want to be the voice for the people with no voice. We have an outlet to be heard worldwide. So, we will tell that story that hasn't been told yet. It's also the area code for our city, Montgomery, Alabama."
334 M.O.B.B., who was reared on everything from the Goodie Mob, Crucial Conflict, Bone Thugs & Harmony, as well as Al Green, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy, took a lil bit of influence from each genre and morphed it into one complete sound. "Rap Ghetto Soul," Supa Star answers when asked to describe the group's overall vibe. "There (are) no words to really describe it. It's like a buffet. You can take a skinny, or a big broad, to a buffet because it 's a variety there. 334 M.O.B.B. has a unique sound there is not another group that sounds like us. But, overall, we make classics, instant hits. When they come on, you're gonna know why we got signed. And, we have music for everybody, and that's real talk. Either it's storytelling, or talking about fucking a broad, or the streets -- it's a full plate."
Although tomorrow is not promised to anyone, God willing, 334 M.O.B.B. are definitely in this for the long haul. "People know 334 MO.B.B.put(s) God first, and what he has for you will be for you -- no matter what," Sawed-Off preaches. Offering, "The faith, talent, and drive that we have will take us to another level. And, we always remember no one really cares for you in this business. Therefore, we have adapted the 50 Cent mentality, 'Get Rich Or Die Trying,' and that's as real as it gets. We never really had much, but family and faith, (plus) we never thought we would be at this point. But, now that we are, we are going no where."
As for future endeavors, the members of 334 M.O.B.B. have definitely committed to giving back, not only to their own community, but to anywhere else that needs that much needed helping hand. "(It's bigger than our music. We strive) just to help the poor and the homeless," Supa Star relays. Reiterating, "Like I hate to see what happens to the people of New Orleans. It's fucked up out here. And, no matter how much we want to be positive about our current America, the shit is out of hand,
(especially) how FEMA is putting people out on the street. We just need to pray and stay with a heart full of love for one another to rise above."
In conclusion, Sawed-Off predicts optimistically, "I see us leaving a mark on this game. I see a lot of bullshit artist(s) leaving this game, because the M.O.B.B. (are) here now. But, overall I just hope we see 5 or 10 more years of this life, because a lot of our loved ones, and homeboyz, didn't even make it to (the age of) 25, so it would be a blessing just to be kicking it (still)." His brother and best friend, Supa Star, concurs,
"(People) need to buy (our) album, THE M.O.B.B. MOVEMENT, when it drops. And, just to know right now we are giving the consumers what they want in order to give them what they need. We can't just come out knocking them over the head with a message when all they hearing is lame ass songs on the radio. So, we're gonna come in with a touch of what's going on, just to get the ears of the kids, and the peeps, who are falling for the gimmicks."
Sawed-Off shouts, "Buckle ya seat belt, Ya dig?? THE M.O.B.B. is coming!! The album is called, 'THE M.O.B.B. MOVEMENT.' So many followers, so little time!!" Supa Star interjects, concluding, "Alabama stand the fuck up!!!! THE PRESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH ARE HERE NOW -- Your time is up!! This album will be a classic, and the best in '06, hands down!!"
((((((((((((((((((((( BUTTA SOUNDS ))))))))))))))))))))))
R&B ALBUMS OF THE MONTH
ANTHONY HAMILTON
Ain't Nobody Worryin'
SoSoDef
Anthony Hamilton is as close as modern day R&B has to a true Soul artist. His image and his music are true, unpolished and from the heart. The latest album is another outstanding effort from Hamilton. Highlights to check for include "I Know What Love's All About", "Can't Let Go" and "Preacher's Daughter."
CHRISTION
Project Plato
The Mint Records
IT'S THE ROC...well, it used to be. Now, the duo known as Christion are doing the indie thing with impressive results. Their latest album is separated into chapters, covering everything from street life to relationships. "It's Gonna Rain" and "Presidential Suite" are two strong cuts on an LP rooted in Hip-Hop/R&B.
" " " " " " " " " " NO HE DIDN'T JUST SAY THAT " " " " " " " " " "
By Jon Wallace
2005 is over and man, it was a year that many of us would like to forget (personally it wasn't that bad, for me at least). It began with the Tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia (actually it happened on 12-26-04) that killed 200,000 people and as we all know this was just the beginning of the wrath Mother Nature visited upon humanity (due to global warming). There was also a large earthquake that devastated the Cashmere region of India and Pakistan. Bush started his second term and so far we're still in Iraq (and still haven't found one WMD), Bush admitted to spying on US citizens, having faulty information that put us in Iraq, and showed the world what he really thinks about the poor. Is there any question that Bush is the worst president ever?? The economy is still fucked up and gas prices are still high and let's not even talk about outing a CIA agent or The Patriot Act. We had so many hurricanes this year that they literally ran out of names and started using the Greek alphabet. America suffered hurricanes Rita, Wilma, and of course Katrina. The latter was the worst natural disaster to hit
America in decades and basically destroyed New Orleans. As we all know it took Bush 5 days to respond and by that time many had died. In fact Fidel Castro (leader of Cuba) had offered to send doctors to the region before Bush got off his ass and did something. Let's not mention the extremely un-qualified Michael Brown who was the head of FEMA (also which Bush said was doing a good job). Anyway off of politics. This year saw beef between 50 Cent and his former protégé The Game and the squashing of beef between Nas and Jay-Z. Houston blew the fuck up, Eminem went to rehab as well as getting back with his wife, Jadakiss and Styles P from The Lox decided to call it quits (at least from recording albums), and The Fugees got back together. Oh and did I forget Dave Chappelle went to South Africa, leaving his show and his multi-million dollar contract with Comedy Central behind. We lost the 2000th soldier in the war in Iraq and 1000th person to the state mandated murder called
the death penalty. There was the whole Terry Schiavo thing where
congress and the religious right went on a rampage to save the life of a person that had been basically dead for about 10 years. The Hip Hop cops lost out when Irv Gotti and his brother was found not guilty for the all charges. We lost many greats this year like Rosa Parks, Just-O, Richard Pryor, Luther Vandross, Johnnie Cochran, Pope John Paul 2, Tookie Williams, Nipsey Russell, and Ossie Davis. The best albums this year was The Documentary by The Game, Be form Common, Little Brother's Minstrel Show and the second album by the man who I feel is the man of the year. He's cocky as shit and has no problem saying exactly what's on his mind. Without a doubt Late Registration is the best this year and Kanye West is the 2005 man of the year. Not only for making us re-think our bling and having incredible production skills (whether it's on his own shit or for his friends like Common, John Legend, and Talib Kweli) but
especially for having the balls to put Bush on blast on international television. The best movies of the year was Syriana, Sin City, Batman Begins, Wedding Crashers and Crash (which should win every fucking award when it comes to movies). So what am I looking forward to in the next year? Definitely Redman's Red Gone Wild, Nas' Nasdaq Dow Jones, Mobb Deep's Blood Money, Outkast's Idlewild, Immortal Technique's Revolutionary Volume 3- The Middle Passage, The Game's Doctor's Advocate, Dr. Dre's Detox (I hope), and Kanye West's Graduation. Anyway I know there are some things I forgot but anyway here's hoping you have a happy and prosperous 2006 and Bush gets impeached.
- - - - - - - - - - - PRESS PLAY - - - - - - - - - - -
DMX
Smokeout Presents...
Eagle Vision
Rating ***.5
Cypress Hill's annual Smokeout festival features a ton of pot smoking and a truckload of musical performances. In this spirit, Cypress Hill has put together a DVD series highlighting select performers on the show. Anyone who has ever seen DMX live is well aware of the intensity that runs through his show. Adding to the passion DMX brings to the stage, is the torrential rainfall that aids as a backdrop to X's Smokeout show. DMX hits the crowd with a few hits ("Party Up", "Slippin'" and "Who We Be"), but digs deeper in his catalogue for more emotional charged cuts such as "A YO Kato", "The Rain", and "The Prayer IV." It's the latter and his tribute to his fallen comrade where X literally breaks down on stage. It's hard to tell whether it's for show or not, but Swizz Beatz (aiding as hype man) and the crowd clearly feel the emotion. The big problem with this DVD is that it's a mere 8 cuts long and features no bonus features worth nothing. Whether kids will pick up a half-hour DVD is one thing, but there is no denying the drive and passion of Dark Man X.
ALL ACCESS PRESENTS:
The Remix Volume 1
Kraze
***.5
The onslaught of DVD mix magazines/tapes exploded in 2005. All Access is one of the genres more popular names. Their first "legal" (see bar-coded) DVD features some of the series many highlights. Features to check for include Joe Budden and Gloria Velez discussing their sexual experiences...with each other, Santana and Diplomats planning world domination and a great look at a Mike Jones promo trip to New York, showcasing one of Hip-Hop's most focused artists and business men. Be warned of filler material, such as on-set with Cuban Link (does he even have a video out?) and what's labeled as a Young Jeezy "freestyle", but turns out to be lyrics found on his debut album's intro.
******************* INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS *******************
Interview with Carl Henry
Canada's Carl Henry is a hit-maker in its truest form. His first two commercially successful singles, "Homie's Girl" and "Bare As She Dare", did so well that they delayed the completion of his recently released album "I Wish" as Henry toured overseas pushing these two heat rocks of records. HHN caught up with Henry to discuss his recent successes, his new album and his career as a whole.
HHN: Your singles "Bare As She Dare" and "Homie's Girl" have been bubbling in Canada for months upon months prior to the release of your new album on November 1st. Why did it take so long for this album to drop? And what's behind the title "I Wish?" CARL HENRY: The album took about 2 years to complete because of all the success I was having with "Homies girl" and "Bare as she dare". I was touring extensively throughout Europe promoting both songs, so I was not always able to record while being on the road touring. What's behind the title "I Wish"? well it's the title track from the album and the lead off single. The song has all the elements that are heard all throughout the album, so I think it was just natural to call the album "I wish"
HHN: Your song "Homie's Girl" is based on creepin' around with your boy's girl. Is this song based on a real life experience? And were you surprised at how big of a hit this song was?
CH: Well I won't give up any names as to who was involved in da creepin (in order to protect the innocent) but I must say I kind of knew that "Homies girl" was a hit... you hear it from the first time hearing the song. However I was surprised at how fast the song took off!!!
HHN: Your first album was heavily R&B influenced, and while "I Wish" maintains an R&B sound, it expands greater into Reggae territory. How important is it for you to incorporate Reggae into your music? And what are the keys to effectively meshing R&B, Reggae and Hip-Hop together?
CH: Reggae music has played a big part in my musical history. It was only natural that I eventually brought some of the elements into my music. The trick is finding the right balance in order to make it all come together and blend right. That requires patience and not trying to rush the album.
HHN: "Perfect" features an appearance by Diplomats member JR Writer. How did Carl Henry from Montreal link with JR Writer from Harlem?
CH: I linked up with JR WRITER through my manager Cecil Collins and my JayRome...two of the hardest working people in the bizz...hustlas!!!
HHN: You've been around the Canadian urban music scene now for a good 7 years plus. What are your thoughts on the current state of Urban music in Canada? How important has Toronto's Flow 93.5 been to your career? And what do you feel needs to be done in order for Canadian urban music to continue to make waves across the border and beyond?
CH: It is an exciting time to be part of the Canadian urban music scene. Thanks to outlets like flow93.5 we have a whole new outlet where our music can be heard and people have a chance to react to it. We have to keep challenging ourselves in order to compete with the best of them. Support your own...buy Canadian!!!
HHN: How did long did the new album, "I Wish", take to complete? What were the most difficult parts of recording this album?
CH: the album " I wish" took a little over 2 years to complete. The most difficult part about recording this album was primarily scheduling. With so many features it was a question of timing. Being in the studio creating is definitely one of the greatest feelings so I always looked forward to my recording sessions.
HHN: Being an artist on the come up, what's your daily schedule like? Can you give us a look into a typical day for Carl Henry? Do you do the typical artist sleep routine, in bed by 4 a.m., wake up at 1p.m.???
CH: I wish I could sleep till 1pm(no pun intended). My typical day now involves interviews whether TV, radio or press...sound checks...2 secs to eat...1sec to sleep and then it's showtime!!! get to the airport by 5am cuz you gotta get to the next city to do it all over again!!! I LLLOOVVEE IT!! I also love days off which I appreciate a lot more.
HHN: Will we ever see Carl Henry do a straight Reggae album?
CH: Yes I'm actually in the process of finishing an entire "one drop" album...old school reggae with some new school flava. "FireHouse crew" which is Sizzla's band is playing most of the music. It's gonna be crazy!
HHN: Do you have any tour dates for us in support of "I Wish?"
CH: I'm touring all over the country right now...if your readers want more info on me as to dates and locations the should check out my website at www.cesoul.com
HHN: Do you have any final message for the HHN readers?
CH: I must say a big thank you to all the HHN readers for their support, and to the ones who haven't had a Carl Henry experience yet go get the album "I wish" you will not be disappointed. Oh yeah! make someone else's wish come through by getting them a copy of the album for the holiday season! ONE LOVE!!
/////////////////// FLICKS, PICKS & HITS ////////////////////
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Rawkus Records * Best of Decade 1 1995-2005
Rawkus/Geffen
****
Don't run away just yet. This is Rawkus when it was still one of the most forward thinking and radio shunning labels around, not Geffen AKA Interscope's beeeeeeeeeeyotch! Your favorite joints are here, from early Mos Def highlights like "Universal Magnetic" and "Body Rock", to the straight hits from High & Mighty ("B-Boy Document '99"), Big L ("Flamboyant") and Mos Def & Pharoahe Monch featuring Nate Dogg ("Oh No"). It would have been nice to see a couple of additional tracks from Pharoahe's "Internal Affairs" and maybe "Down For The Count." Will Rawkus return to its once storied past? Time and dope tracks will tell.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "Definition" by Black Star
++++++++++++++++++++++ MILITANT MUSIC ++++++++++++++++++++++++
Interview with Hakim Green by Quinton Hatfield
Hakim Green's is a name that might not come to mind among many hip-hoppers today...but that's all about to change leading into 2006.
For ya'll that don't know Hakim Green, this East Orange, New Jersey native is from the well-respected political duo Channel Live. Besides the work Hakim puts in as an artist, he's an A&R for IBC Entertainment and is currently developing various projects.
What's up with Channel Live? Hakim explains that him and Tuffy (partner from Channel Live) will be dropping tracks in 2006, such as the single "Mr. President." His main focus currently is concentrating on his executive position at IBC Entertainment as an A&R. "Working as an artist is my side job, but I am just more focused on my executive position right now" states Hakim.
In an industry that lacks many rappers on the political activist level, Channel Live, whether they like it or not, have carried a political boulder on their shoulders (see "Free Mumia"). "I'd rather be judged with the righteous than with the infidels" states Hakim in response to the query of how he feels about Channel Live being group with other "political" artists like Talib Kweli, Common and Public Enemy. "Fuck all that Bling Bling. Bling Bling is not what's getting things accomplished in the hood through the government." Hakim continues, "The Hurricane Katrina disaster shows what the government really feels about the hood and they basically don 't give a fuck."
Channel Live's last album,"Armaghetto", received critical acclaim, but lacked any sort of real promotion. "Me and Tuffy felt the people were not ready for the album" Hakim responded. "Channel Live were trying to arm the people of the ghetto...helping them become more aware of the issues in this country especially in the black community". The new album from Channel Live, though it has no exact release date, will be titled "Secret Science Rap." "It's about giving the actual factual" says Hakim when describing the LP's title. "Hip-Hop is a revolutionary movement and what you see on BET and MTV today is bullshit and that's Hip-Pop". Hakim goes on to say that most rappers are getting millions, but it's the executives getting the real money. "I ain't no fuckin slave" states Hakim aggressively.
Hakim Green also is in partnership with well-known video director Benny Boom. Hakim has worked with Nelly, Nas, LL Cool J and many more. In addition to his work as an artist, A&R and video work, Green is currently developing two acts, Melo and J-Hoffa.
Not to be pushed aside for his business of the music, Hakim's work as an activist is something to be commended. His upcoming film project is a documentary on the life of Emmit Till, the fourteen-year-old black child from Chicago, who was brutally murdered for whistling at a white woman. The reason for the project, according to Hakim, is that through this project "It will show that to this day no one has yet paid for this crime." "This documentary will show how little the government puts value on black life..."
"They (the younger generation) are not aware of the corrupt politics in this country."
Militant music on this Channel.
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTIONS ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
DADDY YANKEE
Barrio Fino En Directo
Cartel/Interscope
****
He's THE superstar of Reggaetone and now he's ridin' with Jimmy Iovine and Interscope Records via his own Cartel Records imprint. The initial release is a mix of live material and new cuts. From the album's opening cut, you can feel the crowd's anticipation for Daddy as if there hero is coming to bless them. The live material is strong and spans concerts from Columbia to L.A. and NYC. Already blowing at radio, "Rompe" is the definition of what makes a strong Reggaetone cut, chanting hook that even non-Spanish speaking people can follow and a bouncy backdrop. Snoop Dogg and Paul Wall stop by to add a lil' Hip-Hop flavor to Yankee's sound, with Paul's contribution on "Machete Reloaded" hitting hard. It's difficult to predict the sales impact that Reggaetone music will have on the North American market, but there is no denying that Daddy Yankee is going to be the one to blow up the clubs.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "Rompe"
SERGIO MENDES
Timeless
Concord Records
****
Will.i.am has joined forces with the legendary Sergio Mendes for a project in the same idea as Carlos Santana's very successful albums of recent years; take the best of the old and mix it with the best of the new, stir it around, and see if it works. Black Eyed Peas open the album joining Sergio on the classic "Mas Que Nada" adding some flavor, but they appear more focused on making it a Black Eyed Peas song. With will.i.am handling 95% of the album's production, there are some outstanding moments. "That Heat" is a great chance to hear will straight spittin' like his "Behind The Front" days as he is joined by a returning Erykah Badu. The highlights are plenty on this LP and should see Sergio's sound introduced to a whole new audience. Be sure to check for will.i.am and Q-Tip on "The Frog", Stevie Wonder on the more traditional sounding "Berimbau/Consolacao" and the unlikely, but surprisingly dope sounding pairing of Justin Timberlake and Pharoahe Monch on "Loose Ends." "Timeless" is a Hip-Hop and R&B heavy affair, and at times does overshadow the sounds of Sergio Mendes. But if the goal was to bring Mendes's name back to the forefront of the music world, will.i.am may have done that.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "Loose Ends"
________________________WHIP YA HEAD______________________________
Interview with Ron Browz by Quinton Hatfield
Many producers in favor of creating popular hits for mainstream artists often neglect the "street" audience. Since the late '90s, Harlem native Ron Browz has made it his business to bring both worlds together. In his quest to keep the spirit of street Hip Hop alive, he has received little credit for some major accomplishments. Fortunately, he is now on the verge of receiving proper accolades for his work.
Influenced by the sounds of DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, and Havoc, Ron's first big break came in 2000 when he produced four songs on the late Big L's album, The Big Picture, including the classic track "Ebonics". Big L taught Ron about the music business, and exposed him to a new network of contacts. In more recent successes, Ron produced the standout cut, "I'll Whip Ya Head Boy", from 50's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" soundtrack and has put in work with Killer Mike and Jae Millz.
QH: How long have you been producing? And how did you get into the game? RON BROWZ: I began at this indie label called big boss records at the age of 12 and for some reason the label got some fees, so all the equipment was left behind and I start teaching myself. This is where I also met Big L and I been producing since the age of 17.
QH: Your work includes hits with many big name artists. Who was your favorite artist to work with and who would you like to work with that you haven't already?
RB: Nas was my best and Nelly is someone I definitely like to work with.
QH: What track you feel was the one that blew Ron Browz up as a producer?
RB: It was Nas's "Ether" without a doubt.
QH: How did you connect with Nas?
RB: I get connected with Nas trough his travel agent and me and my manager Fuzz got linked up with some A&R's and "Ether" was in the making.
QH: Looking at your lists of artists you produced for, do you feel as though you don't receive enough recognition for your work?
RB: Fa sure, a lot of people don't know me, it's crazy like I have people come up to me and be like you did ebonics. people don't even know I did Ludacris's "Blow It Out". Now this doesn't make me mad it actually makes me work harder.
QH: In the realm of producers out there, Kanye, Lil Jon, etc., where do you feel Ron Browz stands?
RB: I would say I'm part of the new school of producers. Like those guys you just mentioned they already established. Remember when you were in school in the 3rd or 4th grade and the kids in the 5th or 6th grade were about to leave, I look at it like it's my turn to get to the 5th grade and be the man. I just look at it like I'm part of the new producers in the next class.
QH: What are your key elements when it comes to producing a track?
RB: First I have to start off making hard drums, along with a nice pattern and sequence, basically I just feed off of nice sounds and work from there.
QH: Would you mind giving a minimum of how much you charge for a track?
RB: That's a personal question, but it's always negotiable.
QH: Why won't producers reveal how much they charge for tracks?
RB: Its just like a job, you don't tell people how much you get paid, I mean you might tell ya man, but its personal just like any other job.
QH: Got any advice for other aspiring producers trying to get in the game?
RB: First you have to realize it doesn't happen over night, you have to stay makin beats, make plenty of beats, stay makin tracks, make tracks before you even go to sleep "Don't sleep make beats" (LoL).
QH: What does it take to make it in the world of Hip-Hop producing?
RB: Like I said, " Don't sleep make beats" You have to always be consistent with fire when producing, one method is to use ya own artist.
QH: How does using your own artist benefit a producer?
RB: When you have ya own artist you get to express ya talent. I got one artist that picks beats to spit over that know else would pick and it be crazy. Having ya own artist is like having a baby you take care of and make yourself better at what ya do in terms of producing.
QH: Do you see yourself working with any other producers in the future?
RB: Not really, to be honest. In many cases there are situations to present. You got your way and they got they way (producers). In order to work with other producers you have to have good chemistry this is a must, producers are always going to clash. They might want to use a keyboard, you might want to use some drums, so choice of instruments could be a problem.
QH: Have any mixtapes coming out soon; also do you manage a company of your own?
RB: The mixtapes gonna stay droppin, and I have my own company Money Ave Entertainment in which I'm managing my own artists.
QH: Who are these artists you're currently managing?
RB: Look out for T-Rex who was in a recent Smack DVD, Paper Ova, and Severe and I'm working with an R&B artist by the name of Angelique.
QH: Where can people check Ron Browz online?
RB: I can be spotted at
www.moneyave.biz
www.ronbrowz.com
www.myspace.com/RonBrowz
QH: My final question is how did you come up with the name Ron Browz?
RB: When I was interning at Bad Boy there was already a guy name Ron there, so I felt I had to distinguish myself from him. Also I felt a new Ron was needed in terms of a producing name and people be like "Yo you got some crazy eyebrows" So Ron Browz it came (LoL).
. . . . . . . LIVING SINGLE . . . . . . .
CASSIE
"Just Friends"
Stones/Intelligent Music
Rating *** out of *****
Newcomer Cassie shoots right for the Black Eyed Pease and Pussycat Dolls crowd with this bubblegum, dance/R&B cut. It isn't a bad cut and should garner some radioplay. Vocally, Cassie is somewhere near JoJo, but the tracks strong point is the production which gives it a decent head nod factor...for the TRL crowd.
WISE INTELLIGENT
"A Genocide"
Intelligent Muzik
**
Wise is back on the solo tip, but it's not a good start. A militant track with some good lyrical content is wasted due to a double-time flow and vocal overdubs made to sound like Lil' Jon produced the cut. Overall, it's just not a good song.
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