AMxPLUGG from JUKEBOX:DC sits down with Turk for an exclusive interview and speaks on serving time in jail, his relationship with the Hot Boys and releasing two mixtapes since being home. He also spoke on Lil’ Boosie, his new artists and new management, how he got the name Turk, Lil’ Snupe and more.
AMxPLUGG got Savage Squad’s Gino Marley on the phone for an exclusive interview. Gino discusses his recently released mixtape with Fredo Santana, Savage Squad Records, Lil Booise, GBSB, Chief Keef, and the Chicago Movement.
A$AP Ant just returned from his tour in Japan with A$AP Nast, and in our latest Inside The BOX., we sit down with Ant to speak on how he linked with the ASAP Mob, the ‘Coke N White Bitches’ remix and more. You can read the full interview over the next few pages below.
Interview done by AMxPLUGG.
Bodega Bamz was recently added to the 20th anniversary of Rock The Bells, and in our latest Inside The BOX., we sit down with Bamz to speak on how he linked with the ASAP Mob & Flatbush Zombies, performing at this year’s Rock The Bells, that Pepsi money and more. You can read the full interview over the next few pages below.
When Alexandria’s Jabb was preparing the release of his upcoming mixtape Pen & Paper, he sat down with Jukebox. In the latest version of Inside the BOX, Jabb talks about the project, his influences, how Black Cobain is a mentor to him and more. He also gave Jukebox an exclusive, the second from his mixtape (dropping October 24th). The song is called “Smoke Attire”, check it out here.
Thanks to our server, we lost the write-up on this, but no matter: check out one of the nicest interviews from one of the nicest emcees in the UK: Kay Martay (formerly known as Mr. Drastick).
JUKEBOX:UK: Forgive us for possibly being redundant, but could you tell us how you got into music?
Kay Martay: By birth. I got into music naturally. I never did it because it was what was considered cool. When I first started rapping, not many people in the UK even cared about rappers from the UK. There was a very underground community who appreciated UK based rap.
J:UK: For those who haven’t heard anything from Mr. Drastick/Kay Martay, how would you describe the music that you make?
KM: My perspective on life. Personally and generally. My sound is hype, mellow, fast and slow. I don’t stick to one style. But you can recognize my styles when you hear them. I’m a unique artist. So I’ve been told by my supporters.
J:UK: We remember you as Mr. Drastick; for those who might not know, please tell us what caused the name change?
KM: The name change is because I am growing up. I’m no longer that kid rapping with his hungry MC friends in a cypher trying to outshine each other lyrically. I am a artist now. That name suited a lyrical monster. Which was my main motivation and drive then. Since 2008 I’ve been releasing projects with songs on them that didn’t suit my name. lol I can’t have a name like ‘Mr Drastick’ when I’m writing songs that sound like they belong to a artist. Plus Kay is the name everyone in my family calls me. Martay is my surname. It’s who I am. Mr Drastick is who I thought I was.
J:UK: What brought you and Supa Dice together (especially to create the dope project that is Deception)? Any future collaborative albums in the works?
KM: Supa Dice was that loner from down the road who, unless you talk to him, you’ll never know he is a genius. I am a mirror of that kind of character. I live in a rough part of Northwest London. Supa Dice lives in a neighbouring area to mine where for years we’ve never gotten along. We never would have linked up to create what we call ‘amazing music’ if it wasn’t for our brothers. My older brother and his younger brother went to university together, they spoke of us to each other, we linked up, and a mutual respect was established. Due to that respect, that ‘your block, my block’ mentality was bullshit to us. We knew we both had an amazing talent so we kept in touch. In 2011, I pitched a collaboration, and in 2012, it manifested. So thank our brothers for bragging about us to each other. If not for them, me and Supa Dice could have been two kids at war over neighbourhood turf (laughs – joking).
Oh and yes…expect an album from myself and Supa Dice. He is making the beats as we speak. We plan to rap it up by mid-2013. It might be ‘Deception 3’ or after ‘Deception 3’. Depends if we make a third EP or not.
J:UK: How would you say you approach a record when you are in the studio?
KM: I come up with the chorus first all the time. I see it as the structure of the song. It leads the verses so they don’t go astray. I never write in the studio. Studio costs me £20 an hour (laughs). I’m not broke, but I’m not a fool. Rather than sit there writing, I write the songs in my time, perfect them in my time, then I book the studio time and record the songs all in one session. I never go back to perfect mistakes or none of that stuff. I like keeping the mistakes in my songs. No one spots them anyway. And I love how real it sounds. Like on the ‘Deception 2’ Intro I said a couple lines wrong but they still sounded good. So I kept them. Listen to it and tell me if you can spot them lol. I see it like this. It’s my vision, expression, and view. So If I say something, I said it. So no one can pull me up on my vision. Unless I make a massive mistake. Then I have to change it. Man I am going on lol. But yeah, I just go in, record drunk, then leave drunker.
J:UK: We’ve seen some incredible flows and visuals from you lately. Can you speak on the music that you are preparing the world for (future projects, singles, videos, etc.)?
KM: I direct and edit my on music videos. I write, direct, and make short films too. I love video and cinema now all of a sudden. I used to love it from the perspective of a viewer. I would watch and comment. Now I’m analysing scenes, angles, grading, shots, and locations. So expect more videos and films from me. They are all at www.MarluttMedia.com (that is my media company).
J:UK: What is currently playing in your ‘JUKEBOX’ (iPod, stereo, etc.)?
KM:I’m addicted to my own music. My girl says I am a big headed guy. I agree. I love the sound of my own voice, the patterns in my flow, the word play, the beats I’m on, the vibe I create musically. But apart from me, Curren$y, Rick Ross, Nas, Ab-Soul, Nipsey Hussle, 2Pac and more Curren$y. I love Curren$y’s music. I zone out and listen to every word. I never get tired of his sound. I got all his albums, mixtapes, and EPs on my phone.
J:UK: We are speaking to many about the so-called “Grime Vs. Hip-Hop” debate (the differences, the similarities, which is better, etc.). Can you speak on your stances in the matter?
KM: Grime is home grown, Hip Hop is inspired by the USA, but we put our twist on it. So it’s just what you feel the most. I feel Hip Hop way more than grime. But If I was a kid looking for something that presents me and my generation, I’d think grime is better. Because it represents me. But I grew up on Hip Hop. That’s it. Different strokes for different folks.
J:UK: Anything else the fans can expect from you in 2013 and beyond?
KM: More music. I’m building a web site as we speak. So just subscribe to my youtube channel for more music and videos.
Check out more from Kay Martay:
[Twitter – Facebook – Youtube]
Recently, JUKEBOX:DC’s Koosta hit up Martin’s Lounge to check out up-and-coming (read: bonafide) star Reesa Renee as she showcased her new album Reelease to invited guests. To say that she’s on her way to the top wouldn’t even do her justice; you have to check out the music for yourself. Check out the above video which recaps the event (as well as shows Reesa speaking with JUKEBOX:DC on her passion, history, career and more) and them make sure you pickup Reelease (which you can do right here).
Check out a bio and a couple of visuals below…for more info on Reesa Renee, visit her official website.
Reesa Renee’s Biography:
Reesa Renee is an artist, musician, songwriter, and lyrical poet from the DC Metropolitan Area. Her voice skims through the soulful sounds of the jazz era and then fast-forwards your musical clocks to the more modern sounds of the R&B greats of today. Add that to an energetic ensemble of musical harmonies and undertones and you get an amazing experience.
Reesa Renee launched her solo career in 2011 and in October, became the second person to win the prestigious Amateur Night at the Apollo in the last three years with her original song, “Got Me Loose”. She has performed alongside of musical veterans Eric Roberson, Raheem DeVaughn, Chuck Brown, Roy Ayers and Wale and also has been spoken highly of by Hometown Radio Personality EZ Street and even bigger, her biggest inspiration Jill Scott.
Reesa dreams to make a lasting impact on the community through music, and has done a great job as of yet, in the pursuit of bringing her artistry to life. Currently operating as an independant artist she continues to work hard and diligently to press towards her aspirations while simultaneously inspiring others to reach above and beyond their circumstances and achieve the unachievable, may her success be an inspiration to all!
We sat down with Pwild last week in the first part of our Inside The Box series to speak on a few things with Pwild which included Everything Project, Project Wild Boy Mixtape, Upcoming SB Project, Linking and Working with Chief Keef and more. Part 2 coming soon
This week we were on the phone with DJ Nasty, 1/2 of the production team Nasty Beatmakers, for our latest Inside the Box feature . Their production credits include the hit single “All I Do Is Win” and “Welcome to My Hood” . We spoke on how he got started DJing, the current state of Hip Hop, Album of The Year, producing a record that inspired Olympian Michael Phelps and more. Below you can read our full interview
We sat down with Lil Scrappy’s artist Rolls Royce Rizzy and he spoke on being from Northern Virginia, talking to Lil Jon at Birthday Bash about his music, Lil Scrappy found him in Japan, New record With Fat Trel and more . Look out for the second part of our interview coming soon.
JUKEBOX:DC and Jae Murphy kicked it with A$AP Rocky before he hit the stage at Bar 7 last Tuesday. A$AP Rocky spoke on several things including being nominated for a BET Award. Look out for the A$AP Mob tape in July.
Last night (after the club), we got the chance to interview the street’s hottest youngin Shy Glizzy after the release of his new mixtape Law. In the interview, Shy Glizzy spoke on the Meek Mill & French Montana shootout on twitter, Wale & Project Pat’s features, being a role model as the voice of the youth and the meaning of his mixtape title. If you haven’t done so you need to pick up Law immediately (and you can do so right here.
What inspired you to start producing?
I always played the piano since I was young. I was self taught, my dad always had a lot of CDs and I’d read the booklets and see who produced the songs. I wanted my name to be in there. I have a friend who gave me program called Fruity Loops and I was on that nonstop. I kept working and getting better, I didn’t want to give up.
What was your first big break?
Shawty Redd found me on Myspace back in 2006, when I was 17. I had some beats on my page and I sent him a message asking him to listen to them. He hit me back the next day and gave me his number. After a year of talking back and forth with him, I did Who Dat on Jeezy’s album The Recession. He moved me to Atlanta to live with him in 2009, I think that’s when it all started. Shawty Redd had a home studio and we just went to work.We started selling a lot of beats; Big Country, Young Dose, Gucci Mane, Lil Jon and lots independent artists. My biggest accomplishment was when The Recession went platinum. Having my first song on a platinum selling album was amazing. Young Jeezy helped me out a lot on TM:103 which is now gold. I produced SupaFreak on that album.
How did you get involved with Rick Ross?
Spiff TV is Ross’s right hand man, he shoots a lot of his videos. He had hit me up on Twitter, and I started sending him music. The first song I did was The Finals, it was a Ross and Meek Mill joint. We locked it in more, and by the end of September I was in New York at Diddy’s studio. I gave him a lot of music and made some beats there. I have two tracks on Rich Forever; Last Breath and New Bugatti.
How would you describe your sound?
I have a signature sound, the sound piggy backs off Shawty Redd’s style. My music is very up tempo with a lot energy, the beats have that big sound.
Who inspires you?
Shawty Redd is my biggest inspiration, DJ Toomp, who produces a lot for TI, and Mannie Fresh as well.
What producers are you listening to?
Right now I’m feeling Justice League big fan, MMG, Sonny Digital and The Runners
What do you have in the works?
I’m working more with Ross, there is a big possibility I will be on the album. Meek Mill and Self Made Part 2. Jeezy complication album, Rocko, Yo Gotti, Big Country plus a lot more that we are finalizing. I want to start placing my music in other genres, mainly R&B and pop.
What advice would you give to an up and coming producer?
I think it’s important to brand yourself, I learned a lot about that from the back end. When you’re by yourself and building your own name, invest in yourself. If you make a beat and get paid for it, don’t spend money on something that wont show. Buy more equipment, reinvest in your music. There is a lot of shady business that goes on, in the end it’s just you
Any last words?
I appreciate everything, it’s been a long road getting where I’m at career wise. I hope that you continue to support me and I promise I won’t let you down.
Follow D.Rich on Twitter at DRichThe1
Why are you called Freestyle Steve? Were you a freestyler before DJing?
My good friend gave me that name because I never played music. We had an underground radio station, and I wouldn’t play Miami music. This was back in 1990-91. He said “you just play all kinds of stuff you just freestyle”. The name just stuck. I still follow that same thing, that’s what makes me me. I have the word ‘freestyle’ tattooed on my arm. I never play anything set, I just make it up as I go alone. Like I said, the name stuck, and I still freestyle.
What have you been up to since Missy Elliott & Timbaland aren’t active in hip hop?
We’ve been in the studio with Missy and Timb, those albums are 99% complete. I’ve been doing my own parties overseas. I recently did Brazil and Marrakech in the same week. I did Madrid, lots of overseas parties. Recently I’ve gotten back into Miami parties. I recently did my first Miami party on the beach. It’s kinda like getting back into the swing of reconnecting with my city. Hearing my voice in the clubs, I’ve been out of the states for about the past 2 years. Gotta get my people back here. Lebron, D Wade, Santana Moss, it was crazy one night at Rico Love. Club Rush is always an incredible place to DJ.
You have worked with elite artists such as Dr Dre, 50 Cent and Madonna. Can you speak on those projects and involvement.
With Dr Dre we did the launch party for HP Beats By Dre Laptop, in LA. Being in the studio with him and Timb is a great memory. Madonna was an experience of its own. It was Timb and Justin Timberlake in London we were working on the album ‘Candy’. Being around her and listening to her stories, DJing a party for her was a once in a lifetime. We went to NYC and did a party for her at The United Nations for her foundation. Madonna doesn’t take any shit, she’s a true diva.
What would be your dream concert to Dj for?
My opening act would be R Kelly followed by Prince, my intermission artist would be Luther Vandros, he’s gonna sing during the intermission. My close out artist is going to be Teddy Pendergrass. That’s my guy, I love me some Pendergrass, musically I love him. The crazy thing is the person who would host it would be Justin Timberlake. Could you imagine how crazy that concert would be? That’s my concert there!!! People might ask why would I say that, they think I would be only hip hop. I’m totally different than that!!
What songs currently get heavy rotation on your set?
French Montana remix Rick Ross and Diddy, Rihanna with Calvin Harris, Beyonce Love On Top, Timb Break Ya Back, obviously that’s in my rotation, Jeezy She Said, Rick Ross Stay Schemin.
What are you currently working on?
My mixtape series, also working on building relationships with different promotors. It was hard to build when I was out on the road. Everyone was asking for me and Timb. Continuing to work and build my brand, trying to keep right. I have some DJs under me right now, DJ Styles from Jacksonville DJ NVS Styles from Miami. Working hard on Timbs and Missy’s release. Worked on Demi Lovato’s upcoming joint. Doing lots of parties, getting that popping. Working on this deal with the W Hotel, doing my own series in the lobbies of their hotels. I’m going to be on the road traveling with my brother Andre, taking over clubs. Just having fun.
I just had my first experience of Bieber fever, worked with Justin this recently on his new album. He is the new Micheal Jackson, his fans are some true die hard fans. One girl said they flew from Brazil just to get a peak of him. We recorded at Hit Factory. He’s becoming a man on this new record, he’s got some good stuff. I was really impressed. I didn’t think he would do that. I’ve seen it all and did it all, and eve I was like WOW! International party series, that still is my core. The Timb and Missy tour is coming that’s coming real soon so watch out!!!
-You both attended Florida Atlantic University, how did you link up and become The Renegades?
Mev: Reazy and I were both established producers individually and we caught wind of each other’s progress. We finally chopped it up and sat down to collaborate and the chemistry we had was undeniable! After that I asked Reazy to team up with me officially and the rest was history.
Reazy: Exactly
-Early in your careers you gained notoriety on Soundclick. Â How were The Renegades able to shine on such a saturated and competitive platform?
Mev: Really, we noticed the trend of most Soundclick producers and how the majority of them tend to not make it very far in the industry. With that being said, we put less effort into Soundclick and more into our career’s longevity.
Reazy: Soundclick was always just fun to me but i never felt like I could musically progress with it.
-Who was the first artist that you worked with that made you kind of realize…like wow we’ve made it?
Mev: Kanye West in January of 2011. Just being in that working environment and having Ye ask us for our creative input made us realize that we REALLY do this.
Reazy: Agreed! Just Ye asking for our opinion on an arrangement or sample chop was more than eye opening!
-As far as musical background is concerned where you guys always geared towards hip hop or did you have some other form of exposure, for example band or classical training?
Mev: I’ve always been into Hip-Hop and the arts but had no classical training. Any skill I’ve acquired has been all self-taught.
Reazy: Myself on the other hand has had several years of classical training. I was in band from 5th grade, played numerous brass instruments and played in many orchestras at a professional level. I can read and write music and play almost any instrument. Â I was taught musically almost my whole life.
-With so much talent production wise coming out of South Florida, how have you cultivated your own sound?
Mev: Miami over the years has been stuck to a certain sound that was iconic to the area. We really wanted to branch out and still keep that ‘big’ sound but bring our own influences into it.
Reazy: Living in Miami my whole life i feel like Miami was sort of stuck in a loop until producers like The Runners came through. So we basically wanted to make the same change in our own way, as The Runners had done before us.
-Since signing to DJ Khaled’s label ‘We The Best Management’ what has changed for The Renegades in regards to your everyday lifestyle?
Mev: There are a lot more sleepless nights spent in the studio working hard to keep elevating and getting better at what we do.
Reazy: Exactly what Mev said, we are on a mission to become the best that ever did it! We want to raise We The Best up!
-‘Welcome to My Hood’ has been one of your biggest hits to date, how did this collaboration come about?
Reazy: Well Basically, Mev and I sent Khaled a couple of beats for his album, not even an hour later he calls us back and says “THATS IT!! Thats my single!”. Khaled made us send the beat to T-Pain to write the hook and the rest was history. Khaled went and got all the artists we wanted on the track.
-You’ve worked with a wide range of artist in the industry. Is there any musician in particular The Renegades wish to collaborate with?
Reazy: I would have to say the doctors! Dr. Dre and Doctor Luke!!
-What is your preferred style of hip hop to produce?
Reazy: We just love making music, but we do love our 808s though!
-Outside of Hip Hop are there any other genres of music that peak your producing interest?
Reazy: Of Course!! We are really heavily into Dubstep right now, and love to produce Pop, Dance and Electro.
-Which equipment and software are you currently using to create your music?
Reazy: We are loyal users on FL STUDIO, but we can use anything we want to create!
-Top 5 emcees.
Mev and Reazy
Tie 1st/2nd: Jay-Z & Kanye West
3rd: Drake
4th: Ace Hood
5th: Rick Ross
Twitter: Mev  Reazy  The Renegades
In Our Lastest Inside the Box series we interviewed DJ Dummy, who is currently on the road DJing for J Cole. This seasoned DJ has DJed for the likes of Rihanna, Common, Kanye West and DMX just to name a few. Dummy talked about everything from how he started to his most crazy tour stories. Check the full interview after the jump.
We caught up with DC emcee Jay Rippa outside of our headquarters to speak with him on his latest project — Rhyme Parties & Truth Punch — and more.
G-Town Wayne affiliates Cash Jones and Don King (which make up Composition League) stop by the headquarters to speak on their career and what they have in store for Hip-Hop (along with a freestyle to make sure they know).
We caught up with The Board Administration’s Fatz Da Big Fella right at home (49th-n-Quarles in NE DC) to speak with him on music as well as his many business ventures.
We caught up with 1/2 of Black Hippy at there meet-and-greet at Palace 5ive before their performance at the 9:30 Club in DC. Courtesy of Modi and DCtoBC.com.
