Interview: Fat Boi the Producer

As posted on www.theblastbydigiwaxx.com

Digi-clusives: Weekly EXCLUSIVE (and no, not one of those phony exclusives where everyone is reposting the same thing) interview features with movers and shakers within the Music Industry; Artists, Producers, Label Reps, DJs - hell maybe even Video Chicks :-).....

Digiwaxx: How are you doing?
Fatboi: I'm good, trying to stay busy

DW: Well, yeah you seem pretty busy and that's what made me want to reach out to you. You were on twitter talking about being in the studio with Nicki Minaj and I just felt I had to speak to you now. You seem to be in the studio with everyone right now.

FB: Yeah, I.m trying. I'm trying.

DW: So are you currently working with anyone Up Top? I see you're working with a lot of Southern artists.

FB: Umm, Up Top? Busta. Lupe, well that's Chicago.

DW: Naw, that's good! That's HOT! He's my personal favorite artist.

FB: Oh really?!? Yeah, well Atlantic just took some tracks for him, for his up and coming album. Mase, (laughing). Mase is coming back out. He recently released from Bad Boy. Well, he's still Bad Boy but he is able to work with outside producers now. Ummm, Jim Jones. I have a few guys from Up Top. Oh, Jada Kiss. He's on the "Wasted" remix now.

DW: Your sound is very different and all, who inspired you coming up?

FB: Being bi-coastal and growing up in California and Atlanta, I like it all. Producer wise, it was Organized Noise, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Timbaland, Quincy Jones. Those are the producers that I really just paid attention to and loved everything that they did.

DW: Okay, with that being said. Are you working with any R and B cats? We kind of know you as the big time Hip Hop producer, are you contributing to any R and B albums?

FB: Yeah, I do everything. I don't want to be labeled as Hip Hop producer because I do music and I don't just do Hip Hop. I grew up in music, I didn't just grow up in Hip Hop. Being that in urban society, it was what was it was in my grasp and easy for me to pick up to get into the music business. It all started from DJing, I was a DJ first. Michael Jackson was my musical inspiration and I kind of wanted to be like Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. My brother and I used to pretend like we were the Jacksons (laughing). (writers note: Fatboi is currently working with Bobby Valentino)

DW: So how long have you been producing? You name has been blowing up fast; this year has been good to you.

FB: Yes, I've been blessed. Producing, I started making beats in like '91. I started working in studios around '95, no more like '97. Once I started working in studios and moving around and working with people. I went to Philly for a while trying to break into the music business. I came to Atlanta, went back to Savannah and in '98 that's when Pure Pain was getting off the ground with "Camouflage". And thats when I got my first major placement in 2001 with "Cut Friends". From there, I've been behind the scene's. I was with Pure Pain until 2006 and after that it was time for me to spread my wings and let the world get to know me.

DW: "Wasted" is your biggest track but I'm sure you've done other hot tracks. What are some cuts that people may rock to that we not realize is yours?

FB: yeah, "Wasted" is my break out track but I did a track with Jeezy and Trey Songz on Jeezy's last album, "The Recession", "Taking it there". Did a record with Flo Rida on his first album called, "All my Life". Gorilla Zo. I had Gorilla Zo's second single off of his first album. I don't even remember songs anymore (laughing), "Trying to make a jug". Did a record for Rocko's album called, "Priceless". I did a record called "Drifter" for Shawty Redd which brought on "Sexual Eruption". Snoop wanted to buy the record from me but I didn't want to sell it. I felt getting a two for one was better, so "Sexual Eruption" came from the "Drifter" record. I did a few things here and there.

DW: That's whats up. So you're currently working with Plies, correct?

FB: Yeah, I'm currently working with Plies, Nelly, Luda - some of everybody.

DW: Recently, Dawaun Parker, Dr Dre's protégée, was asked what kind of equipment he uses and he said he wasn't going to answer that. Is it possible to mimic the sound of another producer if knowing the equipment? Are you against sharing tips to other producers.

FB: I don't want people to know what I use but at the same time another producer is not going to use it the way I use it. A lot of times, a lot of us use the same sounds, its all how you tweak. I may hear a sound another producer uses, but it doesn't inspire me. I use an MPC and a lot of producers you it, its common. But a lot of producers don't have my sound so it doesn't matter if someone knows I use an MPC.

DW: Do you have a signature sound? We can listen to Timbaland and Neptunes and know its a track by them. Do you feel you have your own distinctive sound?

FB: Yeah, I think so. A lot of people pick up on my drum rolls, my high-hats and the thickness of my tracks. I try to make sure they are fat all the way around and not too thin. I really like people to feel the music. Its real bottom heavy but its real music in it to.

DW: Well, I appreciate your time. Is there anything you want to let the people know personally? Clothing line dropping (both laughing), a record label or anything?

FB: We have a label, my partners and I, Big Ron and Roc, called Black Shield Ent. We have a few artists on the label that we are molding. Jason Caesar is probably going to be our break out artist, he's a Pop artist. He is Shirley Caesar's great-nephew. We have a few projects on the table, we out here working. We also have an R & B/Pop artist, Meesa and a rapper, Remy. Got a few in-house producers also, we are trying to be a force in the industry.

DW: That's whats up. What's the best way for people to connect with you?

FB: If anyone wants to get in touch with me, the best way is Twitter (@FatBoiBeats). I have a myspace (www.myspace.com/fatbeezy912) but I don't use it much so Twitter is the best way. Also check out: www.producerfatboi.blogspot.com, www.myspace.com/metronomeststudios, www.justin.tv/fatboibeatz.

DW: Thanks again....

By: CathrynMarie

Interview: Taj the Director

As posted on www.theblastbydigiwaxx.com

Digi-clusives: Weekly EXCLUSIVE (and no, not one of those phony exclusives where everyone is reposting the same thing) interview features with movers and shakers within the Music Industry; Artists, Producers, Label Reps, DJs - hell maybe even Video Chicks :-).....

This Week's Exclusive: Video and Photographer, Taj Stansberry (@taj_mahall), known by many as just Taj or Taj Mahall. The Oakland, California native is one of the youngest in the video directing game but his client list stacks high, if not higher, compared to some of his friendly competitors. With two major projects dropping as soon as this up and coming week and weeks ahead, get to know the man behind the camera of Ryan Leslie and The Dream's future work.

Digiwaxx: Taj!! First off, thanks for taking the time to speak with me. As I stated before, I have been following YOU for a while now, dating back to when you were rapping and in a group with I.V.A.N. and Jimmie Reign, I also know you did photography at that time. Rocking three hats (rapping, photography and director) what made you push ahead with directing?

Taj Stansberry: With the rap world, I was basically weighing it out; whats the chance of making money doing it - quick money? Photography was doing it but I needed more. So I picked up a camera and started shooting videos. I hit up groups and asked to film them in hopes that people would see it and soon want to pay me and it happened. My first major project was shooting Rihanna in Europe and then I signed to an agency and began getting recognition.

D.W.: Originally from the Bay Area, Oakland to be exact, did you select Los Angeles as your choice of residence for opportunity?

Taj: I moved to New York when I was 18, I liked it but it wasn't for me so I chose L.A. to live close to home. Plus my agency is in L.A. It just seemed like the place to be. I met a few producers to network and produce with and jobs just came in.

D.W.: And who have you worked with exactly?

Taj: Nas ("Hero"), Ne-Yo ("Part of the List"), Rihanna ("Don't Stop The Music"), Usher, Musiq Soulchild ("So Beautiful"), Lil Wayne, Electric Red, Jada Kiss ("Who's Real"), Swizz Beats, Ryan Leslie, Fabolous and The Dream, to name a few.

D.W.: Being young and in the game, who do you look up to? Do such directors like Hype, Dr. Teeth or Boomtown inspire you?

Taj: I've always looked up to Hype. His eye is great, movement is amazing and dynamic. He is very unique and deserves all the credit he gets. Overall, our styles are different. I'm more narrative. Anthony Mandler (Jay Z - "D.O.A.", "Run This Town", Rihanna - "Russian Roulette", "Wait Your Turn" and more) took me under his wing and showed me the way. Showed me other things.

D.W.: How does it feel to see your work on BET/MTV?

Taj: I'm numb because I've seen the video so many times during the editing process, and I don't watch a lot of TV. I was there and looking at it shot by shot. I want to be excited. When I saw Musiq Soulchild's video I was very excited about it and it was a solid piece of of film making. I do enjoy the process and get more excitement creating it verses seeing it. I love the creativity process.

D.W.: Some would say that you actually love what you're doing if that's the case. With that being said, who would you like to work with that you haven't yet?

Taj: Well the obvious and everyone asks when it will happen; Jay Z. We've gone back and forth on a few projects but just have yet to seal a deal. He's a great artist. Nas is number two. I have done a video for him and working with him was amazing. Sade, Coldplay, POD, Kanye, Cinematic Orchestra are others. I want to take it against the grain and have a different feel, work with someone like Britney (Spears) and make things raw. Let's do some sh*t where you like I've never seen of her where she is acting and narrative; bad girl verses stripper girl type of work.

Photo by Gab The Producer

D.W.: So what's next? I recall on twitter, you spoke of a project with Ryan Leslie and The Dream.

Taj: Ryan Leslie just released his new album, "Transition", and we did a short film for it, "Making of Transition", a 30 to 45 minute film. It's a great love story, based on real life, with a guy who is an over achiever and when it comes to this one woman he tries to use the same attitude but learns the same rules do not apply. It was an honor to have him ask me to capture it. It's a true story. Great person to work with. He is cool with you personally while on the set but also grinding. It releases probably, December 6th, 2009.

I was set to shoot The Dream's "Fancy" video but things switched up last minute and we shot a video for "Sweat It Out", which should be dropping next week sometime (this week).

D.W.: Sounds like your plate is full. Well, I appreciate your time, once again. Any last words for the people?

Taj: I have a new blog, www.sleepingonmars.com - check it out! I've been working on it. I'm still young and black. I'm trying to brand myself because when on set I look like the artist verses the director and I'm often looked at as that, an artist. I have the tattoo's and dress in hip hop attire. It's a marketing game no matter what and I just want people to know I have it. My blog allows people to get in my head - its my diary.

Check out Taj online: www.twitter.com/Taj_Mahall - www.myspace.com/TajStansberry - www.thepopularkids.com - www.sleepingonmars.com

Clit Chronicles: Me, You and THEM

Clit Chronicles by CathrynMarie
Me, You and THEM
11.10.09

Last Saturday of each month, a few friends and I host the biggest house parties known to man. We encourage our guests to bring their own liquor, dress comfortably and let loose. Four different rooms with four different themes – the Red Room equipped with a red light bulb was a get away location for women to mix and mingle. The Blue Room with a blue light bulb in tow featured a repeat of videos on the big screen. The black light bulb, Black room was where couples would mingle with other couples, while the Purple Room catered to persons who single status. Never before have had the opportunity I participated in all four rooms but tonight I wanted to get my Christopher Columbus on and discover new things.

Starting my night off in the Blue Room, I witnessed my favorite porn star on the screen; Cherokee. I took a seat on the leather couch and paid attention as I waited to view her signature move that she performed on her women lovers. Watching her push her latest conquests legs far over their head to the point to where they are literally standing on their shoulders, and pussy pointing directing towards the ceiling, does something to me. The grunts and moans from the other parties on the couch sitting next to me and across, assured me I was not the only one turned on by Ms. Cherokee feasting on the young lady’s vagina.

The gentleman sitting to the left of me reached over with his right hand and placed it on my left thigh. I glanced over at him, I was so caught up in Cherokee I didn’t notice him really. The full lipped, nicely toned, caramel man had invaded my space and I was open to the possibilities of a great outcome. Sliding his hand up my leg and spreading my legs apart. I positioned my body, leaning on the arm of the couch, putting more weight on the right side and turned towards him allowing him to put his hands further up my skirt until he found the gold he was searching for. I purposely wasn't wearing any panties; I wanted to make things easy for whomever I decided to play with tonight. He stuck his thumb in my pussy, turned it sideways and began moving it in and out. I wanted him to get in deeper, so I lifted my right leg up and rested it on his right leg. With him still using his right thumb and fucking me with it, he took his left hand and started rubbing my clit. I found myself moving my hips, letting him know that I enjoyed what he was doing, and pushing my body in towards him each time he stuck his thumb inside my cunt. He removed his thumb from my opening, but keeping the clit rubbing going. He brought his face down closer to my pussy and began to suck it - almost felt like he bit it. I don't know how he managed to get my whole pussy in his mouth, but his mouth covered my love, lips and all. He managed to put his tongue inside of me and turned me on as he started licking my walls. He took slow, deep strokes with his tongue, pushing it deep inside me every now and then. The sensation of him rubbing my clit and licking my pussy the way he did was too much for me; I came all in his mouth. He removed his hand, but continued to suck my pussy, he was sucking it as if he was trying to suck it dry; I just couldn’t take it anymore. He finally came up for air and had a look of satisfaction over his face.

Feeling satisfied and ready to be penetrated, I adjusted my clothing, smirked at my generous mate and made my way to the Red Room.

Once inside of the Red Room where the party was already going on, I witnessed five sexy women sucking, licking and sticking. Standing back and just watching them spread throughout the queen size bed – one on one, sixty-nine action and a body linkage of three women; one on her back with a girl on her face, pleasing her orally while being taken care of orally by another. The young lady, who was sucking on the clit of the girl on her back, was doing so on her knees, fully naked; pussy in the open just waiting for someone to stick their face in her. Taking steps towards the bed, I placed my right hand on her right ass cheek, gripping it firmly. Alerting her that she would no longer be left out of the party, I ran my index and middle finger across her pussy, then bringing it to my mouth and savoring the taste on my fingers. Kneeling on the bed and closer to her, I applied pressure on her ass, spreading her pussy open more and commenced to diving face first into her pussy. Licking from her clit up towards her pussy lips, and then sucking on them tenderly, I massaged her lips with my lips and french kissed her cunt. Pulling my face from between her ass cheeks, I proceeded to ram my right index and middle finger inside of her pussy; in and out, in and out. Stimulating her ass with my left thumb, her moans became louder, causing her to lose focus of the pussy she was sucking. Replacing my thumb for my tongue, I ran it across her asshole area, making circles around her opening. The sensation became too much for her. She shifted positions and completely ran away from me, dropping her hips to meet the mattress. Taking that as a sign to move around and find some dick, I left the Red Room and headed to the Purple Room.

In the singles room, there was a whole lot of poking, sucking and more sucking going on. It was no holds bar inside of this room, I noticed a man in the corner on his knees pleasuring another man with his mouth. It didn’t seem to faze anyone and I surely wasn’t going to allow it to bother me, I made my way to the bed, finding an opening around two other three person groups. I just wanted to lie and get off on what the others had going on.

I lay across the bed spread, opened my legs and began to rub my pussy; it caught the attention of one man who was standing tall, receiving head from a female who was on all fours getting fucked in the ass by another man. My laying next to them turned him on. He ran his fingers through the young lady’s hair, locking his fingers around the back of her dome and forcing his dick further in his mouth; that turned me on. Dropping her lower jaw to fit his Mandingo dick further to the back of her throat, she began to slobber effortlessly all over his dick. Her saliva dripped from his dick down to his balls. Never taking his eyes off of me and my self pleasuring, I gave him a smile, while still rubbing my pussy and cuffing my breast. He was literally fucked her mouth, causing her to gag on it; she couldn’t take it.

Pulling his dick out of her mouth, giving her the opportunity to focus on the massive ass ramming job she was involved in, he began stroking his dick while smiling at me. The look on his face quickly changed, while he continued to stroke the base to the head; he was about to cum. Rubbing my pussy, I wanted to cum with him. He bent his knees and gripped his dick hard, stroking faster and faster – turning me on. Just as he was about to come, he stepped back in front of the girl who was sucking him off moments earlier and completely let loose right on her face. I couldn’t help but giggle at the sight, she was not expecting it. Her eyes were closed, as she was enjoying what the guy behind her was doing.

Getting my composure, I smiled and walked past my new friend and made my way to the Couples Room. Passing the Blue Room along the way, I peeked in and noticed my Caramel love was still in their watching videos. He was finger fucking some big titty chick on the couch next to him. He lifted his head when he noticed me watching, I winked at him and motioned for him to come towards me. Obliging my request, my Husband walked towards me. I grabbed his hand and we walked into the Black Room together.

Three other couples were in there already, bed completely taken. We found a spot on the floor, next to the bed and made it our spot. He had me lie on the floor, spread my legs open and began rubbing my clit. He pulled my titties out of my bra and began to suck on my right one, while firming gripping the left. Out of no where, I felt an extra set of hands, they were inside of my pussy, beating my walls up with each vicious stroke. My Husband began kissing me in my mouth; the thought of my being turned on by someone else seemed to arouse him some. The guy down low discontinued the fingering session. My Husband then made his way on top of me, pushing my legs up in the air and sliding his dick inside of him. Ten-inches of love filled my pussy to make the perfect fit. Taking slow strokes at first, hitting the bottom of my pussy, and then sliding his dick back out only leaving the tip of his dick inside of me. Pausing from his strokes, I gripped the head of his dick with my walls. Picking up the pace and working his pelvic, the long strokes from his thick dick filled my cunt once again.

The gentleman, who was fingering me moments ago, stood to the left of me and began stroking his dick over my face. Grabbing the dick in front of me, I took charge and began sucking on it. I started out with an open mouth suck, letting my mouth get moist a little before I started sucking it hard and slow. Continuing to keep up with the dick inside of me, I kept up with his moves and fucked him back with each thrust. Sucking the dick in my mouth real hard, while jacking it off with my left hand, it took no time for him to cum; he came all in my mouth. I allowed his nut to run out of my mouth, down my chin, to my neck until finally resting on my breast.

Watching the nut lay on my breast, my Husband pulled his dick out of me and began to jack it off. Reaching for my head, he propped me up and rammed his cock inside of my mouth, telling me to suck him off like I did the other guy. I did him one better. Taking his dick to the back of my throat, I allowed him to fuck my mouth the way I say the guy in the Purple Room do to the other girl. Deep into my zone, savoring and devouring my man’s penis, he was about to let me taste him. Slurping each drop from his dick, I gulped and swallowed every drop that escaped his penis.

I came, I saw, and I conquered each room tonight. Experiencing something new with my Husband and loving every moment of it; next months party will most certainly be hard to top, but I’m sure we can.

Interview: Steph Jones

As posted on www.theblastbydigiwaxx.com



Digi-clusives: Weekly EXCLUSIVE (and no, not one of those phony exclusives where everyone is reposting the same thing) interview features with movers and shakers within the Music Industry; Artists, Producers, Label Reps, DJs - hell maybe even Video Chicks :-).....

This Week's Exclusive: R & B singer and model, Steph Jones, once signed to Ludacris’ label, DTP, affectionately known as “Mr. Ordinary”, the title of his hit single and clothing line, who is now adding actor to his list of accomplishments.

Digiwaxx Media: Heyyy, Steph Jones Music!!

Steph Jones: (laughing). Did you see my picture? I have the internet going wild! (speaking on him dressing as a woman for Halloween – concreteloop.com, mediatake.com, xemvanadams.com)

D.W.: (laughing). Yes, you are a fool!

S.J.: It’s what I wanted anyway, to get people talking.

D.W.: Okay, well let’s jump right in then – first question, do you have an album coming out? (laughing). Was it a publicity stunt? (joking).

S.J.: The costume was a last minute decision and I was trying to think of a way to top last year. I’m secure with my manhood and thought it would be fun.

D.W.: I personally felt it was very funny. You reminded me of B Scott, actually (laughing).

S.J.: I had fun and again, people are talking; I win!

D.W.: Recently you dropped a mix-tape, Gravity, is this project one leading up to you breaking news of being signed or what?

S.J.: Honestly, the way the music scene is going right now and the way I am able to move without answering to anyone and still do even more than those with budgets; I’m comfortable. I landed a role in my first film and just finished filming it; “Feel”. People are gravitating to the movement and like my music. I’m getting the most I can out of all of this.

D.W.: Nice! So what else do you have going on?

S.J.: Well, I’m getting ready for my mix-tape release party tonight in LA. I have one in Houston on November 10th and also one in Atlanta on November 14th. I’m starting my movie career and also in the process of getting management. Everything that I’ve done thus far has been done by me and I am now putting together a team to assist me.

D.W.: It’s safe to say that since everything is done by yourself then your mix-tape was only released on twitter?

S.J.: I sent it to a few bloggers who posted it on their site before I leaked it on twitter and it kind of went from there. I’m glad people have some substance that they can share with their grandkids and so on.


D.W.: Can you talk about the movie you have just wrapped up?

S.J.: Not too much but I can talk about my role. The film is cast with an artist on Hollywood Records, Marie’ Digby, as the lead in the movie. It’s a love story and it all intertwines with her album and more. I’m the DJ and love interest of Marie’s role. It’s a lot of back and forth with really cool elements. The director, Brett Leonard (“Lawmower Man”, “Hideaway”) walked up to me and said, “You have a lot of talent and I want to work with you”; it’s been an amazing experience.

D.W.: I recently saw your new comp card for modeling, is this something you are pursuing again or more of?

S.J.: The comp card picture was for a celebrity wall and they just used my new pictures. I’m active in modeling, doing it via direct bookings as apposed to auditions. 2010 I am apart of a Reebok campaign that will be something like my Live Mechanics campaign. Them advertising me as an artist and including information about me; I’m doing jobs that make sense.

D.W.: Digiwaxx Media has over 32,000 DJ's in our database, picking one record off of your mix-tape, which song would you love on their serato?

S.J.: “Galactic 2” featuring Auto Push. I was kind of nervous about this track because I’m not singing as much, almost talking most of it and featuring them but the record came to my soul when I was in the booth and a lot of people play the record. Last weekend they played Drake at the club I was at and then played “Galactic 2” and the people loved it. They asked the DJ what song it was – it revived the club.

D.W.: Well, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me. I know you have to get ready for your party. Any last parting words for the readers?

S.J.: Continue to download and support the mix-tape. I have an animation cartoon in talks right now, “Mr. Ordinary” with a company overseas. IT’S ABOUT TIME! It’s at a time that I’m coming and people are starting to see whats true and not true in the music industry. Artists have to have more than a song, a one hit, they have to have a brand. Other bloggers who never showed me any attention have noticed my progression. It’s okay to be your own ‘Ordinary’ – carbon copies come out to light. You’ll see!

Follow Steph on twitter - www.twitter.com/stephjonesmusic. Listen to Steph’s “Lifetape” via Datpiff.com, if you love it (which you will) download it! Check him out on MySpace and visit his website, www.stephjonesgalaxy.com.

Fun Steph Jones Memory – check him out as the leading man in Destiny Child’s “Jumpin, Jumpin” video :)

Interview: Raheem Devaughn

As posted on www.theblastbydigiwaxx.com - Interview conducted by ME! :)

Digi-clusives: Weekly EXCLUSIVE (and no, not one of those phony exclusives where everyone is reposting the same thing) interview features with movers and shakers within the Music Industry; Artists, Producers, Label Reps, DJs - hell maybe even Video Chicks :-).....

This Week's Exlusive: R & B, Neo Soul Singer, Raheem DeVaughn
Last week, Raheem (@radiorah) dropped a twitter exclusive - the video for his new single, "Bullet Proof" featuring Ludacris (@ludajuice)


Digiwaxx Media: Has social networking sites such as twitter, ustream and facebook allowed Artist's to have more input in marketing projects in areas that labels may overlook?

Raheem DeVaughn: Definitely! The direct connection with fans and music lovers is unbelievable. You learn how egar they are and how much they anticipate your project more hands on.

D.W.: Do you feel such sites can cause harm to an Artist's image or how fans view them?

R.D.: It's all about how you present yourself as an Artist - you have to disclose certain information, not all.

D.W.: What do you love most about these sites?

R.D.: It gives me control of my fan base and the more people that find out what you have going on, mess with it. Some fans with no PC's may feel its an extreme but its helpful. Lets take Soulja Boy for example. He wouldn't be who he is without social networking sites. They allowed him to blow himself up from his bedroom with a PC. It gives us direct connection with the fans as much as possible.

D.W.: Do you feel more Artist's should take advantage of the opportunity to socialize with fans?

R.D.: DEFINITELY! I have been telling people for years to jump on. Some join and others just can't get into it.

D.W.: Recently you dropped a mix-tape to hold fans over until your next album release. How has the response been?

R.D.: The new mix-tape, Art of Noise, is free and people have been downloading it. The response has been good. I did it different this time and didn't press it up. It'll be a collectors edition eventually, something I'll add with my album or something.

D.W.: Digiwaxx Media has over 32,000 DJ's in our database, picking one record off of your mix-tape, which song would you love on their serato?

R.D.: Oh Man, thats a tough one! Picking one song, I'd have to say the "Talk Shit" record. It's a feel good, club record. (download record HERE ft Phil Ade)

D.W.: Let's talk about 368 Music Group, your label and new website (www.368musicgroup.com) - you have an Artist you are pushing, who is he?

R.D.: Phil Ade, from the DMV - Maryland. He reminds me of myself when I first came out. I didn't have the opportunity he has had since I stumbled upon him; 21-year-old artist. The biggest thing is Artist's don't know is the formula. Jam Master Jay came across 50 cent and he knew he was dope and showed him some structure. It's the same thing with, Phil. He is very dope and just recently dropped his first mix-tape/LP/EP free online. The first single is, "Hollywood". We plan to have a big video launch using footage in the yard of homecoming. It hasn't even been six months and we've been making noise with him.

D.W.: February 2010, your new album, "Love and War Masterpiece" drops. Is "Bullet Proof" the first single?

R.D.: "Bullet Proof" is the first single, ads are already running on radio. This will be a double CD. It's been a work in progress. I'd have to say it's my best CD thus far.

D.W.: Well we all anticipate the new album and other projects you are apart of. Any last information you want to drop to the readers?

R.D.: Follow me on twitter - www.twitter.com/radiorah. Call my Say Now - 202.609.8688. Check out my ustream - www.ustream.tv/channel/im-a-icon . And DEF, if you love hip-hop, check out, Phil Ade!

Raheem DeVaughn featuring Ludacris - "Bullet Proof"

MTVu Nominee: Esso

Literally "the kid next door" - at least that's my personal thoughts of, Esso. No huge ego, no flashy jewelry, not dissing other artists - just your every day dude; yet he is an ARTIST! How can this be? A rapper with personality, loyal to the people who support him, humble, physically out networking on the scene and not having a rep do it, and supports other artists? Thats unheard of in 2009!! If you haven't heard of Esso - allow me to introduce you.

Currently working on his debut album, EVOLVED, Esso's Michael Jackson tribute inspired video for, "Don't Stop", off his latest mix-tape project, "Off The Wall", can be seen on MTVu, MTV2, MTVJams. Featured on your favorite bloggers, favorite blog - his internet buzz is noteworthy. Magazines from XXL to YRB and more, have all jumped aboard the "Esso Experience" train; the dude has a bright future heard! Check the credentials if ya don't believe me: About Esso.

1 of 5 nominee's for MTVu, Freshmen video, Esso needs YOUR vote! Don't just vote because I asked you to (well you should, but I'm saying), vote because the video is actually mad dope. So watch the video and then take your happy tail over to MTVu and vote :) www.mtvu.com/music/the-freshmen/nominees-101209.