Sharoyce, and indie Hip Hop artist from Richmond Indiana enlists A-F-R-O for his new single “WOAT Inferno.” The record also produced by A-F-R-O hits hard with Sharoyce’s lyrical venom about claiming his stake in Hip Hop. Chilling arrangements looped with cuts and scratches intensify Sharoyce’s lyrical performance while the hook resonates.
Sharoyce chops it up below about the new single, upcoming releases, working alongside A-F-R-O, the Hip Hop scene in Indiana, and more.
MJ: Before we jump right into your brand-new hit single “WOAT Inferno” introduce yourself to those who might not be familiar (shame on them).
Sharoyce: Tis all good. I’m still a baby out here. I’m Sharoyce a.k.a Da WOAT (acronym for “Wackest of All Time”). I’m trying to peddle my garbage to the masses one track at a time.
MJ: You are based out of Richmond, Indiana. Tell us about the Hip Hop scene there, I know each coast or city has its own flow and mantra.
Sharoyce: Richmond is a small community with roughly about 34,000 people in it. Everyone kind of knows everyone, so the communal rhythm is like that of the Heaven’s Gate cult. I like the fact that the cost of living is so cheap, but the Hip Hop scene is non-existent.
MJ: You’re not an up-and-coming artist, you are seasoned. Talk about that progression in your career.
Sharoyce: It’s been pretty much a trial by error journey since I started jotting lines back in 2003. I bought a little Pro Tools set up back in 2009, where I cut my teeth on the ins-and-outs of the DAW. In 2012, I started to book sessions at professional studios. It took me some time, but I gradually learned how to construct a record over the years, but I’m still garbage.
MJ: Let’s get down to the new single. Take us through the process from idea to creation to production to final canvas.
Sharoyce: I’d been listening to A-F-R-O since I caught wind of him back in 2014. The fact that one of the best rappers to ever grace the mic took him under his wing instantly sold me on the young guy. Over the years, I’d been reaching out to some of my favorite MCs for features and I decided to hit him up on IG. He showed love on the production (w/scratches) and he even laid a verse down for me. I swiftly laid my mumble rap down and sent the session files over to my engineer.
MJ: Some Hip Hop legends coin A-F-R-0 as an indie G.O.A.T, do you concur?
Sharoyce: For a legend, he’s humble. All’s I had to do was reach out to him on social media. I gave him his flowers and we proceeded to get the work done. He sent me back the verse in less than a few hours.
MJ: What are your expectations for the single, and what can fans expect?
Sharoyce: I just want the fans to know that even a low-tier amateur such as myself isn’t afraid to step on the track with the greatest. I expect to be crowned the worst to do it after they hear this one.
MJ: Is the single taken from a released project or one that is forthcoming? Will there be an upcoming video for the single?
Sharoyce: I have no plans of releasing an album anytime soon. A video isn’t totally out of the question, but for now there are no plans for that either.
MJ: Where can fans and audiences catch you this summer? Are any performances or events, or collaborations in the works?
Sharoyce: They’ll be able to catch me at open mics and events within the area. I have upcoming collabs with Big Rube (Dungeon Family/Society of Soul), Mark Battles, T-Rell (Empire), Honey-B-Sweet, Sadzilla, Rx The Rapper and many others. I’d like to work with Elzhi and Kool Keith as well, so I’m working on lining those two up too.
MJ: Before we wrap up, can you share three essential gems you live by to ensure your success continues to move forward?
Sharoyce: Never be quick to modify your art due to criticism, drink lots of water, and don’t fall behind on child support because they’re locking n*ggas up for that.
MJ: Is there anything else you want to share with the world?
Sharoyce: Sharoyce is WOAT. You Betta know it, family. I’ll be dropping new music on Bandcamp soon and you can be on the Lookout for Ghostface Monkeypaw w/ me and Copywrite, as well as RhymeTyme Freestyle w/ Houston’s Viper The Rapper.
Stream “WOAT Inferno” on Bandcamp and preferred platforms
Hip Hop international and national vet Capital X presents the official video for “Truth Be Told.” The self-produced record is the first single taken from his forthcoming album ‘Beats & Rhymes.’ In the full interview below, X gives fans the inside scoop on his new album, his signature flow in the video to expose harsh truths, his continuous role as an activist, and more.
MJ: When people hear the name Capital X there’s a lot that comes to mind and resonates, from Hip Hop culture to activism. Your career began in the late 70s and the early 80s first as a breaker and then as MC. Talk about your entrance into Hip Hop and your transition from breaker to MC.
X: Though I was from New York, I was actually first introduced to what would become the culture of Hip Hop in Patillas, Puerto Rico in 1977. I was visiting family and my cousin Flex was a member of the Dynamite Kids, an Outlaw Rockin crew. I instantly fell in love with everything about it. I get an adrenaline rush all over again just thinking about it. Upon returning home to NY, I sought anyone that was into Up-Rockin. I ended up getting down with the SepaRock City Crew. SepaRock was a collective of MCs, DJs, and B-Boys in the South Bronx. They were all originally from the West Indies. So I not only found a crew to throw down with, but I also got to be around MCs and DJs doing their thing. I was also instantly drawn towards the mic, but I loved Rockin so much, I stuck with it. We started working on routines that we would perform locally and we also battled whoever wanted it. I kept dancing till 1982/83. The last few years I was break dancing. I started writing rhymes on the DL. I just pretty much naturally evolved. The mic had a gravitational pull on me. I made my first professional demo as an MC in 1983/84 while I was in California. I was out there breaking and the opportunity presented itself. From that moment forward I considered myself retired from break dancing. I divorced the floor and married the mic.
MJ: You are originally from Brooklyn, NY but moved to Norway back in 2010. How is the Hip Hop scene overseas? How does it differ from here in the States? Also, talk about that major crossover and the decision that led up to it.
X: I was very fortunate to have started touring in Europe around 2005. I was shocked at the Hip Hop scene out here. I felt that the states being so oversaturated took the culture for granted compared to Europe. In Europe, they appreciated every aspect of the culture where everyone and their brother was out to be a rapper in the US and everything else kind of got ignored. In Europe, they pay homage to the pioneers and just have so much respect for the foundation that Hip Hop was built. France and Italy had the best scenes in my opinion with Germany following close. Touring through Italy and France felt like I was living Hip Hop in New York in the 80s all over again. I eventually made my way to Scandinavia. I first rocked in Denmark which also has a dope scene, then I got booked in Norway. There was and still is something about Norway that just does it for me. Though the Hip Hop scene in Norway falls short compared to other European countries in my opinion, I fell in love with the peaceful atmosphere and chill people. Coming from the hectic background I was used to, Norway felt like I found paradise on earth. I remember telling the promoter that booked me as I looked over a fjord for the first time in my life, that if I lived in a place like this, I would become Gandhi-like in no time. The opportunity presented itself for me to move to Norway and it was a no-brainer. I was tired of the killing in the US on the streets and by the states themselves. I was tired of being preyed upon by law enforcement agencies. The stress was killing me for sure. Norway remedied all that, and it healed many of the battle wounds I had sustained throughout my lifetime.
MJ: You wear many hats as an MC, recording artist, producer, graphic designer, and videographer, as well as CEO of your indie label. What are some challenges, if any, that come with being a one-man army? What are the wins?
X: Great question. I love my freedom. Freedom definitely comes at a high price though. The biggest challenge of being a one-man army as you put it is time management. There just never seems to be enough time in a day. I of course get/seek out help from time to time to lighten the load but for the most part, I enjoy being independent. You have to be good at rolling solo. Years spent in solitary confinement prepared me well for that. The wins are first of all the freedom. Answering to no one but yourself. Taking on all these different aspects truly hones one’s craft of being a creator which is also a win. Not owing anyone anything is another huge win. I remember signing my first deal back in the day. My crew all believed we had made it when we got that check. I felt that yoke being locked around my neck. For me, having less is actually having a lot more. I am not a commodity anymore to anyone. Being this independent allows me to be a true creator. That is the overall win for me.
MJ: Outside of music you are an activist, which stemmed from your time in prison. During that time you lost out on some major music deals. Upon your release, you went full throttle into creating a lengthy music catalog including 2 albums, an EP, 20 singles, and 17 videos. Talk about the moment of empowerment you thrived on fresh out of the gates, versus giving up on your career.
X: Though there was a time when I hoped to “make it” I never really looked at what I do as a career. For me, this is a way of life. Of course, getting paid to do what one loves is the ultimate goal for many artists. But getting paid or not I love what I do. Not living Hip Hop was never an option for me. During my last prison bid, I worked hard on myself. I transformed myself into who I am today. I was inspired and motivated by Malcolm X and how he transformed himself. I was so obsessed with the life of Malcolm X for many years. Cats started calling me X while I was on Rikers Island and I ran with it. I did look to get signed again when I first got out from my last bid but as a solo artist. That was in 2002. I was quickly reminded of how shady the industry is. I was spitting conscious lyrics and they offered me a deal if I would rather write gangsta raps. I wasn’t about to compromise myself so I walked. Meeting rappers such as Slug of Atmosphere, Ill Bill, and Immortal Technique motivated me to be an independent artist. I started out well, but relocating to Norway leveled me off for some years. Now that I have my feet firmly planted, things are once again starting to pick up. But I never stopped being/living Hip Hop no matter what.
MJ: This leads us to your new single/video “Truth Be Told” which is taken from your forthcoming album ‘Just Beats & Rhymes.’ You hold no punches when it comes to exposing harsh truths on how Social Media brainwashes and turns humans into robots, attacking capital punishment, calling out rappers who use their music to glorify violence, drugs, and street life, and you even, so boldly, exploit the music industry…Take us through the journey of “Truth Be Told” from the thought to creation, to production, to the final canvas, and to what audiences can expect to take away from the video.
X: When I get on a mic I feel I need to be saying something. One of my biggest influences when it comes to being an MC is Melle Mel. Melle Mel’s verses back in the day hit me so hard, that I can still feel the impact. I can’t rhyme just to be rhyming. There are plenty of lyrical acrobats out there that are way better at doing that than I ever will be. But there aren’t many slanging truths. I always loved the MCs that challenged my mind with what they were saying. Kool Moe Dee, KRS ONE, Rakim, Wise Intelligent, Chuck D, Guru they made me want to seek knowledge and I did, and still do. What better way to share knowledge and wisdom than in a rhyme? I once lived blindly and I see multitudes of people living that way today and it’s painful to watch. The microphone is where I speak the truth, you can take it or leave it. During the pandemic, I got back into production. I had toyed around with production back in the day. I actually sold my E-mu SP-1200 to help me move to Norway. After producing a few tracks for the legendary Lifers Group which is now out and doing their thing, I decided to self-produce an entire album for myself. Truth be Told was one of the first tracks that came to me. I love that you said I “boldly, exploit the music industry”. That’s how it should be, and not the other way around. With so much information out there I find it hard to believe how many artists are still willing to sign deals. To be owned. The demise of so many rappers in the last few years was definitely a motivating factor behind the track. I have also kind of grown tired of hearing the coke and gun bars as well. I lived that life for real and paid dearly for it. Our communities are nearly looking like when the crack epidemic hit back when and I feel as though as artists we can be doing better. Aside from what I have spent on equipment which isn’t much honestly, the recording, release, and video for Truth be Told didn’t cost me a dime. I want artists to know that. I shot the video using my old Samsung Galaxy S9+. I edited it in an outdated version of Adobe Premiere Pro that I jacked from a friend like 15 years ago. Making something from nothing is what Hip Hop is all about. That’s what it was in the beginning and should still be, not no million-dollar budgets. I hope that one person is moved by what I am saying enough to take action at least in their own lives. If I move one person, I am good.
MJ: Some might consider the video to be controversial, some might consider the video difficult to digest, some might want to sweep it under the rug, and for some, it might open eyes. What do you think about the adverse reactions you might receive?
X: I am used to adverse reactions to all the music I put out. For well over a decade I only spoke about the death penalty, the prison industrial complex, and the crooked criminal justice system. I got more hate mail than fan mail and more death threats than I could count on my fingers and toes. Either way, it goes, I provoke thought and spark up dialogue. I’m good with that. I think it was Plato that said “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth”. I believe our history reflects that. The bottom line is I would rather be hated and despised for speaking the truth than be loved for spreading lies.
MJ: Does “Truth Be Told” set the tone or theme for the upcoming self-produced album ‘Just Beats & Rhymes?’
X: Actually it doesn’t. Though there are other tracks that sit well next to Truth be Told, “Just Beats & Rhymes” goes in a few different directions. A few tracks are older rhymes I dug up and felt they still deserved to be heard as they are still very much so relevant. So I created beats for them. The newer rhymes are definitely more about current social issues and topics. I also have a couple that touches upon my personal growth coming into Knowledge of Self. There are even a couple of tracks where I am just having fun with it. But you will still find a gem within those tracks. Overall the album is just what it says it is, Just Beats & Rhymes. No collaborations, no fancy production. I even went as far as using no vocal effects on nearly all the tracks. It’s just straight-up dry vocals not even a hint of reverb. Just Beats & Rhymes will drop later this year.
MJ: As a vetted artist living his life true to the culture, elements, and essence of Hip Hop for over decades, what are two essential gems you can share with the newer generation of Hip Hop?
X: Two gems I would drop here is one: learn the history of Hip Hop. Embrace the roots of this culture we all love so much. Without roots, there will be no real growth. Knowing the true history of Hip Hop is empowering to say the least. Secondly: be yourself. If you have yet to learn who you truly are, work on that, and find out. Dig deep till you reach the real you. Those in our culture that are now in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s are still active, is because they are true to themselves. They are the ones to look up to. It’s not about who has the biggest bank account trust me.
MJ: Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
X: In closing, I would like to say I love this culture of ours. It has given me everything I lacked coming up. It gave me a history, an identity, a purpose, and a reason to live. I don’t have a mansion or fancy cars. I am far from being rich, but because of Hip Hop, I am as wealthy as they come. I don’t have multitudes of fans, but I have some real die-hard supporters and I love every one of them. By society’s standards, I ain’t shit, never was and never will be. But “Truth be Told” I have lived Hip Hop for over four decades. To me, in “My World”, I am a huge success. Never allow others to define who you are, are what your success is, or should be. Peace be unto you all.
New OTSNY Interview with Las Vegas Artist Spaceboi Kenny. Space Boi was in New York City handling label meetings and we got a chance to catch up with him. Spaceboi has new single and New projects on the way! Check out the interview Now !
Erinem, an esteem indie rapper who’s been releasing music for seven years, gears up for her second studio album release on March 25th. The EP “Y.B.A.L.A.” featuring D12’s Bizarre stands for You Bitches Ain’t Listening Anyway.” Erinem comes armed with her A-game and shows off her originality and just why she can’t be boxed in. This lyrical masterpiece displays her growth and progression brewing with endless punchlines worthy of exhausting the repeat button. But before we dive into the EP check out the full interview below with Erinem as she shares the ins and outs of the EP, collaborating with Bizarre, her role in Hip Hop, and more.
“I refuse to fit the mold that other female Hip Hop artists have created before her, or lean much into sexuality, as my brand doesn’t come off as particularly feminine.
MJ: For those who might be living under a rock and not familiar with who you are, introduce yourself to the world.
Erinem: My name is Erinem, and I’m a rapper, producer, avid lyricist, and an all-around student of the game. I write rhymes every day, always trying to keep my hand in. Hip Hop is constantly evolving and changing. Studying the art of Hip Hop is one of those things the more you learn, the less you know — because it’s just so much bigger than any one person. That’s what I love about it, though.
MJ: Share the backstory with your artist/stage name, as it holds an impact on how your music is delivered and resonates.
Erinem: People want to know if my artist name, “Erinem” has anything to do with Eminem, given how similar it is, and given how much my lyrical and vocal style align with his. But my artist name comes from a combination of my first and middle name, which is Erin Emily. It’s not like I didn’t think about the implications of having an artist name that was so like Eminem’s, especially when my music was already so similar to his. I liked the fact that Erinem was both true to my own name and true to the homage I was already paying Eminem anyway, in all the influence of his that shows up continuously in my work. I like to think of it as the kind of homage or association you can find in the A$AP prefix.
MJ: Take us into the new album from the thought process, title, production, etc.
“This album is a way of saying “I’m done trying to please the industry, to please the audience, to please the people. I’m done pursuing popularity and pleading with people to listen to what I have to say. Instead, I’m just going to say it. Why should you care that I’m not what you want me to be? You’re not listening anyway.”
Erinem: One thing I’m proud of when it comes to Y.B.A.L.A. is how planned-out it was. Down to the last detail, everything was meticulously planned and put into motion, like setting up an intricate series of dominos and trying not to knock any of them over before its time. After my last album, some opportunities I thought were in the works for me just kind of fell through. It was devastating. So, I knew I needed to throw myself into work again because, with all the time I had just lost to snakes in the grass, there was no time left to waste. So, I started planning a new album, one that I could fully creatively control and one where I was in charge of what went into it and when. That has become critical for me in these last few years. That’s really what “Y.B.A.L.A.” became about; not listening to anyone else when it comes to my own success, and not expecting anyone else to care about it the way I do. The idea for the album title came to me suddenly when I woke up one morning, and I just made some incoherent, cryptic note about it on my phone. It was something like “Idea for a 5-song EP: Called YBALA, and it stands for ‘You Bitches Ain’t Listening Anyway’ – with each song’s title being one of the words from the album title” and when I got serious about making the album, I brought it up to my producer, Guy Bartov. I was like, “Guy, man, what do you think about making this album?” Guy is an extraordinary producer and finessed those mixes down to the most minuscule detail. It was amazing to watch. As a producer myself, I learned a lot from sitting in on those sessions.
MJ: How was the experience working with Bizarre?
Erinem: Working with Bizarre was great. I met up with him in Detroit a few years ago. We went over to FBT to do some work together. It’s crazy to be there and to see how that studio has stayed true to the era it came out of. There were some dusty drum pads and stuff laying around that were still there from the D12 era. Bizarre and I got some ideas going and did some recording that day. It was his birthday coming up, and he asked me to come chill at his birthday party later that week, so I stopped by for his house party, and that was a crazy time. Afterward, I met up with Bizarre again by chance at a studio called Bravo Ocean in Atlanta. We were both there having a session, and so we hung out for a few minutes between things. It occurred to me that now would be the perfect time to release his verse because I had this idea for a song that it would be perfect on. We reworked it some, and it ended up on “Bitches” which was really the ideal place to showcase his subject matter.
MJ: What are your expectations for the project? Is there one track that you feel will echo the most with audiences/fans?
Erinem: My expectations for it are to get it out to as many ears as possible, and that people love it the way I do. I think Hip Hop is hungry for substance again, for lyricism that doesn’t lack in intelligence but also doesn’t get preachy or just bore you out of your mind. And that’s what this project delivers. For the casual listener, they’re just good tracks. But for the avid fan of lyricism, there are punchlines and references all over the place, like little easter eggs for deep divers to find. In the end, I hope that the quality and spirit of this album proves its title wrong and a little ironic; that people will be listening anyway. I didn’t title it that way hoping it would end up being inaccurate, but what started out as me being resigned to my past failures ended up being a glowing tribute to what’s yet to come. I hope others can find some inspiration in that, as I have. My favorite song from this album is definitely “Ain’t” even though it’s probably not the most commercially appealing song on the album. Still, for me, it was like a grand gesture: me, flipping off the industry-snakes who wasted a year of my life, selling me nonsense. That track feels triumphant. But honestly, to my ears, there are no skips on this album.
MJ: What’s up next for Erinem?
Erinem: Singles. I’m going to be dropping a single every month or so, and just build on the trajectory I’ve already created between my two studio albums. I’m really excited to see how everything grows and builds on itself over the next few months.
MJ: Is there anything else you would like the world of Hip Hop to know about your new album Y.B.A.L.A?
Erinem: This seems like a good place to give some credit out to the people who made this project possible. While I write all the lyrics and record all the vocals, there’s a lot more than just that going into a full-on studio album. Like I said before, a lot of what people will probably like and appreciate about this project comes down to solid mixing skills, which I owe to my producer and loyal friend Guy Bartov. I had a fantastic mastering engineer, Brian Lipski, who hustled to meet my ridiculous deadlines, so I want to give credit to him as well. The album art for this project was done by my long-time favorite artist, Elia Colombo. AnyWayWell made the beats, and he’s great at it, so, that made it easier when I was starting from good bones. I also obviously want to thank Bizarre, for being my sole feature on this project and doing such an amazing job with it. And you, of course, MJ. For taking an interest in the project and for taking the time to write about it. And thanks to everyone who supported me and uplifted me along the way. I’d be nowhere without the loyal listeners I already have now, and they all mean a lot to me. To everyone else, I hope you enjoy “Y.B.A.L.A.” as much as I enjoyed making it.
Without further ado, let’s get into the album…You sets off the 5-track EP with the perfect blend of lyricism and wordplay canvased effortlessly by complex rhymes that ultimately set the tone for the rest of the project. A relatable track that makes the hook resonate and echo in unison. Erinem describes an altercation between a couple and the antagonization involved. But at the end of the day, although she can put one of them on blast to end their world, is it even worth the time and energy. “Fuck around and show you at your worst/I could clap and collapse your universe/but I’d rather stack up a track with all this crap/then put you in a verse” There’s plenty of ironies and a bit of comic relief as well to pull from this track. “You don’t really know me, you did not just ‘bro’ me, you are not my homie, you gon’ meet the old me.”
Bizarre jumps in on Bitches, who underlines the track’s golden era of Hip Hop aesthetic. It’s evident through her intricate lyricism, Erinem’s soul also emanates through that era. “I miss when rap was bout/ drugs and bitches/ not fashion Page 2 of 5 brands, or the gram/ or your riches/ back to when thugs/ was givin’ hugs in the club/ bout to show you all how/to give bitches some love.” The track details a house party hosted by the D12 artist in Detroit. The punchlines in Bitches push the bar and are sure to have listeners going back and exhausting the repeat button. “Bitch is doing side-kicks, spastic/ In skin tight elastics/ Acting like it’s magic/ Bitch you’re like the title of M*A*S*H/ All ass-tricks! (Asterix).”
Ain’t serves as a true narrative based on an experience Erinem had in 2021 with some music execs. She holds no bars with this track to spread awareness and bring to light A&R’s, labels, and others in the music industry who mask their snake-like moves and venom. “I ain’t the one with the problem/you’re the one hollerin’/I’m bullshit intolerant” and “ask you for my split/and accuse me of entitlement/ but I ain’t the one with the loft/ this is kick off…” Although each verse begins with negativity, there is a message of triumph and adversity. Anyone branching out into the music industry, take notes while listening to this track. Both the intro and outro are sure to have listeners grip Erinem’s unfortunate experience along with her unyielding emotions.
In Listening Erinem addresses just that and the difficulty folks have with the concept of listening and actually listening. Another relatable track as we all often feel that others don’t listen to us or hear us out, professionally and personally. Erinem nailed the concept by delivering the track in two perspectives which bodies the age-old complexity of you’re not listening to me when either party are listening. Rather, they are mentally preparing a comeback instead of listening. “So I was speaking/ all freaking evening/ you didn’t hear a damn thing today/ you were daydreaming/ and missed the meaning/ you don’t hear a damn thing I say…” The frustration of not being heard is echoed by Erinem’s use of potent punchlines that allow audiences to envision the narrative loud and clear.
Erinem concludes the EP with empowerment and dream chasing in Anyway. She transcends us back to teenage years where the want and desire to achieve or conquer something is overbearing, in an exciting fashion. “I have heard so many say/ they don’t think there’s any way/ dreams that we just throw away/ feelings I can’t downplay/ feeling like a runaway/ in my room I hideaway/ hoping for some better days/ I go on anyway.” Erinem also points out some of life’s contradictions. At early ages we are encouraged to live out our dreams and that we can be whatever we want to be. Yet as maturity kicks in that narrative seems to shift to what others and society deem fitting. That might resemble a cookie-cutter life of working a 9-5, raising a family, and becoming stuck in daily routines. To the naysayers, Erinem proclaims “Sometimes I don’t know/ how I’ll even get by/ on my wits I rely/ it’s a wonder why I try/ when it didn’t work the first/ or the nine-hundredth time/ let’s just call it well rehearsed/ guess conviction is a crime.” The track is bittersweet, yet through Erinem’s poignantly polished lyrics those naysayers are sure to take a seat on the sideline.
It can be noted that “Y.B.A.L.A.” brings forth Erinem’s most personal and brutally honest experiences that allow her to now stand her own ground in and out of the booth. Her knack to blend rhyme schemes and quotable punchlines ultimately drive her music and keeps her prominent in any era of Hip Hop. Be sure to get your copy of the project and connect with Erinem.
Q- Given your background with being a singer-songwriter and folk music, why the change?
A- A valid question that I get all the time. From a young age I always listened to everything I could get my hands on. Growing up in Atlanta there was a very eclectic presence in the radio industry. I went through various phases but Rap was my first love. I was always a fan of musicians that evolved over the years and I’ve taken a personal stake in some of those changes from these artists. So throughout my musical journey I always challenged myself to do an about face and take on something completely different. To be honest I had never really listened to folk music at all when I took that on. It was truly a process of learning something from scratch. So circling back to rap music is more of a homecoming.
Q- Do you receive backlash from the community given your previous musical exploits?
A- I think that’s just part of putting yourself out there. The industry is unforgiving and if you really believe you are going to succeed in anything in life and not get any backlash then you are in for a surprise. To me the more hate or lack of support I receive from people I know or don’t know is more of an indication that I struck a nerve in some way and If I can keep that internal dialogue between me and these individuals going then maybe I can win them over.It’s like in sports, the closer you get to the goal, the stronger the defense gets, again its an indicator that I’m getting closer. I will say that for the most part I get a lot of support and love from the community because real recognizes real and it’s that simple. I try to back up everything I say in my music with facts and bangers.
Q- So is this something you plan to continue to do for the foreseeable future.
A- God willing, music is something I plan on doing for the foreseeable future. I’m a lifelong musical artist and I have to be doing this on some level to feel complete. I created this project to be able to explore all sides of my personality that I didn’t feel was available to me under the previous moniker. Now I’m unfiltered and there is no limitation. To answer your question, I have no plans to exclusively be a rapper. I do it all, next question.
Q- What’s the significance of the gym that’s in the intro of your latest video “The Internet” ?
A- It was sort of my James Dean moment, I’m a huge fan. Beyond the homage we were going for, I’m always trying to showcase the places in the community that are of some importance to me. I use music videos as well as the music itself to process whatever it is I’m going through in life and I felt a healthy amount of fear and uncertainty when it came to the decision to include the big sign in that opening shot. So that’s how I knew we were doing something right. I need to challenge myself in all aspects of this thing and facing my fears and insecurities is paramount. I need to expose myself or this whole thing is nothing more than a clout chase and I may as well be a politician telling the people what they want to hear. To conclude, in my opinion, the realer you are, the better the music.
Q- What’s your biggest fear?
A- Fear itself.
Q- What’s your basic message? What do you hope to accomplish with the music you make?
A- That real change comes from the inside. No matter who you are or what you look like, you can’t love another person until you love yourself. That it doesn’t matter how many times you fall, it’s the getting back up that counts. I’d like to help people realize that perspective and context are everything in one’s ability to win in the game of life. It was only when I overcame my victims mentality that I could truly be free.
Q- Top 5 musical influences?
A- Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse, Tupac Shakur, The Weeknd. Not necessarily in that order.
Q- Any final thoughts before we go?
A- My album “Redbone” will be out February 9th, 2022 You can expect a few drops in the meantime!
City The Great, vetted BK artist/CEO (Certified Nation Entertainment) chops it up about his new single “Day One”, his forthcoming album ‘The Wordsmith’, making industry moves alongside Hip Hop legend Special Ed, and more. Peep the full interview below and listen to “Day One.”
MJ: Before we jump into “Day One” let everyone know who you are and where you’re from.
City the Great: Thanks for having me. I am City the Great from East NY, Brooklyn.
MJ: You’re an artist under Hip Hop legend Special Ed. How did that come to fruition? Are there any challenges regarding age and mindset? Or is this a step towards bridging the generational gap in Hip Hop?
City the Great: Actually, my homeboy is Ed’s 1st cousin and he told me for the longest that he would connect us. Of course, at the time I didn’t believe he was Ed’s cousin. One day he came to the studio with me and took the song I wrote and recorded that day and said he was going to play it for Ed while at Funkmaster Flex’s birthday bash at BB Kings in Manhattan. Long story short he did and gave me Ed’s number…he wanted to speak with me, and the rest is history. There are really no challenges in age and mindset in working with Ed. He’s been a great mentor and I have learned a lot about the game from him. He stays up to date on the business and the culture. He also has great faith in my grind and creations. I would say without a doubt, we are in the works of bridging the generational gap in Hip Hop.
MJ: Let’s get to “Day One” which is taken from your upcoming album ‘The Wordsmith.’ The track has a cinematic anthem vibe with a hook catchy enough for the clubs and streets. It’s evident you have a knack for drawing audiences in. Talk about “Day One” from the motivation behind it to your expectation of the track.
City The Great: The story about the creation of this one is an interesting one…I was sitting on this beat for a while by Molly The Kid. I was conversating with my Certified Nation Entertainment comrade Itsonlywrite just talking about all the people that we worked with and knew throughout this journey that were kind of in and out. We laughed about how funny it is that when things weren’t going upward, they split or didn’t support, and now that we are moving, they all want to claim they’re day ones. That sparked my mind on expressing that on wax. I think what really made the song pop was my engineer King Bash jumping in and harmonizing on the hook. My expectation for Day One is to appeal to all audiences giving them that commercial feel yet true to the cultural vibe.
MJ: What can you tell us about your upcoming album and what can listeners anticipate from it?
City The Great: People are going to get a rollercoaster ride. I have been working on this project for the past 2 years piece by piece to ensure I capture the best feel in my testimony of being a wordsmith. This project will be very balanced with the right number of features and it’s going to display something for everyone that will be nostalgic.
MJ: Besides having the backing, support, and genius of Special Ed, what is your signature move, if you will, that differentiates you from other artists in the industry?
City The Great: I think what differentiates me and other artists in the industry is the soul that I pour into my craft which identifies my true being…A person being themself is the perfect form of originality. There’s a certain energy I give listeners and audiences and I have my own sound where you know it’s me and that element is never lost no matter what type of song it is that I am on. Not only that but I keep that element alive with versatility, you just never know which angle I am going to come on a track but you will always know it’s me.
MJ: Aside from the new album release prep, what other endeavors are you working on?
City The Great: I am currently working on growing my company Certified Nation Entertainment, educating, and assisting artists with their careers. I’m also working on multiple collaborative projects including a mixtape coming soon with my DJ, DJ Bad Tha Problem (proceeding the album release). I am working on a Certified Nation Entertainment collab project with the team of artists Jae Law aka Hindrix, Pengame Classic, Chambs Taylor, Jacqui Grace, and of course Itsonlywrite. There’s also a collaborative project with Chambs Taylor titled ‘CD’ (Collateral Damage). You can catch freestyle videos I will be releasing weekly as well as working with my management team Samantha Leavell of Certified Nation and legendary Kool Rock Ski on an event, For The Culture By The Culture. I can’t leave out 2022’s Annual Hip Hop & R&B Cookout in East BK…The list goes on and on.
MJ: Wrapping up, let everyone know how they can connect with you.
City The Great: Thank you I can be found on any platform as City the Great but one of the easiest ways to link with me all in one place is on my website CertifiedNationEntertainment.com.
BK Hip Hop vet Stank Nitty enlists John Jigg$ and producer Yaw Boso for his latest single/video “Farmacy Economy.” Don’t press play just yet, be sure to check out our interview below. Nitty chops it up about the video, upcoming music releases, rash lifestyle, and more.
MJ: Before we jump into your new single and video, I want people to become more familiar with Stank Nitty…You’re a BK-based emcee, and there’s nothing quite like New York Hip Hop, share how that coincides with your style, flow, and deliverance.
SN: I’m a relative newcomer to the city, moved to Brooklyn in 2015, which I feel raised the bar for me artistically. New York conditions you to always be striving to beat your last best, and in Hip Hop, the standard of talent and skill has no ceiling, so you must grow wings to survive. I’d say the areas my work reflects the NYC sound may come from being influenced by golden era New York Hip Hop as a kid but living in New York pushed me to refine my sound in ways I never thought possible. I was lucky though I had good local people making space for me to thrive.
MJ: As a seasoned artist you’ve collaborated with some heavy hitters as well as Hip Hop legends. Has that opened further doors for you?
SN: That’s a great feeling to hear! Absolutely in many ways. Mainly I’m just grateful to be living this crazy life surrounded by genius. It’s wild it feels like no matter what else is going on, it’s cool because I’m truly at the edge of human potential. I’ve always wanted to create with innovators first and foremost and that’s where you’ll see the pattern in my collaborations. I want to hear something no one’s ever thought of before. That sh*t is happening and it’s amazing.
MJ: At what point in your life did you introduce Stank Nitty to the world? When did you decide to pursue your craft as a career?
SN: Ok so for the first question, new name, Stank Nitty comes from “Sanity” which was my name for a long time. People started saying San Nitty, and I added Stank on a song called “SOB’s ft. Petey Mossberg”, off the LP “Murder of Crows” with Deuce Ellis in 2019, I said, “Stank Nitty, burn down gated communities, blast priests in sacristies,” and it stuck. I said that because I always had some strong, putrid-smelling weed. So, it’s like “Frank Nitty” the legendary bootlegger, only it’s a different prohibition altogether. I first started hitting stages regularly at an open mic at the Local 506 in Chapel Hill, NC in 2002, but for a lot of years, I’d just be making music for fun, always writing. I started calling myself a notebook MC. It wasn’t till around 2011 when my daughter Anahata was born, I decided I was done messing around because I knew this is what I wanted to do. I never turned back.
MJ: Now let’s dive into the video…Give us some inside scoop on “Farmacy Economy” featuring John Jigg$. Take us from the thought process through fruition.
SN: Ok so back to what I was saying about innovators, I heard “The Madness” (that sh*t is crazy). I immediately hit up Jigg$ on Facebook. I knew we had to make a record. I hit my brother Yaw Boso from Switzerland who I’d met when I was rocking shows in Cusco, Peru back in 2012, and he, as usual, had something nasty, so I sent it through and once we had a track it was like f*ck it, I haven’t been to ATL in a while. My Bro J Ronin linked me with Shabaam Sadheeq for the video and he had dope ideas right off the bat. He’s a great director. He has a great eye for the big picture in a video. He hooked up the filming spot via DeAndre Perryman at Sounz Gud Entertainment/A1 Records and we worked fast. Nam Nitty came through with a cameo that was dope, and the fam Vooda was building through the whole process…As you can see I was rocking one of his classic beanies…I shot the cover art at home, it was fun to give my weed a professional glamour shoot (I may do that again just for fun).
MJ: What’s in the works for Stank Nitty, what can fans look forward to and keep eyes and ears out for?
SN: As of the day I’m writing this, I dropped the video for ELON, video 1 in a trilogy of videos off my 7 song EP “Ketamine Cowboy” produced by Contra-Bass out of my forever stomping grounds Chapel Hill, NC. The album is a crazy-ass psychedelic journey through my paranoid overworked mind. It’s an instant classic.
MJ: As a well-respected artist in the industry nationally and internationally, what keeps you balanced, humbled, and inspired?
SN: Word? Thank you. Hmmm…Balanced is relative because my life is extra crazy. Still hustling, still in court trying to see my kid more, still turning up, etc. My lady helps me stay balanced, got me back into meditation, exercise, etc. Been fighting some F’s the past couple of years, nothing keeps you more humble like cases lol, but I used to live on the road running around the country doing some of the craziest sh*t imaginable, so I just try to remember how amazing it is that I’m alive and I have a chance every day to make an impact. My inspiration once again just comes from my crazy life and all the beautiful things that come out of it, it’s all good even when it’s not, but right now, things are GOOD good!
MJ: Take a moment to share anything else about Stank Nitty that fans might not know…
SN: ‘Ketamine Cowboy’ drops the first of September and both “Elon” and “Farmacy Economy” are out now…Bring me weed at shows, please and thank you.
Watch “Farmacy Economy” directed by Shabaam Sahdeeq above. Between the trippy melodies and lyrical deliverance, catching contact high is inevitable. Try not to become too hypnotized by Nitty’s ganjabotony.
Stream “Farmacy Economy” here on Spotify and connect with Stank Nitty below.
The Real Simba is climbing indie charts with his latest single and video “How I Move” available on all major platforms.
The young, Jamaican New Yorker delivers a pulsating track the defines his moves regarding money, music, and women.
As a young artist taking over the NYC scene, The Real Simba pays no mind to those clapping their mouths and hating on him. Let them keep talking and move frantically while this young King is moving with heavy pockets lined with Gucci from head to toe.
The blend of knocking bass and striking trap tones are sure to have music enthusiasts worldwide shaking and moving through the streets right into the clubs. Watch“How I Move” and check out our exclusive interview below.
MJ: Give everyone a brief background on who Simba is.
Simba: “Simple Intellect Makes The Boy Amazing” I was born and raised in Jamaica and came here when I was about 7, so I have a big reggae influence. I landed in Mount Vernon where I fell in love with Hip Hop culture and since then I’ve been in love with music. I used to write poems then it evolved to songs, and a lot of my music is upbeat, fun, loving, inspirational, and really heartbreaking. I try to cover every aspect of me as a person and emotionally. But overall, I’m just a fun-loving kid from the ‘Ville with a dream, goal, passion, and drive.
MJ: You’re a young artist who created his own lane and carved a name for himself in the music industry. Talk about that ladder climb and some of your strategies along the way.
Simba: It’s tough to keep it real, it’s a lot of hard work and time that goes into my craft but also a lot of risks that must be taken. I’ve lost a lot of money from people saying they can do something that they never produced. Working with different personalities and balancing a social life is a struggle. but I devote my all to music because it’s my true passion.
MJ: What are some challenges and some perks coming up in an evolved realm of Hip Hop?
Simba: Hip Hop is more than music it’s a culture, it’s a group of people and a lifestyle. The genre is plagued by some violence, but I’ve shifted from that aspect and focused on fun up-tempo and inspirational music. Hip Hop made me who I am now and in turn, it allowed me to create and express my ideas, thoughts, and emotions.
MJ: I’ll get to what the fans want to know…”How I Move”, take us back to the thought, creation, production, to the final product of the single that is chart-topping!
Simba: Ohh man hahaha that was a good day I was actually in the club dancing and some girl came up to me with a bottle she literally said” I like how you move.” I kept saying that over and over because it was just so funny and crazy. Then later that week I heard a beat and those same words came back to me and that’s where it began and took off. I ended up writing the entire song that day. Now I’ve just been on the road working and promoting the track and video and I’ve been getting so much love.
MJ: What are some projects in the works or upcoming endeavors you can share?
Simba: I’ve got some good stuff coming for the people that support me as a person and my music. “Handle With Care “is an R&B project that I’m working on that’s going to really put people in their feelings. “Dreams of the Sky” is a mire motivation project but also very upbeat, raw, and gritty. There are some other secret projects I’m working on but y’all just going to have to stay tuned…
The GOAT in Battle Rap meets the GOAT of Consciousness & Holistic Healing. Dr. EnQi just exposed two facts that could highlight why the legendary Philly Hustler Cassidy has been and maybe always will be ahead of his time!
Dr. EnQi didn’t teach, he didn’t lecture and didn’t take the opportunity to self-promote or mention his mantra “ENQISDETOX.COM“, he instead gave us the classic Cassidy interview of all time. Dr. EnQi exposed Cassidy’s genius and spirituality. The only thing next is to hear Cass and EnQi on a track together.
Welsh Da God OnthesceneNY how are you? I’m good jus chillen, the corona virus kinda got everything on hold, but im holding it down.
Welsh Da God – Vegas ? I know the scene is different out there . Are you adapted to the trap scene or west coast scene?
Yea Out in Vegas it’s different I’d say I’m more adapted to the trap scene, only because that’s the scene I grew up around with no choice.
Welsh Da God -How is it like growing up in Sin City Las Vegas ?
Growing up in Vegas is cool, cause it’s not really a big city like other cities so it’s kinda like you can stand out more. But it’s kinda hard too “blow up” because we don’t really have any artist that put on for us, but other than that I like it out here.
Welsh Da God – How did you come up with the name 02Jay Money ?
I came up with the name “02jaymoney” because I was born in 2002 an I got the Jay-Money part because I always been in love with money, I ran up 10 thousand dollars at 15.
Welsh Da God – Who are some artist you would like to work with in the industry?
A couple artist I would like to work with in the industry are for 1 lil baby cause I mess with his flows and lud foe he got some nice flows too.
Welsh Da God -Jon “Beauty Salon” Hamm your CEO said that you guys can’t travel and shows because you was on probation for a robbery charge. When do you get off of probation so you can travel ?
I get off probation in September of this year, I’ve been on since January.
Welsh Da God – How long you been in the game ?
I been in the rap game for a little over a year, i started last summer.
Welsh Da God – In the next couple months what can we except from Jay money ?
In the next couple of months y’all can expect to see a music video and a couple songs, y’all are for sure gonna wanna stay tuned.
Welsh Da God – Give the people your social media handle and where they can follow ur music
Y’all can follow me on Instagram @ 02JayMoney, SoundCloud@ 02JayMoney, and my Twitter @ 1030jayMoney.
Skip to the content 
