February 21, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "Kemo the Blaxican"



LatinoHiphop.Org:

If there is one principle, habit or lesson that you can share with a young up and coming artist, what would it be?

Kemo the Blaxican:

Take the time to listen to the wisdom of old folks for they have been there before you. Do your thing and remain cutting edge.


LatinoHiphop.Org:

Where do you see the music industry 5 years from now?

Kemo the Blaxican:

Over saturated, over processed, with more and more clones getting over exposed.  To the fans, find the good stuff... it lives.




LatinoHiphop.Org:

How do you go about recording, promoting and releasing your music?

Kemo the Blaxican:

I record at my private home studio. I produce most of my own music and write all of my own lyrics. It sounds controlling but it wasn't planned, it turned out that way over time.  I determine where my strong markets are and where lots of my fan base hit me from and set out to reach them via the internet and independent record stores plus live shows. I get the word out on the streets and hit stages where I know my base is going to be.



LatinoHiphop.Org:

What are you currently working on?

Kemo the Blaxican:

I'm working the my third solo album and two other releases for Dead Silence Records (Sicko Soldado and Breezewood La Connecta), 2010 should bring all three.


LatinoHiphop.Org:

What is the best place for people to find out more about Kemo The Blaxican?

Kemo the Blaxican:



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Quid Comba - "La Tromba"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

West Barna - "Punto de Inflexion"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

February 15, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "MDS Reckless"




LatinoHiphop.Org:

If there is one principle that you can share with a young up and coming artist, what would it be?

MDS Reckless:

Be wiling to adapt but never compromise your art. If you’re in a group establish a team leader and give input but ultimately stand by the TL's decision for the group. Individually do what you wanna do and don’t listen to what people say because at the end of the day it’s your music if you’re not satisfied what’s the point. And just have fun with it you gotta have fun.


LatinoHiphop.Org:

Where do you see the music industry 5 years from now?


MDS Reckless:

Hopefully doing great, the Internet has brought us way further then we ever imaged. We went from giving out cassette tapes to our friends to anybody around the world being able to download our music with the click of a mouse. Hip-Hop's here to stay so I'm really looking forward to the future.





LatinoHiphop.Org:

How do you go about recording, promoting and releasing your music?


MDS Reckless:

We start with a combined consensus of a project and just make songs till we’re all satisfied when we hear it, everyone individually is asked if their happy with the project before we put it out. All of our Promotion is done by word of mouth and the Internet. First, we start with a "single" that will give the listening audience an idea of what the album or mix tape creatively will sound like. Put it up on a numerous amount of Internet sites like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter and just keep everybody informed on when it’s coming out but sometimes we try to keep it somewhat secret that way there's no possibility of it getting released without our permission.






LatinoHiphop.Org:

What are you currently working on?


MDS Reckless:
      
 Mixtapes, mixtapes, mixtapes and our album. Mixtapes are like good practice and we just have fun doing them. Right now our "PreQuel" mixtape is available on our MySpace Page www.myspace.com/mdsreckless and L has his solo mixtape, LeathaNeck has his solo mixtape, Absolute has his solo mixtape, L & Absolute have their LA Long Awaited mixtape, Quik has his FREE!! Shouldn't sound this good, and our self titled album all are coming out this year.


LatinoHiphop.Org:

What is the best place for people to find out more about you?


MDS Reckless:
  We’re on various web sites: myspace.com/mdsreckless
          Twitter.com/mydamnself
          Reverbnation.com/mdsreckless
          Facebook.com/mdsreckless
       




Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Chingo Bling - "Looking Boy"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Reyes Del Bajo Mundo - "Guepaje"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

SFDK - "El Liricista en el Tejado"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

February 13, 2010

February 11, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "Tenochtitlan"




LatinoHiphop.Org:

If there is one principle that you can share with a young up and coming artist, what would it be?

Tenochtitlan:

The most important principle that I could emphasize to a young up and coming artist is WORK YOUR FUCKIN' ASS OFF. And when you get tired, work harder still. Tenaciously self-motivate. Don't expect ANY handouts. Earn your shit. Pay dues. Be early to shows you're performing at. No one wants to book a fuckin' slacker that shows up late or not at all. Some tree, some drank before a performance is cool, but don't get fucked up that you make a complete fool of your self, fuck up your set, and erode all if any credibility you had. Take some fuckin' pride in your work, in what people will think when they hear your name. Let that guide your work ethic.

LatinoHiphop.Org:

Where do you see the music industry five years from now?

Tenochtitlan:

Hip-Hop is constantly evolving. As in the different artistic movements, Renaissance, Neo-Classicism, Impressionism, Cubism, etc., one leads to the next. As the Hip-Hop culture explores and develops with different styles of rap, until we are fully satisfied, and then we begin creating new forms. From the big bang Rap Genesis with KRS One, Run DMC, Kool G Rap, Heavy D, Queen Latifa, to the OG gangsta rap with Snoop, Dre, 2PAC, the BIG PIMPIN' elegant rap of Biggie Smalls, to the highly intellectual Hip-Hop of the Wu-Tang, to the gutter and grimey MOBB, to the sexually revolutionizing unapologetic rap of Lil Kim, to the NEW SCHOOL of Busta Bus, to the MAD HEART LYRICISM of Talib Kweli, to the Anti-New World Order movement rap of Immortal Technique. In the next 5 years I think Hip-Hop is going in the direction where artists will continue to push the boundries of what's considered art and lyricism. Prime example, Mos Def with The New Danger, and The Ecstatic albums. I love that shit!!! Brand new, rock 'n' roll, international, sexy as fuck, clean, classic, mature, yet so street wit it! Big ups to Mos Def on his eclectic sound.


LatinoHiphop.Org:

How do you go about recording, promoting and releasing your music?

Tenochtitlan:
I have a couple spots to lay shit down at. A couple of pro spots, mostly homie's houses, homemade studios. Big thank yous to DEMICS for letting me come thru. DEMICS is a true master of his craft on this hip hop shit, he set's the fuckin' bar. I feel most comfortable in the hood when I'm recording. I can put my feet up, light a blunt, spit raw. If the place is too pristine, fuckin' sterilized n shit, I lose my inspiration. The passion goes limp n shit, hahaha. I've been blessed in working with some PHENOMENAL producers, my peoples Drift the Dean of GEM KOLLEKSHUNS, DJ STATIC, REDSKULL outta the UK, ROLECKS Productions, get at 'em for MAD ILL INSTRAS. DJ Tommyblak provides the ill spins for almost all my shows, and has helped tremendously with recording and editing. Big Thank yous to DjTommyblak, MAD TALENTED. And I use online social networks to put my music up, like facebook, myspace, and twitter.



LatinoHiphop.Org:

What are you currently working on?

Tenochtitlan:

I just finished up my first music video for "CHINGONAS" with TopDime, the track is Rolecks Productions, music video produced by Charles Bronson, of BADFAME ENT. TopDime is a hardcore MC in her own right. I'm also currently working on finishing my album, OBSIDIAN RAPTURE, dropping June 2010. I have a photoshoot coming up with Eyekon Photography, which I'm excited about because I got some concepts for pictures that I haven't seen done before. Hard at work on the website, Templeofteno.com will be launching February 1st! That's gonna be mad ill. I've got a couple more collabs coming down the pipeline. Got a couple shows coming up. Wit Menez of GEM KOLLEKSHUNS holdin' me down onstage like a muthafucka. MENEZ is a ILL LYRICAL MC. That's my nigga!!! Much luv.


LatinoHiphop.Org:

What is the best place for people to find out more about Tenochtitlan?

Tenochtitlan:

People can find out more about me at www.myspace.com/templeoftenofollow me on twitter username templeofteno, and the official website, coming soon www.templeofteno.com for upcoming show dates, new heaterz, music videos, interviews, and community volunteer events that I take part in. Immaculate graphics on all my sites created by PSYKO INK. Big thank yous!!

Thank you very much for this interview, and BIG UPS TO LATINABEATZ for throwin' my name in the mix. To all my hiphop heads, stay up.
 
Much Respect,
 
Teno
--

Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

February 9, 2010

One Step Ahead of the iPad

I have been waiting for the Zinio iPhone app for well over a year now but for some reason it never has gotten approved.

This video may show why!

It seems that they were ahead of the curb on what they were trying to do with interactive magazines and books and Apple may not have been willing to play ball.

How could you use this interactive type of experience for your music?


Zinio Dynamic Design from zinio on Vimeo.



Wishing you continued success!


Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Dos Hermanos - "Esto Va Por Ti"




Wishing you continued success!


Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

February 6, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "E-Legal"



Today I had the opportunity of having a phone interview with none other than the Somos Hip-Hop Radio founder and Latino Hip-Hop artist E-Legal.

He shared some knowledge in the interview on the origins of Somos Hip-Hop Radio, his music career, his upcoming projects and the future of the music industry.

Check it out:




E-Legal - Interview with LatinoHiphop.Org from LatinoHipHop.TV.

To find out more about E-Legal, visit him on his YouTubeMyspace or on Somos Hip-Hop Radio.

Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com


Akwid - "Pobre Compa"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

February 4, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "Krazy Race"


LatinoHiphop.Org:

If there is one principle, habit or lesson that you can share with a young up and coming artist, what would it be?

Krazy Race:

There are many things that can be shared but for the sake of the interview, I would say one of the most important things is to build a solid network and to be dedicated to your craft. Also Don't be afraid to get dirty, in this business as a indie artist/label you got grind and hustle and constantly strategize your next move/s.



LatinoHiphop.Org:

Where do you see the music industry 5 years from now?

Krazy Race:

I see alot more independent labels with distribution deals. I see alot more social media sites that will cater to and help independent artists/groups. I also see online video playing a major role in the music business. I have also jumped in to this arena and created a site for producers worldwide called Beatseekers.com.

In Q2 of 2010, the site is currently being revamped with a strong marketing push behind it.

LatinoHiphop.Org:

How do you go about recording, promoting and releasing your music?

Krazy Race:

My latest album "Chronicles of a Krazy Race", was recorded entirely at The Dark Kingdom
by Ringleader DJ Ace and myself. I also recorded at my studio "The Lab" for this project. We used ProTools and Cubase/Nuendo and Izotope for mastering mixes.

Promoting the album is done by guerrilla tactics, we spread the streets/stores with flyers, I use YouTube, Myspace, Twitter and more to post flyers, promo videos, songs etc. I also reached out to my contacts at various online sites to help push the project. Shout to SoulAssassins.com, WestCoastRydaz.com, Brownpride.com , EmptyBellyMag.com and more for posting up videos and joints to the masses and doing features/interviews. Also shot to my music to online radio shows like Final Level Radio, Proof Of Life, Huskey Radio, Conspiracy Radio, East Los Radio, Rebel Radio and more, not only for playing my tracks but for doing interviews as well.

Releasing my music has always been 100% independent through my label Realizm Rekords/RPM Music Group. We post the project on iTunes, Rhapsody and numerous other digital online retailers and also make the project available on CDBaby.com so its officially available world-wide to be ordered in any state or country. I also use PayPal as a direct source for e-commerce if my fans/supporters want to buy the project directly off of me.



LatinoHiphop.Org:

What are you currently working on?

Krazy Race:

Currently focused on still promoting my new album and our other artist Thief Sicario's new album called "Honor Among Thieves". I just dropped a world premiere on Jan 1st, 2010 of my new video called "Live on Stage" ft. Kahlee. This video was filmed in NY & CA and is a classic underground Hip-Hop song. In 2010 we will be releasing a compilation in Q2 called "The World Is Ours" Vol.3, and we're also dropping a mixtape from Realizm Rekords. I will also be dropping a couple other projects that will be digital releases only.

You can pick up my new album "Chronicles of a Krazy Race " ft. Chino XL, Sick Jacken of Psycho Realm, Gutterfame, Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill, Immortal Technique, Kahlee and more at www.cdbaby.com/cd/krazyrace1 .

LatinoHiphop.Org:

What is the best place for people to find out more about Krazy Race?

Krazy Race:

My labels site is www.realizmrekords.com

Or you can follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/krazyrace

And on Myspace www.myspace.com/krazyrace

You can also check out Krazy Race/Realizm TV on Youtube at www.youtube.com/latnskillz

--

Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Immortal Technique - "Lose Yourself Freestyle"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

February 3, 2010

Bob Lefsetz - Albums Vs. Singles

I read Bob Lefsetz's blog religiously, but today's post was excellent and I needed to share it with you!

Check it out;

There was a space in my bookcase where I kept my cash, waiting for four bucks to accumulate...then I went and bought an album, which I played again and again until I knew every cut, until I accumulated enough money to buy another, when I repeated the process. You see, music was scarce.

Now it's plentiful.

Albums didn't always rule. Actually, I was one of the few people addicted to the long player back in the early sixties, most people bought singles. Why buy the album? You really only wanted the hit. But somewhere in the Beatles' ascendance, that changed. Maybe with the single-less "Rubber Soul", certainly with "Sgt. Pepper". The album was a statement. Suddenly everyone was buying albums, listening to FM radio to find out what to purchase, to experiment with. And then when these acts came to town, you went to see them. Tickets were cheaper, it was little more expensive than seeing a movie...but that's a whole 'nother issue. No, it's not. Let's ask that question, what makes someone go to the show?

Assuming it's not a has-been, not a classic rock act, what motivates the average person to overpay to go to the extravaganza? The hit. People didn't know much more than the Spice Girls' "Wannabe", they were caught up in the hoopla. And hoopla still exists, especially if you're like GaGa and put together a string of hits, but how about everybody else? How many people can have that many hits? How many can have hits at all?

The listening experience is completely different from the sixties. Today, there's too much choice. I'm not starving for music at home, I've got a plethora of services, but anyone can listen to everything via MySpace/YouTube/LaLa. What are they going to listen to? Are they going to listen to the album?

Ever marvel at how a youngster multitasks, appears not to be overwhelmed by media? That's because kids today are only interested in great. They'll dig deep on something that fascinates them, otherwise they're just interested in the headlines.

There's too much information. And the way today's youngsters deal with it is to separate the wheat from the chaff. They're interested in the hit single, but they're not about to pay ten plus bucks for an album and play it over and over again to get it, that paradigm is THROUGH!

Really, don't see the album/single debate from the perspective of the artist, certainly don't look at it from the perspective of the record label, look at it from the perspective of the listener.

The listener wants great music. He's building a library, a playlist, it's akin to the early sixties, when singles ruled. Why buy the album? What are the odds the rest of the tracks are great? Very low. Furthermore, the album's not a deal. At least in the sixties there was an economic incentive to purchase the long player, that doesn't exist in the digital world. Maybe if the album were five bucks instead of ten plus. But then people still wouldn't listen to anything but the hit anyway.

In other words, the game we've been playing has died. Almost completely. And it's only going to get worse. And if you're playing the old way and bitching, you're missing the point.

If you're satisfied with the audience you've got and you want to satiate this small coterie with a collection of ten tracks, be my guest. But those not fans will ignore your long player, they don't care, it's too much music to penetrate, they're not convinced it's worth dedicating the TIME, if a single cut bubbles to the surface they're interested, but they're not going on a fruitless hunt.

So, if you're making an album as an economic vehicle, a product that can blow up and rain coin into your pocketbook, you're screwed, it just doesn't happen like that anymore, because almost no one has got the time to listen to anything but your best work.

A head-scratcher, I know. I'll give you an example.

I love One eskimO's "Kandi". I've listened to it at least fifty times, the same way we wore out singles in the days of yore. But have I played the entire album? Oh, I gave it a shot. But it doesn't sound anything like "Kandi". What I mean is it doesn't have that sly R&B sound, and with thousands of other cuts on my iPod, I gravitate to them. In other words, our collections today are not albums, but a playlist of singles.

Now this has huge impact on the business, everything from acts to labels to concert promoters.

Acts are going to inherently make less money, after all, people want less of their music. And those who are interested in a complete album are very few. Those days of ten million people buying the album just to get the single are done, they died with Napster, they're never coming back, the cherry-picking world of iTunes rules. If you want to last, you've got to super-serve a small coterie of fans. Don't tour the world, don't go for world domination, just satisfy your fans, because a fan will come see you live, will buy your merch.

Record labels... Suddenly, they've lost most of their revenue, and it's never coming back. You may be selling many more of one, but no one cares about the other nine cuts on the album. You shouldn't even make them, shouldn't even bother. Maximize revenue from the single. And scale back, knowing that the glory days are done.

Concert promoters? Who's going to come see the acts? In quantity?

That's one reason festivals rule. You get to graze. Most of these acts can play to very few solo, aggregate them and people get to sample, immediately giving a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down. Your festival appearance is crucial, you must kill, this is where you convince people to come see you again, but odds are most people won't.

But none of this is bad for music. In the aggregate, people are listening to more music than ever before. It's just that rather than being limited to three networks, there are five hundred channels. Rather than being limited to what's in the theatre, they've got Netflix.

And when the CD dies? And no matter what you read, it's on its way out, there's not going to be anywhere to buy it, sure there will be some indie stores, but so many of those have died, people will start wondering why you ever aggregated ten tracks together, the same way a kid today doesn't understand an 8-track or a cassette. Once the physical format dies, the whole construct is kaput.

So what's a new act to do?

First question its dedication. Do you want to play in this new world? Where a few beat-infused tracks can get airplay on Top Forty and succeed but people don't have to listen to Top Forty? Are you willing to work really hard for far less, knowing that mass success is not in the offing?

If so, woodshed until you create that one listen track. That's your main hope of your music spreading. A cut so good people will tell others about it. Will put it in their playlist and keep it in rotation. Then you've got to come up with another. And another.

And chances are, you can't.

Which is why you read about scenes in Brooklyn and the bands never reach ubiquity, because the average joe just doesn't care, doesn't get it. But people like Owl City's "Fireflies". As for the rest of the album, do you even need it?

This isn't about Apple. This isn't about the labels. It's not about the acts. It's about the audience. We've got incredible shit detectors. More music at our fingertips than we can ever listen to. And believe me, we want to listen. But only to what's great. Can you blame us?