May 31, 2010

El Meswy - "EspaƱoles"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Daddy Yankee - "Rompe (Remix)" ft. Lloyd Banks & Young Buck



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Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Toxic Crow - "Quiero Darte Duro Mami" ft. La Material



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Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

La Material - "Los Protagonista" ft. Lapiz Conciente



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Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

EXclusive Interview with "Serge Dog"



LatinoHiphop.Org:


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

Serge Dog:

I record at MyCrib or Tiro Productions studio and make sure that everything I do in that session goes how I want. I think it's a bad idea to start a song then not finish it, because then you loose the energy and emotion you had for that track the next time you try to finish it up. I usually promote my music online then take it to the streets because word of mouth has always been a great help. My music's usually released on my myspace so people can hear it and give me their honest opinions on what they think.


LatinoHiphop.Org:


What is the most important lesson that you've learned from the music business that you can share with us?
 

Serge Dog:

The most important thing to remember is that this is the "music business". Key word in there is business, so don't think that coming into this game its going to be easy to do stuff. It's tough coming into the game not prepared because you don't realize how much business is actually involved in making music. Beats, recording, equipment, etc. everything costs money so come prepared to spend some dough before you start making any.
 

LatinoHiphop.Org:


What have you found is the best way to make money by doing music?


Serge Dog:

The best way for me so far has been selling my music online because it brings so many different people from all over the world to listen to your music. Your not just bounded to a certain area you can expand as far as you want and you don't even have to leave your house, lol. But you can never forget about your street grind. Selling CD's on the streets has also been a great success, because you can connect and hear peoples honest opinions on your music in person.




Serge Dog ft. 4 Flava- Know You Want It

Serge Dog on Itunes and more (Book Me Now) | MySpace Music Videos

 

LatinoHiphop.Org:


What are you currently working on?


Serge Dog:

Currently I'm working on a new mixtape with my group Da Prospects (www.myspace.com/daprospects). I'm also getting some brand new material ready so I can drop my second album this year. I've gotten more exposure and connected with more people since my first album and I feel like I'm ready to bless the world with some new hits. I love making music it's my passion and I don't ever plan to stop doing what I love.

LatinoHiphop.Org:



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


Serge Dog:


If people would like to hear my music or get to know more about me they can visit my myspace page (www.myspace.com/sergedogbp). I currently have my first album out "The Unexpected Welcome" and for sale on iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, Rhapsody and many more online stores. I also have a YouTube page in case people want to see some of my videos and performances (www.youtube.com/sergedog13). Also for any booking info please contact me at booksergedog@hotmail.com. I would like to thank Cristopolis for this great interview and for taking the time to help expose unsigned talent like myself. Thank you


Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

La Mala Rodriguez - "No Pidas Perdon"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

May 26, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "Pawz One"




LatinoHiphop.Org:

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

Pawz One:

Well I'm an independent artist so everything I do is under the indie label I'm on, IZRL RECORDS. We hustle and fund everything without having to answer to a major. The up side is we have full creative control but we don't have the big budget alot of the wack muthafuckers have to push and promote. My team is small like the spartans but we shut shit down, lol.

LatinoHiphop.Org:

If you received $100,000 dollars tomorrow, that you had to use on your music, how would you use it?

Pawz One:

I would pay all my homies that produce my beats what they deserve first. Second I would hire a team to push my shit virally to every corner of the world. Third I would set up everything I need to manufacture all my own merchandise. And fourth I would lockdown dates and venues and set up a tour overseas.

LatinoHiphop.Org:

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

Pawz One:

I think it will be 97% digital where you'll almost never get to see your favorite artist in person. Honestly, I think Hip-Hop will be worse off because it's too easy to be a rapper now, just buy a computer -rap- and upload. Hip-Hop as a whole, fans and artists need to try and regulate what we do, see and hear and SUPPORT because we're being force fed bullshit 24/7.


LatinoHiphop.Org:

What are you currently working on?

Pawz One:

I just released THE VERBAL VIRUS MIXTAPE VOL.1 so now I'm working on Vol.2 as well as my debut album. I have a mixtape series coming out monthly called HIRED TO KILL, a collection of features, exclusives and unreleased songs. The album is being built slowly but surely I got love from my homie RAS KASS on there. I'm also on his upcoming A.D.I.D.A.S project.

LatinoHiphop.Org:

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

Pawz One:

I got the Myspace, Facebook and Reverb Nation of course but the best place to stay updated on what I'm doing is www.izrlrecords.com if people want to contact me for features, shows or anything they can email me at pawz1@yahoo.com.



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

SFDK - "Las Vocales"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

May 23, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "Krookid Hooks"

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

Since 1998 I've been recording with my partner in crime, Zachary "Status" Young at Cadava Recordings in Denver, Colorado.  At this moment I'm living in Arizona right outside of Phoenix and I've started recording new material with a couple cats who record progessive rock.  I promote my music along with my crew (Afterlife Allstars) by selling it in the hood the old fashion way, out the trunk, swap meets, flea markets etc. I had my albums in stores all over Colorado but since the decline of record shops with many closing down, I was quick to get my music available digitally for everyone to purchase around the world on sites like iTunes, Amazon, Napster etc.


If you received $100,000 dollars tomorrow, that you had to use on your music, how would you use it?

Well I'd just get about every damn thing I'd need to make the greatest music I could! I'm talking about my own studio, live instruments and paying vocalists to come in and take part.  Build on something bigger and greater then just Hip-Hop. I'd promote like crazy and tour globally! I'd have some of the best "outside" artists come in and design some sick and disturbing art work for my mech (shirts, stickers, etc).



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

Music will never die. The industry, well that's a different story.  As an indie artist I feel that doing it on your own is the way to go. I know cats that have had them big record deals we all wanted, and they'd get shelved or just straight fucked out of money. Still waiting to get paid. I haven't met anyone in the biz yet that believes enough in the Hip-Hop I'm creating to push it forward. They always wanted me to change the content or have the beat more clubby or something wack that I wasn't down with.  I'm a do me and say fuck the industry!





What are you currently working on?

I just released a solo album titled KROOKID HOOKS: DARK COMEDY which is available on iTunes globally!  I'm also working on the Afterlife Allstars album featuring Status, Azma, Life the M.c, Louie Cypha and Manic.  The A.A. album has alot of live instruments with sick drum beats to back it!  We recently shot a music video for the Afterlife Allstars project titled "Yeah!" If you like to drink and have a good time, this is the song to do it to!  Look for it on YouTube or Vimeo.



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

Email me at hooksafterlifeallstars@gmail.com or danhuerta13@yahoo.commyspace.com/krookidhooks or Google me.

I want to thank Cristopolis for taking time out to interview me and having interest in my music and cause.


Peace -KROOKID HOOKS


Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com



Mr. Lil' One - "They Call Him Lil' One"



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Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

South Park Mexican - "Oh My My" ft. Baby Bash



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Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.

Movimiento Original - "Si Vivo Para Ti"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

May 22, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "Capital X"




LatinoHiphop.Org:  


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


Capital X:

 Being that I am a 100% independent artist, meaning most of the time I am not even working with a low budget, I'm working with no budget, I have to get creative on all aspects. As far as recording goes, a majority of my recordings I do myself. I have a portable studio consisting of Digidesign's MBox-2 Pro (Pro-Tools LE) which I run on a Acer PC and I use an AKG C 3000 B microphone with AKG K240 studio headphones. All this fits in a custom backpack. I can set up to record just about anywhere. Some of the producers I work with have studios so I do get to work in the studio as well once in a while, but in the end after getting the final product mastered, you can't tell the difference between the portable rig, and the studio recordings. The main benefit of recording myself, besides saving a lot of money is the comfort. There is no pressure like when you are paying for studio time which can get really expensive.


As far as promoting, I mostly use guerrilla promoting and marketing tactics. Again working with next to no budget you have to get creative so first off I use social networks which to me are essential. Even if you don't own a computer you can go to the library and use a computer and promote your music world wide for free. I mainly use Myspace, YouTube and Blogger but I recently started using Twitter. Through these social networks I have landed some interviews and shows. I actually got my first European shows from promoters I met on Myspace. Once I got a little bit of a budget I then built my own web site as well www.capital-x.com


Besides trying to maintain a heavy Internet presence, I also still hit the streets, doing shows, giving out flyers, stickers and demo CD's. I take help whenever it's offered too word up. I have had friends and family help me promote and I have also had interns and supporters help me which is good stuff. Some of my biggest supporters are prisoners. You would be surprised how prisoners can get the word out there that's for real, my first London show was set up by a prisoner I advocate for. 


Guerrilla promotions and marketing are very effective if executed properly. When I was studying guerrilla promoting and marketing I took it one step further and studied the original source, guerrilla warfare which is where the concept came from. If you study guerrilla warfare you will see the similarities in guerrilla's fighting against large armies, and the independent artists competing against the corporate mainstream. I don't concentrate on one town, city, state or country for that matter. Though some may think it's crazy to try and spread myself thin by attacking globally that's what I do. I promote world wide in small blasts never spending to much time in any one place. If I have a show in Norway, I am hitting Norway with all I got. The following week I may be concentrating on South America and Asia the week after that. I keep it moving. It's gotten me hits and sales from over 20 countries. Finally, when there is a little money to spare, I seek out a hired gun, such as LatinaBeatz. LatinaBeatz.com offers underground and independent artists an invaluable service at incredible rates. Publicists like LatinaBeatz are hard to come by so do check her out. Tell her "X" sent you. This is someone who knows the game on the underground level. Many opportunities arise from using sources such as LatinaBeatz.


I release my music through my own record label. I formed I.G.W.T. Records about 10 years ago along with my own publishing company 305375 Music. I released my own EP first, then I released a couple of other artists to gain more experience. I searched hard for a good pressing house that does short runs. You can press under 1000 though it is more cost effective to run 1000 or more which is what I do. Besides pressing actual CD's which I self distribute at the moment on my web-site www.capital-x.com and by hand at shows and what not, I also distribute electronically on iTunes, and Amazon MP3, I believe these sites are vital. Once again I didn't just sign on to distribute local, or regional, I went for international. Come May 19, you will be able to get my CD from iTunes and Amazon anywhere in the world. Before, during and after the release, it's all about promoting, ya tu sabe. You have to keep it moving.





LatinoHiphop.Org:  


If you received $100,000 dollars tomorrow, that you had to use on your music, how would you use it?


Capital X:

 Ok, you said use it on my music cause word up, I would have straight up payed for some DNA tests for death row prisoners with strong innocence claims. Seeing you said on my music, I would finance a protest festival tour across the US. This is actually a goal I'm working hard to achieve for real. I want to do a tour through the 36 US states that still have the death penalty to try and sway the public opinion. I would hand pick the line up. I would book heavy weights such as Public Enemy, Rage Against The Machine, ILL Bill, Immortal Technique, Sabac Red and Akir backed by up and coming revolutionary rappers such as Therapist out of Philly, Rebel Diaz and the Welfare Poets out of New York, Bredda 1 of Norway and myself. On the bill I would also get the notorious Street Poet Monte Smith and 3 speakers, exonerated death row prisoners Juan Melendez and Shujaa Graham joined by Bill Pelke the president and co-founder of "Journey of Hope…from Violence to Healing," an organization led by murder victim family members who oppose the death penalty. 


A tour of this magnitude would cost more than $100,000 I'm sure, but $100,000 would be enough to jump start it. Once it got going it would generate funds that would go towards continuing the tour. I would be flipping that hundred g's like I was pushing keys in the end word up and I would pump right back into the struggle. The focus of this tour would be to educate the people on the true facts about the death penalty and the criminal justice system in America which is what my music and new Cd is all about. It goes deeper than just the death penalty really. There are many issues I would bring to light on this "End The Death Penalty Tour". Issues such as mass incarceration, and modern day slavery. The Law of Parties and the Three Strikes Law. The tour would not just be about my music cause that's not what it's all about for me. It would be about sparking off a political movement. It would be about raising revolutionary consciousness and getting the people, especially the hip hop community involved in an old struggle that needs new blood. The anti injustice movement, needs more true soldiers. The A.I.M. would no doubt be my back up on this tour on all levels. I am an A.I.M. soldier. That's what I would do...use the money to further a just cause while having a good time with good music.






LatinoHiphop.Org:  


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


Capital X:

 The music industry is changing rapidly right now sort of like the climate due to global warming. It's hard to even say where I would see it in five years. I know where I would like to see it. I would like to see the industry come full circle. Take it back to the old school where you saw a lot more grassroots movements.

I would like to see the music matter more than the money and the fame. I see shifts towards a more conscious and aware music industry meaning that even companies are seeing the importance of focusing more on social and political issues. We have to face the facts. We created the messes we are in around the world and we are the ones that need to clean it up. These messes I am referring to include the creating, manufacturing and distribution of mindless bullshit music. 


If it were left up to me, I would like to see it all go back the 1980s or the early 1990s when rap artists, like Public Enemy, KRS-One, X-Clan and Paris, reacted to the negative effects of the economic and political policies of the Reagan-Bush administrations and produced socially conscious music that made a big difference in countless peoples lives. If the music meant more than just profit, you would see more people supporting artists and a lot less downloading and file sharing. Hell I wouldn't steal half of the music that's been coming out lately. I just want to hear more music that really means something. I want it to be more about the music, less about the business. I just hope it don't take us five years to get there. Support the underground people. Support your locals don't hate on them.


LatinoHiphop.Org:  


What are you currently working on?


Capital X:

 I am working on a number projects at the moment. First and foremost I am promoting my debut album 305375 (The Voice of the Voiceless) Volume 1 which I just completed. The first video just went up on YouTube for the UnaBeatz produced track, "I Want Justice". I am also working on a collaboration with Norway's, Bredda 1 also known as Sheepy. We recorded a track called "Eye 4 N Eye" that is being mixed and mastered for Bredda 1's album coming out in March. We also shot a video for the song in Norway which will be pushed for MTV 2. I am also shooting video footage for a number of tracks off my album as I work on Volume 2. Some of the tracks that didn't make it on Volume 1 will be on Volume 2 so I have a jump start on my second album which I am hoping to drop in early 2011. 


I have a handful of collaborations I have done and am finishing up that should all come out this year which includes a track with Justice Allah, Wilson-Reporte Ilegal, Gun, MC.Shh, Freddy Future (organ, congas, guiro, bass) on Jehuniko's new album "Cold in the Hot Sun", the tracks called "I Will Survive". I have a track called "Notorious" with Awkword coming out on his "World View" mix tape. Awkword is the mastermind behind "World View", the earth’s first 100% nonprofit global hip hop project. 


The "World View mixtape", hosted by Block McCloud, a free download, will feature hip hop greats, like Apathy, ILL BILL, Immortal Technique, Jadakiss, Joell Ortiz, Masta Ace, Naledge of Kidz in the Hall, Nas, Pharoahe Monch, Royce da 5'9", Sean Price, Sha Stimuli, Skyzoo, Styles P., Talib Kweli, The Cool Kids, Wale, and more. I also did a track with Š ŃŠ“ы Š”Š¾ŠæрŠ¾Ń‚ŠøŠ²Š»ŠµŠ½ŠøŠ¹ out of Russia. The track is called "Spirit of Fatherland" on the album "Viva La Revolucia De Subterra" that's out now I believe. 


I am working on projects with Gabe Rosales of Vital Nonsense out in Cali, Street Poet Monte Smith in North Carolina, who are both my A.I.M. comrades. I am working on tracks with Therapist from Philly, Crazy T, and Adoptive from Norway, and the X-Vandals from the South Bronx, New York. I am also working on a mix tape of my own as a side project, just putting tracks together slowly. I leaked a NoN-Phixion remake of "The C.I.A. Is Still Trying To Kill Me" which will be on the mix tape that is still untitled and not yet scheduled for release as of yet but I am working on that too. The buzz for that track is getting loud. You can check it out on my web site. 


So yea I am busy and this is just the musical aspects of what I do. The activism is a constant daily struggle that I fight and will fight till victory. That is to see justice, to see the death penalty abolished world wide, to see modern day slavery abolished including a rewritten Thirteenth Amendment, and prison reform that puts the focus on education instead of incarceration. Rehabilitation over punishment, and the end to life without parole for juveniles. I stay busy as I said.


LatinoHiphop.Org:  


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

Capital X:


www.capital-x.com is my main web site, but also www.myspace.com/capitalxaka305375 is updated on a regular. Also stop by http://capital-x.blogspot.com/ just started this one up. From these three sites you will learn more about me, what I am doing and where to go to find out even more.


Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Lowkey - "Voices of the Voiceless" ft. Immortal Technique



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

May 14, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "Al Basics"




LatinoHiphop.Org:

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

Al Basics:

Well I have a small studio set up at my place and record most of my music from there. I promote my stuff on just about every single social networking website out and www.albasics.com.

As far as releasing my content I use datpiff.com and my website. Most of the music I release is free for everyone to enjoy so come find me!

LatinoHiphop.Org:

If you received $100,000 dollars tomorrow, that you had to use on your music, how would you use it?

Al Basics:

I would buy the equipment necessary to make my music sound on point which would cost me somewhere between $8,000 and $10,000. Then I’d buy about 100 composition notebooks and a couple of packs of BIC pens, which should cost about $200. Lastly, I’d pay my rent and other bills for a year so I can just focus on making great music. The rest would be put in the bank to save for when I need money for advertising.

LatinoHiphop.Org:

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

Al Basics:

I see the music industry gradually decreasing production on actual compact disks. As far as the actual music side, I see Hip-Hop breaking off into official sub-genres based on styles and content, not geographical areas. I also see the return of strong lyricism.

LatinoHiphop.Org:

What are you currently working on?

Al Basics:

I’m currently working on three C.D.’s.  First is a duo album with a producer/emcee from Brooklyn titled “The Sound of Sense.” Secondly I’m working on a group album with my group [KAMERATA]. Lastly, I’m working on a solo mixtape titled “Alone in the Shadows.”

LatinoHiphop.Org:

How is your music different from other Latino Hip-Hop artists?
Al Basics:

My music sounds different from others, because of my enrollment in college and studying literature and creative writing. I read about 500 pages a week with course-work and for pleasure. It has given me a strong base for my lyricism. Although Eminem, Biggie, and 2pac are great inspirations for me, John Milton, John Donne, N. Scott Momaday, and Cormac McCarthy are equally as important when writing down lyrics.
 
LatinoHiphop.Org:

Tell us a little more about your background?

Al Basics:

I'm born and raised in New York City, with both my parents being born in Colombia. I grew up in a very Colombian household with its culture, alongside the elcectic collage of people that live in New York. I am an encourager of staying in school and trying to learn about the things you love, not the things that will get you money. I have gone to a handful of high schools to encourage kids that going to college is one of the best decisions they could possibly make. 


LatinoHiphop.Org:

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

Al Basics:

Well for starters www.albasics.com because almost all the social networks I’m part of are linked right there.

But if you’re a myspace aficionado then www.myspace.com/albasics

My twitter account is www.twitter.com/albasics

Email is for sure the fastest and most efficient way to reach me:


Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Bori Puro - "I Don't Give A"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Tone Deff - "Optimist"



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Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

Pescozada - "Una Ilusion"



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com