anCor: What is your name and where are you from?

Jay L: Real name is Jason Little stage name is Jay L.

anCor: At what age did you begin singing?

Jay L: 8years old

anCor: Have your parents always been supportive in your decision to sing?

Jay L: Yes they have!

anCor: Is there someone in the music industry that you look up too? If yes, who and why?

Jay L: Yes, despite the choices he has made in his life I look up to R.Kelly. Why? Because, he is talented as a performer,singer, and writer like myself.

anCor: When you had the opportunity to get on Apollo how was the feeling? How did it feel to win first place?

Jay L: The feeling was overwhelming with joy to believe I was one of the chosen ones to be on the Worlds Famous Apollo.It was a great feeling at such a young age to win first place at the Apollo at the Age of 10.

anCor: When you won, what doors then opened for you? Was it then that your life changed?

Jay L: That’s when I began to receive the recognition around my city that I was a talented artist. No it really did not change that much because I was adolescence. Things did not change drastically until I became a young adult.

anCor? Are you currently signed to any major or independent labels?

Jay L: No but I would love to be signed to an independent label with a good distribution.

anCor: How did it feel to hear your music played on the radio?

Jay L: It actually felt good, but was shocking but a blessing as well.

anCor: What are you trying to accomplish in the next year?

Jay L: Get more singles out and finally drop my album “The Wait Is Over”. That will be  when albums sales are better and also get more placements with major artist.

anCor: Have you had the opportunity to have any major features?

Jay L: No not yet!

anCor: Are you currently working on any new material?

Jay L: Yes. I’m always working on new material.

anCor: Any words of wisdom?

Jay L: Keep Faith in God,Stay focused,Go hard 100% and stay on ure business of music .Get everything copy written,BDS ASAP, BMI, SESEC, RYDER when its time to perform etc etc.

Shout Outs: First I wanna thank God, and all my family and friends who have supported me along my journey you are truly appreciated.

Twitter/star_jayl

Facebook/Jason little

anCor: What is your name and where are you from?

Cash Cold: My name Marcus Earl Dawkins III also known as Cash Cold. I’m originally from North Philly . I currently  stay out GTown now.

anCor: What do you like most about your hometown?

Cash Cold: What I like most about my hometown is, the  Cheese Steaks there is nothing like a Philly Cheese Steak.

anCor: Who introduced you to the music industry?

Cash Cold: Nobody really introduced me to the industry,I happened to like what I heard on the radio and wanted to be apart of that.

anCor: What do you enjoy most about being an indie artist?

Cash Cold: What I enjoy most about being a indie artist is Freedom. I don’t have as boss on my back telling what I should and should not be recording I get to be myself.

anCor: How often do you go to the studio?

Cash Cold: Well I record at home so it’s not how often I go to the studio, it’s more or less when do I feel like recording a project. I usually record  when the feeling hits me I can’t really put a time frame on that.

anCor: How was your first studio experience? What challenges did you face?

Cash Cold: My first studio experience was kind of scary! I wanted to produce radio quality music . Listening to the artists they played before I picked up a microphone I knew these people and wanted to be on there level. I was just a battle rapper I did not think I had what it took to make a hit record. For a artist that’s scary but I gave it my best and as you can see I’m still here doing it today.

anCor: Are you currently working close with a particular producer?

Cash Cold: Not yet! I am currently trying my hand at production.

anCor: What are a few things you are currently working on now?

Cash Cold: A few things I am currently working, well I’m working on a Social Network site for Artists. It will be  a place were we can expand on this business of ours and network with people who we would not be able to contact otherwise. Another project I have in the works is my own Television Station I don’t know how that works yet so I am trying to learn the business.

anCor: Do you have any long term career goals?

Cash Cold: My long term career goal would be, to have a trademarked Franchise Business in Corporate America .You will be able to enjoy my products right along with your normal everyday activity. That’s what I hope to see sometime in the near future.

anCor: Any words of wisdom?

Cash Cold: I would say get an education, that is the most important tool you can have!  It might be frustrating in the the beginning but in the end the benefits are worth it . You can go so far with a college diploma compared to what the streets have for you.

Shout Outs: Chanell Bell,  Nel Motzy esq, My Youtube Channell Viewers, My Mom All my peoples down North Friends Family, Kar- lethal Brigante Streeets Confidential Magazine, All my followers on Twitter My Facebook friends everybody!

Twitter/@CashCold

Facebook/Marcus Dawkins

anCor: What is your name and where are you from?

Haiti Da Poet: My name is Haiti Da Poet From New Jersey bka New Jerrus.

anCor: When did you get into writing music?

Haiti Da Poet: I started writing and producing music seriously in 98.

anCor: When you first started to record music what challenges did you face?

Haiti Da Poet: I only really faced one challenge and to me that was not being able to record as much as I wanted to.

anCor: What other talents do you have besides just writing music?

Haiti Da Poet: I produce, and engineer.

anCor: What do you like most about what you do?

Haiti Da Poet: I love the feeling of being able to take people out of the current state of mind, and lifting then into new heights.

anCor: Who is your favorite producer and why?

Haiti Da Poet: Ryan Leslie, I just like his style its smooth and mellow with an edgy twist.

anCor: Are you currently working with any artist right now?

Haiti Da Poet: No I’m currently working alone.

anCor: Is there any mainstream artist you would like to work with? Who would it be and why?

Haiti Da Poet: To many to name, but most like Lauren Hill. Simple because she has to be in my eyes one of the top 3 female emce’s.

anCor: Are you currently working on any new material?

Haiti Da Poet: I just released a new mixtape entitled “Songs of Freedom” available on my webstie for free.

anCor: Any events coming up?

Haiti Da Poet: I’m currently working on setting up a unplugged UStream show where me and a few friends of mine will be showcasing a few songs off the new project live!

anCor: Any words of wisdom?

Haiti Da Poet:  On a path to power must be careful of the obstacles that may lead them to the path towards a power trip; -Haiti Da Poet.

Shout Outs: Mxl, Wonda Music, Klan Destino, Verb SpielBerg.

www.haitidapoet.com

Twitter/haitidapoet

anCor: What is your name and where are you from?

Nicole Lyons: Nicole Lyons from Los Angeles CA

anCor: In your hometown is car racing a big event?

Nicole Lyons: CA racing is not as big as like down south, east coast and mid west but we have our fair share of racing. I believe its because the cost of living is so high as well people don’t have the money to pour into race cars that cost over $250k -3 million to run.

anCor: When did you start to get into car racing?

Nicole Lyons: When I was just 2 years old my dad had me strapped in the backseat of one of his race cars and right after we pulled off the track I screamed with joy, laughing etc so the love started then

anCor: Was there anyone that introduced you to the car racing scene?

Nicole Lyons: My dad Jack Davis who was a famed LA street racer, muscle car builder and high performance engine builder

anCor: What happened to make you decide that you wanted to take car racing to the next level?

Nicole Lyons: Just from a young age attending street race events and participating I did not want to carry on my dad’s legacy of being a street legend but wanted to take it mainstream and become a nationwide legend

anCor: Do you currently have any sponsorships?

Nicole Lyons: Cole Muscle Cars and are actively looking for more

anCor: What are a few of your goals that you would like to accomplish in the next year?

Nicole Lyons: Racing nhra/adrl pro mod and nascar

anCor: Are you parents supportive in your decision in being a race car driver?

Nicole Lyons: Yes, very supportive without them or the rest of my tight net family I would not be where I am today

anCor: What other talents do you have?

Nicole Lyons: 2nd degree black belt, award winning engine builder, published poet

anCor: Any words of wisdom?

Nicole Lyons: Stay dedicated to your passion no matter how big of the obstacles and never let anyone come to the conclusion you won’t succeed, people who don’t stand strong by your dedication should not be in your circle.

Shout Outs: To Cole Muscle Cars and the entire NLR racing team.

Twitter/ Team NLR

Facebook/ nicole lyons racing – cmc fan page

anCor: What’s your name and where you from?

DJ Asap: DJ ASAP BORN IN SHREVEPORT,LA

anCor: Why did you choose to go with DJ Asap as being your DJ name?

DJ Asap: ASAP WAS ACTUALLY GIVEN TO ME FROM A FRIEND…. BUT BESIDES IT BEING CATCHY AND EASY TO REMEMBER  IT STANDS FOR ALWAYS SERVES A PURPOSE.

anCor: Coming from Dallas, was it hard to break into the DJing scene?

DJ Asap WHEN BREAKINGING INTO ANYTHING IT IS HARD IT TOOK ME WORKING HARD AND BEING PERSISTENT. TALKING TO PROMOTERS NETWORKING WITH EVERYONE GETTING MY FACE KNOWN AND OUT ON THE SCENE…. THEN AFTER I GOT IN AND SHOWN WHAT I COULD DO EVERYTHING ELSE WAS HISTORY. IVE JUST ALWAYS CONTINUED TO WORK ON MY CRAFT TO IMPROVE MYSELF AND MADE GREAT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS.

anCor: When did you start DJing & what inspired you to become a DJ?

DJ Asap: I’VE ALWAYS LOVED MUSIC AS A CHILD, MY DAD WAS A WELL KNOWN DJ BACK IN SHREVEPORT… SO IF ANYTHING I FEEL LIKE I WAS BORN TO HAVE 2 TURNTABLES AND A MICROPHONE IN FRONT OF ME. ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I STARTED DJING IS FROM SOMEONE TELLING ME I COULDNT DO IT. LOL

anCor: Did anyone teach you how to become a DJ or did it come naturally?

DJ Asap: FOR THE LONGEST I SAT AT HOME IN MY FREE TIME AND PRACTICED, REACHED OUT TO OTHER DJ’S FOR ADVICE. I WAS GOING TO GUITAR CENTER AND TALKING TO THE STAFF AND LEARNING THE EQUIPMENT. ALSO ONE OF THE DJ’S THAT THOUGHT ME A LOT OF WHAT I KNOW TODAY IS THE LEGENDARY TDK AND IM STILL LEARNING EACH AND EVERYDAY FROM SOME OF MY OTHER DJ PEERS SUCH AS DJ SIR WAYNE, STEVE NICE, PHIL, TONY NEAL

anCor: What kind of DJ would you classify yourself as? Do you just do parties, mixtapes, battles. etc?

DJ Asap: IM GOING INTO A LANE NOW WHERE I DONT JUST CONSIDER MYSELY AS A DJ BUT AS AN ENTERTAINER. IM A CEO OF ASAP ENT. I BUILT A WHOLE TEAM BEHIND ME TO HELP ARTIST WITH BRANDING, MARKETING & GETTING EXPOSURE. AS WELL TO PUSH ME TO DIFFERENT HEIGHTS. I DO MIXTAPES AS WELL FOR THE ARTIST I CHOOSE TO WORK WITH AND MY OWN PERSONAL MIXTAPE SERIES IS DOING VERY WELL FOR ITSELF. I HAVE MAN ON FIRE VOL 1 & 2… AND MAN ON FIRE VOL 3 WILL DROP AROUND MY BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR.

anCor: What makes a good DJ?

DJ Asap: ONE WHO CAN CONTROL THE CROWD AND KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO PLAY AND WHAT TO SAY AT THE RIGHT TIMES….SOMEONE WHO DOES THEIR RESEARCH ON NEW AND OLD MUSIC AND THAT CAN PLAY FOR ANY CROWD NO MATTER WHAT AGE OR COLOR

anCor: Do you feel that DJ’s get enough recognition? If not why?

DJ Asap: HELL NAW!!!! LOL BUT IF YOU MARKET YOURSELF RIGHT AND TAKE OVER YOUR REGION I THINK A DJ CAN. SOME DJ’S ARE SATISFIED WITH DJING AT A CLUB THEN GOING HOME AND WAITING FOR THE NEXT GIG INSTEAD OF CREATING SOMETHING.

anCor: What sets DJ Asap apart from other DJ’s?

DJ Asap: IM ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT THE NEXT 3 STEPS AND ALWAYS THINKING OF WAYS THAT CAN MAKE ME A BETTER ENTERTAINER. IM BUILDING A SYSTEM TO PUT ME INTO DIFFERENT MARKETS AND PROMOTING MY OWN EVENTS INSTEAD OF WAITING ON A PROMOTER TO CALL AND BOOK ME

anCor: I read that your an official Tour DJ for Sprite, how did that come about?

DJ Asap:

I got a last minute phone call from a good friend and promoter named Dessie from LDunlimited (follow him on twitter) [Laughs]. He stated he was doing marketing for the Sprite Step Off event and they were looking for a DJ. He immediately thought to call me. Next thing I know I am DJing for Sprite. I was networking with the event coordinators that day and they like what I did. So probably a week later or so they called and said I would be DJing for the tour. So for six months I was on tour with Sprite and they had Monica, Soulja Boy, Jezzy and many other top performers at their events.

anCor: When you want to get the party hype, what do you put on the 1s & 2s?

DJ Asap:  DEPENDING ON WHAT TYPE OF CROWD IM PLAYING FOR I JUST GO BY THE VIBE I GET OFF THE CROWD…. BUT FOR THE MOST PART YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH ANYTHING WAKA FLAKA OR RICK ROSS RIGHT ABOUT NOW

anCor: Can you name a few artist that you’ve DJd for?

DJ Asap:

Soulja Boy

Monica

Nas

Tank

Snoop Dogg

Drake

Slim Thug

Slim of 112

Bun B

B Hardy

Ace Mitch

Big Chief

Lil Keke

Jadakiss

Jeezy

anCor: Any upcoming events?

DJ Asap: LOOK OUT FOR MY HUGE B-DAY WEEKEND OCTOBER 14TH-17TH WITH SOME OF MY CELEBRITY FRIENDS….THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST WEEKENDS IN DALLAS!!!

anCor: Words of wisdom

DJ Asap: NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU YOU CANT DO SOMETHING. NEVER LET YOUR HATERS GET TO YOU

Shoutouts: TO TEAM ASAP FOR ALWAYS HAVING MY BACK NO MATTER WHAT…TASHA (@TEE_BABY) MS. RO (@MSROISLIVE) STEPHANIE (@SRCOOK21)

MYCHAL JETER (@MYCHALJETER) JAY B (@JAYB_) NINA Z (@NINAZ_) ALL M FANS AND SUPPORTERS B HARDY FREE N CAZ AND ACE MITCH (GET WELL SOON) MY MOM AND MY LITTLE SISTER KENDAHL AND BIG UPS TO ALL MY HATERS THANK YOU!

anCor: What is your name and where are you from?

Jae West: My name is Jae West and I’m from Massachusetts, the Brockton-Boston area to be more specific.

anCor: Name a few artist that you grew up listening too.

Jae West: The LOX, Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek & Busta Rhymes to name a few.

anCor: Do you remember your first recording session? How was that experience?

Jae West: Yes, I had a cousin who attended the Art Institute in Boston & he booked us some studio time on a weekend evening, this was in ‘99. It was a great experience because as much potential as I had, I got a glimpse into what I would need to do to improve & become a good artist.

anCor: What do you feel the music industry is missing right now?

Jae West: I think it’s missing patience! A lot of times there are artists who can become great or even have sustainability in this industry when given time to develop, but A&R’s want that quick hit or success not realizing this industry is a marathon of sorts.

anCor: What are a few pros and cons about being an indie artist?

Jae West: The freedom to do almost anything you want is a big pro, because whenever you feel like doing something or releasing something, it’s more than likely your sole decision and no one is usually going to hold you back. The cons are definitely the financial constraints & the lack of support in terms of having a marketing team behind you because I can do a lot of things, but to reach that other level, I need to have more funds available to have my music properly marketed or get it into the right hands.

anCor: Being a Hip/Hop-Rap artist what do you think the key to success is?

Jae West: Perseverance, talent, business/networking skills, luck & prayers because all of them together can get you to where you want to be at career wise.

anCor: Do you have any producers that you work close with?

Jae West: No. My belief is, if you have good beats, I want to work with you.

anCor: Are you currently under any management company?

Jae West: No, I’m doing all of that myself right now.

anCor: Are you currently working on any new material?

Jae West: Yes I am. I’ve got some mixtape material that I’m working on that I want to release by the end of the year & I’m working on a street album with original music that I want to release early next year.

anCor: Any words of wisdom?

Jae West: Yes, just stay true to yourself, have faith, believe in yourself & realize that sacrifices for the greater good of your career must be made.

Shout Outs: I want to thank anCor for giving me this interview, that is very much appreciated. The Walrond Bros, a group that i’m in & work with as well as any person, artist, dj, blogger & so forth that has at least giving my music a listen.

anCor: What is your name and where are you from?

Blackout The Rebel: My name is BLACKOUT THE REBEL and I hail from south side Jamaica queens

anCor: Who has supported you along your journey with being a rap artist?

Blackout The Rebel: My family and close friends have been very supportive and encouraging of what I’m trying to accomplish I appreciate it and thank them heavily

anCor: Who introduced you into the Hip/Hop/Rap industry?

Blackout The Rebel: For the most part I introduced myself to the behind the scenes of this industry but I can say my big cousin and artist Shea Parka definitely taught me a lot. As far as coming into the game it all started when I was 9 and I had to do a performance at the end of this program called “enact” my friends and I decided to do a rap and it was history from there.

anCor: How do you feel the Rap/Hip-Hop scene has changed since the early 90’s?

Blackout The Rebel: The hip hop scene has changed in the sense that everything is a lot more commercial not to mention watered down. The intensity and realism has been replaced with heartless music just for the sake of making money

anCor: Why do you think it is hard to get a record deal now days?

Blackout The Rebel: It’s hard for numerous reasons. #1 EVERYONE these days seems to think they are an artist so it makes it that much more difficult to differentiate yourself from the herd. #2 with the drastic turn in the direction of hip/hop, labels and A&R’s are trying their best to find what’s hot right now. That hurts certain people’s chances because a lot of times they do not match the criteria of what they are looking for. Doesn’t mean they are not talented it just means they aren’t what seems profitable at the moment so they get pushed to the back.

anCor: Do you think now we have more one hit wonders than ever before?

Blackout The Rebel: Most definitely! With a rise in ringtone sales alone it makes it that much easier to become rich off of just one song so the hunger and heart dies very quickly. Also with the recession still in affect labels don’t have time nor money to continue to push an artist that they might feel wont make it so regardless of how nice you may think an artist is if the label or whoever is backing him doesn’t think its going to work you might never hear from him again.

anCor: Do you support local talent from your town?

Blackout The Rebel: I try my best to because I know I want that in return and also the underground circuit is a lot better then what is out here as far as mainstream goes…with the exception of a few select people. I would say look out for sho-pyn, T-kor, street fleet, hev star, d. stephens, just to name a few.

anCor: What are a few pros and cons to being an independent artist?

Blackout The Rebel: The pros, I would have to say is the freedom. Everything is pretty much your call and decision. Also you have more freedom in your music as well. You can pretty much say whatever you like without having to hear someone breathe down your neck about it. The cons are that it’s all up to you for the most part. So if you don’t have a strong work ethic to grind and take care of business then you yourself are the blame for your failure. Another thing is finances….a lot of times things will be coming straight out of your own pocket and that can get costly especially if you’re just starting out and have no income off your music yet.

anCor: Do you currently have your music digitally distributed?

Blackout The Rebel: I don’t have my music distributed just yet I’m still gearing and perfecting the mix tape and album that will be released next year. I do however have a few songs on my sites that are downloadable. The links to them are http://tweetmysong.com/members/BLACKOUTDAREBEL/Songs.htm and also www.blackrebelation.tumblr.com

anCor: Are you currently working on any new material?

Blackout The Rebel: ALWAYS! Today I just finished my verse for this mix tape my cousin Shea Parka is in charge of, as usual I have some music on the microphone bully mix tape dropping this month, last but certainly not least I am currently finishing up the first few songs for the mix tape and the album at the same time.

anCor: Any words of wisdom?

Blackout The Rebel: Don’t let anyone or anything defer you from your dreams or passion. No matter what keep fighting even when it feels like you have nothing left and want to give up. Also don’t be afraid to be yourself not just in music but in general. We are who we are for a reason so embrace that, whoever doesn’t like it is their lost because we all have beauty deep inside us all….some just have more layers over it then others.

Shout Outs: I want to give a shout out to my family and friends for holding me down I could not do it without your kind words and gestures. I would like to give a HUGE shout out to my fans, its because of all of you out there that I get up and strive to this everyday I have the best fans in the world and I vow to try my best to not let you down. Last but not least I would like to give a shout out to you chanell and ancor I thank you and appreciate you/ya’ll for this opportunity.

twitter: @BLACKOUTDAREBEL

anCor: What is your name and where are you from?

P-Nice: My Name is George Patrick Kelley III

anCor: Everyone is dying to know how you got the name “P-Nice”

P-Nice: Well it happened when I moved To Georgia and as I was about to go on the air for the first time at WLZN Blazin 92.3FM as the 12 noon DJ the air personality Alley Roc was like what is your DJ name? I replied DJ.Pat she was like that is too plain. She was like we need something that suits your style as well as something that people can call you that is a character that you can become. So she was like hey P-Nice that’s it. Your really nice as a DJ and it can become a character outside of your everyday person.

anCor: What gave you the initial push to start DJing?

P-Nice: I at first just wanted to be able to DJ parties at my school(Delaware State University) but then I became good and my expectations and goals rose!!!

anCor: Where was your first gig and how was that experience?

P-Nice: My first gig was in the game room at Delaware State University. It was a SGA campaign event. Where I was Djing while the candidates who were running and the students were bowling, playing pool, playing ping pong, eating pizza, and partying. The experience was very fulfilling because I was offered a contract to DJ in the game room twice a month from my first gig. That was soooo crazy!!!

anCor: Out of all the events your ever DJ at, which was your favorite and why?

P-Nice: My favorite event was my first live broadcast, which was at Club Moneys in Macon,GA. Saturdays were called Saturday Nite Live!! It was my favorite because it was my first time broadcasting live on the air from in the club. Like that was my goal since I took my first radio job at Power 99FM. The challenge of rocking the club while adhering to rules of being on the airways live is such a thrill. Plus this is why I moved to GA to be live on the air so meeting my goal is the reason why I cherish the moment so much.

anCor: Is there a song that you could play that will always get the crowd hype? If yes, what is the title and who is the artist?

P-Nice: The song Down For My Niggas by C-Murder seems to always get crowd hype no matter what state I am in. Like I had played in VA, MD, PA, GA, FL, NJ, SC, NC, and DE and that songs seems to work no matter what.

anCor: Have you had the opportunity to DJ for any major artist yet? If yes, name a few.

P-Nice: Well Djing for 2 major radio stations has allowed me to DJ for like almost every artist in the game whether it be a concert or them preforming in the club. However here are some of the major ones are T.I., Ludacris, Young Jezzy, Young Joc, T-Paine, Pator Troy, Webbie, Franchise Boys, Bun B, Freeway, Beanie Segal, Peddie Crack, Styles P, there are more but you can see my point!!

anCor;: What good advice would you give up and coming DJs ?

P-Nice: To practice your craft a lot, to work on your weakness and do not show your weakness while Djing. To learn how to network, learn about all kinds of sound equipment. Also learn how to be business savy.

anCor: Do you have local venues that you DJ at every week? If yes, name the venues

P-Nice: Tuesdays I am at the Equator Lounge, Thursdays I am at the Equator Lounge, Fridays I am at Paledogs, Saturdays I rotate between O’Kelly’s and Paledogs.

anCor: Describe you style of DJing.

P-Nice: I am a party DJ, My focus is to make the crowd dance.

anCor: Where do you see yourself in two years?

P-Nice: I see myself promoting large scale events, as well as Djing abroad out of the U.S.

Shout Outs: Well Shout to those fellow industry people who helped mentor me DJ.Flow, Doc B, Brock, Jay Ski, DJ.Wiz. Shout to my sound man Earl, and all the people who come check me out on a regular basis. Also my cousin James Johnson who never allows me to get big headed!!!

anCor: Whats is your name and where are you from?

Decipher: My name is Decipher and I was born and raised in Philadelphia. I named myself that because “the cipher” was always a welcoming place for me. Whether it be a smoking cipher where we’re passing a blunt or a freestyle cipher where we’re being blunt. Also, in my music I try to break down, explain, decode, and “decipher” what may not seem so easy to understand at times. Wordplay comes natural to me.

anCor: Who introduced you to the music industry?

Decipher: I didn’t have anyone directly next to me that’s done what I was setting out to do. Everyone around me was just as new to this as I was so there wasn’t anybody to introduce us to the game. We had to introduce ourselves. The initiative was taken but we’re still learning as we go along and as difficult as it is I feel the people around me pride ourselves on being self-made.

anCor: Was there anyone in your life that has been there for you since you started your music career?

Decipher: I didn’t start doing music knowing that it would become a career but it’s amazing to look around and see a lot of the same people that have been there from the start. Goes to show you that a love for music is just as serious as any other. Johnnyphlo has been there since he was just John Jung. He used to mix records for me and listening back on those early records it humbling to say the least. He’s now a respectable artist in his own right so that shows how much we’ve grown. Ailee is another artist that I’ve watched grow from watching a 10 second clip of her singing at her church to travelling internationally to showcase her talents. Excited to see where we are in the near future!

anCor: Describe your style of rapping? What do you believe makes you stand out from the rest?

Decipher: I like to consider myself more on the lyrical tip. Even when I started writing and recording I knew that what lacked was delivery because I focused so much on lyrics and not much else. As I’m growing as an artist I’m learning the skills I need to become well rounded in all aspects so bear with me! Also, being lyrical to me doesn’t necessarily mean crazy rhyme schemes or a unique flow. I respect the potency of the words. I might even find it more admirable if an artist cause use less words that carry more potency to express what he’s trying to say.

anCor: In your current city that you reside in, do you believe it is hard to build a good fan base? Why or why not?

Decipher: I love Philadelphia. Maybe not everybody loves me back but I feel like a certain community has to respect it at the very least. As an Asian-American artist there are only a few of us doing it at all let alone in my city. I’m trying to be a face and a figure to represent for the city and people. Those who do know what I do and respect it show their love and I love them back 100x fold and I will continue to.

anCor: Do you ever do anything special for your fans?

Decipher: Everything I do is because of the support. This entertainment business is a two way street. I need to feel the love to show love back. Just a week ago I had a show in Dallas, Texas and the sound was literally the worst sound I’ve ever experienced at a show. I know the crowd feels my lack of enthusiasm because that’s what I’m getting from that as well. I can’t ask for much more because the sound was just that bad. But through the frustration I still hear someone in the front row screaming “One of them Days!” which is one of my more popular tracks but a very mellow, somber one at that and we were at a club show. Nonetheless, I felt the need to do what I can for someone that knew my music and stuck by my set even though the sound was horrible. Shout out to homeboy from Dallas for reminding me I do it for the love!

anCor: When you first started out in the music industry, did you ever think you would have advanced this far?

Decipher: I always wanted it and envisioned but the necessary steps to get there were so unclear. But now every time I’m on a plane to go to a show or see a huge crowd in front of me or even see views and comments on youtube it amazes me what I’ve accomplished. It also always humbles me to know how much further I have to go.

anCor: What is your outlook on the current Hip-Hop scene? (mainstream)

Decipher: I’m not one of those guys that subscribe to the idea that Hip Hop is dead. You might have to search harder to find the music that you appreciate but it is there and thriving I promise. I always hear people saying certain artists are garbage but I respect and listen to almost everything. Gucci Mane isn’t the most lyrical MC but I’m not trying to dance and get wasted to Atmosphere. You need both ends of the spectrum to balance everything out.

anCor: Where do you want your music career to be in the next year?

Decipher: My newest album will be out in a few months so that should be circulating well by then and I hope to be doing shows very consistently and just seeing our ideas and hard work come into fruition. I don’t want to dream too much. I’d rather work and see where it takes me. Success is based on repetition so I’ll keep doing what I’ve been doing but let’s hope it moves faster and higher.

anCor: Do you currently have any music in circulation?

Decipher: Expect great things from my new album THE EFFECT dropping late summer of 2010. You can download my free mix tape The Best Things In Life Vol. 1 at http://deciphermusic.com in the music section right now. You can also download remixes I’ve done on my youtube channel which is http://youtube.com/deciphermusic also just search “decipher” on youtube to see some other work I’ve done with other artists.

anCor: Any words of wisdom?

Decipher: Expect the best but plan for the worst. Keep your hopes high but know that you must work for those dreams and nothing will be handed to you. If it was, the victory would not be as sweet and I’m ready to win.

Shout Outs: Muzo of course! Beautiful Cycle! Anybody supporting the music and anybody that eventually will.

Twitter/deciphermusic

Facebook/deciphermusic

anCor: What’s your name and where are you from?

anCor: How did the name CharmSo come about, is there a meaning behind it?

anCor: Are your family and friends supportive in your career?

CharmSo: Most of my family where surprised that I could rap because I never told them but yes they are very supportive

CharmSO: My mother is a writer, so I think it comes second nature to me but I was actual sitting in a Living Environment class in high school when I started listening to peoples problems and stories and turning them in to lyrical formats. Before I knew it the whole battling scene hit me

anCor: How would you describe your style?

CharmSo: My Style just comes from things that shoot out to me. I have this strong approach with metaphors that build in messages that you later catch on to

CharmSo: Wow many. All of the old Groups in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s and all the bands and groups that started there name with “The. “  Alot of soul that comes form my fathers records and dance from my mothers records she liked to play

anCor: What is a typical day like for CharmSo?

CharmSo: Wake up , phone check, every thing from social networking sites to all my email accounts are directly link to me so answering email and comments etc.
depending on the schedule ill be getting ready for a session in the studio, talking to mentors or just working on the best product, either it being me or the walks of life I’ve been introduced to 

anCor: For people that don’t know last year you won the B.E.T Perfect Combination Reese Rap Challenge, how did that experience change you?

CharmSo: B.E.T flew me out to Atlanta after I won to attend the Hip Hop awards. I’ve never been any where 100 miles in each direction of New York City, so it created a glimpse of what I always wanted from the hotel which had the best accommodation, being able to see different cultures of people and the leverage to Keep the Charm So! brand Going .

anCor: You have a single called “Money & Power” Do you think when people conquer the two the lose sight of everything else?

CharmSo: Yes it consumes. I think people should understand that Money & Power is not Life, but more so as tools of enjoyment that can create a Lifestyle. Don’t live for Money & Power, live for the happiness that it can bring

anCor: What are your thought on today’s hip hop industry?

CharmSo:  I don’t believe its dead. Its not as saturated as it was becoming but the new school rappers and artist are reviving the state of hip hop, I think if you don’t worry about numbers and worry about things that sound good and feeling , the world well feel it and join. Music has two sides Business and Emotion, if you can conquer both you well keep your longevity

anCor: Any mix tapes or albums, if so where available?

CharmSo: Coming Soon Winter 2010 , ill be dropping music every week so keep on the look out for that .

anCor: What do you hope your fans can gain from listening to your music?

CharmSo: A quality of mystery that I hold dear outside of my music. I’m like a box with a question mark some people wont dare come to it, but its for those individuals that want to take a chance to uncover those mysterious that find great respect in my music from my past present and the Future .

Words of wisdom : Anything that doesn’t move is dead. Movement Is Living Life

Shoutouts: Jesus Christ, Friends,  Family and Supporters,  they all know who they are ,

www.Charmsomusic.com,
www.Twitter.com/CharmSo
www.Facebook.com/CharmSo
www.Myspace.com/CharmSo