Thursday, April 4, 2013

LIL SMITTY: UNPLUGGED

YOUNG J: Today Lil Smitty is in the building ya heard. I'm glad we had this opportunity to link up man.
LIL SMITTY: Fasho, thank you for your time and for the love G.
YOUNG J: I hear you’re a SoCal representative. Cali has been known to have some of the finest weather. Oh, and not to mention some of the finest females but that's a whole different topic. Where are you originally from?
LIL SMITTY: I’m from a small town in the San Gabriel valley called Rowland Heights.
YOUNG J: Where did you grow up as a kid?
LIL SMITTY: I grew up in Rowland Heights, but after the age of nine I grew up in foster homes and group homes in different Southern California areas.
YOUNG J: As you were growing up what types of music were you into?
LIL SMITTY: I was always a big 2Pac fan as a kid, Bone Thugs and that 90’s “G” era was what I loved to bump. I also had a deep love and respect for the “Old School;” I grew up hearing oldies and all the classics.
YOUNG J: What was Smitty like as a teen?
LIL SMITTY: Damn, I was a fool growing up. Everyone can definitely tell u I acted way older than my age, always drinking, doing drugs with my hommies from the neighborhood, fighting e todo. I was a real desmadroso.
YOUNG J: When was it that you decided to get into the music industry?
LIL SMITTY: Since I could remember I always had wanted to rap, it has been decided since I was ten.
YOUNG J: How did you first get involved in the rap game?
LIL SMITTY: Funny story, my older primo, Pooky used to flow back in the days, and we used to always go to Needles, California for the river in the summer. He used to give me shots of tequila and vodka as an incentive for freestyling. All his friends used to cheer me on and give me props, it felt good. It was then I knew I wanted to be in the game.
YOUNG J: As an upcoming rapper is there another rapper or rappers who you looked up to?
LIL SMITTY: Always looked up to 2Pac. He was a big help to my hard upbringing as a kid. But, as a teen SPM truly kept me going.
YOUNG J: How long have you been in the game for?
LIL SMITTY: I’ve been in the game since I was 14, mastering my craft for all these years; I’m now barely making my break through.
YOUNG J: I've been in studio with other rappers like Carolyn Rodriguez (Medicine Girl) and I know what it takes to make a hot track. When you’re in the process of recording your lyrics do you tend to write more or are you more a freestyler?
LIL SMITTY: Anyone who knows me in the studio knows I’ll write a song in less than ten minutes, hooks and all it’s a true gift, I always got something to say. When in times I don’t have material; yes I’ll freestyle.
YOUNG J: How do you go about hooking up with beats do you have specific people you deal with or do you do your own productions?
LIL SMITTY: I make my own beats for most of my tracks that you’ve heard, but all my new stuff has been produced by Alex Ibarra with Illegal Productions. I work with a very few other producers cause many can’t capture my vision.
YOUNG J: Since you have been in the business what other artist have you been affiliated with?
LIL SMITTY: I’ve worked with few, none I’d mention though. I choose to work alone mostly colabs; I do it to help others game out.
YOUNG J: Are there any other artist that come to your mind that you would like to collaborate with?
LIL SMITTY: I’d love to work with all the original Dope House Records, SPM, it would be my dream to work with him. I’d like to work with Dr. Dre, Xzibit, Ice cube and other, “West Coast Kings.”
YOUNG J: As of now are you signed with a label or doing your thing independently?
LIL SMITTY: I’m very much independent, but I’m firmly associated with Illegal Productions.
YOUNG J: What does Lil Smitty represent?
LIL SMITTY: I represent for the underdogs, for the ones who are promised death and prison, but make something out of themselves. I represent for the kids with no mom and no dad, who suffer all there life and still achieve. For the men and woman in prison for life, I’m here to tell their story, “My Story,” and give the world blinded to this lifestyle a clear vision of what I’ve been through and have come from.
YOUNG J: I’ve seen your video, “I Aint Going Nowhere." What can you tell us about that?
LIL SMITTY: That’s a deep personal track me and Alex Ibarra created. You can get a glimpse of what I’ve lived.
YOUNG J: I've also heard a track you had produced, “Letter to SPM" How you were able to come up with the concept of that track?
LIL SMITTY: I’ve always been a fan of SPM, so I made a deep emotional beat to his in-house style productions and started to write him a letter. I wanted to talk to him as well as my listeners and paint a picture.
YOUNG J: Obviously SPM has been an inspiration in your life as he is too many people today. How has SPM inspired you artistically?
LIL SMITTY: I’ve always loved his rhyme scheme and character on the mic. I’ve always respected his grind and music. He never made a club song or anything wack just to cater to what the media thought was dope. He stuck to what he did best and it was still successful. Today as an artist it encourages me to stay true to what I feel is dope and stray from what everyone else is doing in the game.
YOUNG J: How were you first introduced to SPM's music?
LIL SMITTY: A hommie from my neighborhood showed me a SPM track. "Filthy Rich" was the first track I heard and loved it. That same year I had all his CD’s.
YOUNG J: It's been about 10 years since the incarceration of SPM. There's been a lot of negative feedback from people who condemn him for his conviction. As a supporter how does his incarceration make you feel?
LIL SMITTY: Everyone has their opinions about his conviction, here in Cali, a lot of gente don’t like SPM for what he was convicted of. But, after researching and reading his trial and case, I find it in my strongest opinion and judgment that he is innocent. As a big fan I also choose not to believe it; so I go above and beyond to support his movement and continue to tell those the truth.
YOUNG J: What does the legacy of SPM mean to you?
LIL SMITTY: The legacy of SPM to me is loyalty, respect, and love. He was a humble person who gave love to all races; so I believe if we follow his message in life and in his music, we all as one race (human being’s) can have a mutual love and respect for one another.
YOUNG J: I'm really feelin' you vibe and everything you’re doing man. Do you have any future projects that you can talk about?
LIL SMITTY: Yes, I have a few CD’s dropping late 2013. I’ve been in the studio non-stop all year so I have a lot of dope music coming soon.
YOUNG J: This is ya boy Young J and Lil Smitty in the spot. Thanks very much for your time. It is very much appreciated. It's important the readers are on point with all the latest and up-to-date info. Before we get out tell me how we can hear more about you and your music?
LIL SMITTY:  Thank you for your love and time playa, much respect. You can all get my music and show updates on my website at WWW.LILSMITTY.COM

http://soundcloud.com/search?q%5Bfulltext%5D=lil+smitty SOUNDCLOUD


Some win some fail but I choose to win
Another day of life like here we go again
Hardships of our universe got us drawn to sin
I pay it all no mind as I take a ripp
A few hits from the bong
Got me writting songs
Dreams of bieng a star but I've been 1 all along
Dazed in my mental stressed blowing janey
Im making moves now all these phoney friends hate me
I pay them no mind so I keep trucking
These hoes keep on coming so I keep fucking
Life of misery a life of pain
I know I've said it before but im forreal man
Chopping bricks giving phenes their fix
Enemies get the led then get the crucifix
That triple 6 got them all talking shit
Tryna break my core, Hah, stones and sticks
Im broke as fuck barely getting by
Sometimes i dont eat just to afford my high
A cold 40 brew and bars
One day I'll have it all big crib and cars
But until then Imma keep it real
And Stay on the streets to get the world to feel
Its my last chance to get em all to listen
Brown and gifted they want me locked in prison
I gotta fight the odds and not fall to the statistics
The law is the real enemy they hate me and my sickness
Hate filled in my viens or the hating kind
Giving praise to the souls with fighting hearts and minds
Truth from the gut truth from the core
Spit it how I live it till the vokal box is sore

                                  
                                      Lil Smitty

Friday, March 29, 2013

SOUTH PARK MEXICAN: 8714 FILMS LIVE EXPERIENCE


YOUNG J: I was introduced to Miguel Sosa through a mutual friend. He came to me and said, “Young J I have a rare never before seen video footage of South Park Mexican and I want to release this video for all his “Truest” fans. Today I’m talking with Miguel; it’s my pleasure to have you here. First things first, how did you get started in film making?
8714 FILMS: It's funny I was eighteen years old, at McDonald's and video cameras we again, "Reinvented" to the general public. So, at that time "Silo Electronics" now, "Best Buy" had a new Sony Handy Cams and they weren't cheap. Every day after work I would visit Silo/Best Buy and drool thus, dreamt of owning a Sony Handy Cam video camera. I worked for eight months (worked time and a half) and then got a second full time job as a prep cook at the Holiday Inn Hotel. I saved up 5,000 and purchased my first Sony Handy Cam. But, I was working two jobs and didn't have time to practice shooting videos. I took my video camera to work and started interview co-workers and patrons. Then, one magical day a fellow said, 'Hey, I'm having a house party you should stop band record the party. Since that day I've NEVER stopped shooting films and videos.
YOUNG J: What first interested you about film making?
8714 FILMS: My father was an amateur photographer and my mother an avid Mexican Folk Lore storyteller is what inspired me to combine both hobbies to thus make pictures with integrity, and humility.
YOUNG J: How long have you been in the business? Also what are some of highlight of your career?
8714 FILMS: I'm accredited 20 year veteran filmmaker, graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a double major concentration in screenwriting and directing. I was blessed to be, "At the right place at the right time" to associate with "Heavy Hitters" producers, writers and directors. They took me under their wing by giving me an internship working directly in hands-on movie making on 33mm film. I worked with Michael Jackson, "You Are Not Alone" music video. I served as the Second Assistant Director on Andrew Davies Hollywood film "The fugitive." I served as an accredited Unit Production Manager on countless Rap videos for example: Bigger Smalls, Tupac, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Do or Die, Rap-A-Lot Records videos and working with my best friend South Park Mexican. I accredit my successful film career to Black Filmmakers who very, lovingly opened the door to me within the film industry. Ronn Pitts, Jeff Brown, Jody Williams, Kenny Young, Carl Seaton, tony Agnew and my friend, colleague and business partner, Massa Mohawk.
YOUNG J: Many people may not know you were a cinematographer SPM.
For those who don't know what cinematographer means it's basically means an exclusive cameraman. How did you and SPM first meet?
8714 FILMS: I arrived in Huston, Texas in the summer of 97. I met a young DJ by the name of Earl Davis (DJ Screw.) He had seen many of my Hollywood feature films and thought that I had shot. He was impressed how my artistic focus was that of showcasing, "Underground Artist." I started following DJ Screw to all his DJ spots; mainly his home (laughing) and eventually, Carlos Coy visited DJ Screw and we were introduced. Los invited me to Dope House Records and well...the rest is history. I became his person cinematographer; along with Massa Mohawk. Carlos Coy taught me integrity, tenacity and to always be humble.
YOUNG J: Had you ever heard of SPM prior to meeting him at Screw's?
8714 FILMS: No, I've never heard of SPM before I met him. I didn't even know of DJ Screw till by accident I met him through a mutual friend.
YOUNG J: What was it like to work for SPM?
8714 FILMS: Working with Carlos was magnificent. I learned so much about the pros and cons of being an indie artist. Mainly, of how to have a major record label meet you half way with "Realistic" offer’s that would be lucrative/beneficial of all units sold. Integrity and honor was the rule of thumb, "Good business is Square Business."
YOUNG J: Do you have any memories that you would like to share about your experience with the Texas legend known as SPM?
8714 FILMS: My fondest memory of working the legend SPM is observing Carlos multi-task all of his daily agendas with such grace and accuracy; that one day I asked him, "Hey Los, how do you handle all the work load and not be, overwhelmed?" He chuckled, looked up at the sky and made a sign of the cross/blessing himself and he replied, “Chicago...Time Is Money." From that day forward I understood, both the personal and business end of the music and film industry, mindset.
YOUNG J: Did you have the opportunity to meet any of the other members of the Dope House Family artist?
8714 FILMS: Working with the Latino King of Rap, South Park Mexican I build a long standing friendship with ALL of artist from Dope House Records i.e. Low G, Juan Gotti, Pimpstress, Baby Bash, Grimmy Grimm, Bigg Bert etc. To this day I'm still collaborating with them on upcoming shows. "Time Is Money" (laughing.)
YOUNG J: I’ve heard some rumors about a new SPM video Can you
specify if these rumors are accurate?
8714 FILMS: Indeed, that the fans are eagerly talking about an anticipated video debut of a, “Rare, never ever before seen” video of South Park Mexican and Dope House Records LIVE IN CONCERT. I can reassure the supportive fans that 8714 FILMS is sharing this video of SPM & Dope House Records from their, "Personal Archives." The fans have been very, supportive by maintaining SPM integrity, honor and legacy. Therefore, it's only right that the fans are shown love for their hard work and efforts of supporting the King of Latino Rap.
YOUNG J: It's really unfortunate that SPM is currently incarcerated. How did you find out about his incarceration?
8714 FILMS: I found out about SPM incarceration from Day Obey. Ever since the first initial allegations of wrong doing was alleged.
YOUNG J: What is your opinion about SPM's current situation?
8714 FILMS: Overall an innocent, Mexican man was falsely and corruptly incarcerated for 45 years for a crime THAT HE DID NOT COMMIT.
YOUNG J: It's been real talking with you. Thank you for your time. Before we get out of here, how would anyone who is interested in your services get in contact with you?
8714 FILMS: For serious inquires about potential film/video services. Send all artist information to my business email address: Films.8714@yahoo.com. It's been my honor to have been interviewed by the Free SPM Movement. "Stay humble and share the knowledge."

Thursday, March 21, 2013

RASHEED: DEEP IN THE GAME

YOUNG J: What’s good Rasheed thanks for stopping by. How have you been man?
RASHEED: Been good life's good. can't complain existence is beautiful.
YOUNG J: What area did you grow up in?
RASHEED: Born in the East Coast Philadelphia in a hood celled Nice Town. I moved to Houston South Side and worked a lot in South Park, and went to school in the South West.
YOUNG J: When did you begin rapping?
RASHEED: Basically as a kid on the streets in the hood. That's nothing I was really a writer.
YOUNG J: How did you get into the rap game?
RASHEED: Really just doing it in the hood till it became a business, just working with different people to have more opportunities presented themselves via: Dope House, Felx Records and Short Stop Records.
YOUNG J: I know why they called you the “Chainsaw,” how did you get that name?
RASHEED: People know me for my rapid flow. Baby Bash actually branded me that.
YOUNG J: As an upcoming artist in the game who inspired you musically?
RASHEED: There are a lot of artist and a lot of different music that I like in the present and in the past. Too many to name so I would like to say anyone that faces the challenges of the game inspires me.
YOUNG J: You’re from Philly how did you find a new home in the HTX?
RASHEED: Basically I just came down to live with my pops (Laughing)
YOUNG J: It’s well known you were a featured artist at Dope House Records how did you first get involved with the label?
RASHEED: A friend of mine named Agent hook was riding around banging the "Hillwood" of SPM. Then one day he took me to his spot and kinda just connected from there.
YOUNG J: What was you experience like working with Dope House Records and the other artist that were there?
RASHEED: It's all good. Everyone has something different to offer from the creative process to the business.
YOUNG J: What was it like collaborating with SPM?
RASHEED: SPM is a fun individual to work with especially since our styles were so different.
YOUNG J: How did SPM influence you as artist?
RASHEED: Really he showed me a lot about the business aspect of it.
YOUNG J: Can you talk about your association with 21ST Century Entertainment?RASHEED: I am CEO of 21st Century which is my label, which consist of: Tyme, Paper Boy Gee, Tony Wrecks, Big Kree, Lil Glock, Zone, Vince 211, and a few others.
YOUNG J: I’ve heard a lot of your music. What’s going on with your new album “The Janitor?”
RASHEED: The Janitor is the latest album I am dropping in May. The first single is called "The Dope House Story."YOUNG J: What kind of projects will you be working on next?RASHEED: So many too name. Tyme will be dropping as well as Paper Boy Gee and Tony Wrecks. Some of my new solo projects forthcoming: Motion picture music, Dementia, Shootout With Da Devil the 21st Century comp, and a few others for 2013.
YOUNG J: If your fans what to link up with you on social media how can they reach you? On Twitter: @Rasheed713 https://mobile.twitter.com/RASHEED713, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/Rasheedalfonso.cook?fref=ts, YouTube channel: Alfonso cook http://www.youtube.com/user/sheedygonzo and Soundcloud http://soundcloud.com/search?q%5Bfulltext%5D=alfonso+cook 
 
Check out these Rasheed links:

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Can't Stop The Hustle



YOUNG J: Thanks for stopping by. What's good with you Iceman or should I call you Ice?
ICEMAN: Iceman is good and I just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to be part of the Dope House Army.
YOUNG J: It's all love family. Where are you originally from?
ICEMAN: I'm from Lansing Michigan and I grew up on the North side.
YOUNG J: What's your affiliation with Calico Records?
ICEMAN: I am one of the Co-founders and owner.
YOUNG J: When did Calico Records first begin operations?
ICEMMAN: We opened doors at Calico Records the summer of 06. Me and my bro had been working on this for a while.
YOUNG J: How did Calico Records first begin?
ICEMAN: Calico was a dream my bro and I had for the longest time. We grew up listing to SPM and a lot of Latin artist. We wanted to make a change in the game in Lansing. No Latin rappers meant we had to come hard to make our name known in Lansing, but as time went on we started to know that Lansing wasn't the place for us so we looked to Huston the home of SPM and many more artists that showed love since day one.
YOUNG J: How did you get into the rap game?
ICEMAN: Rap has been in my life since I was a child on Camp Street watching TV with my bro back in 94 with the "Gangsta's Paradise" Coolio video and I knew something was there for us. We moved to an all-white town my mom and step dad were looking for a new life. We heard ICP (Insane Clown Posse) from Detroit and we were hooked. Some years later my step dad passed away so we moved back with our aunt and cousins in Lansing.
YOUNG J: As an upcoming emcee who were your inspirations?
ICEMAN: I would have to say SPM hands down. He has played a major part in my life even through the passing of my mom and dad. I put on one of his CD's and knew that everything is going to be ok. He has changed my life in so many ways so I can support him now also. Other artist I also look up to has to be Lloyd Banks, Chamillionaire, Kanye West, and Eminem.
YOUNG J: How old were you when you began rapping?
ICEMAN: I first began rapping like in 02 I was 14.
YOUNG J: How long have you been in the rap game for?
ICEMAN: About 8 years now.
YOUNG J: Who are some of the artist you have worked with since you have been in the game?
ICEMAN: Some of the artists that I’ve worked with were from Money Ent. It was mostly local artist aspiring to work legends like SPM, GT Garza, Rasheed, and many more.
YOUNG J: Explain what your music represents.
ICEMAN: My music represents my struggle for an upcoming Latino rapper in this industry. I'm more of a conscience rapper I put what happens in my life in a rap.
YOUNG J: How did you get introduced to SPM's music?
ICEMAN: The first time I listed to SPM I was 12. My cousin was thinking I needed to take a couple of shots so we were getting tore down and he was playing SPM. I asked him what was he playing and he said he was playing SPM. I knew I liked it because it was a Mexican rapper.
YOUNG J: What do you like most about the cold flows of SPM?
ICEMAN: The thing I like about SPM's flows is how deep he can get with it and how he tells his life story and that positive message is good. No matter what you want to do.
YOUNG J: How has SPM impacted your life?
ICEMAN: SPM has inspired me in many ways. When I'm having bad times in my life I listen to SPM. He's more like a role model to me. Many people look at him now and judge him, but I look past that because I know that they can't hold his message down. Like I told him in the letter he may be on lock down but the message he sends is free and his heart is made of gold.
YOUNG J: How do you feel about SPM's current situation?
ICEMAN: I feel that he was wrongfully convicted. I think he was getting held down due to success as an upcoming Mexican rapper.
YOUNG J: Can you talk about the "Free SPM Movement?"
ICEMAN: I fully support the SPM Movement. I think it's a great idea and "Can't Stop The Hustle" is somewhat based around that.
YOUNG J: How is Can't Stop The Hustle related to the Free SPM Movement?
ICEMAN: It’s like the same but a up North thing. A lot of people didn’t know what happened to Carlos. Some people thought the worst but with this movement we can show that we support him and to keep his name alive.
YOUNG J: What is "Can't Stop The Hustle 2" about?
It’s a tribute album that highlights some of his fans and some of their stories.
YOUNG J: What kind of projects are you working on for the future?
ICEMAN: We’re working on a Can’t Stop The Hustle movie. The movie is going to be based around how we got in the game and how SPM and down South had a part in it.
YOUNG J: Alright Iceman it's been good chilling with you.
ICEMAN: Thanks bro much love. You know they can't stop the hustle and Dope House Army for life.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

THE RETURN OF THE DOPE HOUSE ARMY



 What the deal fam? It’s ya boy Young J and The Dope House Army is back in this camp.

The Dope House Army
I accidently stumbled on to SPM (South Park Mexican) when a friend had first introduced me to the highly addictive music. In the year of 1995 SPM released his first album "Hillwood." Ever since then SPM has erupted in the Houston rap game with a swgga all of his own. It would certainly appear as if sky’s were the limit. SPM has been incarcerated for the past 11 years. There have been several reports of his death or he was killed, however these reports are false, SPM is alive and well. If you would like to obtain more information about the legal case of SPM visit www.spmaftermath.com. I encourage you all to join “Incandesio” and write to the D.A. Express your feelings about the Carlos Coy case.  You can obtain the address for the D.A. from SPM Aftermath.

Since the incarceration of SPM there have been two controversial ablbums that have surfaced (2006) "When Devils Strike" (2008) "The Last Chair Violinist." Both albums peaked on the Billboards charts. SPM is getting ready to release the "Son of Norma." Follow SPM on Twitter @Sonofnorma and @DopeHouseArmy.

I have been affiliated with Dope House Records promoting the independent record label and the artist make up The Dope House Family. The Dope House Family consist of: SPM, Baby Bash, Carolyn Rodriguez, Coast, Grimm, Juan Gotti, Low G, Lucky Lucianno, Major Riley, Powda, Rasheed, Quota Key, Russell Lee, and Pimpstress. Follow your favorite Dope House Family artist on Twitter. The Dope House Records web page will be over hauled soon so look out for that. You can reach Dope House Records at www.dopehouserecords.com.
 

A letter from SPM

I do speak to SPM (Carlos Coy) often and I’ve worked with Author Coy Jr (CEO of Dope House Records). Recentlly I have done work with Carolyn Rodriguez (Medicine Girl). In 2008 I was part of the original Dope House Army when it was first formed. I do cheerish every moment I’ve spent with the fans and supporters. Dope House Records would be nothing without you. SPM is my inspiration, but you are my motivation. From what I know of SPM I’m positive he will continue his reign and do what he loves most which is produce the most purest uncut music.

Young J reppin Dope House Army
I've always felt the Dope House Army is an extension of the movement now known today as the FREE SPM MOVEMENT. The Dope House Army could also be a way to contribute something positive to a community. I would like to build a foundation for you to ensure the Dope House Army can continue its missions's for many more years to come. As the Dope House Army grows within unity we become stronger; as we gain strength we become more effective. I’d like to take this opportunity to say hello to associates in: California, OKC, Oregon, New Mexico, Tennessee, Houston, Idaho, Louisiana, and Florida. I am networking with some very motivated individuals.
Some of you may be aware of the situation going with Dope House Records. There have been many questions about the Son of Norma album and Son of Norma snippets. The update that has been brought to my attention is that as of now there is has been a short delay. This delay will not affect efforts being put forth. Stay tuned for more details.

Young J & Author Coy Jr

Rasheed & Young J
The hommie Medicine Girl & a loyal fan