Trip City 3/12/13

 Get Local, MN! Interview #3

-Trip City-

 

Today we are sitting down with Trip City of Midwest Sickness Entertainment. First things first, what's with your name? I understand you are a one man act, is there any deep significance behind the moniker Trip City?

HAHA! Well, first things first, the initials is what it was originally based around. "TC" which is the same as Twin Cities, so I'm always reppin' where I was born. "Trip", I felt was prefect because of how different I am from everyone else with my music. I mean, I'm a TRIP with all of the different styles in my music. You can hear from hip hop, to a rock, to a blues type feel. And "City' is because I'm a solo artist, and I feel I AM like a metropolis of different kinds of lyrics, and the many ways that I deliver them. It's more or less to stand out from the crowd, you know?

I see, complex meaning from a deep artist. How long have you been in the game and what made you want to start rapping? Also give us some of your major influences and what they mean to you.

I recorded my first rap song only about 3 years ago. But I always wrote rhymes in high school, on paper. I never had a beat though, you know? I didn't know where to get one, so I just wrote for fun. I was in choir too. I met my friend Charlie in about 11th grade and from him I learned how to play the guitar. I loved to sing and the guitar was my beat. So i just wrote songs and sang. And I did that for about 4 years. Until I met the Northern Litez. They were doing the local hip hop thing, and I was blown away! They told me how they get beats and record, and it was on from there. Once I wrote a few songs and came up with a name, they pointed me to the stage. As far as my influences go I'd had have to say in high school I listened to people like Eazy-E, Tupac, Fat Joe, Nas, and Eminem. Then later I found Tech N9ne, Wu-Tang and Mobb Deep. Now most of my time I listen to other locals. Like Prof, M.C. Rentz, Professor Fresh, Ill P.O.E., Izzy Dunfore and now Dopesic. And what they mean to me? They mean not the radio...I hate the radio...

We here at GLMN like to say F*!# the Radio, Get Local MN! There is just so much more freedom and diversity in what artists can do in the Underground. Its insane. What does the Underground mean to you as compared to Mainstream music and what are you're plans? Do you mean to rise above the Underground at any point in your career?

Hmm...To me the underground is music that's real. Mainstream is a game of popularity, and greed. Yes, the underground has more swearing and dark lyrics, but that's life. The mainstream now, is just about money and material possessions. That's not what its like for 99% of the people listening, its just a dream. That's where we come in, and talk about what its like to stress to pay rent, or live in a broken home. The underground has so much more reality and heart than anything that's mainstream. And there is diversity, like you said. The stuff on the radio is made "to get on the radio". But the underground has so much more to offer because theres no rules, no out of bounds. It's an art. I never plan to go mainstream. It's just one big popularity contest that I'm not entering.

 You have a lot to say on many topics and it shows in your music. You seem to effortlessly convey any messages you want to get across with ease. Explain to the people that haven't yet got a chance to listen to your new project "Life's a Trip" what the album is about, and is there any more projects slated to drop in 2013?

 Yea! Life's A Trip, man. And that's exactly what its about. Moving through different stages of life as you get older. Like getting my own place, working a 9 to 5. In my song "Friends" I talk about how it feels as if my friends and I are drifting apart. Which I know everyone deals with, because people have kids, move away or just work all the time. Life changes like chapters in a book, man. Another song from it "In The Mirror" I talk about what its like to realize I'm getting older and things are changing around me. It's a lot deeper then my 1st album "To The Streets" which was louder and more in your face. This one I wanted to express my thoughts more. Let people get to know Trip City. I also took "Life's A Trip" to an East Coast type feel, because I like how real it is. That kind of music you can just kick back with a blunt, and just vibe, you know? And I got some "Screwed Up" tracks on the end. Those are like chopped and screwed, but without the chopped. Like some South Park Mexican type shiz, I love that! And yes, I do plan on coming out with an EP called "Str8 Beastin'", hopefully by the end of summer. I'm kind of taking it back to my 1st album feel, with 8 tracks of loud and in your face rap. AND I've been working with the group I'm in as well, Midwest Sickness, with Paystee Whyt and Stratta G. AKA Northern Litez. We got an album called "tErMinal illneSs" and that stuff is just SICK! Its like 3 different worlds coming together to create one crazy insane album. I'm excited to get that finished, which should be out VERY soon, within the next couple of months.

 Sounds great, I like diversity in my music and it sounds like these albums has something for everyone. Now let's take a look into the distant future of Trip City, where do you see yourself in 5 years, and what dream collabs would you liked to have finished by the time you reach that point?

 I guess I haven't really thought too much about that. I would really like to keep upgrading my studio with every album I record. Since I give my stuff away for free, everything there comes out of my own pocket. And in about 5 years, I would like to see myself have about 5 more albums haha! Right now I'm just focused on making as much music as I can. As far as collabs go, I was hoping to do some tracks with people like Professor Fresh, Ill Poe, M.C. Rentz and Izzy Dunfore. Those dudes are local legends to me, man. On Life's A Trip, I was able to pull Lil Mic-E and that song was dope! I plan on havin him again for sure. And basically anyone I can, because I think that's what its all about. Makin good music, with good peoples, you know?

 That is true, unity is a huge part of what we do and it brings everyone further. Now let's get personal.. What is the average day in the life of Trip City?

 HAHA! well that usually consists of work. 2nd shift from 3 to 11pm. I work with my fiance at the same place. A metal foundry. After work I usually work on my music or just watch netflix. Nothin crazy. Since we work Monday through Friday, our weekends are pretty busy. Hangin out with people, doing errands. Sometimes we'll get down on some Call Of Duty (That's right, my fiance plays COD). A lot of my music is usually wrote while I'm at work though. I have my headphones on, playin the beat, and I'll just write line for line down as I think of it. It's pretty efficient! When I get home I'll re-write it out and try to record it. That's how I did my whole Life's A Trip album. If you watch my promo video for it, you'd understand. Its up on our website MidwestSicknessEnt.com. I did that, showing that life can be pretty ordinary, even if you're an artist.

 Yes, life in the shoes of a local artist is usually fairly ordinary during business hours, and like life the game is full of ups and downs, what are some of the highest moments in your career thus far? Also, take us to the darkest places in the history of Trip City, what has been the biggest let down or the hardest obstacle to overcome?

 That's tough. I'd have to say my biggest "disappointment" is the way people look at rap. Everybody just hears whats on the radio and compares every artist to that. Any rapper will tell you, there's a lot more to it. Some people accept it for the poetry it is, and the skill it takes. Others just think it's crap, and that's my obstacle to work past. And as far as my highest moments, it was a pretty great step for me to get my own studio and record myself. But it's only the beginning for me, with every song I do, it gets better and better....I guess you could say I'm high right now!

 Being an up and coming artist the work is never done. All the work we do builds up through the tracks, the promotion, the albums, and ultimately the live stage performance. What is the show to you? Is there a method you use to get amped before you take the stage, and when can we expect Trip City to be live again?

Oh I love shows for the energy and just doing the music live! I love getting out there to new people and hearing other people perform as well. As far as the pre-performance rituals I'll usually smoke one with the homies first. Gotta get the head right. I've never really been nervous before going up on stage, I just get up there and do it. I'm usually excited to get my music poundin'. And I'll be live next with the Midwest Sickness crew for the tErMinal illneSs album release. That's going to be a big show, I can't wait for that! And I'm hoping I'll have a show for my Str8 Beastin' EP not too long after. I'm gonna get loud!

Indeed, you recently sent us a sample track Hard In The Paint off the "Str8 Beastin' EP" and it is night and day different from anything we heard off "Life's a Trip" what are your plans with this next project? Also, tell us more about this "tErMinal illneSs" project your label is about to drop.

Str8 Beastin' is going to be exactly what it sounds like: 8 tracks of lyrically beastin' on em. But that doesn't exactly mean fast rap, just that hard flow and clownin' type shit. I definitely perfected my words since my debut album To The Streets. Str8 Beastin' will be a lot like my debut but better, because I'm the one recording it and perfecting it the way I want. And I hope to have a lot of features (which I can't discuss just yet). It's only 8 tracks so I'm going all out! The tErMinal illneSs project is nuts. It's got some older music from us and some newer music no ones ever heard. But it's just packed with sick tracks. It's great working with the Northern Litez because the electricity they have together is mind warping, and we make an unstoppable team. Like I said it's only the beginning, there's so much more to come! That's all I can say right now.

Well, we will have to catch up sometime for another interview for sure! As we round out this one, I have just a couple more questions for you. Fans are the driving force in any musicians life, do you have any messages for your existing fans or anything to say to people just learning about you for the first time?

Stay real. Listen to the music YOU want to listen to. Explore outside the television and radio. That shits like 1% of the music out there in the world. Find that music that moves YOU and not everyone else. Oh, and then support that artist by buyin their shit!

I like that, you are a humble man. Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about trying their hand in the rap game?

 Just do it. It's worth it to be able to look back on and have to show to your kids or even grand kids. And it's a way of keeping productive. And BE ORIGINAL. Don't try to be like anybody. Make your own style and rock that bitch!

 That about wraps it up for us. Thank you for your time Trip. We wish you good luck in your upcoming projects, and look forward to speaking more with you in the future. For all the fans, and Get Local, MN! This is J. Zarins saying "Get Live, Get Loud, Get Local, MN!"

 

 Don't forget to check out the extra links!!!

Download Trip Citys albums for FREE here 

Watch Trip City Videos and listen to Trips Screwed Up Tapes here

Liquid Assassin 2/27/13

Get Local, MN! Interview #4

-Liquid Assassin-

Believe it or not, but today we are sitting down with none other than Liquid Assassin the Home Town Hero. I have a lot of questions for you but first off, how you been?

I been blessed! Working crazy trying to finish this album.

That's good to hear, your last album "Cardell" was a huge success and featured a side of you the fans had never seen. Many people never expected that you would have it in you to sing on tracks, yet you did and you blew everyone away. What is the name of your new project and what can we expect from the album?

Appreciate that. Yea i wanted to do something my father would be proud of. He was a singer and always wanted me to sing. My next album is called "Mongrel". Being Black and White, a lot of people ask me all the time whats my race. So imma just say I'm a Mongrel from here on haha. Its got some elements like "Cardell" and a few Gritty tracks as well.

Sounds great. I just interviewed Izzy Dunfore who won the Sicfux Sickest Sixteen contest and a spot on a  new Jimmy Donn album featuring yourself, would you care to discuss the track? Also are you free to disclose any other featured artists on "Mongrel"?

Congrats to Izzy on winning that. As far as collabs, the only features confirmed are JellyRoll, Mister KA from my label also doing production, and my homie Wildcard. Waiting on a few but I wont drop names till its 100. Not much collaborating on this one.

Too many artist fill up their albums with featured tracks, and I feel it takes away from what the album is really about, them. I'm glad to see you're doing you on this one. Now let's take things back to the beginning, what was it like to start out your career in Minnesota? Who were your influences and what made you decide to give up your baseball dreams and start pursuing a career in music?

I actually got expelled from High School. So everything went down the toilet with that. Then music kinda just happened. Found a way to let out my emotions in a better way with rap. I grew up listening to Brotha Lynch. Definitely was in my house. My older brother played all his music. Also I always be inspired by Big Pun, rest in peace. Greatest rapper to ever do it in my opinion. Also most slept on. Tech N9ne was a great influence too.

Speaking of Tech N9ne, you accomplished a goal most of us could only dream of. Even for a short stint as it was, you were signed to Strange Music, how did that feel, what was it like and how did it change your life?

Being signed to Strange was a dream come true. Definitely opened doors for me and exposed my talent to a bigger crowd

And since then, you have been almost everywhere. What are some of your favorite experiences while on the road? And how do the fans out there compare to the huge, loyal following you still have in Minnesota?

Gettin' to see fans from other states vibe to my music. I never thought my music would reach so many people. I'm real proud of that

Who wouldn't be? You have done some truly amazing things. Take us a bit deeper into the life, this is a question I like to ask a lot of artists who have been through it all and still stand today. Its all about highs and lows. In your career what do you see as your greatest accomplishments, and what has been the hardest part of your journey?

 

My greatest accomplishments would have to be creating the "Cardell" album. I overcame a lot of emotion and sadness but turned it into a musical creation. So I always felt good bout that. Also being on Tech N9ne's record, "Psycho B!tch 2". Being able to perform that on his live show with him a hole tour was really like a dream. That point I felt like "I made it". My all time low my rap career was not being with Strange anymore and Grave Plott kinda leaving with it. I felt alone and it was right after my pops passing so a lot of negativity came down on me. So when i released "Cardell" that's why it was such a big accomplishment to me. I did it by myself and friends who took time out to record and mix the record.

You have made a lot of friends and partners nation wide. What artists are your favorite to play shows or tour with?

Basically everyone I've toured with has been coo. Just like being on the road performing for my fans

Any messages you would like to send your fans as we round out this interview?

I appreciate the luv and support. Shout out to all my loyal supporters. Also shout out to the label 42 Records, Mister KA, and my lil bro bro DJ Sh3vy.

And lastly, do you have any insight, advice or words of wisdom for any potential upcoming artists in the local scene?

Make sure that if you are taking a career in music you are ready to give up A LOT and really make sure this is what you want. Its a huge commitment when it becomes your actual job

Thank you for your time and support, homie. I know you're a busy man with a lot going on. We wish you all the best luck in your future endeavors and can't wait to see you back in MN live again!


Thank you for having me!


Once again, for Get Local, MN this has\been J. Zarins. Dedicated to bringing you the rawest interviews from all your local favorites. Thank you for your continued support, and see ya next time!

GET LIVE, GET LOUD, GET LOCAL, MN! 

Jimmy Donn 2/20/13

Get Local, MN! Interview #3

-Jimmy Donn- 

I have been lucky enough to catch up with Jimmy Donn, the godfather of Sicfux Entertainment, for an interview of monsterous preportions. Sicfux is a huge movement, getting bigger by the day, but let's take this back to the begining. What got you started in the local scene and who were your biggest influences?


I basically started around the same time as Atmosphere. The scene in Minnesota was very minimal at that time. This was before the home computer studios. So the artists around at that time were really dedicated to music, because recording and releasing a two song extended play single back then would cost around $1,000-$1500. I was heavily influenced by Dr Dre, Warren G and Scarface. The music they made really spoke to me.


I have always thought of you as one of the great pioneers of local music, and through the years you have mentored many artists that are still out there making moves today. Tell us what you feel have been some of your best signings and what do you look for in local tallent before you take them in?


For starters, Liquid Assassin. I found him, put him in his first recording studio and recorded his first song. I even named him Liquid Assassin. He went on to be a part of Strange Music and now 42 Records. We remain really good friends and still network together several times a year. But the team I'm working with right now are amazing. Killa Capone, Bobby James, Cloroks, Kingpin and so on. That's the future, and I really believe that. I'm trying to take the back seat and let these talented artists drive. They are already in their own lane. When I'm looking for an artist, I'm looking for an original sound. Someone who knows who they are and is not afraid to turn that up to 11.


And right now you definately have an army of tallent at your back. When you started Sicfux Ent. did you expect things to blow up this quickly? Also, what does Sicfux mean to you?


I started Sicfux Ent to put together a few songs with Kingpin under the name Dopesic. The first person to feature was Killa Capone. Somehow that turned into Dopesic being Killa, Kingpin and myself. Within a year we started hearing people yell "Sicfux 4 Life" in malls or chanting it at shows. We became a movement without even realizing it. But what it all comes down to is this. We are a family of rejects, castaways, left behinds and nobodies. And we are perfectly comfortable with that. Because people are starting to realize that there are more people who feel like us than don't. So our family is constantly growing.


I understand that members of Dopesic and Sicfux Ent. have been nominated for various TC Hip-Hop Awards for the second year in a row. It has to be exciting for any artist to be recognised like that. But you are up against some tough competition. What are your thoughts on the matter?


We are just happy to be nominated. That means we are making enough noise and that's good enough for us. The awards are a little more mainstream than what we do, so winning best group award last year for Dopesic was a complete surprise. I guess we will see what happens this year.


I wish you all luck, but I'm also glad to see you don't let the nominations go to your head. Its important for artists to stay grounded in reality and not forget where their roots are planted. You have been in the scene longer than most, could you explain your trials and tribulations for us? What would you say was the most difficult thing for you to accomplish in your career as well as what you feel has been your biggest accomplishments?


I have definitely made more mistakes than advancements. It's a constant evolution. My biggest mistakes have been taking advice from people who don't have my best interests in mind. That's why I only listen to my that inner voice now, or what most people call your gut feeling. Definitely one of the hardest things to accomplish is the respect of fellow Minnesota artists. I work with a lot of well known heavy hitters in the Twin Cities, but there's always a few artists who really don't know me, who pass judgement as if they do. That seems to be the one thing that gets to me. But at the end of the day I feel good because I know who I am and I know how far I have come. Because I can feel it in my bones. After so many years of being dedicated to the same thing, you can't help but feel it. My biggest accomplishment this far had to have been my last ep "South of Heaven" (available on iTunes). Because it features well known artists such as Dizzy Wright, SwizZz, Stevie Stone and others. And not one of those features cost me a dime. That tells me that I have made some good relationships on a national scale.


Big things happen when you know how to play the game. I hope a lot of upcoming talent will read this interview and take lessons, because you definately know what you are doing in this. I have word that you are just released another EP titled "Dopesic". What are your goals with this new project and how does it differ from past projects?



Yeah, we released it February 10th. It's actually my solo ep titled "Dopesic" and each song features members of Dopesic as well as a couple national features such as Jelly Roll and Liquid Assassin. With all projects we just want to keep creating new material that somehow maintains that dark cloud. Even if the song is positive there's still something dark about it. That's our method of operation.


Well, you can't have light without darkness. The underground has been pushing that fact for years. There is a depth in the darkness that the mainstream can't even come close to touching. What have been your influences throughout the years and what is your opinion on the state of the local rap and hip-hop scene in Minnesota? Who do you have your eye on in 2013 outside of the Sicfux?


Well like I stated before my influences started with Dr. Dre, Scarface and others. But as time went on I started to get into artists like Vinnie Paz and Slaine. I'm also into Yelawolf and of course the homie Rittz. Actually been into both if them before Eminem and Strange Music got involved. Locally I'm looking forward to hearing the new Kamikazi and Infinity material. I've always liked what they do. Also I'm watching Prof explode as a national artist much like Atmosphere did. And I've been down with POS since his first national release. The scene in Minnesota is huge.


What are some dream collabs for you and the members of Dopesic that you would like to see happen in the future?

Yelawolf, Rittz, Riff Raff, and Hopsin to name a few. I know Kingpin would like to hook up with Krazie Bone on a track.


Those would be some epic collabs, and I know that atleast a couple of those are well within your grasp. Speaking of Hopsin, the Funk Volume DFUOB contest is coming up. Is anyone in the crew planning on entering this year? And while we are on the topic of Contests, we understand that Izzy Dunfore just won the Sicfux Sickest Sixteen contest and a slot on an upcoming track featuring Liquid Assassin, is the track already in the works? And what are your views on the contest as a whole?


Not sure if any Sicfux artists are going to participate in the Funk Volume DFUOB contest. I know Playboy the Beast did last year and destroyed most of them. GrewSum won it a couple years back. So we are definitely capable if we do. The Sicfux Sickest Sixteen contest was our first attempt at something like that. We gave a $750 cash prize to Izzy Dunfore and he will be featured on a future song with Liquid Assassin and I. We haven't started it yet, but it's in the mix. A lot of people think we set it up for him to win, and that's just not true. He's a genuine man and artist. I don't feel he cheated and I know we didn't rig it, so there you have it. Next up is the Sicfux Sickest Song contest. The winner will be featured on DJ Demik's "Kush Effect 3" and will relieve $420 cash and 20 complementary copies of KE3.


Sounds like a great deal, contests are a great way to draw out new talent and I look forward to watching this contest unfold. I urge any artists reading this article to participate in it, even if you don't win its still a great way to network and make new fans! I have just a few more questions for you, the first is about the new Killa Capone project. Manson was a huge success and this next album looks to be even bigger with production by the son of Dr. Dre whom you met up with in a recent trip to California with DJ Demik. How did all of this come to be, and has Killa started work on this new album?


Over here at Sicfux we have a team if people looking out for the entire team. Our artist liaison Paul hooked up a meeting with Curtis Young while I was out in LA meeting with comedian/rapper Andy Milonakis. He took one listen to Killa Capone and knew instantly that he wanted to produce his next album. We are heading back to LA to do some stuff in Snoop Dogg's studio and get the ball moving. But Killa has already mapped out the entire album in his head. I'm telling you I'm working with geniuses over here. 2013 is looking amazing.


That my friend is both Dope and Sick! (But I think you mean Snoop Lion lmao) You guys keep doing bigger and bigger things all the time. Pushing boundrys and breaking limits, but it all comes back to one thing, the fans make the movement. Is there any messages you would like to express to all the Sicfux and local music fanatics out there?


Without the Sicfux out there representing us, there's no us. We know that and that's why we are so proud to document our lives and the lives of our friends through music. I feel we would do this with or without a following, but our fans aka Sicfux are amazing to us. They are loyal and supportive 100%. In return we do our best to give them quality music to listen to.


And do you have any messages or advice for upcoming artists trying to find their way in the vast sea of local talent?


Follow your heart. Honestly that's all it boils down to. If you have the energy to go years without being able to provide for yourself and your family, the energy to fight with your family because most of the time you are choosing music over them, and you have thick enough skin to listen to and read the negative views on your art and still stay focused, then by all means do music. But if you think that it's as easy as hooking up a cheep home computer studio, burning a few CDR's and passing them out, then doing a couple shows and boom! success. This is not for you. This lifestyle will eat you alive.


Thank you for your time and sharing some insight into the world of Sicfux Entertainment with us. It has been an eye opening experience for me, as I am sure it will be with our fans as well. We will have to sit down and chop it up again some time!



LINKS!

 Twitter @Sicfux
 Instagram @Sicfux

 Videos
 Dopesic "Learning to Fly"
Dopesic "Barely Breathing" feat. Kutt Calhoun
 Jimmy Donn "The Day God Died" feat. Killa Capone

Kamikazi 2/15/13

Get Local, MN Interview #2

-Kamikazi-

We are chopping it up with a true Midwest Chopper, Kamikazi of Streetsound Entertainment LCC. Our first question for you is how long have you been in the game and what was it like for you starting out? Were you always a "chopper"?


I came into the underground scene in 2006 when I signed with StreetSound Ent. My first show was at the Red Sea in Minneapolis. Starting I admit I kind of had it easy by stepping into a label that already had a following and fan base. When Liquid Assassin reached out for a Collab which was "Rush Em" that pretty much got my foot in the door as far as building my name in the beginning. StreetSound offered unlimited access to a studio and funded what was needed. It's the only label confident enough to financially back my music. I performed as a solo act in the beginning before meeting Infinity. Back then I didn't have a lot of music because I wast into mixtape beats yet. Everything I recorded was exclusive but at the same time by doing that slowed the process down for releasing tracks and building my name. After linking up with Infinity and him signing to StreetSound Ent. as well that was when the fire was lit and we hit the shows hard for a few years. As far as starting out chopping I was always a fast rapper having been a fan of Bizzy Bone and Twista I bled over into my music long before I stepped in the scene. This was before chopping became the trend. A lot of people looked at it as a gimmick but people like King Sandman elevated the listeners out here and Tech N9ne solidified the genre.. In my opinion. When it became the in thing i focused on chopping as a means to separate myself apart from the average rapper since not everyone can do it. During that time it became easier for me to write in that style and was no longer something I forced myself to do.. Now it just comes naturally. I'm by no means the fastest but I like to dance around the verse and do what the beat tells me.

Being one with the beat unlocks so much potential for amazing tracks. Who are some of your biggest influences and why?

Tupac, Twista, Bizzy Bone. Tupac taught me it was okay to write about emotions and weaknesses and he opened my eyes to politics and conspiracies. Twista brought that powerful street music I was into at the time. And he really showed me different patterns of riding the beat and his clarity was next to none at the time. Bizzy Bone came with the melodies and deep meanings in his music. like Tupac, Bizzy had a poetical way of digging in the soul and writing things about myself that I wouldn't otherwise reveal to people. Any video of Bizzy you watch of him in the booth you can tell he feels what he's saying and he's a little off brandish which leads people to think he's crazy. But I feel like I get it.

I should also add Busta rhymes to that list. But later Busta.. (Haha) Around Big Bang theory I became a real fan. His concepts and word play are phenomenal. His music in my opinion is the definition of hiphop. He taught me to step my concepts and lyrics up.

So many strong influences for a strong rapper, it all makes sense. The name Kamikazi, how did you come up with it and what does it mean to you?

I became Kamikazi in 1999. I struggled with a name for years before flipping a page during history class and it jumped out at me. Aside from its usual reference of being a suicide pilot I discovered another definition.. Divine Wind. But me being slightly off brandish and daring I ended it with an "i" (sarcastic voice). I heard there is a rapper named Kamikazi in Mississippi who came out under David Banner or something. But like Tech N9ne said "I ain't changing my name for no mf'n body". LOL

Hey, you gotta do you in this game and you can't let anyone derail you. Momentum is a huge part of success and you know a lot about that. I know INK (Infinity N Kamikazi) have opened for Strange Music in the past. What does it feel like to share a stage with the Kansas City King, Tech N9ne and who else have you opened for in your long journey through the game?

We were blessed to open for tech 7 times. We held down that slot for a couple years in Minnesota. Performing in front of that crowd is like no other. And to get the tech crowd to respond to our music was magical. Who better to share a stage with then the hardest working artists in the business. Which also reminds me I forgot to add him to my list of influences! "This Ring" I became a fan.
I've opened for more then a couple few. Ill see what comes to mind. Haystak, D12, Young Buck, Yuk Mouth, Slaughter House, e40, Chamillionaire, Rehab, Afroman, Lil' Wyte, Tech N9ne, Obie Trice, Grave Plot, ..I'm sure I'm forgetting some.

One man can do a lot on his own, but with a strong backing he can go a lot further. Describe what StreetSound Entertainment and your partnership with Infinity means to you. Also what is the essence that makes INK such a powerhouse duo?


Infinity and StreetSound are definitely irreplaceable pieces of the puzzle. Seriously the only people who believed in me from the gate. Two people i will always respect. I have a StreetSound tat on my arm because I wouldn't be right here in this day without them.
I think INK brings a balance with our music. From punch lines to metaphors. Rhyme and reason. Rapid and slow delivery. Red pill blue pill. Melodic beats to drum and bass. ..we all have a light and darkness within us. I feel like we all bring our own ingredients to the pot, and the end result is INK

I understand that you have a couple projects set to drop very soon. A Kamikazi solo entitled "Angels & Demons" and an INK project "Red Pill, Blue Pill" do you have release dates set for them? Also are you at liberty to discuss any featured tracks on the albums?


Pushing for march for "Red Pill Blue Pill" but honestly whenever it's done we are dropping it. But no later then march. "Angels & Demons" I'm pushing for the same thing but its in need of a few collabs and the people I reached out to didn't send anything back. "Red Pill Blue Pill" features Twisted Insane on a track titled "Armageddon" produced by Ryder Lyfe which is being turned in for mixing as we speak. This track will be the first single. Should be released in the next couple weeks. As of now that is the only completed Collab. That definitely could change before march.

What do you see for the future of Kamikazi and StreetSound Ent. as we progress through 2013 and into 2014?


Music, videos, shows, and more music! We have all been in the same boat through all the ups and downs. If that didn't stop us then I see nothing but time and opportunity to do what we came here to do.. Put out good music and have fun doing it. And hopefully working with more talent willing to work with us. Minnesota stand up!

I have a feeling that there will be a lot of people wanting to work with you. As we round out this interview is there any messages you would like to send the fans?


"Red Pill Blue Pill" and "Angels & Demons" coming march 2013 for free! Much love to all fans and supporters. Hit us up we respond.


And lastly, as I ask all of our interviewees, do you have any advice for upcoming budding artists in the local scene?


Advice. Be yourself and do you but lend a hand whenever possible to your home state up and coming artists. High horses fall hard and inflated egos fly away. Don't let money be the main objective. You can't please everybody. And surround yourself with like minds. Most importantly always remain true to you and the people who helped you get there.

Thank you very much for your time, Kamikazi. We appreciate your support in our movement tward unity and publicity for all artists. All of us look forward to what SSE has in store for the future of music in our great state. For Get Local, MN this is J. Zarins saying Get Live, Get Loud, Get Local, MN!


Appreciate you reaching out!

LINKS!

 Www.youtube.com/curbswirvin
Www.facebook.com/iamKamikazi
Www.reverbnation.com/infinitykamikaziINK

   

Izzy Dunfore 1/30/13

 Get Local, MN interview #1

-Izzy Dunfore- 

 Today we are hashing it out with the man, Izzy Dunfore. You are one of the hardest working rappers in the local scene. What is your drive and inspiration?


I think my motivation changes everyday, but my drive is fueled from life. There is so much garbage being thrown at us all the time, no matter where we turn, and music gives me the chance to make sense of it, from my own perspective and share it with others at the same time. I'm lucky enough to have people relate to the way I see things around me.
 

You are a rapper originally from Des Moines, Iowa. What was it like starting a career in the corn fields and what drew you to move to the Land of 10,000 lakes?


Starting out in Iowa was probably the toughest thing to do. When I started, rap was looked down on, and especially being from a small farming community, I was called names that aren't worth repeating today. That was my motivation then. It made me want to prove everybody wrong, and I've accomplished that goal. I moved to Minnesota to find a larger audience, a bigger scene, and also to work both markets into one another. I think every artist wants to travel to display their talents in another territory. I try to open that path up to anyone who is willing to give it a try. I learned a lot about how to work efficiently by changing locations. I got to learn about the interactions of the past, and see presently who is making moves or fallen by the wayside in the short time that I've been here. What people say, as opposed to what they do, is what I like to assess before I put myself in the same line as any other artist or company. Minnesota is a positive place for hip hop.
 

Well, I know that I and all the fans here in Minnesota are very grateful to have someone as down to earth and entertaining as you be a part of our scene. The rap game is full of highs and lows, what would you say has been the roughest part of your career and also, what has, in your eyes, been your greatest accomplishments so far?

The roughest part of my journey has been going through a lawsuit. Shortly after I moved to Minnesota, I was sued by my former producer Sid Wilson aka #0 from Slipknot. The whole process was exhausting and drug out for the better part of two years. In the end, I not only defended myself and my career, but walked away with my dignity and a judgment against Sid to pay for my lawyer fees, which he hasn't done. My greatest accomplishment to date is still being a part of the game after so many close calls with disaster. The fact that I can still hold my own while performing on any bill, whether it be a metal show, hip hop night, singer/songwriter showcases, or any other event is promising for me. I've seen a lot of really good artists come and go, so I'm thankful to still be doing things and moving forward. I think that's a huge accomplishment given today's challenges.


You do know how to stay on your grind, that's for sure, as a matter of fact we were informed that you just entered yourself into the Sicfux Sickest Sixteen competition showing off your talent in just one verse. To get your point across in just sixteen lines can be a difficult thing but you managed to take first place, win a $750 cash prize and a verse with Liquid Assassin on an upcoming album. Big things! Walk us through the process of the competition and the meaning behind the Wizard of Izz video.


The competition was put on by Jimmy Donn. The video wasn't necessary but had to have the entry on YouTube, so I created a verse to the beat they provided everyone with, wrote the concept of the video based on the lyrics, and then shot the video with my iPhone. "The Wizard of Iz" is what I named the creation. Some people said I cheated because I included a hook, and some people said I cheated the voting process somehow. I'm not the kind of guy to invest my time in anything where I would have to cheat in any capacity to win. It was a fair contest, from my end, and I enjoyed every bit of the race to the finish. Obviously to pull off the win was the icing on the cake. I didn't do it alone though. 775 people voted for Izzy Dunfore to win that contest. Second place wasn't far behind though. It was neck and neck.


My next question pertains to the cheating accusations. Now everyone knows that having a large and loyal fan base is not cheating, that's what the rap game is all about. If you don't have loyal fans you can't possibly expect to win a competition. Any words to your accusers?


Nope. I've said everything that needs to be said. I understand their frustration. I was lucky enough to pull off this win. I've lost many times before, but I'm never a poor sport about it. It's all a part of the game. Hate it or love it.


  
We here at GLMN stress unity to artists in the local scene, who are some of your favorite artists to take the stage with, and who can we expect to see on any upcoming Izzy Dunfore projects?


MC Rentz is fun to work with. I'd like to get something in the works with Professor Fresh. Carnage the Executioner is another one that is on my list of artists to work with.


All of which are very talented people indeed. It also brings me to my next question. Professor Fresh and MC Rentz have had a rocky past to say the least, but rap beef is also a very important part of the game. Have you had any major beefs with any artists in the past? If so, what's the story? Was the beef resolved or does it carry on still?


Of course I've had beefs with other artists. At this point, I'm not focusing on any events in the past, only the present and future.


And what can we expect in 2013 from Izzy Dunfore? Any major projects in the mix?


I'm going to be completely unpredictable in 2013. I'm trying a lot of new things and learning along the way. It's going to be a lot of fun.


Sounds great! We all look forward to anything you will be putting out. We just have a couple more questions and we can seal up this interview. Is there any messages you would like to deliver to your fans and the fans of GLMN?


Fans are often the only reason artists have hope for their art. Please continue to support your favorite artists to your fullest potential. You can't imagine how much you really impact our day just by letting us know you're listening. I'm a fan first. I think most artists are.


And lastly, as you have been in the game for a while do you have any advice or tips for budding artists in the local scene, and is there anything else you would like to add as we finish the interview?


If you aren't moving forward, you're standing still. What you aren't doing, someone else is. Always be working. Music is life.


Thank you very much for your time and insight, Izzy. This will be our first official interview on the net and I think the fans will be very pleased. We look forward to seeing a lot more Dunfore in the upcoming months, and we wish you luck and perseverance in the future. Much love. I have a feeling we will have more to discuss as the year goes on!