Author: Demi

A love for music was cultivated in me from conception. That love has harvested an obsession, an addiction that I just can't quit. From the moment I could hold a pen, I can remember writing songs with my dad; composing melodies with him and brainstorming ideas. I would wake up late at night, and he'd be in the living room writing, singing, and altering his clothes to fit his individuality. Like most children, I remember wanting to be like him, and wanting to create something that would make him proud. Creation was our connection, especially through music. Since then, music and its cousin poetry have been my means of connecting with the world and conveying my beliefs. Music has and always will be my motivator, my comforter, my hype-man, my confidant, my psychologist, my professor, the one that truly understands me. I'm not selfish though, I want to share music with the world. I understand that music can embody everything, for everybody. Music is one of the universal constants that crosses all boundaries. So let's get connected.
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Alphabetical Order: Turner Jackson Interview

The way he talks about peace and love Turner Jackson might be a little bit hippie. Then again; rock and roll emerges in his flirtations with drinking and drugs. If you catch him mid flow you might strap on a backpack and label him a “conscious rapper”. When you really consider Turner Jackson’s music; there is no category into which it cleanly fits, and after conversing with Mr. Jackson the multidimensional nature of his music is no surprise. As a person and an artist he exemplifies the motto of his D.O.P.E Game team (Don’t Oppress Positive Energy) Turner Jackson speaks of life with a broad acceptance of everything it has to offer; taking things as they come and enjoying the experience. Follow him on Twitter @TurnerJackson and download his latest mixtape “ABC'” on welcometothedopegame.com

 

Demi Ford: How long have you been rapping?

Turner Jackson: I have been writing raps since I was about 8 years. I have been actively trying to make it a career since I was about 19. I’m 24. I guess the answer would be I’ve been rapping for about 16 years.

What’s your affiliation with D.O.P.E Game?

Turner: I’ve been a member of the D.O.P.E Game since day 1. It was born out of my heart and Jeremy’s brain.

What’s this Malt Liquor movement?

Turner: There’s nothing really up with the Malt Liquor Movement. My friends and I like to drink. We assume most people our age do as well. A lot of us have had DUI’s, gone to jail, died or got into some type of trouble due to our drinking. It’s also something that we have used to have fun, love and the best times ever. The people can identify with it because the movement is for them.

You’ve been compared to Andre 3000 before are you complimented by comparisons to other artists, or do you feel they minimize your individuality?

Turner: I have always been compared to someone for my entire rap career. Originally people said I sounded like Kanye and Lupe. Then I sounded like Wale. I get it a lot but it never bothers me. People say 3000 now because he is where the limits of a rapper end for most people. He uses his voice like an instrument. As things go on I hope that people say, “Man I haven’t heard anything like this before.” I haven’t even discovered half of my potential. I would like to create a new style one day.

What influenced your latest project ABC’s? Is there an overarching theme?

Turner: My personal albums always portray my life. The words are my story of women, couches, drugs, drinks, and doing what I want to do. It is also the story of how I’m over all of that. I’m ready to grow up and be a man. I was listening to a lot of music, most of which I cant remember right now. Kendrick, ASAP, SchoolBoy, Danny Brown, Don Trip; the list goes on. I listened to what was happening in Cali when I heard Kendrick and Q, New York w/ ASAP and FBZ, Danny in Detroit, and Don in the Ten. I just wanted to speak my heart; my city was on my heart; my son was on my heart; my friends; my God. So ABC is just my life constructed into something that will touch your spirit!

Do you have any rituals that get your creative juices flowing?

Turner: I don’t do anything to turn my music on or off. Its always on. I’m always ready to go. If put to the test I’ll do anything that you ask with words on the spot.

Describe the feeling you get when you finish a track you love.

Turner: I feel like an author that has written a good story. It flows so well that you’re sad it ended. So you read the book again look in the mirror and say “Man That Some Good Shit”. Then I get a little afraid because I hope that isn’t my last tight song. So I shoot to make the next one even better; that continues to sharpen the skills so that I can do it for as long as need be.

What do you think you contribute to music that other rappers don’t?

Turner: I bring A joy that is unmatched by any man because it’s not from any man. It never ends so I have enough to share with everyone. Therefore I can’t be beat. I’m on the Team of We not the Team of Me. I enjoy challenges. I always aim to win through fair dealings and kindness. I don’t mess with people that try to get over or don’t work hard for what they want. I bring everything that I am to the game.

Would you ever refuse to work with an artist? Perhaps because you don’t identify with or respect their work?

Turner: There is more to music than just a message. I understand that though I try to make my music have a message. I’d work with anyone once. Twice depends on our relationship after one.

How would you categorize your music?

Turner: If I had to brand it I make “Neo Nu Skool Soul Tunes” The most important thing to me is that people see what’s inside my heart when they hear my music. My music is a reflection of my heart in it’s purest form; it never matters what people call me. I’m all about showing you what I can do so that you can call me something new.

What do you envision for 2013 and the future?

Turner: Well For 2013 I personally have about 2 more projects that I will be putting out. I’ll also be on a lot of features. I believe that there is a Tour in order but I can’t really say more than that because this aren’t official yet. But 2013 looks very good. Lets hope it continues to be awesome! I would love to be touring the world in the next 2 years for the next 50 years! Just living life and writing about it. As long as I keep my faith and know what I’m supposed to do there is no reason that it will not happen. I also realize that things don’t happen in my time so I’m not too worried about 5 years from now either. I’m just happy to be here right now.

Tell us your wildest dream.

Turner: I really don’t have any wild dreams anymore. I wanted to rap. I’m doing that. I wanted to be a good dad. I’m working on that. I’m working on being a good man for whatever girl I’m gonna be with; which is an everyday process. She ain’t here yet so no worries ya know. I just want to travel the world with my friends and do cool stuff; show my kid how to do cool stuff and serve the people.

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Align With The Nation: Delasean Interview

The time is ripe for Delasean to strike, and the young rapper is definitely taking advantage of his current momentum. An ample supply of enthusiasm and motivation grew a teenager’s casual pastime into the very tangible possibility of a lucrative career. At 19 he’s already dropped four mix tapes and his fifth, “OverTimeGrind” is set to release on his favorite holiday-4/20. Delasean is making power moves; securing shows with established names like Method Man and Red Man (4/18 at the Aggie Theater in Fort Collins). In light of his mounting popularity; Delasean maintains a level headed humility laced with the necessary confidence to secure his place in the rap game. And as Delasean lays out plans of evolution and expansion for himself and his crew Shock Nation; it’s clear he doesn’t plan on vacating his spot anytime soon. Follow him on Twitter @IAmDelasean to stay updated with his moves.

You frequently mention your affiliation to Shock Nation; explain for us exactly what Shock Nation is. 

Delasean: Shock Nation is ambition, drive, and faith. I don’t know it’s just the group you know. It (Shock Nation) started off sophomore year in high school. I was on the drum line with Russell Grande and I convinced him to go to this summer program with me. He talked about being a rapper all the time; I had never really thought about rapping prior to that and I just thought fuck it let’s do it. I was always interested in music don’t get me wrong I just never thought rapping would be where my talent branched out. So we just started and wanted a name; we were young as hell so my thinking was surface level at the time. We came up with Shock Nation because we were rocking G-shocks all the time; that was pretty much the ideology behind it. Now it’s different it started like that but now it’s serious, this is my life. I laugh when I think how we thought of it but it shows how much I’ve grown since then. What could have been just bullshit has taken me so far just on ambition, drive, and faith. That’s why I say Shock Nation embodies those things

What is your role within Shock Nation?

Delasean: Uhhh I think I’m the Co-Commander in Chief next to my bro Russell Grande. That is Shock Nation, just us two as far as rappers. We get love everywhere though everyone feels nation so it’s like we’re deep but tight at the same time. We both own it I just happened to push alot more projects on my end and Russell he’s more of that slow cook that lets it stew he likes it 100%. He just needs to drop one now; I know he got bars that’s why I always feature him.

You and Russell vibe well with each other, would you ever consider doing an official collaboration…Outkast style?

Delasean: Way ahead of you I’m currently working on my 3rd Solo Tape OTG; which stands for OverTimeGrind. I got a couple of features from Russell Grande on there that’s it though I really wanted it to make a statement on how hard I can go. If you can’t stand on your own feet what are you doing. OTG is dropping 4/20 so look for that on Datpiff and Hotnewhiphop.  Aside from that I’m working on a joint project with Russell Grande and we’re just going in like how we do on that “Clock In”. We’re gonna just eat it; but we’re always trying to be original. If you think you know you’re trippin’ because even I don’t know until it happens.

How have you seen yourself evolve since your first mix tape? What do you want to do to continue to refine your craft?

Delasean: Maaaan when I think of that “Higher Level Thinking” I just listen and laugh my ass off. I got a couple of favorites from there but I don’t feel like that tape represents me well as an artist at all. I’ve grown so much its crazy man and it’s a simple recipe; I just work hard. People should just know if you think I’m going to get worse you are sadly mistaken. This OTG is by far my favorite project I’ve worked on ever. They don’t know they got the game all wrong they talk about passion but they don’t even know what that word means. I stay hungry out here. I’m so hungry that when people see me eating they get hungry you feel me? What I mean by that is I make it look easy and when I do it people get inspired to grind. I’m so young but I got the puzzle in my head solved. You guys will see soon enough I don’t rush. I’m only 19 so I have time and I want to do it my way. I’m just going to make sure I got everything right before I make my moves.

How would you handle a groupie or an obsessed fan? (Think Eminem and Stan)

Delasean: Haha. Depends how obsessed they are. If their just a hardcore fan that been keeping up with us from the beginning then I’ll kick it with them, smoke one or something to show my appreciation. But if their obsessively stalking me I would try to get them out of my life. That’s a hard one hopefully I don’t find out how I handle that in the future.

Do you listen to other genres of music to influence your sound, rock, jazz, blues etc?

That’s something I’ve really been working toward doing because with music there are endless ways to tackle a beat and the rhythmic patterns vary from genre to genre. I plan on producing one day so it definitely wouldn’t hurt. I guess my answer is a little bit but not enough for me to really give credit to another type of music right now.

What artists inspire you?

Delasean: I get inspired by artists in different ways. As far as originality; my favorite artists are School Boy Q, and Ab-Soul. As far as how to do my music business wise; I’m inspired by Funk Volume, Curren$y, Nipsey Hussle. I want to make Nation stand among those names. Beyond that there’s J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and the whole DPG clique. Growing up, the west coast sound was really heavy in my life. People don’t know it but I wasn’t born in Colorado. I’m originally from California but I’ve lived here so long. Colorado doesn’t really get too much love and I love the city I grew up here that’s why I rep CO.

How do you maintain originality? Especially when so many main stream rappers mimic each other?

Delasean: That’s a hard one. I really just try not to sound like anyone. I want to have a Delasean sound you know? That’s why I say I’ve grown so much “Higher Level Thinking” was the start of me creating my own sound. At that time I didn’t really know how, I was still figuring it out. Now I feel like I have a niche; I know what I want to do and how to do it. That’s the beauty of figuring out your sound; you can do it again and again.

What do you have planned for the next year musically?

Delasean: Big things. I want to start touring a little. The fan base is starting to get heavy and this OTG is really just going to make people see I’m done playing games. I’m trying to make a better class of music. It’s funny people listen to my last tape and compare their new to my old; and I’m laughing like I left that alone so along ago. But in the next year there will definitely be alot more shows, April 18th we have a show with Red Man and Method Man at the Aggie Theater in Fort Collins. That show is going to be live! If you want a taste of some new Delasean definitely go there.

What are your ultimate plans for your music career? What occupies your time besides rapping?

Delasean: I’m just planning to see how far it can take me you know people say it all the time; you only live once but it’s the truth. I want to know I gave my all in what I really loved no matter what the outcome. At least I can say I was happy and did it my way. Other than rapping I just exercise and play basketball. I want to be like the Bob Marley of rap haha. All he did was smoke weed, make music, and play soccer. I just want to smoke weed, make music, and hoop for life; I could live good like that.

Where did the name Delasean come from?

Delasean:  I went to the top of a mountain and a guru deciphered my soul. I’m hella bullshittin’ it’s just my middle name, Ryan Delasean Mullins. I went by Wise One at the beginning because I always wanted to have bars and go hard. I felt if I ascribed myself a deep name it would contribute deep thoughts. In a way I think it worked a bit because I strived to look for more; whatever that meant to me. I went with Delasean because I always wanted something more personal. My mom always called me Delasean so I was just like Delasean it is.

How do you feel about the state of the rap game? How do you want to impact rap music; what do you want your listeners to come away with?

Delasean: I’m excited for rap and what’s coming. I feel like a new breed of hip hop is forming and that’s what I’m looking for; that’s what makes music so tight there are an infinite amount of ways you can take it in just rap alone. So I’m excited because there are alot of people like me who want it their way and that’s going to change the game in a big way. In the music game it’s just about planting your feet, knowing what you want, and not stopping til’ you get it. As far as impact, I want people to feel me. Who knows what my sound will be a couple months from now or a year from now. I never stop developing I’m a knowledge seeker. I want to be better. I want my listeners to be able to feel me. I have music of all sorts and like I said this OTG is going to show them a lot of that new Dela style.

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Talent Among Us

There is an inescapable smile that invades my face when I see Champ and Hammer, the members of T.A.U. (Talent Among Us). I have a feeling I’m not the only one they effect that way. Something about these guys is so radiant and contagious. When they’re in a room it fills with positive energy. Obviously this vibrancy transcends into their music. All I have to do is press play on one of their songs, and that familiar smile comes around again.

T.A.U. is a dynamic and energetic duo – Champ and Hammer play off of each other’s style so smoothly. After watching them perform there was no doubt in my mind that they have what it takes to make it. My opinion has been co-signed by several others.

Champ plays the role of charming crooner – appealing to the ladies in the crowd with his soulful and seductive vocals. In the next instance, he’s spitting out lines that the fellas can relate to. Then there’s Hammer who epitomizes calm, cool, and collected. The spitter of the two; Hammer owns a quiet confidence, and when united with his raspy tone attention is commanded.

The Mile High City can proudly claim T.A.U.. Born and bred in Denver, Champ and Hammer have been friends since middle school. As a result their flavors congeal on stage making for a seamless performance. T.A.U. has been brewing for years but evolved into a more serious effort when they decided to launch a joint project in 2011, aptly titled “Talent Among Us”.  The title’s undeniable ring morphed into the group’s name. Champ and Hammer found it depictive of their world, their fellow artists, and of course their collaboration. The track dedicated to their name, “T.A.U.” is a feel good banger. The lighthearted and carefree vibe transports me to breezy summer afternoons when there isn’t a worry in the world.

To make good music an artist must pour in a heavy dose of time, energy, and honesty. Sometimes the long hours and hard work don’t garner the recognition they deserve, which Champ and Hammer concur is the most frustrating aspect of making music. However, for T.A.U. the hindrances never outweigh the reward of knowing their product made even one person smile and reflect. As Hammer said, “I want my music to give people goose bumps. I want them to listen to a record and feel obligated to share it with a friend. As long as they are feeling any emotions, I know I am doing my job.”

As you listen to T.A.U it becomes apparent that music is much more than a job. Over Outkast’s “Prototype” beat, their song “Survival” is a proclamation of music being a reward within itself. ”Survival” personifies music as the ideal partner. Hammer flatters harmonies with romantic lyrics, and Champ caresses the melody with sensual vocals. With each of them taking their turn ravishing the song, the result is spell-binding music that leaves you craving more. That’s the mark of quality music – it turns us into addicts always looking for another hit.

Luckily for us, T.A.U. doesn’t have any shortage of supplies; keeping us from withdrawal.  Soundcloud hosts a collection of their product and you can find them under Talent Among Us. I encourage everyone to go get a sample. Then, because I know you’ll be itching for more, find them on Facebook under Talent Among Us and stay updated on their upcoming performances and new endeavors.  The duo will be making some appearances around the metro area soon, lend them your ear and you’ll find your face being invaded by an inescapable smile.

http://talentamongus.co/

https://www.facebook.com/TalentAmongUs

http://twitter.com/TalentAmongUs

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A Colorado Operation

          You can always recognize passionate people. Particularly when you have the opportunity to witness them working within their passion. They are the individuals others are magnetically drawn to. They illuminate rooms with their energy. They walk around with a purpose and a confidence, and everyone wonders; how can I get that? They are the ones with that elusive “it” factor. Spend one moment with the duo Colorado Operations, and their passion will excite you, warm you, and wow you.

Victoria and Napolean Price have an easy interation. Anyone can recognize their comfortability with each other, in conversation or in performance. There is no rivalry, rather they move fluidly as a unit. When their chanting out lines together, there is a cohesion that groups work for years to build. Perhaps, that is because they’ve had literally a lifetime to cultivate it. Not only are the two Buffalo, New York natives group mates, they are siblings. Family first is the motto with Co-Op. Music is their passion, but their relationship as brother and sister is their priority. If music were to ever compromise that relationship, family would win out-hands down. Somehow though, I don’t think that is an obstacle they will ever have to face. Although the pair admits their strong wills cause heads to occassionally butt; mutual respect and a deep-rooted musical connection always realign them. When they grace the stage there is no discord, it is their harmony that shines through.

Victoria a.k.a Queen V a.k.a Rebel Queen possesses such a strong presence. Queen V is a down to earth concoction of humor, intelligence, individuality, style, and grace. All of those elements transcend to the stage when she steps on, along with an undeniable ferocity. She has the fierceness of a hungry artist and the composure of a seasoned performer. The Rebel Queen is blatantly unique, but if I had to draw any comparison it would be to Lauryn Hill. Pause for a moment and let that sink in. Lauryn is arguably the most raw female MC to ever hold a microphone. Rarely does an artist come along with her kind of precision, articulation, and delivery. However, Victoria Price exhibits all those qualities in potent levels.

There is a sweet humility yet mischeviously confident air to Napolean or “Po” as he is sometimes called. On and off the stage he exudes a playful yet refined demeanor. Lyrically he is energetic and witty, and contributes a charismatic electricity to Colorado Operations’ music. As he recites his verses there is a contagious vibrance he spreads to the audience. I c0uldn’t resist getting on my feet and shouting out to their Colorado anthem “C-O” along with him, just to share in a bit of that hype. That ability is what seperates average rappers from exceptional ones. Napolean’s relatability and infectious energy, defines him as an exceptional artist.

Colorado Operations has a charming quality about them. They’re so laid-back, anyone could leave a conversation with the two feeling like you’ve known them for years. Musically, they’re so passionate you can’t help but to respect, appreciate, and endorse what their doing. Of course, that determined grind is driving them into several other endeavors. You can expect a future collaboration with local fashion designers; that will emblazon t-shirts with various Colorado Operations’ logos (they’re looking dope).  On July 26th,Co-Op is set to have a mixtape release party for “The Real”  at the Hi-Dive in Denver. Be there. I guarantee you’ll leave with Colorado Operations on your brain, and their mixtape in your CD player. In the meantime, check them out on Facebook: Co-Op (Colorado Operations), and get a sample of some of their music at:  http://callmequeen.bandcamp.com/album/the-real

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For The Lover In You

I don’t really support the hype of Hallmark holiday’s. I think love should be spontaneous, perpetual, and unique. Not a box of chocolates and a teddy bear once a year. What is the significance of February 14th if you dont cherish your love the other 364 days? Don’t confuse me with a love basher though; if your using Valentine’s Day as a vehicle to express your affection once more I hope cupid has good aim.  In the sentimental spirit, I’ve compiled some of the most passionate love songs to ever caress our senses. Press play with your paramour and prepare to get nice and cozy, and for those of us riding solo on Valentine’s Day let the melodies whisper sweet nothings in your ear. Either way this collection has something to quench everyone’s love jones.  Eclectically molded, because love has no boundaries right? Hope you enjoy this and each other.