Lee Hawthorn | MileHI Music

May 2, 2013May 17, 2013

Tsu Surf Interview

Two months ago, New Jersey emcee Tsu Surf released his “A New Mood” mixtape and since I’ve been trying to capture the Mood Muzik artist for an interview. Not knowing much about the man himself despite his vivid depictions of his life in his music, I had to find out who the man behind the microphone was, and along the way earned myself a lesson in the difference between cities and states…

For those reading, who may not know who you are or listened to your music, give us a brief insight?

Tsu Surf: Reality. I try to make sure that I speak on what I know. I try and give the fans the story through my eyes. Its like every rapper can talk about the glitz and glamour, but nobody talks about what they did to get there, or been through. Summed up in one word. REALITY.

You were recently cosigned by Joe Budden and featured on the “A Loose Quarter” mixtape. How did that come about?

Tsu Surf: I always laugh at that question. I can’t really tell [Laughs]. Joe’s like big bro, and after living with him and touring with him, you learn fast….. Joe’s weird [Laughs]. You never really know how his brain tic’s. He’s a thinker. I can’t put my finger on why or when he noticed. But one day I got a DM [Direct Message on Twitter] saying, “what is your number”. It’s history from there. Had a meeting, next day recorded “Through My Eyes”.

Do you think being from the same city played a part in the acknowledgement from Joe?

Tsu Surf: Well, Joe and I aren’t from the same city. I’m from Newark, New Jersey. Budden is from Jersey City, New Jersey. Not too far apart though. Us being from the same state had to take some credit in that. But even if so, there are a million rappers in New Jersey. I guess I was making enough noise to get noticed.

Although, I admit I haven’t watched any of your battles, it seems to be the general belief you were very talented at battling. Why did you decide to turn your attention to actually making more formal music?

Tsu Surf: Well, I can’t really say I “turned” my attention, because it was never off making music. I was just worldwide known for battling so I can’t blame most of the general population for knowing me as that. Battle rap is such a huge stage, it just helped me spring board to where I need to be as a artist. So now a days I bump into people that know me for strictly music like yourself, and never heard a battle. Then I could bump into a battle fan, that strictly loves the battling Surf and only heard a song or two.

Your recent mixtape is entitled “A New Mood”, what influenced the name? It wouldn’t be an awful assumption that the affiliation with Mood Music Entertainment was a factor?

Tsu Surf: Definitely not a awful assumption [Laughs]. Mood Muzik is the homies, more so family. Shout-out to Trev Rich, Budden and Emmany. It was more like a homage thing, and just letting the world and jersey know. Its a New Mood. I’m here!. So… literally. its a New Mood, and in a sense its me telling Yoda(Joe), I got this!

The opening track on “A New Mood” featured the title “Dreams Money Can Buy 2” most likely a reference to the original by Drake. Was it a conscious decision to draw comparisons between you and Drizzy?

Tsu Surf: Very Conscious [Laughs], I already made a DREAMS MONEY CAN BUY 1, I guess a remix to Drakes original on “Surfs up 1.5”, my previous mixtape, which you can also find on Datpiff. So we just made a twist on the beat and made a part 2.

You had quite a few features on the tape ranging from Joe, Ab-Soul and Trev Rich to Lu Jerz and Gabrielle Findley. For the next tape if you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?

Tsu Surf: Yeah i was shocked how the tape turned out a little [Laughs]. But maybe The Weeknd, I am a fan, that kid is dope. I’ve been talking to Wale, if we could get him on that “Red dresses 2” that’ll be so clutch. Uhm, Kiss. Def Jadakiss, that is one of my idols. And of course Mood Muzik!.

One thing lacking from your mixtape was a distinguishable “Club-Hop” track. Is it something you have no interest in creating or was it just not suitable for this tape?

Tsu Surf: I’d say more not suitable for the tape. I practically can create anything. I just wasn’t really in that mind state for this one.

Very few conscious Hip Hop artists manage to reach a high level of success, why do you think that is? Do you see it changing any time soon?

Tsu Surf: Do I see it changing? Yes. Hip Hop is getting back to the lyrical beginnings. With your Kendrick Lamar’s, Joey Bada$$’s, Ab-Souls, Your J.Cole’s. The fans are listening way more, and I think that snap-pop rap or whatever you call it might be on its way out [Laughs]. Now why we dont get the recognition….[Laughs] I’m just the artist! Beats me!

Any last words?

Tsu Surf: @Tsu_surf ….. Jersey!!!

So Surf believes Hip Hop is getting back to lyrical beginnings, dreams of collaborating with Jadakiss and gave me a geography lesson, but what do you think? Drop your comments below.

Make sure you download “A New Mood” (Click Here), and read the review I wrote (Click Here).

http://www.realtsusurf.com/

April 22, 2013April 22, 2013

Marvell Interview: “GREATNESS is upon you, you better act like it.”

Since the release of their “The GREATNESS EP” almost two month ago, I have been bothering Marvell’s manager for an interview with the UK rap trio. Shocka, Double S and Vertex give their insight on whether the deficit of equality in UK and American Hip Hop will ever change, what they have been up to in the studio recently and who they think are the best up-and-coming artists in the UK right now.

Lee: For those reading, who may not know of Marvell and your music, give us a
brief introduction to yourselves…

Marvell: We go by the name of Marvell short for marvelous. It consists of Double S,
Shocka, Vertex and the DJ Limit. We are the voice of the voiceless, we speak for
the young generation – our message is for the young generation/youth to strive
for greatness and to know themselves inside out. We try to contribute to the
development process of them becoming better human beings. That is Marvell in a
nut shell.

The recent mixtape, Greatness, seemed the most serious and polished tape
both thematically and in the production compared to the Marvell Mondays and
Marvell FM series, was this is conscious decision?

Marvell: The recent debut E.P. is more polished and I am glad you noticed that because
that was a conscious decision by us all to step it up. We’ve been away for a while,
our supporters have grown up, some even have kids and are facing real life
situations and so we wanted our music to reflect that the direction we are taking
is a bit different, but it still ties into what we’re all about, which is teaching the
youth to reach for the stars and achieve great thing in life so it all works out well.

I first heard of you when you supported Chipmunk on his tour in 2010, now he
has been signed to Grand Hustle and making waves in the states, do Marvell have
any plans to follow in Chips footsteps?

Marvell: We would love to go to America and follow in the footsteps of our good friend
Chip [formerly Chipmunk] but I think it’s important that we crack the UK first,
because this [our] country is in need of black Urban group. There hasn’t been
one like us before and it would be a good image for the kids to see – it would give
them hope that people who came from their areas [Tottenham] just like them
can go that far in this country, music wise. After that is accomplished we would
then like to be on the next flight to America, Young Money holler at us *cough
cough* (Laughs).

In the song “Marvell Music” theres a bar which says “Stepped in the scene, the
lights turned green”, however to me it feels as though the lights have been on
amber for a few years now. Has the fact you’ve been on the brink of mainstream
success for so long without fully making it frustrate you?

Marvell: I think God’s time is the best time. Another thing is that we are bless we
haven’t blown yet, it has given us time to study and find out what we want
to achieve and what kind of contribution we want to make. It is safe to say
that we’re ready now, oh and we would be lying if we never said we don’t get
frustrated at times (Laughs) but we know our time is coming so we’re all right.

There have been a couple of tweets informing followers that you’re in the
studio, so what is coming next? An album, a mixtape, an EP? Can we get the name
of any songs you’ve created?

Marvell: Marvell FM 5, our debut album, Marvell Mondays, new merchandise in various
colours, designs and sizes on the way.

With a number of lists being released in the last month from MTV’s “Hottest In
The Game” and XXL’s “Freshmen” could Marvell name a Top 5 UK artists to look
out for?

Marvell: Sneakbo, Krept & Konan, Cashtastic, G-Frsh and PW.

Do you think there will ever be a time when UK rappers will be regarded as
talented as the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem etc. from America?

Marvell: That time is coming, who would have thought that Chip[munk] would be
signed to T.I.’s label or Tinie Tempah would go platinum there in America. I think
as long as we keep dreaming big it’s possible the next few years – watch what
happens.

If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?

Marvell: Drake, Kendrick Lamar, James Blake, Akon and many more otherwise we would
be here forever (Laughs).

So we officially have a debut album on the way from the Marvell boys, but first head to www.marvellmusic.co.uk and download “The GREATNESS EP“.

“GREATNESS is upon you, you better act like it.”

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March 28, 2013March 28, 2013

L Keys Q&A

After releasing “Street Famous” recently I contacted Colorado’s L Keys for an interview. The mixtape earned itself a rating of 4.25/5 in my review and I was intrigued to the man behind the music. He is apart of the hottest music group in Colorado right now and is one of the most versatile artists I have heard flowing fluently between Hip Hop and R&B with conventions of other genres mixed in too. If you haven’t already downloaded “Street Famous” then I strongly advise doing so, for now, here is the interview where you can find out who L Keys dreams of collaborating with, the reasoning for the title of the tape and his response to my criticism of the “Alien” track.

For those reading, who may not have heard of you, give us a brief insight to you and your music…

My name is Lkeys I’m a superstar in the making..[laughs]. Not your average rapper, an entertainer just trying to tell his story through music.

What are your reasons for calling your mix-tape “Street Famous”?

Really, I feel that’s what I am. I’m someone who is street famous making a transition to becoming world famous.

How successful has the mixtape been? or has it been a disappointment?

The project has been successful, It has woke a lot of people up, and that was my goal. Job ain’t done though, I still have to reach more ears.

What is your personal favorite song from the mixtape?

I honestly couldn’t say. I think the one that I felt more passionate about would be “Dreaming”

I criticized the song “Alien” in my review of the tape. Would you like to take this chance to argue against my opinion?

[laughs] No, I wouldn’t argue it. That’s your opinion, and I respect that. I know some people that would strongly disagree but to each its own you know. My whole aim was to make a project full of songs that I knew everyone would feel. I feel I did that.

The mixtape indicated you have an ability to move from various sub genres of hip hop to even a little R&B. For the next mixtape can we expect a different approach more focused to one style, or a similar variety of styles?

For the next one just expect the unexpected. That what I wanted to show with “Street Famous”; versatility, I wanted people to see it’s no telling what I’m going to do next. But whatever I do, it’s going to be dope!

Do you think the Mood Music cosign for Trev Rich has helped yourself and Squizzy gang as well?

Its helped Trev, and its great to see him involving into what we been known we was from the jump, STARS. We all have our own lanes, and that’s what makes us one of the best! Squizzy…

If you could choose anyone in the world to collaborate with, who would you choose?

Jay Z.

What is your opinion on the current state of Hip Hop in Colorado? Do you feel you might have to move to a state with a more prominent Hip Hop scene in order to elevate further?

To be honest, I’m very impressed to see how far the state of Colorado Hip Hop has came. It’s a lot of dope artist in Colorado that the world is sleeping on. I do feel our market isn’t a easy market to break out but can be done. Regardless of where you’re at you’re going to have to leave where you are at to build your fan base.

Any last words to share with the world? Promotions…Jokes…Social Networking details?

Yeah, If u haven’t heard ‘STREET FAMOUS” please go listen http://t.co/Fx5Ba3igpM Follow me on twitter @Lkeys303, IG: Lkeys303, Facebook/Lkeys303, For bookings contact Lkeys303@gmail.com! SQUIZZY

If you haven’t already, download Street Famous(click here) and follow L Keys on Twitter(click here). Let me know what you think of this post via twitter(click here) ending your posts with #StreetFamous. Read my review of Street Famous(click here) or my personal blog for reviews of music outside of Colorado(click here).

March 14, 2013March 14, 2013

Gabriel Alexander Interview

For my first post in MileHi Imports I have got in touch with the renaissance man known as Brian Birkbeck. As a producer Birkbeck has worked with the likes of Travis Porter for their “Aww Yeah” hit under the pseudonym of Bbeck. Now however, by the alias of Gabriel Alexander, he is turning his focus to singing and rapping for his first ever mixtape; Who Is Gabriel Alexander?. If the mixtape didn’t answer the question its title poses, then hopefully the interview will:

For those who may be reading that do not know you, give a brief insight in to yourself and your music…

Well, I am a 25 year old from Virginia in the United States. I am a Producer, Songwriter & now an Aspiring artist. I enjoy partying, Sports, Working out, spending time with loved ones, and of course Music. I have been a Producer since about Age 15. There is just something about music that sooth’s my soul & gives me inner peace.

When there are millions of independent mixtapes on the internet, what sets you a part from others, why should music fans download your mixtape?

I believe in variety. I like to stand out with not only Producing my own beats but also by Singing & rapping. I LOVE to mix up different Genre’s and ALWAYS try to create a new sound. I try to stand out by using my life as a jukebox. I use my personal experiences as songs and I put out what I feel in my heart.

You are signed to Sony, presumably because of your work in production, how did that come about?

There has been a BIG rumor that I am signed to Sony Record but in fact I am not. I have done work FOR Sony & RCA records but I am not in fact signed with them. I am a independent Artist still.

According to your Twitter account, @BBeckMusic, bio you worked on Travis Porter’s “Aww Yeah” track. Have you worked with any other big names or been asked to?

I have not worked with any other big names as of yet but I am still getting interest from other labels to submit for major artist’s & labels.I have gotten E-mail’s from MTV, ESPN & other big name networks to Submit Production for their TV shows and also E-Mails to Submit music for Artist’s such as Big Sean, Kid Ink, Kelly Rowland & others…

What has made you decide to turn your attention to vocals and being the artist rather than the producer?

I have ALWAYS enjoyed singing and writing songs but I NEVER had the time to work on my own project. I finally had the time to do so and said to myself, why not? The process has been long and very stressful but well worth it in the long run.

Is “Who Is Gabriel Alexander” being promoted by Sony too, or is it completely independent?

This is a 100% Original project that I have started and promoted by myself. It has been very hard but also enjoyable as well. Without the help of Friends & Fans & those who have supported me, I would be nothing without them.

Why have you used a new pseudonym as an artist to your producer alias BBeck?

In the past I would Feature on Hooks for other Artist’s but people would not know that it would be me on the hook, all they would say is “nice beat!”. I feel that with “Gabriel Alexander”, people KNOW there is a difference. B-Beck is my producer name & Gabriel is when I sing & rap.

How have you felt about the support you have been getting and hype surrounding the mixtape?

HUMBLED. The support I have been getting is just amazing. Lost for words on this one. Again, without the support I would be nothing. It has been such a Emotional moment for me. To go from nothing in life to have something to live for is absolutely amazing.

Have you a number of downloads you aspire to achieve?

I was just talking about this to my close friends yesterday when I said I just hope I get ONE download lol. In all honesty, I don’t mind if I have a low number or High number, the overall process has just been amazing for me in general and I am just happy to be making music. 100 in a week would be very cool tho! lol

If you weren’t involved in the music industry, what would you be doing as a career?

I would look into psychology. I love helping people with their problems. It really makes me happy to see me people overcome just as I have with my life.

If you could collaborate with any artist in the world right now, who would it be? and why?

I would LOVE to collab with Calvin Harris or the likes of Big sean and so on….I feel I could work with any Artist honestly.

MTV recently announced their “Hottest MC’s In The Game” list, who do you think is the hottest artist in Hip Hop?

I feel their list is 100% TERRIBLE lol I would have to say currently right now “Drake”. It can be a toss up easily with the likes of Big Sean, Kendrick & Jay-Z & Nas but some of those names just DO NOT belong up there in my honest opinion.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Follow Brian Birkbeck on Twitter(click here). Let me know what you think of this post via twitter(click here) ending your posts with #WhoIsGabrielAlexander. I have reviewed the mixtape on my personal review blog, TheRootMusic(click here)

March 5, 2013March 7, 2013

Trev Rich Interview

Following a co-sign with Joe Budden and being featured on the “A Loose Quarter” mixtape, Trev Rich blew up. Then he dropped his own mixtape and “Heights” cemented his place in the music industry as “one to watch”. This week Trev released “Word” and has been mentioning a remix of Eminem’s “Seduction” and “Heights 2” on Twitter. So I thought I’d grab the Denver, Colorado rapper for an interview for Colorado’s best music website, www.milehimusic.com, and gain some insight on his upcoming projects, his dream collaboration and who he thinks is the hottest emcee in the game right now.

For those reading, who may not know about you and your music, would you like to give us a brief overview?

My real name is my rap name. I’m from Denver,Co and Ill let my music speak for itself. Check it out if you haven’t.

You dropped Heights around new year, in hindsight how do you feel about the mixtape now? Do you regret anything or are you overwhelmed with how much positive reception you got?

Very proud of Heights. It set a personal bar that I’m gonna take even higher with Heights 2. Very overwhelmed with the perception I love the love, and the hate too.

I don’t think it is unfair to say that a lot of your fans, including myself, became so due to the Joe Budden co-sign, how did that come about?

Twitter. Simply Twitter. I explain the full story on Heights 2. I don’t wanna spoil it right now.

Do you feel any remorse at the fact it took a feature on someone else’s mixtape for you to blow up or are you just happy it actually happened?

Not at all. I don’t care how it happens as long as it does. Joe helped the politics away in my favor. You can tell my the support of blogs after dreams was released. I’m forever thankful.

I have a lot of respect for the Squizzy Gang you’re apart of, and trying to listen to as much music from the camp as I can..But I’m confused as to what Squizzy Gang actually is? A label? A music group? or just a group of friends? Care to clarify?

A Group of musicians. A lot of teams call themselves labels not knowing what the hell a label actually does. We won’t make that mistake. A group of dope artists.

L Keys is the next Squizzy Gang member to drop a mixtape with “Street Famous”. Presuming you’ve listened to the tape. What can we expect from it and what is your favourite track?

I’ve only heard on track and that’s the one I’m on. Keys has been real secretive about this project. I wanna hear it just like everyone else. I know it’s gonna be dope though.

You’ve been dropping a couple songs recently, and tweeted regarding a Heights 2. When can we expect that to drop?

May 28th.

You have also been mentioning “Seduction”, a remix of the Eminem track off of Recovery. It is very dangerous to be remixing arguably the most popular rappers songs, what made you do so?

I’m a firm believer in stirring the pot. I don’t give a shit who gets mad someone will appreciate it. This is what hip-hop is about. Fuck politics fuck rules fuck feelings. Just. Make. Good. Music. Timeless music.

If you could get a collaboration with any artist in the world right now, who would it be?

H.O.V.. No doubt. I hadn’t been much of a Jay fan coming up because my intellect wasn’t polished enough. Now I see clearly. (Laughs) Honestly not even a feature, I just wanna pick his brain. NH

MTV are currently naming their top 10 for hottest emcees in the game, who do you think is number 1?

I don’t know I could careless though to be honest. Ill care when I’m up there.

As a last word, is there anything in particular you want to say to the world?

Heights 2. Coming Soon. MME/ Squizzy shit.

If you haven’t already, download Heights (click here) and follow Trev Rich on Twitter(click here). Let me know what you think of this post via twitter(click here) ending your posts with #TrevInterview.