From the based world of rap comes the peculiar sounds of HUMAN BLEEZ. Not only does he have catalogues of music already, but he also has an underground clothing movement Veltoro Wear, that is buzzing throughout California. Check out the Next In ShowExclusive interview with Bleez below.
SXSW came, great performances went down, and it definitely conquered all media for 7 days. Unfortunately Next In Show couldn't make it out this year, but we are planning big things for 2013. A few of my friends and featured artists on our blog made it down and were privelaged enough to perform. L./\ considered it a "great stepping stone in her learning process...". Lyriciss made his return this year to the festival and said "it was bigger for me this year". Ryshon Jones not only met superproducer legend 9th Wonder, but also got to perform at 2 showcases including one opening for Schoolboy Q. Read below my exclusive mini interviews with these three artists.
SXSW Interviews
Ryshon Jones
How was your debut at SXSW?
It was awesome the crowd was on point everything felt good it was the first time I enjoyed a performance of my self. What showcases did you participate in? I was on the bombonem/uheardthatnew stage with sts john conor. laws and a few others How did you end up opening for School Boy Q? i was actually removed from the show wont even say why Besides your own performance, do you think any other performance were buzzworthy? I think by. far 50cent performing was the most popular show. What was it like to meet hip-hop legend 9th Wonder? It was crazy he knew of me we didnt talk much but it was enough for me Do you think SXSW helped grow your fanbase? I dont think I did enough down there but I promise next year will be a whole diffrent ball game
L./\
What was it like for you to perform at such an epic festival like SXSW?
Firstly its a blessed experience to be in the presence of so much art and artists. The whole week was a great stepping stone in my learning process and was also beneficial to my growth as an artist. As for my performance it was really dope especially with all these people I never met before.
Everyone who is anyone from the industry was down in Austin, Texas. Who did you meet?
I met and seen a lot of amazing people out in Austin. Meeting Chaundon was so inspiring, but I was mostly excited to meet up with 9th Wonder and Boog Brown. Two every dope and inspirational workers in this industry right now.
Beside your own performance, who else killed the stage?
Of course Kendrick Lamar ripped. But my two favorite performances was at the SOB's 30th Anniversary show when 2 Chainz brought out Kanye West and Big Sean and I wasnt a huge MGK fan before but after his performance I give that guy hella props. He freakin flew from the stage onto a balcony. It was nuts.
What were your expectations about SXSW before going there? I didn't really have many, I kinda knew the deal since we have festivals similar in NY like CMJ. However, my expectations as a whole for Austin was different, cause I was expecting more cowboys. :(
What showcases were you a part of?
I got to rock at the SXMW2 show with GLC, Boog Brown, Lyric Jones, Harmony Muzik and a bunch more. I also got to do some quick freestyle joints at some other spots that I can't remember lol. It was sooooo much going on.
What is one thing you learned about yourself after attending SXSW?
I learned .... that I really love music, that Hip Hop is truly life and that next year.....we go big or go home.
Congratulations on your success at SXSW. Thanks!
Lyriciss
Was this your first time performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas?
Nah, actually my second year doing SXSW. This year was bigger for me, though.
What showcases were you featured in?
I was featured in "The Indie Life" concert that SmCity & Harmony Muzik put together, which featured them as performers, as well as 1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology), Jon Connor, Rapsody, Maffew Ragazino, Pro'Verb, Nike Nando, Carlitta Durand (along with Jabee), Kooley High, Beanie Sigel, & more. I was also featured in Sean Falyon & Playboy Tre's Red Cup Party, which was under the umbrella of 3 events in one location that my label (Inner Loop Media Group) put together, dubbed "Beats, Rhymes, & Alcohol". The Red Cup Party had me, El Prez, Shawn Chrystopher, Big Rec, Stanza, & more performing. That show was dope as hell to me, because I wasn't quite hip to a lot of the performers before the show, but a lot of them were insane with it. Made me a fan out of a few of them. I’m sure you met a lot of important and influential people. Who did you have the best conversation with?
I can't really call it, man...I like to have some good short conversations with a lot of people, and a lot of that was going on at SXSW. I've never been the type of rapper to just promote to you and walk off...I'd rather chop it up with you for a little bit and pick at your brain. I had some really good conversations with Jabari, Peter Rosenberg, Jabee, & Kane Mayfield, though. Oh, the most shocking short convo was between me and Sha Stimuli...he stopped me on the stairs after I rocked at The Red Cup Party and told me that he was a fan of my music and my live show. That shit meant a lot to me because I'm a Sha Stimuli fan. "Brooklyn Stand Up" still gets heavy plays from me, and I'm not even FROM there. He's telling me he's a fan and I literally said to him, "do you know who YOU are, though?" That was dope. What did you do in your downtime?
I didn't really have much downtime...I found a lil' bit of time to rest at the hotel or chill with my girl, though. Aside from that, I was just walking around and performing or networking.
Was there anything you wish you would have done that maybe you didn’t get to?
More shows. I really wish I could have done more shows, but I couldn't really campaign on that because my USB malfunctioned while I was out there. So I couldn't access my show set at will. I had my DJ there for my Indie Life showcase, then I had to borrow Pro'Verb's USB for my Red Cup Party showcase. If I could have had my own USB and went 100% on getting more shows, I think I would have felt a little more satisfied.
Who did you see that had the best performance?
Hands down, Machine Gun Kelly at the SOBs 30th Anniversary show, at The Belmont. I'm not going to say too much on that...if you see the full footage of his set...the best performance, period. Big Rec is an amazing performer, along with Shawn Chrystopher. Rapsody...Oddisee...I saw a lot of dope live performances. Congratulations on your success at SXSW.
Thanks, man, truly appreciate that! A3C's not too far away! *laughs*
Congrats to @ryshonjones @ucancallmela @lyriciss. Stay on your grind. Stay humble. #nextinshow
This week we feature a multi talented individual who has not only strived in music and movies, but also graduated from Princeton University with a degree in sociology in the meantime. Baiyu is someone you will soon know if you don't know already. Her family ties to music are incredible and thats why she says her parents are her a huge part of her musical inspiration. Check out her latest music visual below for Take A Number, which was recently featured on WorldStarHipHop.com
My name is Chinese for "white feather". My parents actually got the idea for it from a classic Chinese poem about the incredible power of human strength as something that cannot be under estimated!
Have you always lived in the states?
I actually lived in China until I was 8 and moved to the States in the 90's. It was quite a transition.
Does your family have any background in music?
Yes! In fact, my parents are a huge part of my musical inspiration and upbringing. My dad is a flute and sax player and my mom is an incredible vocalist. I used to admire her singing as she hummed tunes while doing house work. I thought she had the most amazing voice...
How did music influence your life as a young one?
I grew up around music. Sometimes I like to look through old photo albums and smile at pictures of myself putting on little musical shows for my classmates. I was surrounded by so much admiration for the arts, and so much musical prowess from my parents that I would be surprised if someone in my position turned out any differently than I did.
Before your music career took off, you graduated from Princeton with a master’s in sociology. Was that always the plan?
I wish I had a masters! I actually got a bachelors and that was the best decision I could have ever made. It wasn't actually the initial plan though - I had gone to school with the thought I was going to be an economics major with a certificate in Finance. I love the adventurous entrepreneurial aspect of the business world, but realized that most of the classes in my original field was a lot more theoretical than practical or even all that actionable. As a songwriter, I'm also a story teller, so at the end of the day, Sociology was the perfect major for me to focus on.
I wasn't always all that sure that I wanted to elevate my education to the university level before I started my music career, but am incredibly glad that I did.
You are multi talented. What else do you enjoy to do other than music?
I'm someone who's easily distracted, and someone who loves life too much to be stuck on one thing. Although music is my primary passion, and I have a feeling that it'll always hold that number one spot, I also love cinematography, I love dancing, I love fashion, and I'm an absolute foodie as well!
You have been featured in several independent movies. What do you enjoy most about acting?
I think there's something intriguing about the idea of stepping outside of your own life and your own skin to become another character. It's fun and challenging to to force yourself to act and think differently than you usually do. That in itself gave me a lot of perspective.
Your latest single and visual for Take A Number made it all the way to World Star Hip Hop earlier this week. How did that happen?
Honestly, there's a lot of things that have happened in the past few months that I couldn't believe actually happened. How the heck did I get to premiere my last music video "Together" on MTV Networks and have it end up on more than one channel on there? How did I end up at Judge Mathis' mansion doing a photo shoot for Edge Magazine? How did I get on legendary properties like SoulTrain and The Source? These are all things that I could have only dreamed about growing up.
Is there a remix?
Yes! It features the incredibly amazing Fred the Godson!
The single is off your currently released project the Fan Fair EP. What was your inspiration in putting this ep together?
This EP was meant for my fans. They make me so happy and thankful every morning that I wake up, and make me feel like my music and hard work is truly being appreciated. I wanted to make the EP as a thank you for all the happiness and support that they've blessed me with.
At the same time, I also wanted to use the EP as a means to help the victims of the tsunami in Japan a year ago. It's so important, especially if God has given you a gift, to use that not only for what it is, but also as a way to give back. The way that this EP is set up on the back end, 100% of the proceeds go towards that noble effort!
What music are you listening to on your ipod now?
Let's see: Frank Ocean, Jill Scott, Jhene Aiko, Rihanna, John Mayer, Usher, Kanye...
What are you looking forward to next?
I'm looking forward to way too much! I have another independent film that's coming out in the next few months, a new EP called "Hunter" slated for a summer release, a book of poetry & lyrics by that same name, a graphic novel and animated series called "The Illuminators" and a ton of great magazine features as well as music videos.
What is one piece of advice that you have used so far through your life journey?
My one piece of advice is to be grateful. Be grateful for you past, be grateful for your present, and be even more grateful for the amazing future that you are going to have.
This weeks featured artist is a rapper who represents Off The Wall Livin. Read the interview below to understand that one. Rize Above lives in Brooklyn and is one of a kind. Being from such a diverse and cultural background and living in so many places along the East coast its RIZE Above's versatility that gives him his sound. His new mixtape featured on datpiff.com is nothing to sleep on. Don't believe me, read and listen to Rize Above for maximum exposure.
So you were born in Brooklyn, but moved to New Jersey for yourteenage years. What were the major differences you noticed?
You get exposed to a lot more gang violence, drug abuse androbbery on a daily basis in Newark. The way people think and act in Newark isfueled a lot more by survival or malice as opposed to in Brooklyn when mostviolent crimes are fueled by jealousy or greed.
What is the significance of your name Rize Above?
With everything that'sgone on in my life Ive always tried to over come them in a positive way. Iwanted my stage name to be a statement a representative of what my musicstands for. Weather its Rising Above adversity, poverty or even Love. My nameis who I am & what I stand for. Not Just me but all people Rising above alltheir struggles to follow their dreams.
Your ofCape Verdean and St. Lucian Decent. Does your family have abackground in island music at all?
Yea they do, Mycousins Dj Therion and Chachi Carvalho Tour in Cape Verde Frequently and arevery well know in our community. My Cousin Calu is the most famous, he wrote somany Cape Verdean Classics that almost every generation knows word for word. DjTherions Father Jack Ramos Was a drummer in a well known Cape Verdean Band inthe 80's & 90's. My family is filled with musicians.
Growing up, what were your creative outlets?
I was always a writer,no matter what I did where I was I put it all down on paper. Through poems,rhymes, short stories I always had a pen and pad with me.
Your older cousins DJ Therion &Chachi Carvalho, who are OG’sin their own right, discovered you. How did they ‘put you on’ in the game?
The 1st person I told I wanted to start rapping was Chachi, Inever really told anyone I wanted to pursue music. He told me to hop on thenext bus to Rhode Island so that I can start recording with him at his studio,Me and DJ Therion were always really close his mother is my God Mother. Everytime he came to New York he would give me his most recent mixtapes. He put me onto alot of artist I had no idea about. He was the one that told me I had thevoice for rapping and should pursue it.
How are they helping you with your career now?
Every time Chachi isthe main even at a venue he invites me to open up for him, always giving me hishonest opinion, telling me what I need to improve performance wise andmusically. Therion is always supportive, spreads my music, tells people aboutme. Im blessed to have them both.
Explain ‘Off The Wall Livin’?
"Life aint so badat all when you Live it Off The Wall" -Michael Jackson aka the Greatest.Off The Wall Livin is a way of life, a movement its how I think everyone shouldlive. Work is work we all have to take care of business but we still need toenjoy life and live it to the limit.
You recently performed in Brooklyn. How was the show?
It was amazing I loveto perform, the crowd showed me a lot of love & It was my 1st timeperforming with a live band so it was a overall great experience.
Your latest mixtape ‘The Ladies Man’ has been out for about amonth now. Great project. How do you think the fan response has been?
Ive gotten nothing butgreat reviews so far, A lot of disbelievers have been voicing their opinion onhow much they enjoyed listening to it. The numbers are slowly but surely risingand Im always promoting it non stop.
Would you say your music is directed mainly toward your femalefanbase?
Id say This mixtape ina way was, But the point of my music and this project as well was just to getpeople to connect with me and my story through love. We've all been in love orthought we were and have also gone through heart break. My music is expressiveI direct it toward everyone, but what man doesnt want women to love him...
How did you get involved in Hot 97’s Who’s Next event?
a good friend of minetold me about it so I decided to get involved.
What are you working on now?
"Return of TheBlack Kings" a joint mixtape with my brother Ocean Wave, were actuallyvery close to being finished and so far it sounds EPIC. Straight real Hip-Hopamazing Lyrics and Concepts. We dont have a drop date as of yet but were in thelab everyday.
How do you plan on reaching your goals?
With hard work,dedication and focus I feel like Im unstoppable. my song "FxckingFocused" said it all Im willing to sacrifice everything for my dream...
Thanks for your time. Rize Above your Next In Show.
Last week in Los Angeles, CA. was the debut premiere of Anthony Evans and El Monstruo's Beautiful Gallery. The gallery poses as the first in a series of 4 this year. Next In Show was on location thanks to @RigoDM. Look out for surprise guest, model Maya Michelle Rew. Check out exclusive coverage from artists of the new school at the Beautiful Gallery.
LOS ANGELES – In a day and age where anyone with a cell-phone is a tenured photographer and anyone shooting with a fish-eye lens can claim to be leading the art world into new realms how can you creatively push the envelope? With that in mind, where and how is there a place for Los Angeles based artists Anthony Evan (www.anthonyevanla.tumblr.com) and Fern (www.elmonstruola.com/)? Well, as far as the place goes, look no further than Hollywood and as far as how… the answer is consistency.
On March 1st, the duo opened the doors to their Melrose avenue installment and welcomed their friends, family and connoisseurs to what they dubbed as the “Beautiful Gallery,” their first collaborative effort showcasing what will be part one of four collections slated for later in the year.
As they so aptly describe it, the “Beautiful Gallery” is “a visual dialogue… [that] takes on a new meaning in the case where animated characters and reality collide.” The vivid photography by Anthony Evan documents everyday events in the lives of four beautiful and alluring girls. Only this time, you get a firsthand look at their sub-conscious through the aid of their animal alter-ego, animated by Fern. Think KAWS meets “The Golden Compass.”
In one series, the stunning and voluptuous Maya Michelle Reu is seen in her intimates early in the morning getting ready for what can only be a hectic day full of sexy shoots for magazine covers or music videos. The vixen is quickly brought back to earth when her alter-ego panda is seen cuddling with her and asking for a snack from the fridge. One can’t help but laugh that even the sexiest of creatures (Maya) still has a playful side and wants to laugh and play like a kid.
And like a child’s endless and bountiful imagination, both artists have been pushing their creative boundaries for close to a decade and always seem to come out on top.
In one respect, Anthony Evan has used his midas-like gifts across many visual platforms. Honing his craft through graffiti his attention to detail has found him success in fashion, jewelry, photography and most notably tackling cuisine and emerging as a seasoned and classically trained chef. This “tastemaker” needs to create and is constantly on the grind looking for the next tasty recipe… and not just in the kitchen.
On the other hand, you have Fern, AKA “El Monstruo,” who definitely lives up to his moniker which in spanish translates to “the monster.” But all blood, guts and gore aside this monster is scary on one focal front: dedication. Fern has pushed his schoolhouse training to the limits and self-admittingly states that, “School was just a place where I could practice my artwork for 8 hours a day. They provided the drafting tables and drawing utensils, except they called them quizzes and desks.” And where Anthony Evan might be the man making the light bulbs flash, Fern is definitely the vision and down-right scary work ethic. His talents go well past illustration and solidify themselves across a successful clothing line known as Ghetto Rock.
These two young artists have only given a taste of what they have to offer. By their own account, they will “only grown from here,” and true to Ferns mantra (Create. Destroy. Rebuild) it’s all meant to grow, to regenerate into something bigger, something scarier, something tastier.
Today Next In Show brings you an indie rapper, who is not only a creative artist, but a phenomenal lyricist as well. Lyriciss represents everything that is right with hip hop now a days; from a humble attitude to always staying true to himself. Check out the exclusive interview below, where Lyriciss talks about being from the suburbs, influences, and being a part of the upcoming indie music festival, SXSW.
I was born in Washington,DC, but was raised mostly in Maryland. Prince George's County, specifically -Hyattsville, Brentwood, & New Carrollton.
Did you grow up in the city or in thesuburbs?
It was the suburbs, butthe thing with PG County is that...it's right outside of DC. So we share thesame culture as DC, from music to fashion to food, and unfortunately, in crime.So it's a suburban area with a lot of the same issues as DC...murder, drugs,low income, etc. It's sad when you look at the situation, because most familiesmove out of DC to get away from all of that, and while it's somewhat to alesser degree, it's really the same old thing.
Would you say you were a product of yourenvironment?
Definitely so. But I'llalso say that I aim to be a positive product of my environment. I've donethings that I shouldn't have while younger...it comes with growing into a man.You test the waters, but I also always had a strong support system with myfamily and their values, so I never went too far off the deep end. I'm blessed,and I really try to use my music to show others who may not have been or stillmay not be as fortunate that there's better lives to lead than what we're toldor shown.
What music influenced you most as ayoung Lyriciss?
My older brother...forbetter or worse, he influenced me a lot. A lot of morals and values were taughtby him. My mother also supported me through everything, especially with herbeing heavily involved in the arts herself. She sings, draws, paints, writespoems, makes crafts...she's very artistic, so that played a role in medeveloping into the arts. As far as other artists, I listened to a lot of DMX,Jay-Z, Joe Budden, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Nas, Eminem, and more when I startedto take music really serious as a teenager.
Cutto today, and within the last year you have been named as one of the hottestunderground, upcoming artists to emerge from the earth period. What is yoursecret?
I just speak my mind andspeak my heart. I think the problem with the game is everybody's focused onbeing hot and finding the formula, trying to sound like whatever is hot. Evenback home right now, the most popular artist in DC is Fat Trel. Sure enough,there's a lot of new rappers there trying to sound like Fat Trel now. I don'tdo that...I just try to sound like me. I even go as far as to changing my flowand voice up a little bit if I ever get compared to anyone. Nobody wants tohear a carbon copy...people want something new, and I can't bring something newto the table by copying someone else, so I just do me to the fullest.
You have been recognized on such blogsas Allhiphop.com and UK-based hip-hop site Rawroots.com for your stand outswag. I wanted to point out the fact that you are a part of URB Magazine’sFuture 1000 Program. Can you explain what that is for people that don’t know?
Well, the URB Next 1000was a program that they ran to give new artists exposure. You'd submit yourmusic and if it was good, they'd post you and blast it out. They even have (orhad...not sure if they still do it) another level to it, which was the Next100, but I never reached that level because I was already on to the next thing.I'll admit, I kinda loafed on getting the people to fully support that one.
How has your career changed sincesigning to Inner Loop Records?
A lot more team support,I feel. They're an independent label, so it's not any big-budget thing, butthey really take time out to make sure the music comes out right with me. Wesit down and go over ideas, from pre-production to recording topost-production. We figure out the right sequencing for the projects together.They give their honest opinions on the music, which has honestly made me comeout with the best music of my entire career, I feel. I used to do my own thingbefore...write the songs, record it, bong. Now, we really put together astrategy, from the music to the marketing of it all. Even the idea of the multipleEPs leading to the album and deciding on using an abstract artist to draw thecovers was a team decision. So yeah...it makes things easier.
The man that put me on to you was FlowJoStevo originally from Highbridge, South Bronx, NY. He know moved out to San Diego, CA to take his careerto the next level. What are you doing to take yourself to the next level?
Peace to the homieFlowjo, man! Just making the best quality music I can...going left while therest of the world goes right. The entire presentation of the project, as I mentionedearlier, has made me stand out more. Killing these live shows has made me standout. I'm about to head down to SXSW and do 3 or 4 shows, if not more, just so Ican now reach more people and show them what my vision and my sound is. I'mexpecting this year to be a defining one for me, because I've finally trulyfound myself as an artist.
The Balance: Money EP was recentlyreleased and is in rotation as we speak. Does the EP have a concept? If notexplain the title.
Well, it goes likethis...the first track that started it all was "The Balance". In thebeginning, I started it off by saying,"Money...power...respect...heart...yeah, I'm just lookin' for thatbalance!" Truth be told, "The Balance" is more than just a song,but it's a mentality, a lifestyle. For better or worse, we all yearn for money,power, respect, and strength/purity of heart to some degree. It's all aboutfinding what degree and balance of the four qualities will better you as aperson. Once you find that, you've got your Balance. Some people find it...somepeople never do...but we live searching for it. I've decided to name my EPsleading to the debut album, The Balance, after those 4 qualities and have thesongs on each one themed around the subtitle. The Balance: Money had 4 songs in the realm of the moneysubject.
Will there be more EP’s to The Balance?
Indeed...we alreadydropped Respect & Money. Next up will be Heart, then Power. We'll drop the full debut album, The Balance, in the fall.
Not only hip-hop, but also all music is in atransition period right now. What do you think of where it is headed?
I think the music isgoing back to being diverse for the masses. The commercial radio scene is dyingnowadays...the internet and satellite radio is getting more listens. With thatcomes more freedom for the DJs to play what they find dope, so it's just reallya lot of different sounds. I like it that way, though.
What music do you have playing in heavyrotation at the moment?
I listen to a lot ofartists...I'm a fan first, artist second, you know? Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole,Pro'Verb, Scolla, Wale, Skyzoo, Gods'Illa, Phil Ade, Logic, L./\., D. Julien,Dee Goodz, Kool Klux Klan, Dom O Briggs, Nike Nando, K-Beta, Laelo, Sketch, TefWesley, Joe Budden...there's a lot more, man. That's without even going intomusic outside of hip-hop that I listen to, also. Love that "Scott Pilgrimvs. The World" soundtrack on the low. *laughs*
Possibly the most important festival fornew/indie artists is coming up this month known as SXSW. You are lucky enoughto be performing this year. How are you feeling about it?
I'm feeling great, man. Iwent last year and only did one show...this year, I'm looking like I have about4 shows locked, and Lord willing, I'll hustle my way on to some more showswhile I'm out there. I'm excited...it's an opportunity to make what you havegoing on a big deal if you use it right, so that's my whole plan...take overeverything that I can.
What are your expectations for the next3 years?
3albums...tours...providing for my family...bringing a positive influence tothis game...opening doors for the community and other artists back home.Anything that falls under all of that, let's go.
How do you plan on reaching those goals?
By staying focused,driven, and positive. It's on me to make great music. It's on my team toconnect me with people that can help our situation and keep me focused. It's onmy fans and supporters to go 150% for me so we all win...my supporters are morethan faceless people to me. I have so many tweets on Twitter because I reallymake an effort to answer anyone who hits me up with love...I really appreciateit. I rock with them just as much as they rock with me. So with all thingsmoving in the right direction, we'll reach the goals.
Thanks for your time Lyriciss. Your nextin show
Thank you,man...appreciate the opportunity. Much love.
