IN TUNE TO MAKE HIT'S AKA THE HITMAN

THE HITMAN

N.A.B.The HITMAN is a straight forward, outspoken name. When and who decided you would carry this epithet?

HITMAN: I chose my own name. I decided I needed both a strong and clever name that represented me as a person and an artist. The reason behind that name being chosen is because of my admiration of how an assassin carries themselves; quiet, observant, focused on his goals, precise and deadly when need be. There is also a double meaning to HITMAN, I only strive to make hits nothing less hence the name The HITMAN. 

N.A.B.: Like many boys growing up into men, you've overcome your share of hurdles. How did you manage staying focused on your dream?

HITMAN: I love music. It's my escape from most problems and I use it as my own therapy. I've been singing since I was six and started rapping when I was nine. It's not that becoming an artist is a goal, I already see myself as an artist. Being a successful artist is my goal!! I couldn't really afford much so I made everything that had to do with my career choice, my lifestyle. I became a live in studio sound engineer so I can record and perform. I work as a camera man with EMmutimedia.com so I can do music videos. Everything else doesn't faze me. I don't have time to worry about what happened before. If you look back you trip sometimes. So keeping your eyes forward on what you need and everything will be OK.

N.A.B.: What skills would you say you bring to the table being an artist and engineer? How would you describe your sound to people?

HITMAN: I"m a diverse artist. I can fit into any genre of music and enjoy every genre. I not only being an artist but also a sound engineer helped me progress faster and I think it gave me the advantage on most up coming artist. I tech for many showcases so I get to see all the mistakes and I study everything I watch. Now I know what to do and what kind of fresh ideas I can bring to the stage to put on an entertaining show. Plus it always helps to learn all the equipment that's being used for you on stage and off.

N.A.B.: What image do you think your music conveys?

HITMAN: Depends on the song I make. I could make a party song than make a song with a strong heart-ed and personal message to it. Also it could switch to straight up hip hop hardcore. It's all diverse but I guess you could put it under commercial hip hop.

N.A.B.: What are your short and long term goals?

HITMAN: My goal period is to become successful and master my craft in the art of writing and performing music. I mean I would like to get on a level as other famous well known artist too, don't get me wrong.

N.A.B.: Do you have a press kit or demo our viewers can check out? Where do you promote?

HITMAN: I will be releasing a mix tape soon called "Unknown" and I'm currently making a couple music video's for some songs on that mix tape. Right now you can find my music and my info on facebook, reverbnation, youtube and any other current social network. I do have a press kit and will be releasing a video EPK soon.

N.A.B.: Do you have a marketing or business plan in place for your career?

HITMAN: Yes but I feel I'm still in the early phase where I always improve or change things. 

N.A.B.: You've came across the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program showcase. Fill us in about your experience from how you became acquainted to your actual appearance.

HITMAN: I met A.D. the General at a showcase that I was told to go to by a friend I met when I was sound teaching for Times Square Art's Center on 42nd street. I was told the wrong time to go though so I showed up at the end and basically everyone was either leaving or talking to each other. So I walked up to each judge individually to ask them to stay and watch me perform and she happened to be one of them. I started performing and didn't really have anyone's attention at first. So I jumped on a table in the middle of the room and went in on the music, ears where perking than. After that I git love from everyone and got the judges contact info. I sent A.D. my music and she was really feeling it. A.D. kept telling me about the show Elegant Hoodness for a while and I'm glad I didn't let her down because she had a lot of faith that I was going to do well. I didn't think I would win though cause it was a lot of good talent there. I guess it was my time you know?

N.A.B.: What social networking sites are you actively on?

HITMAN: Twitter: @officialhitman Facebook.com/officialhitman Reverbnation.com/theofficialhitman Instagram: officialhitman Youtube.com/thehitmanlive

N.A.B.: Any closing words and or shout outs?

WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012'

DRAECO NEWEST WINNER IN ATL

DRAECO

E.H.M.P: What age did you start doing music? What possessed you into making it as a career?

DRAECO: I started doing music at about age 12. I played around with it for years, I was always had a love for it and was always told my music was good and the more I did it I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I love making music and songwriting with a passion.

E.H.M.P: Many people look at you as being a superstar.  What star qualities do you think you possess?

DRAECO: I think I definitely have the talent, and I know that I have an appeal that attracts various age groups.

E.H.M.P: How was it like being signed with Major Boy Records? If you can choose to be apart of any label, what would it be? Why?

DRAECO: All I can say about the Major Boy Records situation was that it was an experience. Well as far as choosing a label it would be hard. I respect a lot of labels but of course a deal would have to be right and be beneficial to me.

E.H.M.P: Many artists now a day possess a certain style in their music. What style does your music have? What energy do you think it will bring to a listener?  

DRAECO: My style varies. I’m the kind of artist that feels out a track. The track determines my style and flow; I’m very versatile when it comes to writing on a track and how I want to go in on it. My energy is an energy that will let you feel the song, track, and what I’m saying on it. If it’s a song I put out, you’ll definitely feel it.

E.H.M.P: Many artists such as Lil Wayne influence many people around the world with his style in fashion and music. What influence would you want to leave with your listeners? 

DRAECO: I’d like to leave the influence of. I’m me. What I wear, how I rap, what I say. It’s me. Nothing I say in any song I record is made up. I’m not into gimmick rapping. Either I’ve done it, experience it in some way, or it’s a thought that has a strong possibility of happening.

E.H.M.P: What are some other talents people may not know about you?

DRAECO: I can sing. Not saying I’m the greatest at it but I can hold it down. I’ve sang hooks for a number of artists.

E.H.M.P: How can your listeners find your music? How can anyone contact you? 

DRAECO: My website at www.draecoonline.com , www.reverbnation.com/draeco , search me on datpiff.com, I have several mix tapes there of mine and ones I’ve been featured on, youtube.com/MrDraeco1 and simply jus by following me on twitter @draeco.. It’s always some music from me being tweeted.

WRITTEN BY: Rachel Germain

Courtesy of the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2012