GET ACQUAINTED WITH TYLER A.

N.A.B.: Start off by telling us a little about yourself. Where you are from, etc..?

TYLER A: Well, my actual name is Aaron Erdman. I grew up in a small suburb town called, Holbrook on Long Island. I live with my mother and my brother. My father died when I was 14 years old. I am currently attending college at State University of New York, located in Oswego. As a kid, which I still am because I am only 18, but as a kid baseball was my passion. It switched over to rapping January of last year. But, I am only 18 years old and I have a long road ahead in music and life in general.

N.A.B.: I noticed you just started rapping this year. What brought this about and elaborate on your influences.

TYLER A.: I fell into deep depression because I missed my father very much. I had severe anxiety, and I lost my baseball opportunities because of my elbow. A guy by the name of John Petroski otherwise known as John Jay, in my rap group “The Dream Team”, was rapping for 2 years. I used to write poetry as a kid, I decided to give it a try and it was fun. Four months I was doing this for fun than my mom’s friend Fran whose daughter I dated for like five years on and off told me about her friend, G Strong. So being the go-getter type of kid, I am, I decided to hit him up on Facebook. It is all about social networking these days. We spoke and he said when your mix tape comes out I want to hear it. I said fine. I sent him it. After that I kept writing my freestyles while he gave me pointers. He finally gave me a talk and said I think you need that big record. So he suggested I write a song about when my father passed away. That was in October. It was called One Last Time and it came out wonderful. For the last two months, I've been grinding and just doing all I could to get out there.

N.A.B.: Tell us about that moment you experienced writing and recording your first track.

TYLER A.: My first track I wrote and recorded was called "Please Say A Command." It was my first rhyme ever and it came out in January of last year. It felt good but it did not get a good reception. But I don’t even count that because that was back when I didn't know what I was doing. I was just fooling around. My first real record I consider to be “One Last Time,” the song about my dad passing away. It was magical to record. The guy at the studio made references comparing me to Eminem which was a real honor. I enjoyed writing it because everything just flowed so well. I never got stuck because I knew exactly what I wanted to say. The video for this song is coming out on Father’s day, of this year.

N.A.B.: Where are you now in career in comparison to early on last year?

TYLER A.: Well the beginning of my career was just writing and never recording. Then I made the mix tape “Chasing Fame” which I will get into later but it was all remixes basically. Now I’m making big records working with big people and performing at the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program showcases, opening for Maino and DMC. And seeing DMC, Mr.Cheeks, and Fred The Godson get awards. It is a real blessing to see how far I've gotten, when I wrote my first rhyme a little over a year ago today.

N.A.B.: You have performed at the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program. Tell us about that experience. How did you become familiar and what can you gain with them? 

TYLER A.: Well I learned about the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program through G Strong. He said there is no better showcases and even though I performed my only two shows with Elegant Hoodness, I can honestly say that is true. Stars are in the building. I get so much exposure. It is a real hip hop atmosphere and there is nothing more I can ask for. A.D. The General just runs the showcase beautifully and the people by her side are awesome also.

N.A.B.: Elaborate on your mix tape "Chasing Fame." The making and the turnout, how was it?

TYLER A.: Well, Chasing Fame was back when I was only rhyming a few short months. It was all remixes basically and looking back at it, the mix tape sucked. I got a lot of hate for it. People told me it sucked, but I didn't give up. I never gave up in my life. Even with baseball when I first sucked, I kept going and was college recruited. That mix tape just gave me something to show people and without it, I wouldn't be here because the mistakes I made on that mix tape only made me better. The E.P “The White Walls” I did with my boy John Jay came out awesome, so much better. So, I’m still early in my music career, I got so many more years to grind and so much more to learn. But overall "Chasin Fame" was not the best, but it got it’s views and people learned what I did. I’ve improved and people message me on FaceBook apologizing saying I should have never said you couldn't do it. You are an awesome rapper now and my favorite because I've seen you develop. It was an experience that made my career stronger.

N.A.B.: What's next for you?

TYLER A.: Well I have two singles "One Last Time" and "It’s My Turn." And I performed my first two shows at the E.H.M.P. I’m going back to school on the 27^th. I am definitely going to keep recording tracks and making new songs. I got plenty of songs coming out. I got the It’s My Turn music video coming out soon ft. G Strong. One Last Time video is coming out on father’s day this year. I want to make sure all 8,000 kids at my school know who I am and what I do. I’m going to start promoting like no other. I will be doing shows when I come home hopefully with the E.H.M.P. I’m just going to keep grinding and doing my thing and hopefully someone sees and I get to live out my dream.

N.A.B.: Anything you would like to express at this time, that we haven't? Close out with shout outs and where we can stay acquainted with you.

TYLER A.: I would like to take this time to thank all my supporters and my haters for making me a better person and rapper. I’d like to thank my mother and my brother for always supporting me. Shout out to my boys John Jay and D Young. We the Dream Team look out for us. And a special thank you to G Strong cause without him I wouldn't be in the situation I am in doing the things I am doing with music. M.E.E.N. Entertainment is about to change the game. Hulksmash! Look out for me in the near future I’m going to be making moves. My facebook is http://www.facebook.com/aaron.erdman.9 and my twitter is @tylerayvrum. My email is aerdman@oswego.edu. And you can reach me on my cell at 631-942-8258 for anything. I’m always available. God bless you all and thanks for the support!

INTERVIEWED BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM

Who is Swift Junior? Find out with N.A.B.

SWIFT JUNIOR

N.A.B.: How did you come across the name, SWIFT JR.?

SWIFT: I came up with the name because both of my parents were break-dancers from NEW YORK. My dad's dancing name was "VEE SWIFT" and my mom's name was "LADY SWIFT," so why not call myself, "SWIFT JR"

N.A.B.: When did you decide to become a producer? Did someone in particular inspire you?

SWIFT: Well when I was young, I never really knew what a producer was. I always listened to music and ignored the words. I listen to all the instruments in the background that actually made the beat to the song. Then one day, I came across a beat program called "FL STUDIO." It was a demo that came on my aunt's computer when she got it from the store. That day, I realized I can create my own sounds to create my own beat. Ever since thaN, I went and bought the full version of "FL STUDIO" and just practiced everyday. I would go on YouTube everyday, just learning how to use the program until I finally learned and made my first beat. The person that inspired me was a close friend of mines a rapper that goes by the name "ROX VAZQUEZ." When I started to get serious about making beats he was already going to studios and recording. So me just starting to make beats, my 1st goal was to make a beat that he would actually want to make a song to. So, everyday all I would do is keep practicing and going on YouTube learning how to make a beat using "FL STUDIO." Until finally months later, I made a beat he actually like and did a song to.

N.A.B.: Tell us about your latest productions?

SWIFT: A lot of my latest production still haven't been released and are all coming out on projects this year. Like "ROX VAZQUEZ," LINEL, Y-DICKIE and much more. It will be a busy year and I hope to work with much more artist.

N.A.B.: What and who are you presently working with, and on?

SWIFT: Right now I have some placements in the works cant really say cause its not final yet. Also, I'm in the process of working with "ROX VAZQUEZ" and his latest project.

N.A.B.: You were recently apart of Elegant Hoodness beat battle in Philadelphia, New York. Elaborate on that.

SWIFT: Well, I saw A.D. The General post a flyer on Facebook for a beat battle in Philly. Every time I see a beat battle, I'm always down. I contacted her and became part of the whole event. As far as the beat battle, it was a great! Even though it was in Philly, my hometown, New York was heavy in the building and showed me mad love.

N.A.B.: Give us insight on how you create your beats? What equipment do you use?

SWIFT: How I usually start a beat, I just go in start playing with sounds until I find one. Then I start playing and creating a melody. Once I've created my melody, I decide were to go with the beat. Weather it's going to be R&B, Hip Hop, or Reggeaton, I go from there. Then I start to come up with song ideas to complete the beat. As far as equipment, I use "FL STUDIO 10" my MIDI controller is a MPK49, Samson studio monitors, and also "BEATS BY DRE PRO" headphones. Last but not least for recording, I use Pro tools 9 and a MBOX.

N.A.B.: Would you like to elaborate on anything else in particular?

SWIFT: If you have a dream just know there will be people out there that would try to stop that dream from coming true. Its up to you to make that dream a realty just make sure you keep the positive people around you, the ones that believe in your dream.

N.A.B.: Shout outs and social networks.

SWIFT: I got to give a shout out to my family and Friends, A big shout out to my big homie ROX VAZQUEZ, another big shout out to A.D The General for the love and support she gave me. And a shout out to my supporters. and I wanna give a special R.I.P shout to a close friend that always believed in me "DAVE AKA DMC"  .you can follow me on Twitter @SwiftJR and Facebook.com/swiftjrmusic


INTERVIEWED BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 

KING SAGE SITS DOWN WITH E.H.M.P.

KING SAGE

E.H.M.P.: In your bio it says you’re from Queens arguably the birth place of hip hop. Elaborate some on the subject.

KING SAGE: It's where kings were born ;) I mean you got LL, RUN DMC, NAS, 50, the list goes on.. There’s something about the energy and vibe of Queens that lets a special type of creative energy develop. I was born and raised in it. My ethnic background being Pakistani made me feel out of place but I loved rap.. And all my friends were from the hood so I picked up on there energy too.. And that’s why I bring that authentic NY sound today.

E.H.M.P.: How was your 1^st experience at the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program and how do you think it benefits artists and well you return and or recommend the movement to other artist?

KING SAGE: I had a great time... A.D The General kept it real and fun, its great for artists on the come up to show their skill. They also have an opportunity to network with other artists and promoters/record execs. I’ll be back for a few more rounds for sure..

E.H.M.P.: Who are some of your inspirations?

KING SAGE: Pac, Phill Collins, Sade, Bill Whithers... yeah I’m diverse... I look for passion in music.. That’s real to me; everything else is bells and whistles.

E.H.M.P.: Do you believe Hip Hop has lost its way and why?

KING SAGE: Hip-Hop as a culture hasn't lost anything since its basically youth/urban/street culture. But Hip-hop as an art form got dumbed down horribly. And it's the record exec's that did it. They want dumber artists to be on top so that if anything happens to them they can get easily replaced.. It’s all about money to them...so the music suffers.

E.H.M.P.: Where can we listen and or download your music?

KING SAGE: check www.kingsagemusic.com and my videos at youtube.com/kingsagemusic

E.H.M.P.: Any thank you and or shout outs?

KING SAGE: Thanks To the Most High, to Jane My Manager, to A.D The General, to everyone who keeps supporting me and all my fans... this is just the beginning...

Written by – A.D. The General

Courtesy of The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2013

GET TO KNOW RUGBY ROB

RUGBY ROB

E.H.M.P.:  What does your name RUGBY stand for?

RUGBY: Rugby is a name the streets gave me a few years back, because it was all I wore. I liked the way it sound and I ran with it. It just felt right and it's different.

E.H.M.P.: How did you get acquainted with A.D. The General and The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program?

RUGBY: Whenever I'm not in the studio or writing some new shit. I'm networking looking for showcases, other artist, etc... I came across A.D., did my research, and her resume was more than valid. So I contacted her and we've been working ever since. Shout out to A.D. because it's a lot of fake promoter's out here, but she ain't one of them.

E.H.M.P.: Do you consider yourself a rapper of mc or both and why?

RUGBY: I'm a MC, even though I do rap, I have the whole package to offer. I can take over any stage and work it like it’s my bathroom mirror. I started off as a rapper; I guess, but after I did my research on legends such as KRS One, Rakim and Big L, just to name a few. I ain't been the same since. I took a couple pages out their books and learned from them. You can't be great at this shit if you don't know where it came from and that's a Snapple fact, LOL!  

E.H.M.P.:  Where can we listen to your music?

RUGBY: Soundcloud.com/rugbyrob and youtube just type Rugby Rob in the search box. 

E.H.M.P.:  Who are your top 5 rappers dead or alive?

RUGBY: This is not in no specific order and it’s still tough but my top 5 dead or alive. I have to say Biggie, Pac, Jadakiss, Jeezy and you gotta put Hov in there... You can't leave him out any top 5! 

E.H.M.P.: Where can we reach you?

RUGBY: Twitter.com: @rugbymusic1 Instagram:handsome_hustlaa Email:Rugbymusic1@yahoo.com

Written by A.D. The General

PANDORA OPENS UP TO E.H.M.P.

PANDORA

E.H.M.P.: Break down your name Pandora?

PANDORA: Pandora can’t really be described since she was formed from rage and experience so, she’s always changing. All I can say is that she’s wicked and sweet.

E.H.M.P.: How long have you been recording music?

PANDORA: I've been recording professional like since 16. As a kid i always recorded myself rapping or doing beat with my mouth.

E.H.M.P.: Where can we listen to your music?

PANDORA: Reverbnation.com/ladeepandora

E.H.M.P.: How would you describe your sound?

PANDORA: My sound can not be described. All I can say is that it’s a reflection of me.

E.H.M.P.: If the world could remember you by one quote what would it be?

PANDORA: "Never remember me as the girl that was HATED/ but as the girl that never gave up n MADE IT"

E.H.M.P.: Any last minute words or shout outs?

PANDORA: SHOUTS TO A.D. THE GENERAL AND THE WHOLE MOVEMENT. SHOUT OUTS TO NICKI (nicxer) FOR HOLDING IT DOWN.”IM THE NEXT RUNNER UP MAMA ;-)" SHOUT OUTS TO ALL- THE FEMALES ARTIST BEFORE ME AND SHOUT OUTS TO LILITH.
LASTS WORDS

""WHO RUN DIS SHIT TODAY?!!/ “GOOD MUSIC!"

Wad up YAY

Written by –A.D. The General

Courtesy of The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2013

N.A.B. SIT'S DOWN WITH PICO LEE

PICO LEE

 

N.A.B.: Where did you get the name Pico Lee?

PICO: I was nicknamed Pico when I was born my aunt gave it to me. And lee is actually my real last name.

N.A.B.: When did you debut as an artist?

Pico:  I was in a group named Da Product me and my partner Don Chino around the yr 2000, but as Picolee I would say 2010.

N.A.B.: Have you had the opportunity to gain radio play or any magazines? If so tell us about them.

PICO: Yes I’m in Viccissitude Magazine for Aug issue of last year and I dropped 2 songs on la mega 1310am That’s a Latin station I have crossed over to embrace both my cultures I am mixed.

N.A.B.: You recently performed at Elegant Hoodness Musical Program in Philadelphia, New York. Tell us about that experience. You opened for Freeway, correct?

PICO: Yes I did open for Freeway and it was an honor because I seen him grow as an artist listening to him on the radio back in the ROC days so it was a blessing to kill the stage.

N.A.B.: You have been nominated as a “Top ten Artist of the Year,” how did that come about?

PICO: A.D. The General showed love and my hard work, and believing in God and me.

N.A.B: Elaborate on any other latest releases and future projects.

PICO:  My mix tape is on datpiff.com (introducing myself as myself) search Picolee my single “Knock um out” Picolee is dropping I’m promoting it now and my new album/mixtape Now and Forever just hit the streets will be up on itunes asap for downloads.

N.A.B.: Where can our viewers stay connected with you? Social networks, website, etc..

PICO: You can find me at facebook.com/Picolee Twitter.com@picolee215 Instagram.com@picolee215 /Ps/Keep your dreams alive and you will never die.

Written by – Special Gift (N.A.B.)

Courtesy of the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2013

ELEGANT HOODNESS CATCHES UP WITH CAMBODIAN MITCH

CAMBODIAN MITCH 

 E.H.M.P: When and how did you become familiar with Elegant Hoodness?

 MITCH: My cousin recommended it to me so I took the opportunity; this was actually on the same day the event took place. He also told me that it was a competition to win money for exposure so it definitely was a good look.

E.H.M.P: What’s your intake on being an independent artist? How do you view the indie scene today?

MITCH: I have to be consistent with everything I do, Sometimes it can be difficult because everything is moving so fast, I'm starting to learn the game as the days go by. One thing I can say, being an independent artist you're going to have ups and downs. Not everything is going to go your way but you must remain humble and strive for what you want to achieve. I learned not to ever give up. Now a days it’s hard to get recognition because it feels like the rap game is a big competition. It’s like one big race. I feel like I have the upper hand because people don't really expect an Asian rapper with talent to just pop out.

E.H.M.P: You had your mix tape release party down at Encore. Elaborate on that.

MITCH: It wasn't bad, being though it was my first party I didn't expect a lot of people to be there. It was a lot of love and maybe if I throw another party hopefully the second one can be two times better. I feel like the second one will be a lot better because it’s going to be more promotion, plus people are starting to like my music.

E.H.M.P: “The Killing Fields” hosted by Ruggy Batcave Studios. When was the release? Elaborate on the upbringing of the mix tape. Do you have other artist featuring?

MITCH: I released "The Killing Fields" on the 24th of Aug. I got Ruggy from Batcave Studios to host my mix tape. I felt as though Ruggy was going to be a good look for me. He is well known in the city and has worked with big artists. Ruggy knew the type of sound I needed. I did a party track with Gillie Da Kid, the record is called ''Twerk" I feel like the song has potential to be something big. I also did a track with K.dot the Showstoppa, It was a remix to the "Realest Shit You Ever Seen". We shot a video for it a couple months back.

E.H.M.P: Heavy on the collaborations I see. Is there anyone your geared to collaborate with in the near future, that you haven’t yet?

MITCH: Yeah, I plan to work with a lot of artists in my city. I want to work with somebody that’s going to benefit me in the long run. I plan on working with people like Quilly Millz, Joey Jihad, Ar-Ab, and the list still goes on.  

E.H.M.P: Take this time to elaborate on something that we haven’t touch basis on.  

MITCH: I am a Cambodian Rapper from Philadelphia with big goals. I started rapping while I was incarcerated. I was locked up last year and I came home in January 2012. Three days after I was released my cousin put me in the studio. That's when I came out with the song ''Dolla and a Dream''. That was my first song I ever recorded. I surprised myself because I didn't know I had it in me, and from there on out I knew I was going to be a great artist.  

E.H.M.P: Shout out’s and your present social networks your using.  

MITCH: S/O to my CB Boys, Family First, and my family. You can reach me on twitter: @CB_Mitch Instagram: @CB_Mitch Facebook: Cambodian Mitch 

WRITTEN BY - SPECIALGIFT (N.A.B.) 

COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2013