GEMZ GET'S THE LOW DOWN WITH NC'S OWN YOUNG DIRT

YOUNG DIRT

Making waves in the music industry is no easy task, but Reidsville, North Carolina representer, Young Dirt, when you grind hard and sleep less, anything is possible. Recently gaining a major label distribution deal, Young Dirt is ready to share with the world his sound and his story.

G3MZ: For the people that don’t know who you are tell them a little about where you’re from and how long you been doing this?

Young Dirt: I go by the name Young Dirt. I was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, raised everywhere between there, Buffalo, NY, Southside Chicago, Illinois, York, Clover and Rock Hill, South Carolina, and mostly Reidsville, North Carolina. I've been doing music for as long as I can remember but only professionally for about 2 years or so. 

G3MZ: Being from the south do you feel like the south gets misrepresented?

Young Dirt: I don’t feel like the south gets misrepresented, but the streets choose a lot of the same kind of southern rappers to give the most press and promotion to, there’s no one kind of southern rapper, but a lot of them do have similar styles, so most times when an artist from the south sounds different they don’t think they're "southern".

G3MZ: What’s the best experience you've had so far?

Young Dirt: I think the best experience I've had in the music business so far has been touring with a radio single. I've done so many promotional shows trying to break singles when the crowd didn’t know the song that it was kind of overwhelming to have a crowd singing along to the song and actually knowing and reciting my rhymes that I wrote. That's a powerful feeling, also makes you realize the responsibility you have as an entertainer. 

G3MZ: Who influenced your style coming up?

Young Dirt: When I was coming up I listened to east coast music, Rakim, Big L, Jay-Z, a little Nas, Chino XL, Crooked I and artists like that. I did more freestyles than songs. It took me a LONG time to get out of just writing lyrics and actually making songs, I got to give my big homey Carlos Diaz credit for schooling me to the importance of catchy hooks in the music business.

G3MZ: Let us know about your current project and where can people get it?

Young Dirt: I have 2 recent mixtapes with exclusively Young Dirt music available on datpiff.com, "Born Alone Die Alone" and "2 Real 4 Radio - Vol 1". Both are released through You World Global Media in Atlanta. Also I just hosted DJ 7 Thirty's "Block Huggaz" Vol 65 and released 5 tracks on it mixed in with music from some industry heavyweights. The latest project I am working on is my third studio mixtape to be released this summer which is as of yet untitled, but will be hosted and sponsored by Fleet DJs and Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes.

G3MZ: How do you feel about mainstream right now?

Young Dirt: Honestly I don’t feel about mainstream. Mainstream is the product of what's popular in the boardroom and the streets. If the streets are supporting something or the people with the check are paying for the promotion, I can't really say anything other than congratulations. Other than that, it doesn’t make or break me. I got my blinders on running my own race.

G3MZ: How can people contact you for bookings or features?

Young Dirt: For bookings or features you can contact Demetrius Williams at Demetrius.Djdredz.Williams@gmail.com or Ms. L. B. Whitener at MSLBMGMT@gmail.com, or you can contact my business facebook at www.facebook.com/youngdirtofficial or direct message on twitter @YoungDirt.

G3MZ: Any shout outs?

Young Dirt: Definitely have to thank God for breath in my body, shout out my management team MsLB, Demetrius and DRS Productions, You World Global Media, my family G.H.S.L. Fam, Sesame Eagle Gang, the city of Reidsville, NC, my whole Burris, Guinn, Ross fam from SC to NC to Chicago, and anybody that ever clicked a Young Dirt link, liked or retweeted a Young Dirt status, played a Young Dirt CD or supported a Young Dirt show! Hell even the ones in the street talking bad on my name, I wouldn’t be nothing without each and every one of ya’ll!

Courtesy of G3MZ, The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2013

GET ACQUAINTED WITH APOLLO W/ N.A.B.

APOLLO

SPECIALGIFT: What made you realize music was your future?

APOLLO: Music is always did. I don't remember a certain time in my life when I realized it. Music was always just there. As a child I was attracted to music video's on Tv and deejaying.

SPECIALGIFT: Are you presently still in tune with playing instruments?

APOLLO: Yeah I still drum. Presently my new instrument is my Turntables Numark N57.

SPECIALGIFT: How do you describe your style of beat making? Would you consider your style different from inspiring producer's this day in time?

APOLLO: When I create I use a lot of counter melodies and distinct drum patterns. I like to look for different effects and sounds that would normally be selected by the average producer. My style is different from other producer's in that I change my style pretty often.

SPECIALGIFT: Who have you produced for recently and or presently working with? If you could work with a particular artist, who would it be?

APOLLO: I have worked with artist from South Carolina. Some of which includes Dominant, Kream Team, Kenny Kane, Carlos Cartel just to name a few. If i could work with a particular artist it would be A$AP Rocky and Kanye West...

SPECIALGIFT: What are your ultimate goals as a music producer?

APOLLO: I would like to work with more pop artists

SPECIALGIFT: You have a Bachelor's of Arts in Music Industry. That's pretty cool. What has been beneficial in having this degree thus far?

APOLLO: I was able to further my education at Full Sail University, where I just received my Masters Degree in Entertainment Business this past march.

SPECIALGIFT: What's next for you?

APOLLO: I am Planning on dropping a project this fall and basically just performing and promoting my videos. I also want to expand my brand to other regions

SPECIALGIFT: Where and how can the reader's stay updated with you?

APOLLO: Twitter.com/Karolinapollo, Facebook.com/Karolinapollo, Youtube.com/Karolinapollo. Rerbnation.com/apollosc...
Booking: Bookapollonow@gmail.com

SPECIALGIFT: Any shout out's you would like to express at this time?

APOLLO: S/O to You guys for having me and everyone checking out this interview. Check out my music videos on youtube "Apollo Fantastic" & "Apollo Money Man" from the Kakalak Kid Mixtape


WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B. (courtesy of Elegant Hoodness Musical Program) 2012

HE IS X- RATED

 X - RATED

E.H.M.P.: Let’s start off with your name, X- Rated what does it mean?

X- RATED: The X stand for always being the hot spot . The R stand for always being Reliable in body that no me no they can count on me . The A Stand for always having A Positive Attitude .The T Stand for standing Tall on my on feet in if u wont to be know in this world u got to no how to stand "TALL" . The E Stand for being Educated. I'm book smart in very street smart. The D Stand for Dominate. I dominate in anything I do and I plan on getting in this rap game and making a name for myself .

E.H.M.P.: You are a native of Florida. How do you think Hip Hop In Florida differs from the rest of the world?

X- RATED: It's more laid back in simple a nice snap beat with horns in most of the artists. I met in Florida really just take there life in put it in a notebook 

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

X- RATED: I would have to say 2pac, Trick Daddy, Dmx,T.I. YoungJeezy, Outkast, Goodie Mob.

 
E.H.M.P.: If you had a choice between signing to major label and having no creative control or and indie and having creative control, which well you choose and why?

X- RATED: I would have to say indie and having creative control. I feel like I can get people to relate to my music. If they do I wouldn't want to change it. But, a major label can come in and say "we don't like it change it" and that's what I will have to do. The people might not like it but at the end of the day, I'm trying to be happy in make other people happy to.

  
E.H.M.P.: Where do you see your self in a year from now?
  
X- RATED: I see myself making a name not on yet but name starting to buzz in the streets 

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

X- RATED: you can find me on twitter.com/@X_RATED25 ,Reverbnation .com/xrated25, CoreDJs.com/xrated25

E.H.M.P.: Any thank you’s and or shouts out’s?

X- RATED: Yes, I won't to thanx my mother for always being there ,I Wont to thanx Ripp for tell me to stick with my dream in also wont to thanx my up coming label HU.BOY.ENT for record my music.

WRITTEN BY: A.D. THE GENERAL

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012

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'

GET ACQUAINTED WITH ST. LOU

ST. LOU
 

SPECIALGIFT: You are bright, charming, charismatic and admirable. You are a student, baller and an artist. You even have great teeth I must say, as well. (smiles) My Goodness you have super swag, lol!! Tell me and our readers about yourself and how you can sustain your many talents.

ST. LOU: Lol thanks, Well i go by the name St.Lou, it was a nickname my friend gave me when i was younger. I'm 18 years old, I was born in the Bronx, But raised in South Side Jamaica Queens. I started rapping at the age of 12, and was also in a rap group. We did our thing for a year, from 2007-2008 then went our separate ways when things wasn't going right. Ever since then i been a solo artist. I played Varsity Basketball for 2 years at Hillcrest High School. I'm currently in College, I attend BMCC for now, planning on transferring to Florida State University. Have my own team called $Livin Rich$, starting up a clothing line by the way. I got a buzz in South Side Jamaica Queens, I'm trying to make my buzz worldwide. I make music people can relate to with some good concepts. Such as Party/Hype music, to Relationships/Heartbreaks, Fashion & etc. I work hard and put a lot into all my songs, i know it will pay off soon. I'm just waiting for my time. I Sustain my many talents by just being dedicated and humble. If i make up my mind to do something...Imma do it.

SPECIALGIFT: O.k., so I hear you have a single coming out April 21, 2012, that's great. Enhance us with details, titles etc.

ST. LOU: Yeah, I got a song called "Stuntin' In My J'z" Featuring my two homie's, Charms Montana & Dezzy Finesse and Produce by my homie J-Wiz. I wanted to make a song that many people across the world can relate to. I know a lot of people wear the sneakers Jordan's such as myself. So I wanted to make an anthem, which will have an impact on the world. Good Lyrics & A fire beat. You can got to YouTube on the 21st at 6pm the track will be up.

SPECIALGIFT: What are you plans after this release? Elaborate a bit.

ST LOU: After the release I'm going to promote it hard so it will be an success & shoot an official video for it. I have a lot of original fire music coming out. I'm going to do more videos, shows, keep grinding hard and being humble.

SPECIALGIFT: You performed at the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program March of this year, 2012. How did that come about? How was the experience? Elaborate on the outcome.

ST. LOU: It was a great feeling ! I was the youngest one in there and when I heard Bones Brigante was there i was shocked. I wanted to put on a show and I did, The crowd was feeling me and my music and I did my thing. As a new act i came in 3rd place and judges said I had a lot of energy. I was proud of myself.

SPECIALGIFT: I noticed a recent tweet on twitter from you that stated, "Got so many events coming up, future looking great". Now that's grand!! Where can we expect you in the next up coming months? 

ST. LOU: Hopefully on a big radio station or on TV, I mean who knows ? I'm just going to keep doing what im doing now and put God 1st because he never lets me down

SPECIALGIFT: Where can the readers and your fans keep acquainted with you?

ST. LOU: Follow me on Twitter @Louey_Haha , Facebook type in Sejohn Louey Bernard , Facebook Artist Page type in St.Lou , On YouTube type in LoueyLouTV , If you want to book me for shows or send beats my email is SejohnBernard@yahoo.com

WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012'