RON TERI Talks Queens, RunDmc n more

RON TERI (KILL ZONE ENT)

E.H.M.P.: Why Kil Zone ent? What does it mean?

                 

RON TERI: Kilzone Ent was chosen as a name by my manager Jamie Kilkenny when we started working as an entertainment group together.  Most people want to relate it to violence of some sort, though it’s really just a representation of his last name.

E.H.M.P.: How was your experience at Elegant Hoodness Musical Program?

RON TERI: It was a great experience and very memorable. Being able to perform on the same stage on Run DMC and Mr. Cheeks of Lost Boyz is something that not many people can add to their list of accomplishments.  Of course they are icons to many people, myself included, trying to make it in this business.  Exposure to a new audience is always something we strive for in any show, therefore the opportunity to do so at this event was great.

E.H.M.P.: You are a musician. How did you get into playing the drums? And do you play any other instruments?

RON TERI: Growing up I was exposed to all different genres of music the biggest two being rock and hip-hop. My mother and father both loved classic rock so I was listening to bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, etc.  As I grew older I started listening to more rock. The first band I got really attached to was System of a Down.  Thanks to my sister and my brother in law/manager I was able to go to many concerts at a young age, SOAD being one. Soon enough my dad took me out and bought me a full drum kit, guitar, bass, keyboard, and microphones. We set it all up in my basement and he told me to learn them all. I would sit in the basement for most of my day and teach myself every instrument. I started getting more involved with playing and formed a couple of bands. For about 5 years I was in 3 different hardcore bands. I quit my last band and just became a fan of the music for a while..

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

RON TERI: My cousins, my sisters and their friends listened to hip-hop such as DMX, Wu-Tang, Biggie, Onyx, Lost Boyz, etc. Both rock and hip hop caught my interest but my favorite artists growing up were DMX and Eminem.

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

RON TERI:  Soundcloud :  https://soundcloud.com/#ron-teri-music

                    Hot New Hip Hop : http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/search/artists/ron+teri/

                    Reverb Nation : http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/ronteri

                    You Tube:  Search Ron Teri

                    Twitter : @Ron_Teri_Music

                    Facebook : Ron Teri

                    

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

RON TERI:  I want to thank all of my friends, family and fans who continue to support me through my journey.  My manager for believing in me and helping me climb to success.  DJ Sincere and the DRTYBSMT team for the constant support, exposure and opportunities.  And Elegant Hoodness for this great opportunity, who I am looking forward to working with in future shows.

Written by A.D. The General

Courtesy of The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2013

E.H.M.P CATCHES UP WITH A+POLO

A+ POLO

The proliferation of the internet has given modern recording artists many advantages that past artists didn’t have. For those that are growing up with the technology they really have an innate understanding of how to use it to their full advantage. Enter A+Polo, many have started off writing poems before progressing to lyrics and in that regard he is no different but that is where any comparisons end. Still at a young age he has recorded, performed at many venues and has had "deals". EHMP sits down to talk with this up and coming artist.

EHMP: How long have you been pursuing a music career and what was your inspiration to get started?

A+Polo: It all started from my poetic beginning back in 2008. I used to post poems as notes on Face book, and overtime people started to notice my talent. The feedback I was getting drove me to continue on, and one day Alexander Herrington (aka King A.T.G) of Creastland Boy Records came across one of my post. He messaged me asking if I ever tried rapping, and that he had seen potential in me to become a recording artist. So we set up a session, he liked what he heard, and he took me under his wing.

EHMP: How would you describe your style, who were some of your early influences and what makes you different?

A+Polo: I see myself as the versatile artist. I appreciate story telling as well as telling my own stories within my music. Honesty in music is a lost art among my generation, but I aim to resurrect it. I enjoy making club and party themed songs as well. Influences range from the Notorious B.I.G. to Lupe to BTNH, especially since I'm a Cleveland, OH native.

EHMP: You have been involved with labels and had deals before, tell us about that experience.

A+Polo: Yes. As I aforementioned Crestland Boy Records scooped me up, although I wasn't signed to them. The time spent with them was more on the artist development side. They assisted me with studio time, extremely talented producers, and introduced me to that feeling of being an artist. I now am committed to Audacrease Entertainment Group, an independent record label out of Columbia, SC. So far we both have been growing rapidly in maturity as well as stature. We plan to continue on that path.

EHMP: Any current projects?

A+Polo: Of course! I am currently working on all original self entitled album, "Knormul". It’s completely produced by either myself or my producer Zeli. Seeing as it’s my introduction to the world, you can expect to hear the many avenues of my life and this journey I'm embarking on. Release dates are to be decided, but I make sure to provide the fans with updates.

EHMP: Where can fans hear your music and how can artists reach you for collabo's?

A+Polo: My most recent release, The Retail 2, can be found on Livemixtapes.com (http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/15378/a_the_retail_2.html). Subscribe to our YouTube channel The Grand Empire. Also for show dates, news, and exclusive releases visit http://www.reverbnation.com/apluspolomizfitgang. I'm always open to working with other artists. My management team can be reached at audacrease@gmail.com or via Twitter @audacrease. Also follow me on Twitter @apluspolobret.

EHMP: Any last words or shout outs?

A+Polo: Yes. Just to clarify my name Knormul A+ and the meaning or idea im attempting to project. It's my very own antagonym. Haha! In my case I'm taking the word "normal" and giving it an adverse definition. I dont feel any of my music is normal, or mediocre. I still go by A+Polo too. But I'd like to thank Audacrease Entertainment Group, my management team of Ife Ekpenuma and Matthew Simmons The Grand Empire Music Group, and everyone who's behind me. Thank you also for this opportunity. This is another milestone in my career, and I greatly appreciate it.

WRITTEN BY: DJ SINCERE

COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012

GET TO KNOW TAYO NEWEST WINNER @ELEGANT HOODNESS

Comparisons.....we are all subject to them, whether it be artistic ability, athletic prowess or anything else it’ something that can't be avoided. When that comparison is made between an arising artist and one that is legendary, it has the ability of being both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand it will garner the new artist a lot of attention, but at the same time subject them to a lot of scrutiny. How an artist fares in that situation: will depend on them maintaining their humility and of course their talent and output.

Our guest today Tayo is dealing with that situation currently. Read below as we get a little more familiar with him and his background.

EHMP: What made you want to be an artist?

Tayo: When I was like 8 I got a karaoke machine and always liked to put on a show. Music is my passion because doing it makes me feel good

EHMP: Who did you listen to growing up and did they influence your style?

Tayo: At first all I listened to was my older brother. He would come home with songs he made and that inspired me to do the same. But I listened to all kinds of music. I believe that's what gives me an edge and makes me a versatile as an artist.

EHMP: You have been compared to the great Big Pun, how does that affect you and how do you handle it?

Tayo: That's crazy. Actually it's very flattering because Pun was incredible. But I don't think my style is anything like Pun aside from the fact that we're Puerto Rican and we rap. I'm Tayo and while I am flattered I'd want to be known as my own artist.

EHMP: Do you battle?

Tayo: I have battled at times but it's not what I choose to put my energy into. I rather make music. I enjoy taking what I'm thinking and feeling and turning that into something people can listen to and relate to

EHMP: Do you produce your own tracks?

Tayo: I've dabbled a bit I think it's good to know as much as you can when it comes to doing what you do. And so I am familiar with many aspects of producing and engineering but that's a craft on it own and so I leave it to those guys.

EHMP: What makes you different from other artists, how do you stand out?

Tayo: I bring a different sound, a different swag; I am everything the industry needs. “I’m nice, I’m fresh, I’m blessed and I’m Puerto Rican” as said in my song haymaker. But one major characteristic Tayo has is he’s original. In my opinion the more original you’re, the more someone may be able to relate to what you’re saying. And at the end of the day it’s all about the people, the fans, if there not feeling you or they can’t relate to what your saying, then your duty as an artist, an entertainer, is pointless.

EHMP: What do you think of the current state of music?

Tayo: Music was at a point of downfall. Artist were falling off, it almost felt like music would never be the same again. But I can say music has definitely made a turn for the better these last 5 years. The only thing is a lot of artists are lacking that originality, therefore as a listener I find it difficult to relate to what he/she is saying. Music needs realism, it needs honesty, it needs to be created in such a way that anyone from any race or culture may be able to relate to it. That’s just how I see it.

EHMP: Where would you like to be in 5 years?

Tayo: World Tours, Collaborating with hip-hop’s most prestigious artists. I would like to expand my specialties and start acting as well. I would also like to open my own business to help amateur artists promote themselves correctly. I would like to buy my mama a new house and be a major iconic figure when people think of hip-hop.

EHMP: any recent or upcoming projects?

Tayo: I’m working on a soundtrack for a short film being made for a phenomenal book titled “Rise to Grace – A Genuine Street Story” written by Angel Huertas. The book just hit Barnes and Noble a few months ago and it’s gotten great reviews since then. I’m also working on my latest mixtape/album titled “Boats” which stands for “Based on a True Story”. Basically the entire CD is designed to speak about life situations I’ve encountered or I've witnessed. Any listener would be able to connect to at least one song or more on the CD, just because the various topics it covers are universal situations anybody may go through. Whether its divorce, corrupt friendships, love, relationships, etc. whatever it is, this piece of art covers it all.

EHMP: How can people reach you to hear your music to collaborate?

Tayo: You can search me on face book and twitter – “TayoStudioGeek”. You may also email me at tayostudiogeek@gmail.com

EHMP: Any last words or shout outs?

Tayo: First off shouts to my mother and father for always motivating me. They took me from Brooklyn to Long Island for a better life and lord knows where I’d be today if that move wasn’t possible. Shouts to my brother for being my greatest inspiration. Shouts to my sister for always being there for me, even if the whole world is against me, at least I know you’d still be here for me baby. Shouts to all my friends and fans for keeping my head on a swivel, I swear if I didn’t have you guys life wouldn’t seem so clear right now. Be original & Stay true to yourself, Music needs THIS!
Peace & Love,
Tayo

Written by DJ SINCERE

COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2012