[The Plug: Interview] Meet Negro Suave

[The Plug] Meet Negro Suave

With the release of his new freestyle, “Live From The 9 (Full Freestyle),” we take a step outside of the Georgia borders to indulge in the artistry of Kansas City rapper Negro Suave–an indie artist who works diligently to expand his indie voice across the nation. 

Negro Suave says he grew up around music. His older cousins were curators of music, specifically rap, and always had him around during their studio sessions. He says that is what inspired him to being rapping himself. 

You may have heard of Negro Suave from his feature on Atlanta Veezy of NBDMG last year, of whom he says “put him on game” to the music scene in our creative city. 

He credits Houston rappers UGK, Chamillionaire, and Lil Flip as his musical inspirations, which can be heard throughout his portfolio of songs. He also notes Wiz Khalifa and Three 6 Mafia as big influences as well.

In a day of mediocre music and similar sounds, Negro Suave says he exhibits an uniquely different approach to his music through lyrical content and beats. 

“My music isn’t hardcore or just talking about killing somebody,” Suave said. “It’s just something you can smoke, turn up to or just chill.”

Suave has always delivered cool vibes within his records that inspire a creative atmosphere that can be much appreciated. 

The rapper is not just making music to set the vibe for your next smoke session or kickback. Negro Suave wants his listeners really feel his music and the attitude behind the lyrics. 

He says this is important to him, because “Nobody believed in me coming up [and] I had to prove to people I can stand on my own.”

With his new freestyle out, Negro Suave says we can expect more visuals and singles from him and notes that 2015 will be a year for even bigger things. 

Goals For 2014/2015 Is To Make Shit I Dreamed About Reality

— Suave Figueroa💸🏃 (@NegroSuaveBaby) June 15, 2014

Check out his new release, below. 

 

 

[The Plug] Meet OMSN

After hearing his freestyle over the RAAK remix of Childish Gambino’s “Free Information,” I instantly became a fan of up and coming independent artist OMSN. His music is peculiar and unique, and stems from his love and admiration of abstract art and sound.

OMSN (Omasan Amoye) says that growing up in a household where his parents appreciated great and diverse music, allowed him to always be a “fiend on music.”

“My mom would always play Anita Baker and Whitney Houston,” the artist said. “My old man also, but he was more diverse and listened to Pink Floyd, BB King, Ray Charles, Kenny G, Nat King Cole and even Metallica.

In addition to his childhood music influences, he names artists like Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West, Chester of Linkin Park, UGK, and a number of other great names as his influences and inspirations as a young artist. 

These influences of soul, rich lyrics and heavy metal can all be found in the artistry of OMSN. He pairs addicting beats that grasp your ear with his effortless lyrical talent, showcased his song, “Ella Baker (Dear America).” In this record, we hear techno infused with hip hop throughout the production while OMSN lays a propitious flow, creating 3 minutes and 26 seconds of beautiful and promising talent. 

OMSN wants his music to influence individuals “who wake up daily to having big dreams, but little inspiration–like seeing Heaven but residing in Hades.”

He’s currently working on mastering his craft with his upcoming EP,  L. O. S. T. (Lost. Often. (For) Seeking. (The) Truth). 

Indulge in the artistry of OMSN with “Ella Baker (Dear America)” and more below. 

 

[The Plug Interview Exclusive] Meet Crim DeLaCrim

 

Photo Courtesy of SoundCloud

Crim DeLaCrim represents classic southern rap at its best, listing authentic southern rap groups and artists like OutKast, Cash Money and UGK as his musical inspirations. Now, after releasing his 1 Hun!t project last March, East Atlanta rapper is back in the new year with new music and an upcoming mixtape this June. As we approach the summer release of his next project, Crim DeLaCrim took the time to answer a few questions from Pyramid Atlanta detailing his sound, motivation and the pros and cons of being an independent artist in Atlanta. 

PA: When did you know you wanted to make music?

CRIM: I first knew I wanted to make music at an early age so young I really don’t even remember maybe like 7 or 8, definitely when I got my first “tape recorder.”  I used to listen to music and record the rhymes with my twist all day long. Eventually I began writing my own and ever since I had a few rhymes written down I haven’t looked back. I always wanted to be considered amongst the best so when I began freestyling in the gym in middle school and gained respect of my peers, it motivated me to take music a lot more serious.

PA: What artists/rappers inspired you growing up?

CRIM: I was inspired by many artists growing up. Once I got older, I became a huge Tupac fan but I also listened to Cash Money, No Limit, OutKast, UGK, Three 6 Mafia, NWA and many more. I listen to all genres of music though hip-hop just happens to be my favorite.

PA: How would you describe your sound?

CRIM: My sound is unique and original. My sound is also creative and lyrical. I draw from my life experiences and things that I have seen in my community and make a play off of it with words. Whenever I record my vocals on any track, I make sure my topic has substance and my message is properly delivered. I narrate society–the good, bad and ugly. My sound is also built to raise the bar each and every new track and I cannot stress this enough. I have an unlimited amount of flows and my rhyme pattern is normaly determined by the mood of the track.

PA: What are your plans for your next project?

CRIM: Although I went hard promoting my last project, I am definitely in talks with a few DJ’s to go a lot harder and have it featured on LiveMixtapes. The more exposure the better, so most definitely to build strong relationships with bloggers and everyone else who contributes to helping artists get there music heard. The focus is also to improve, no matter how dope my last shit was–outshine my original impressions and really go hard. I’ve been working with some very talented producers and I’m excited to perform some of these new ideas and get crowd reactions.

PA: What do you want your legacy to be?

CRIM: One that is both respected and acknowledged. Nobody lives forever, however what you create with your time on this earth does. I want my legacy to be a positive portrayal of a young black male who overcame society’s statistics and delivered quality product to those who felt forgotten. I want my music to motivate as well as educate and also make life a little easier to deal with at least for the length of my songs.

PA: What motivates your music?

CRIM: Me being me…some of the shit I experienced in my life has to be told firsthand and who better than somebody with real life experience to break down the yin and yang of life. An easier pinpoint would be Everyday life. Just experiencing different situations makes me want to write. Hearing different stories and taking different journeys. I also like rhyming and slick talking, you gotta have a mouthpiece or you lost out here so I maintain my high level of confidence in my skill. Failure is also a big motivating factor for my music. I’ve had my share of doors closed throughout my career and even had my reasoning questioned. All of this has done nothing but continue to allow me to speak truth in my music and constantly outshine my original impressions. Artists come a dime a dozen, especially here in Atlanta, so being talented also motivates my music, outshining others and creating music people can enjoy in their normally stressful lives.

PA: What is the most difficult thing about being an indie artist?

CRIM: Being treated the same as every other indie artist. 90 percent of this business is strictly business and 10 percent is talent like Mystikal said back in the day. Having to continuously stick my neck out in order to potentially be recognized by someone, somewhere. Sitting through artists with FAR less talent performing, taking up space and time. Payola scams that rip off the artists’ both time and money. Undedicated individuals who “talk” like music is their passion but let a million other things cloud their vision and constantly put plans on the back burner. Being an artist is FAR from cheap so financing can most definitely be an issue as well. I enjoy being an indie artist overall though, but just like anything worth having in life–it requires a lot of work and as long as you know where you stand as an artist and continue to brand yourself, I believe being an indie artist can benefit an artist for the long haul in this music industry.

Check out more from Crim on YouTube and SoundCloud. Download his last project, 1 Hun!t, on DatPiff.

[The Plug Interview Exclusive] Meet AM3N

We’re different, innovative and won’t stop trying until we ARE the next big thing. 

Today we took time to interview and find out more about the indie rap group AM3N, who hails from Augusta, Georgia. The unique acronym stands for Ambitious Men 3nlighten Nations. The artists grace us with their story and bask in the spotlight as they inform us and the world about their upcoming plans for the rap game. Check out the interview with AM3N below. 

PA: What made you all get started on the path to be artists? 

AM3N: At first we were just making music just to be making it or just because it was something to do. That’s until we realized that what we had was really God-given talent and that this was most likely our destiny. 

PA: Who are you influenced by? 

AM3N: We’re influenced by the greats that have already accomplished what we are trying to accomplish (you know the Biggie‘s, the Tupac‘s, the Jay Z‘s) because it constantly reminds us that the task can be completed and that one day all this hard work will be rewarded.

PA: What inspires you? 

AM3N: We’re inspired by anyone who is utilizing every day towards their dream. Whatever your dream is, don’t give up on it. Continue to push until your dream is reality. It’s inspirational to see dream chasers. 

PA: How long have you been making music? 

AM3N: Well we both have been making music since like Jr. High, but we didn’t find out about each other until freshman year of college, and that’s when we decided to join forces. So we’ve probably been making music for 8 years but making music as Am3n for about 3–going on 4–years. 

PA: What song started it all?

AM3N: We would have to say “Faded” off of City On Our Shoulders Vol 1, our debut mixtape. It wasn’t our first song we recorded together but it was the first song we released to the world, and we got positive feedback so we just went from there. 

PA: What audience are you trying to reach? 

AM3N: All audiences really. Definitely would put us in the hip-hop genre but we want anybody to be able to listen to our music and relate it to real-life situations in this world today, and be able to use our music as motivation to get through those obstacles that arise in life. 

PA: Tell me something interesting about the group?

AM3N: A lot of people don’t know this, but AM3N has been together longer than they think. We were elementary classmates in fifth grade. Everyone called us the class clowns because we always stayed in trouble, but some strange way we ended up back as classmates & roommates at FVSU. We feel like God put us back together for a BIG task and we’re gonna go for it.

PA: What artists are you listening to right now?

AM3N: Aw man, too many to name. We like any artist that is passionate about their craft and what they do, rather than artist that’s making music because it’s something to do. It adds substance to the art and that’s makes it more enjoying to listen to. 

PA: If you could collaborate with any artist(s) right now who would it be?

AM3N: We would have to say Drake. He’s killing the game right now. Also Kanye, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole. It’s just a few but too many to name.

PA: If you had to tell the world why you’re the next big thing in one sentence, what would you say?

AM3N: Man that’ll be a long run on sentence. But: We’re different, innovative and won’t stop trying until we ARE the next big thing. 

PA: What’s next for you?

AM3N: City On Our Shoulders Volume 2 is definitely coming Spring 2014. Probably give you a few more visuals from Say Amen and Lost Files. Gonna be in a few other cities soon so ‘fwu’ if you see us. Also got some new music coming sooner than you think. But more importantly than all, progression. What’s next for us? We’re gonna continue to get better. 

[The Plug Interview Exclusive] Meet Deante Hitchcock

“Life, life, life…it’s really just a teacher. All the songs I write play off situations or scenarios I’ve been in. My music is an unfinished reflection of myself right now.”

Photo Credit: Devin Buck

Hailing from Atlanta, Deante Hitchcock is more than just another new wave independent rapper in the city trying to make it big. The 20-year-old rapper goes beyond what is sometimes expected from Atlanta emcees, and spits truth from real-life experiences in every rhyme. From the touching story behind “Pink Laces” to the life battles and conflicts he speaks of in “Talking To God,” Deante gives you a true rundown of his life and what he is truly about within the lines of his talented lyrical flow. He has been rapping since he was 11 years old as a hobby, but took the notion seriously in 2012. Now, with his 2012 release 19 Summers under his belt, the Georgia Southern University student has taken the time to grow as an artist, but promises another release in the upcoming year. 

Deante took the time to answer a few questions with us, check out the interview below.

Pyramid Atlanta: What motivates your music?

Deante Hitchcock: Life, life, life…it’s really just a teacher. All the songs I write play off situations or scenarios I’ve been in. My music is an unfinished reflection of myself right now.

 

PA: What makes you different from other Atlanta rappers?

DH: I think a lot of Atlanta rappers shy away from “soul searching” music, for lack of better words. Trap is what its all about right now in the city and we’re from that. So yeah, it’d be cool to talk about it but I wanted to bring something different to the city–something that could stand up anywhere. My vision is bigger than just Atlanta.

PA: Any projects coming soon? Tell me about it and the vision behind it. 

DH: No projects coming up as of now. We’re trying something different with a lot of free music and videos–just a bunch of drops. It’s fun but you all will definitely see a mixtape before 2014 is up.

PA: All-time favorite rapper and why?

DH: I got a new favorite rapper everyday….ranging from everyone from Tupac to Young Thug…shit’s crazy, but that’s music. Different peoples’ music gives you different feelings for different times, if that makes sense. I just like music.

PA: Who do you make music for?

DH: I don’t want to categorize it, man. I make people music. Happy, sad, Jew, Gentile, 15, 46–whatever. This is for you.

Deante is an artist that will only get better with time. As we approach 2014, we can only wait to see what else this young emcee has in store with his music. Until then check out more from the rapper on his YouTube and SoundCloud page. 

The Come Up (R&B Edition): Ron Shirley

The Come Up (R&B Edition): Ron Shirley

Photo by Raven Schley

In a small back room of the Vesuvius Pizzeria restaurant, chattering voices faded into silence as Ron Shirley II, the featured guest, took the stage.

The event  entitled “The Come Up” was an evening filled with musical self expression, and Shirley was the main attraction. Both close friends and family gathered in support.

As Shirley performed, his outer exterior seemed to shed until all that was left was a raw and unmasked being, and In that moment, the passion that he had for his music became tangible.

“I think it’s a newer type of Neo-Soul,” Shirley said as he described his sound. “ A Neo-Neo-Soul.”

He said that his music is lyrically and metaphorically alternative, but still soulful at the same time. So, If he had to label himself, he would say that he was an Alternative Neo-Soul artist, which could be heard through his cover of The Beatles famous song “Eleanor Rigby.”

From a young age, Shirley  started to developed his interest in music. He drew upon multiple things for inspiration including his mother and the arts.

“I have to say my mom inspired me a lot to do…well, art in general. Like when I was younger she was a director in The Alliance Theater. She did acting,” Shirley said. “All my life I’ve been in like acting schools or theaters, and I really think the theater is what really made me want to continue on singing.”

Shirley also labeled Prince as a major influence as well on his music.

Each song performed during the event was relatable and could connect to someone on some level, which was part of Shirley’s ultimate goal for his music.

“I want people to feel good, and I want people to feel sexy,” Shirley said. “I want people to not feel alone. I want people to know that they’re not the only ones in whatever thoughts that they have. You know? I want people to feel like they have someone to relate to.”

EA, on the rise

The ambitious producer on his humbling success: “All I do is promote good life. I try to be a good person outside of music and be inspirational. Coming from where I come from, you don’t get a lot of opportunities like I get.”
Photo Credit: Trent Hill (Uptown Money)

Mississippi native, EA On The Track, is a humble producer who names talents like 9^th Wonder, Drumma Boy and Ensayne Wayne as not only influences, but the reason he does what he does.

“They inspire me to be different,” EA said. “All of their music is different–nothing is ever the same. Plus, they are genuinely good people outside of their music. I haven’t met them yet, but it’s coming.”

EA On The Track, 21, has been a musician all of his life, but his cousin introduced him to the world of beats when he was 14.

“When I make beats, it all starts with a thought,” he said. “The fact that I can come up with an idea in my head, and then put it on wax shocked me when I first started. It was something that I always wondered.”

But soon after he fell in love with beats, the producer faced one of the toughest experiences of his career—one that almost prematurely ended it.

His cousin was killed during a Mississippi storm in 2008, crushing EA’s hopes for their success together.

“I didn’t want to do it anymore because I felt I couldn’t do it without him,” EA On The Track said.

The storm also destroyed all of the work the duo had created.

“That was the reason I was like, ‘I’m not about to do this all over again, plus I have to do this by myself,’” EA said.

Fortunately, the support of his family and friends encouraged him to “learn more and do more.”

After graduating high school, EA moved to Atlanta to seriously pursue his career. He ended up working with Bandit Gang Marco, producing local hits, “She Got Me Pissed” and “Blame It On Ya Ex.”

“That was monumental. That was the beginning,” he said. “I had people from all over supporting me. It was overwhelming. It made me work harder.”

From then on, EA On The Track has worked with several artists, from Ben J of the New Boyz to Rich Homie Quan, increasing his fan base and attracting more opportunities.

The young producer names sharing a studio with a Grammy Award-winning producer as one of his favorite opportunities so far.

“I had the opportunity to be in the studio and be around Bangladesh at one period of time,” EA said. “I was there for a session with his artist FastLife.”

EA says he learned from that opportunity because Bangladesh is a largely influential in his own career.

No matter who he works with, he considers every opportunity important and ultimately humbling.

Now affiliated with Atlanta-based label Uptown Money, EA On The Track has teamed up with fellow producer Ross G to construct the production duo, Beat Genies. EA is also affiliated with CapOStatus Marketing Group. 

“Everything is good. I have established my team and I have good people around me that love to win,” EA said.” We’re just doing what we have to do to make our statement in the game.”

EA On The Track’s sounds can be heard on upcoming projects from his Uptown Money labelmates, Bivo Lotti (Home Sweet Home) and Rich Espy (LA Confidential 2 and Starter 2.0).

Twitter: @Whois_EA

Check out EA On The Track at work, video courtesy of @YBtheSinger/Brilliant Visions.

Ben J (New Boyz) -“Bull Shit” [Produced by EA On The Track]

 “Neva  Personal” by Young Bo featuring Rich Homie Quan [Produced by EA On The Track]