Are You An Artist/Writer/Photographer?!

I know you did not plan on sitting at a desk in a cubicle for the summer while people are outside enjoying the beautiful warm weather. Who the hell wants that?!?! We here at Connoisseur 533 are developing an online gallery of thoughts, expressions and lifestyles and are looking for the most qualified, fun, open-minded, people to help us create this. We are looking to create a place that is geared to express the many lifestyles of fashion, art, skateboarding, graffiti, etc.

We are looking for writers, photographers, and graphic designers.

We have strong and loyal visiting rate of readers to our website and it is continuously growing every month on huge proportional volumes. We are looking to bring people to the Connoisseur group to contribute to the already steady exponential moving hit rate of our website.

Description:
Artist Submits
Press Coverage
Viral Marketing
Photography Submission
Web Development
Street Promotion


Connoisseur Group
Connoisseur 533 Boutique
High-Quality Artistic Fashion
High-Quality Fashions for A High-Quality Diverse Clientèle
Based in San Jose, CA Since 2007

SJ Digi Print
We also offer high-quality and off-set printing
We currently cater to a strong artist prints
We have a vast clientèle for artists, promoters, clubs, shows, etc.
Quick same-day turnaround of most types of jobs

unCoVered 3rd Management
Freelance Writing
Public Relations
Articles Published Frequently on HipHopRemix.com
Articles With Independent Artists Such As:
Substantial, The Carps, InVerse, Fat Tony, etc.
Independent Artist Development
Online Promotion
Concert Promotion As Well


Please Contact Us At:
kareem.jahron@gmail.com
uncovered3rd@gmail.com

www.connoisseur533.com

Hip-hop Vs. Hip-POP

Hip-hop in the nature of the threat of capitalism is a problem that is not new to the culture. Venture capitalists such as Viacom, MTV, and BET have come into the hip hop culture and turned it into a cash cow. What a lot of people do not seem to realize about hip-hop is that it is much more than music, it is a culture. Break dancing, graffiti, and turntablism are the 3 other corresponding elements of the hip-hop culture that are often forgotten and misinterpreted. It has always been a truly interesting thing to me to see how conglomerate companies like Viacom could take a culture as raw as the day it was birthed in the streets of New York City, and strip down the music into a minstrel entertainment ground for the current generation that are now in there growing teenage and elementary years. But, the so-called genre of hip-hop that is portrayed through the mediums of radio and TV airwaves to the youth is what I like to call “hip-pop.” The whole message in the music has been lost; you now can turn on your television set to MTV or BET (both owned by the same conglomerate, Viacom) and see the 21^st century minstrel show for yourself. This diamond-laden jewelry that these cats worship and exalt so highly looks like an iced-out noose and shackles to me. The overly-gaudy clothing that these cats rock shuckin’ and juvin’ on the television sets looks like the stereotype of the Zip Coon here to entertain the middle-class white kids that consume 70 percent of hip-pop albums.

Viacom has stripped down the true hidden message of upbringing, pride, and self-awareness that was birthed and installed into the true essence of hip-hop music. Since Viacom and Clear Channel damn near own all of the television and radio stations in this country, they control the mainstream music market. Why would they distribute hip-hop music with a higher message and purpose when they can keep the youth in disarray and brainwashed with the minstrel show rappers out now? Exactly; it’s a huge cash cow to them. What sense does it make to be a “hip-pop” artist when you do not have the control over what can be placed on your album? The more ignorant the music gets, the more ignorant the youth become. Hip-hop music is a huge influence on people’s lives (our youth’s especially); as long as hip-hop artists still allow themselves and their talent to be stripped down and glittered up in the ridiculous jewelry, hip-hop will forever in Nasir Jones’ words be dead. But, to me, it will never be dead; it’s just on life support. Support the independent hip-hop music movement.

Trackademicks Interview

Being from the Bay Area where recently the Northern California region’s local hip-hop scene has been slated with the moniker of “hyphy,” there is a truly exceptional producer hailing from Alameda (an island just off the coast of Oakland). He has made a solid name for himself by remixing songs such as “Tell Me When To Go” by E-40, “Never Be The Same Again” by Ghostface Killah, and even Jill Scott’s “Golden.” Trackademicks might not be a household name yet, but he has the talent from production to do great things in the music world. I seen Trackademicks at a show he had with Zion I in January here in San Francisco, and I was really blown away by his production and live set! After meeting DJ Tap 10 (his DJ) and talking to him for a bit, Tap handed me Trackademicks’ “[RE]mixtape Volume 1.” From the first listen of this mixtape, I knew right then and there that Trackademicks would become a producer that I would be looking forward to hearing new material from on a regular basis. I got the opportunity to talk to Trackademicks about his latest release, “The [RE]mixtape Volume 2,” his formula for remixing, etc:

Being from the San Francisco Bay Area, what local bands, rappers, etc. have been influences on you in the way you formulate your production? What equipment do you use for making your beats, and do you play live instruments?

The Bay is so prolific when it comes to music. In terms of artists from the Bay that have directly influenced my style, Raphael Saadiq, Hieroglyphics, and the Khayree’s production have all been very important. I think the most important thing I’ve taken from the region is the overall laid back feeling in the music, the classic overarching theme and elements of cool and chill in the music. Khayree’s productions for Ray Luv, Mac Dre, and Mac Mall were what made me fall in love with lead synth lines and beat switch ups in a Mobb music format. Hiero did hip-hop that was so quintessentially west coast that I fell in love with everything from the way the samples were flipped to the enunciation in their raps. Raphael Saadiq is just amazing. His work everyone from the Roots to Kelis has been important to the soul aesthetic in my music. In my opinion, he’s the best producer out of the Bay…

As far as my weapons of choice, I learned to make beats on an Ensoniq ASR-88. That has remained the centerpiece of my production process. I also use Roland Juno 60, a Nord Lead, a Seil DK 600, Reason, Pro Tools and a gang of records. I played the saxophone from the fourth through the twelfth grade. All that time spent in the school band was extremely important for my development as a producer, as it gave me a background in music theory.

What is the group, Honor Roll? How did all of you guys come together to create this group? How did you meet DJ Tap 10?

Most of us came up together. I’m a proponent of crews getting together organically as we did. There are seven of us in the crew: DJ Tap.10 (DJ/A&R), Mike Baker the Bike Maker (MC), Spank Pops (MC), Moxmore (MC), 1 O.A.K. (Artist/Producer), Josie Stingray (MC), and myself (Artist/Producer). I went to high school with Mike Baker and Moxmore. We joined Youth Radio, a Berkeley based youth organization, and met DJ Tap.10. 1 O.A.K. was also part of Youth Radio. Spank Pops and Josie came to be part of the crew through a close friend. We were all into the same music and understood the importance of making well-informed music for the Fre$h generation to bridge gap between old and the new, infusing it with artistic influences from all genres. The Honor Roll is here to turn the ideal into reality.

Your latest release, “The [RE] mixtape Volume 2” had hella songs on it that I was feeling! My favorite song on there was with Little Brother’s Phonte, “Halfway.” Which songs on the mixtape are your favorites?

“Halfway” is a great song. Phonte is an amazing artist. I hooked up with him after doin’ the Windimoto Remix (he’s the vocalist on the song). I shot him a few beats and he banged this out with Carlitta Durand. As far as my favorites, I have to say that I love the whole project. The whole reason I make music is for my own listening pleasure. I hate to say it, but you might catch me slappin’ my own project on more than one occasion. This love I have for my own music is what keeps me making more. It’s about drive, not vanity.

Growing up, what genres of music were you exposed to that you now can say has helped mold your production style?

Before I was even into hip-hop I was into 80’s pop like Wham! and Tears For Fears, CTI Jazz like Grover Washington and Bob James, and R&B like Cherrelle and Bobby Brown. I would say that my musical sensibility is very rooted in the 80’s, with the prominence of synth-driven soundscapes. In high school, I really got into electronic music across the board, from deep house, to soulful drum & bass, to trip-hop, to broken beat. I love to mix rhythmic, melodic, and textural differences between all of these genres to create a new hybrid music. I’m biracial, Filipino and Black. I strive to make music how my parents made me… Mix it all up!

You have a very unique sound to your beats, man. I would describe it as ambient club lounge music or even chill-out at the crib music. How would you describe your music in your own words?

I usually let the music speak for itself instead of trying to describe it for artistic reasons.

However, taking a cue from the BEST group in hip-hop, Outkast, I call my brand of music “WesternSlapademickTenderSmobbinCosmicMusic”. The music is just that; Super-Sonic-Sensual-Soulectronic- Futuristic-Vintage-Synthetic-Classically-Intellectual-Slap! [This is] the soundtrack from the Fres$hcoast from the Fre$h Generation.

Are you currently working on any projects for anyone else or even yourself right now? What artists can music heads expect to hear that you have worked with in the near future?

Right now I have a lot on my plate. I have a 12” coming out on Fool’s Gold Records for “Enjoy What You Do”/”Topsidin’”. I did a couple beats and I am featured on Lyrics Born’s album that just dropped. I also did a song on Kid Sister’s upcoming debut album. On the remix tip, I just got commissioned to do a remix for Platinum Pied Piper’s first single off their upcoming release. I’m working with everyone in the Honor Roll on their respective projects. I am also finishing up my album and shopping it as we speak. We takin’these habitual truants back to class!

Are there new up and coming artists currently that you are feeling? I saw that you did a remix for the Carps’ song “The Tumultuous Adventures of JJ Iscariot & the Insatiable Booty Fanatic.” That shit was hot!

The Carps are the homies! As far as new artists, there are a couple that I’m feeling. I’ve been on Janelle Monae for a minute. She’s out of Atlanta and just got signed to Bad Boy. She’s about to make a crazy impact. Santogold is also a monster. I’m feeling her project real tough right now. I’m also anticipating J*Davey’s upcoming project.

Lately, hip-hop has been labeled by media heads as this being the “age of ringtone rap.” How do you feel about this? How do you feel about the whole playing field of hip-hop as a whole right now? Do you believe that your influence can be a great impact on the music world?

It’s funny because the very term “Ringtone Rap” is telling of where the game is. In its current inception, mainstream hip-hop is largely dictated by commerce and not art. Much of the music that surfaces is a reaction to what is popular, an attempt by labels with artists and producers (read “indentured servants”) trying to jump on the bandwagon (which is now sitting on 24”s, of course!). That sounds harsh considering I like some of this “ringtone rap”. I feel that music production tools have become more cost effective and user friendly. Now aspiring beatmakers can make music cheap and fast. I think this is a good competitive environment because it forces the cream to rise to the top. The only issue I have with the current state of hip-hop is the lack of importance placed on originality and musical legacy. It seems that newcomers are just making music, disregarding unspoken rules because they haven’t been educated on the game. I believe that this is my primary function. I believe any sound has the ability to make an impact; its all about it being relevant to the audience. I chose to lead by example. I make music for people like me. People who love all kinds of food and aren’t scared when it touches on the plate. Funny thing is, I’m finding a whole lot of people who have the appetite and just need a suggestion on where to dine.

What are your top five favorite producers of all-time; who are your top five favorite bands and who are your top five favorite bands?

This is a super hard question… My answers change from week to week, with the same revolving casts and players… There are just too many strong frontrunners to name…

In no particular order:

Top Producers: The Neptunes, Dilla, DJ Quik, James Murphy, The Soulquarians…

Top five Artists: Outkast, N.E.R.D., Sade, Prince, Tears for Fears

If you could work with any musical band or artist (dead or alive), who would you want to work with?

This is a hard one… Stevie Wonder, Raphael Saadiq, Todd Rundgren, Dilla, Big L, Stereolab…

“The [RE]mixtape Vol.2” is a free download on Trackademicks’ Myspace page and it is definitely the most complete release I have heard this year so far. He remixes artists such as Snoop Dogg and Pharrell to even bands such as the Editors. Make sure to look out for any production slated by Track; it’s sure to keep your ass dancin’ and your head noddin’ the whole musical experience. Thanks, Track for the opportunity, brah. You have one hell of a bright future ahead of you.

Substantial Interview

The Maryland/ Washington DC area has never truly been known as a hotbed for producing hip-hop emcees on a national scale, but after attending a CunninLynguists show and seeing this young cat, Substantial (hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland) I realized that I could not have been more wrong. I went to college out in Maryland and I had never even heard of this cat Substantial from any of my peers from the Mid-Atlantic region. In fact, the first time I had heard of Substantial was on Nujabes’ “Metaphorical Music” LP; Nujabes remixed Sub’s “Blessing It” and “Think Different.” On his latest solo release, ‘Sacrifice” Substantial displays the essential elements of extreme cadence and epic production within the 16 songs on the LP. You can catch Substantial’s two videos for the songs, “It’s You (I Think)” and “Resurrection of the House Party” on YouTube. He sat behind a merch table at the CunninLynguists show when I walked in and seemed like a truly humble dude. Substantial and I talk about his latest album, “Sacrifice,” his collaborations with Nujabes, and what he views the plateau of hip-hop at this present time.

First and foremost, I would like to thank you Substantial for taking time away from your busy schedule with your touring with CunninLynguists to conduct this interview with me. First things, first. Tell the readers why Substantial is bringing true substance to the hip-hop game.

The substance I bring comes from my everyday experiences. I am constantly trying to be the best “me”. So as long as I stay true to myself, I’ll always have a somewhat unique perspective because there’s only one me.

Being from the Mid-Atlantic region of Maryland/DC, a lot of our readers do not know too many rappers/emcees from the region. Frankly, man, the only hip-hop cats I can name from the area are Wale, Spank Rock, Kev Brown, and you. Who are some of the big names in the Maryland/DC area that most of the readers might not have heard of?

My man Oddisee has been doing the damn thing for a minute. He’s down with Kev Brown, who you mentioned before. Then of course, there’s Ken Starr who’s also down with them. There’s folks like Asheru, Storm the Unpredictable, Kokayi but a lot of times around here, we’re overshadowed by the local Go-Go bands. It’s all love though.

Are you working on any projects right now? What is keeping Substantial busy nowadays? Are you apart of any hip-hop groups or crews? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m mainly promoting my album, “Sacrifice” right now, but I’m trying to wrap up this EP with a producer named Burns from Pittsburgh. It’s gonna be a 6 song project and [going to] keep the listeners wanting more.

I’m apart of Extended Famm, [With]The Joe Brothers and The Plague so of course, my pen gets little to no rest.

In my spare time I do graphic design, martial arts, and watch movies.

I met you touring with the CunninLynguists cats in San Francisco; what other artists have you toured with? How is it going touring with CunninLynguists? What city has been the most hype crowd so far on this tour, and what city do you most like performing in front of?

I have also toured with other members of QN5 Music (Mr. SOS, Pack FM, Session, & Tonedeff) and Nujabes. Most of the time when I’ve toured, it’s been solo.

The tour with CL has been great. They are some of the coolest folks you’ll ever meet and very professional. The city that was the most hype was definitely Eugene, OR. When I saw our tour schedule, I did not expect them to be that hype. But, they were pretty damn “awesome” (That was our official tour word). The city I had the most fun performing for was tied between Victoria, Canada and Bend, OR. All of the shows were a lot of fun, but it’s rare to see crowds so hyped about an artist they’ve never heard of.

Are there any other genres of music that you draw you’re musical influences from?

Although I listen to everything, I tend to draw most of my influences from Jazz & Soul Music.

How did you end up with being on QN5 Music with the likes of hip-hop cats such as Tonedeff and CunninLynguists?

I’ve known a lot of the artists on QN5 Music for years and had been featured on a lot of their releases. It was only a matter of time I guess. Once I was close to finishing “Sacrifice”, Tonedeff offered to help finish and release it. We’ve been labelmates ever since.

How did you end up with working with the Japanese producer, Nujabes? That song “Think Different” on his Metaphorical Music LP was hot!

Thanks bro. I met Nujabes through my friend, Sphere of Influence. The next thing I know, I’m in Japan recording my first full length LP.

I heard you mention that you were cool with Kool Herc. How did you end up meeting him and have you ever worked with him on any songs, parties, or shows? How does it feel to be acquainted with a hip-hop giant?

I met Herc through my wife’s college professor and not too long after that he ended up spinning at my wedding. We’ve worked together a few times. While I was working on “Sacrifice,” I recorded him and used his vocals for the hidden track on my album and I also do fliers for his parties occasionally. He’s a truly great brother. It’s rare that people get to meet the person who had a hand in creating what you’re passionate about, so I know it’s a blessing to be able to call him a friend.

On the song “A PG Boy,” you talk about growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. For the cats that are reading this right now, can you please explain to them a little more about your area? From growing up in Maryland, is the local go-go music a big influence in what you listen to? I know you got some Backyard Band and CCB songs in your iPod, man.

Ok surprise #1, I do not own an iPod. Surprise #2, I don’t listen to Go-Go that much. [I] gotta keep it all the way real with y’all. I still fool with Chuck Brown and I used to listen to a lot of Rare Essence and Northeast Groovers when I was younger, but I haven’t been following it as much these days. I do mess with a few of the new bands like LISSEN, UCB, and Mambo Sauce though.

As far as what it’s like around here... it’s everything. Wild sometimes but laid back. A lot of minorities are doing really well for themselves out here, but the hoods here are nothing to sleep on.

You had a real smooth, jazzy tone to your latest LP, “Sacrifice.” Did you produce anything on the LP? Who else produced on the album?

I didn’t handle any production on the record. I left it to folks like Kno & Deacon (CunninLynguists), Tonedeff, Fero Navi, Burns, Von Johnson, Donnan Links, Studio Steve Wallace, Final, Definition and my man Algorythm. Algorythm handled the most production on the project.

Since the title of your current album is “Sacrifice,” what do you feel like you had to sacrifice to get to where you are today? What would be the ultimate goal that you would like to accomplish in your lifetime?

I sacrificed a lot of rest, money and time with my family. The ultimate goal would be to raise and support a healthy family while doing what I love.

I was watching your video for the song “It’s You (I Think)” and I wanted to know if there was a female that was inspiration for the song. Was there a muse in the female form that made you decide to write the song? It was a great song by the way man, and if you haven’t checked out the video, readers…go do so on YouTube!

Thanks again. There were actually 3 females that inspired the song. Each verse is about a different girl I dated when I was younger.

I was looking on your Myspace page and seen that you were coming out with a clothing line. Where do you get inspiration for your fashion designs? I heard you say that you did graff (graffiti); do some of your designs come from this? What’s the name of the fashion line?

Well I used to really want to have my own clothing line, but I don’t really think about it as much anymore. I do have my shirts and hoodies that I push to promote my name, but that’s pretty much it for now. Yeah I still do graff (in my black book) here and there and I definitely use some my graff skilsl in some of my designs. I had a few different names I threw around back in the day, but nothing official right now.

If you could do a collaboration with any bands, artists, producers, or composers (dead or alive), who would they be with?

Wow, we could be here all day with that one.

OK, well for those still with us:

Amy Winehouse, Common, De La Soul, Dr. Dre, Dungeon Family, Elzhi, Erykah Badu, Guilty Simpson, Jill Scott, Kanye, Lord Have Mercy, Lupe, Mint Condition, Neptunes, Pharoah Monch, Portishead, Radiohead, Sean Price, Stevie Wonder, The Roots, and Timbaland (Just off the top of my head)

For those that have past:

J Dilla, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Stan Getz (This is my short list because I could turn this into some marathon shit easily.)

I would like to thank you Substantial for taking the time to help me put this interview together so the hip-hop heads can get to know you better as a person and emcee. Are there any other things that you would like to say to the readers?

Thanks. And to the readers... Buy my album!

Substantial is a hella humble cat with extremely tremendous potential; go do yourself a favor and buy his latest LP entitled “Sacrifice.” You will not be disappointed. Make sure to check out Substantial on his Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/substantial). Defining Substantial in a short synopsis: Substantial brings the raw aspects of a true emcee to life in a hip-hop landscape currently that is infused with cliché acts. Sub, thanks for the time.