A Sample Of Ideas…(Summer Grind Issue 2012)

Hip-hop producers are a wonder to me, honestly.  I hear how their drums pound or how they make the instrumentation sound so wonderful. One of the things I love most of all is a good sample. To me it’s like taking something already wonderful, taking it off a high shelf where it was collecting dust, and making it all new for another generation to enjoy.

For example, The Isley Brothers are legendary and so are many of their iconic tracks. And many of those tracks were repackaged and brought to new life through hip-hop.

The best example I could give here would be how the classic track “Footsteps In The Dark” became the Ice Cube cut “Today Was A Good Day”. Even as I type this now I’m humming and thinking on both Ronald Isley was feeling footsteps in the dark and Ice Cube being happy that no one he knows got killed in South Central LA. (I can imagine that was a good day.) 

In the same tact “Between The Sheets” was tweaked to become “Ignorant Shit”, an insightful track brought to us by Jay-Z and featuring Beanie Sigel. Once again, I’m pondering both Ronald talking about sharing love in between the sheets as well as Jay-Z talking about that ignorant shit that we all love, which is a long string of profanities and drugs.  (We like it, we shouldn’t ‘front’, as Mr. Carter so pointedly says.)

That in and of itself got me thinking about other songs that could be used to make great hip-hop songs. Here is a short list:

• “Angie Baby”-This song, a classic by Helen Reddy, tells a mysterious story about Angie, a young, friendless “crazy” girl who “lives her life in the songs” she hears on “rock and roll radio” as well as the disappearance of a neighborhood boy.

• “Harden My Heart”-Quarterflash’s heartbroken anthem is another example of a great song in need of sampling. Something about the sparse instrumentation, the vocals of Rindy Ross (as well as her exquisite saxophone playing), and the tone of the track make it perfect.

• “Eminence Front”-The British band The Who give us a song that has been used as themes songs for sports teams and in popular video games such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.  It tells of delusions and drug use of the wealthy and the hedonistic. The lyrics describe a party where people hide behind their own personal facades.

I hope that producers in their search for the next great beat look at these and make magic.

Courtesy of Lucius Black for Royalty Magazine

The Social Network

I’m not particularly sure if anyone other than myself has noticed it but social media has become almost a joke. By definition alone it’s supposed to be used for social means and sharing certain media between people. As of late it’s been clogged with half naked females, stupidity, high school drama, and all types of nonsense. But, occasionally, you find a rose amid the weeds. Case in point: the hip-hop duo Southside Celebrity. Through a mutual acquaintance on Twitter I met two young rappers who give me hope for hip-hop. This duo consists of Atlanta rappers Ceeno Hatas (@CeenoHatas) and Alkebulan (@AlkebulanX2). I’ve downloaded mixtapes from them and have been thoroughly impressed with the production as well as the sound. But this review isn’t about them. It’s about a friend of theirs by the name of Curtis Williams (@ThatBoyCurtis).




More often than not greatness seeks out equal greatness. I can say this is true of Curtis Williams. After reading a tweet about his newest mixtape Trill Shit Only (his sophomore effort) I decided to check it out and see if the music lived up to the hype. I am very happy to say that it exceeds it. The first thing I noticed was the laid back sound you get from Mr. Williams. It’s an almost syrupy quality that is wonderful to the ears. The songs presented boast features from fellow Atlanta rappers Alkebulan and MoneyMakinNique (@mOneyMakinNique) and countless others. Each feature is well laced and near flawless. One of my favorite tracks has to be “Missing Us”, a perfectly confident player’s anthem of sorts featuring Alkebulan. A few tracks also had me enamored and lost in Williams’ Trill world. Here they are:

•“Money In The Walls” (ft. Hardaway Smith)-This track evokes that gangster sort of vibe that you automatically feel when you think about movies like The Godfather or American Gangster. Upon listening to this one you’d be inclined to think of the latter based on the use of one of the movie’s quotes (“The loudest one in the room is the weakest in the room”)

•“London, Paris”-I’m a movie buff as well as lover of music. When I sit back and allow this track to play I’m in put in mind of The Thomas Crown Affair, the ultimate heist movie. Williams’ words and their content collide well to make something wonderfully smooth and easy to listen to.


So all I have left to say is this: you should be downloading this as soon as you can. http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/15296/curtis_williams_trill_shit_only.html. Go and get it now!

A Once And Future Thing…

For a long time I have been without much hope for hip-hop. Based on what has become popular in such an influential genre I was forced to believe that the death of hip-hop would come after all. Because I was one of the ones who, despite liking the content, wholly disagreed with the title of Nas’ 2006 album (Hip Hop Is Dead for those not paying attention) I was hoping for the world to change. Nowadays I feel a shift in the paradigm of club tracks and nonsensical songs. Concepts and depth are slowly creeping back into this world we all love so much. Here in this article I will enumerate what can be expected from the future of hip-hop, whether it be good, bad, or indifferent. Let’s begin.



•The Much Anticipated: With everything that’s happening in hip-hop, more great songs are being thought up and concepts explored. There are many debut albums that look to hoped to be enduring classics. One such album (an album yours truly is looking forward to) is the debut LP of Meridian, MS rapper Big K.R.I.T. entitled Live from the Underground. Other rappers who we can anticipate great things from include 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, and Big Sean to name a few. This year has proven that these men and more are hungry to break through.

•One Hitters: As much as it pains me to say it, expect more of those one hit wonders to come about. Granted, given the climate, they will be fewer than in recent years. As a quote once said, you can’t have lightning without the thunder. A little thunder is on hip-hop’s horizon.

•Hungry Ones: I have noticed that the hip-hop community is hungrier these days. I am so happy to say that particular statement includes established artists. Ludacris, for example, has put out a new mixtape (1.21 Gigawatts) that shows that despite his place in the hip-hop community he’s still a monster seeking to devour anything and everything. The underground scene is full to bursting with people who are poised to burst on the scene with a new flavor and a new scene.

•Creativity Resurrected: It’s great to see that creativity is making some sort of resurgence. I’m not sure about you but I had long since grown tired of half-naked gyrations and over the top bragging. Finally rappers are using their heads for more than a place for a hat.

Suffice to say 2012 looks to be a great year. Elections, the promise of a better day, and the certain rise of hip-hop.

The Showcase 2 (Winter Wonderland Issue)

Royalty Magazine's Chief Editor TazDatMC caught up with Maryland's first pornstar/bisexual rapper "Imani the Misfit".  From his sexuality to his views on God to his outspoken mind...Imani tends to face alot of controversy.  What's your thoughts on hiphop's Misfit?  Check out the interview below...



Royalty Magazine:  What's good Imani?  How was your summer?  Anything special popping off for the upcoming Holidays?


Imani the Misfit: Im doing good, and my summer was nice. Alot of great memories. I dont celebrate Christmas but Im looking forward to spending time with my family on Thanksgiving.


RM: Tell us more about your name.  Is Imani your real name?  And why are you referred to as the Misfit?

Imani: Imani is swahili for faith. For me, the name "Imani The Misfit" actually translates into "Faith in the Misfit". I created that name for myself as a reminder to myself to have faith in myself. The "Misfit" part is special to me because it reflects my philosophy on life. Any great person that every changed the world started out as a misfit. It takes an unusual person to change the world, and my whole agenda is to promote the idea that being unusual or being bizarre is a good thing when you are trying to bring change. There is nothing wrong with being a misfit. Being a misfit is beautfiul and we should all be proud of the things that make us different.


RM: How did you get started rapping?  What pushed you to take that step to make music part of your life?

Imani: Ive always had a dream of being in the entertainment industry, so music and entertainment has always been apart of my life. I first started rapping at 13 as a hobby. It wasnt until years later that I decided to take rap serious and pursue it heavily. I can say that the main element that pushed me to make that step was listening to 2pac's music. I say this all the time in all my interviews. If it wasnt for 2pac, I would not be a rapper. I may not even be alive. There were times in my life when I was severly depressed and suicidal, and 2pac's music was the only voice I had that made me feel like I wasnt alone. 2pac was the type of rapper that made his life an open book, and alot of the things he would talk about in his music were things that most rappers would never talk about, but because of this he was able to touch alot of people deeply. When he openly talked about having suicidal thoughts and feeling worthless in his songs, it made me feel like I wasnt alone.  2pac's music affected my life in alot of ways, it was my therapy. All I ever wanted was to return the favor. I got into rap so that I can be a role model to someone else that 2pac was for me. I wanted to be the big brother or the friend to people out there who have no friends. Thats what pushes me.


RM: Yeah 2pac was deep, I can dig it! Do you remember your first rhyme?  If so, what was it about?


Imani: I dont remember the whole rhyme, but here are the parts I remember:

I talk about life while you talk about heaters
Trying to get a girl with your fake ass beeper?
You want to hang with us?
If you aint fam then bang with us
If you aint down then you cant hear my sound
If you aint the king then you cant wear the crown...

Thats all I can remember... I was only 13


RM: Lol..that's cool.  I only remember bits and pieces of my first rhyme too.  You are very outspoken about your sexuality.  At what age did you discover you were bisexual and how did you deal with it?  Was your family supportive?  If not, who would you say was your support team during that time?

Imani: I can remember having my first crush on a girl when I was about 4. My first crush on a guy was when I was 13. I came from an environment where male bisexuality was unaccepted, so I hid my attraction for men and only acknowledged my attraction for girls. It wasnt until later in my adulthood that I embraced my sexuality and accepted myself as a bisexual man.

When I told my parents and my family, at first they were upset, but after awhile they got over it. I had a female friend at the time who was my support system when I first came out. I would tell her about all the guys I was messing around with. I also watched alot of Chris Crocker and Johnny Boy videos. Those people are very brave and inspiring to me.


RM: When did you decide to incorporate your bisexuality with your music?  What was your fan response when you came out and started (as you would say) spitting homosexual lyrics?

Imani: Soon after I accepted my bisexuality is when I made the decision to come out of the closet with it. It wasnt long. On the day that I revealed myself, I had accepted my bisexuality a month before. Alot of fans unfriended me and unsubscribed my YouTube, but at the same time, I gained alot of new fans who actually appreciated me more than my old fans.


RM: You are also "something like a porn star", what prompted you to start doing adult videos and why?

Imani: Part of it has to do with me being uncircumsized, Ive always felt sort of special because of that. Ive always had fantasies about exposing my penis to the world and being in porn films. Ever since I was a child and saw my first porno I wanted to be in one. I think that alot of people have fantasies about being in porn, but most people never make that jump because of family or jobs. I wanted to break that barrier. I just dont like the hypocrisy of society when it comes to porn. Most people who persecute and degrade people in the adult industry are people who have personal porn collections themselves. I mean, the porn industry is a billion dollar industry. You dont make that much money unless you have a huge audience.

I dont think anyone should be ashamed of masturbating, watching porn or being porn. If thats what you enjoy, embrace it. I love my naked body, I love my penis and I love to masturbate on camera. The fact that thousands of people have seen me pleasuring myself on camera is a turn on for me. I love knowing that thousands of people have masturbated to my pictures and videos along with me. I love it and enjoy it every minute of it.


RM: There is alot of controversy around you as an artist, porn star as well as a person.  I've seen first hand a few instances via video and/or blogs where cats were coming at you or trying to expose you.  Does it ever piss you off or do you just keep it moving?  How do you tend to deal with the dissing, blogging and hateful comments?

Imani: Sometimes its scary, because when people publicly say cruel things about you, you dont know how people are going to take it. After awhile I learned how to deal with it though. I take it as a compliment. I look at it this way. Military planes get shot at when they are flying over enemy territory, right? So the fact that people are beginning to take shots at me indicates that Im a threat. For some people, the amount of change you will make in society can be determined by how much of a perceived threat you are. Its actually a testament to the power of my message.

RM: Interesting way to put it, I like that flying over enemy territory theory lol.  You have strong beliefs about bisexuality, God and just how you view the world.  Can you give us a few insights about those beliefs and explain to our readers how you came to feel the way you do?

Imani: Bisexuality is natural and normal. God doesnt exist. I came to feel this way by being brutally honest with myself and challenging everything that I have been taught.


RM: We all have our different views on God so we'll have to touch more on that next go round.  In the meantime, for those that think that you use your bisexuality as a gimmick, what do you want to say to them?

Imani: They're right. I do use my sexuality as a gimmick to break stereotypes about bisexual men and also to inspire other bisexual men to embrace their sexuality and accept themselves. So far, it works. When I have young people sending me messages telling me that they came out of the closet because of MY music and videos, I know Im doing the right thing. What people say about me is irrelevant. So many people consider gimmicks a bad thing, but every successful music artists uses gimmicks and alot of times they have positive aspects to them if used correctly.


RM: Any other comments/last words/shot outs?

Imani: Believe and have faith in yourself at all costs. Dont ever let someone tell you what you cant do. When I first came out of the closet, everybody told me that I was committing career suicide and nobody would take me serious. Yet as of today, Ive been interviewed by 40 different internet radio stations and this is my 18th website feature. If I would have listened to everybody around me, none of this would have happened for me. Im living proof that anything is possible when you have faith and belief in yourself.


RM: What is your twitter and/or website info so people can check out some of your work as well as follow you?

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ImaniTheMisfit

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/ImaniTMisfit

Buy my music on iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/3fvekjh

My Clothing Company : http://misfit.spreadshirt.com/

XTube: http://www.xtube.com/amateur_channels/amateur.php?u=ImaniMisfit

RM: Thanks for the interview...much appreciated. 

Imani: Thank you for giving me the chance to tell my story!!!!

Courtesy of @TazDatMC for Royalty Magazine

Ear Hustlin (Winter Wonderland Issue)

Chillin' with Tazzy - the Chief Editor

Whut it do?  Make sure you check out my music as well as site.  I am working on some new heat that should be dropping early 2012!  Spit Don't Swallow (the Mixtape)...coming soon...

www.tazdatmc.com/
www.Reverbnation.com/TazDatMC




Blackout Mode

This is a new section that I like to call Blackout Mode.  I will feature music, videos, etc from two of my favorite rappers "Redman" & "Methodman".  I will also show videos from their entourages and collaborative emcees.  I don't think they get the props or credit they deserve so with me being a fan & a media outlet to the underground, I am giving respect where respect is due!  If you have any videos or suggestions, holla at me on twitter @tazdatmc





Hiphop at its finest!!!!!!!!


















Tazzy's exclusive interview with Mec-One....

Royalty Magazine: What's good Mec?  How was your summer?

Mec-One: I'm good,as far as my summer it was ok could have been better lol!

RM: Awww I know how that can be.  So how is the grind treating you?  What new projects do you have in circulation and/or about to release?

Mec: The grind has been great! I really love what i do regardless of money or no money.  As far as project's...I just dropped a few mixtapes "Heatwave" vol.1 & 2 & "Murder Spree" Hacked 4.  I'm also about to work on my 5th installment of the Halloween series "Murder Spree" Hacked 5.  But you know what?? Everyday is Halloween for me so imma drop these mixtape series regardless lol!

RM: Lol.  I can dig it!  I am also digging the Mixtapes on Deck site that you made.  Creating another outlet for artists to upload their mixtape so they can get additional exposure is dope all in itself!  What prompted the move to design a mixtape site?  How has the artist response been since you launched the site?

Mec: Well it's in it's prime, kinda too early to tell but slowly but surly artists are submitting their project's so that's cool.  As far as me doing this, I do it because I love mixtapes (always have...always will).  This is just my way of showing love to the artist who's seriously on their grind & at the same time I'm promoting myself as well as my team. 

So on that note, artists if you have something just submit it!  It's as easy as 1,2,3 to post up your submission. All I expect in return is that the artist just post my banner on their mixtapes in support of the site.

RM: That is a sweet deal.  You have got show love to get it back!  That's the only way that we can make some sort of progress with the moves we make.  Anyways, I've checked out the site and it's tight!  Off top, what are some must peep mixtapes on your site and how can people download them?

Mec: Well most mixtapes are linked to other mixtape sites like datpiff etc.  All they have to do is click the cover & it will link you to that site where the download is.  Well we got a few gems on there by us like Easy's solo mixtape "Easy behave (free easy edition)" ,Preamo's "Man the Fuck up" mixtape & "Army of Four (generals at war)". Other than that I mostly have industry artist mixtapes by top DJ's so get your fix where everything is on deck! lol!

RM: Lol.  That's wassup!  You not only drop your own mixtapes but you are also a producer, how did you get started making beats?

Mec: Well it goes back to 2002 because that is where I first started playing the keyboard.  The first program I ever used was logic platinum.  I was inspired by a few friends who were doing it at the time & was showed how to use the program to make my beat's sound better...I was also inspired by the great's like Pete Rock, Hovoc of Mobb Deep, DJ Premiere, Alchemist, Rza & the producer's from Dipset & so on & the rest was history.

RM: Do you remember the first instrumental you composed?  What pushed you to take that first step to make a beat and what equipment did you use to make it?  Was it hot or wack? 

Mec: Yes my first beat was super wack lol! But like always you gotta crawl before you walk!  Not every beat on your first try is alway's goina be hot...but as time went by I was getting better.

The first keyboard I ever used was a ASR & from there I started using the Oxygen 8 Mini
Keyboard (a dummy keyboard with logic exs 24 library stock sounds).

RM: You seem to handle the beats as well as mixtapes and Big Skilly seems to hold down the video production side of things.  How did yall two hook up and what can we expect to see from the movement in 2012?

Mec: Yes I handle the graphics, the DJing,the music production, recording's as well as promotion.  While Big Skilly handles the video's & eblast's, which is a very heavy promotional tool he take's care of.  So expect more production from me as well as mixtape's and new video's from Big Skilly Films featuring artists like Triple Threat, Kennedy Clemente, Preamo & Mo-Barz.

RM: I can dig it!  Being from New York how do you stay consistant with the competition?  What makes you stand out as a producer and why should artists let you produce their record?

Mec: Our grind is crazy!  We are not only on one website our product is posted on various blogs, mixtape site's, video site's & on the street's as well.  But since this is the grind of the future...we mostly promote and network on the net, which is a very productive as well as effective way to reach out to the viewers & listener's.  It doesn't matter if they hate it or love it because they still seeing us!  Most artists only promotional tool is their hood, datpiff, facebook & youtube & call it a night...but it is what it is!

RM: Real Talk!  So how do you feel about the current state of hiphop?  Where do you see it going over the next few years?

Mec: I mean as far as hip hop everybody doing the samething "money, hoe's, murder...not to much lyrical content...to be honest it's leaning more to the South.  I see the Eastcoast to the Westcoast bumping the South style of music.  I got no real beef with that cause it's not really too much of the beats, it's the lyrical content that's put on them beats which is trash lol! But I've heard some nice rappers spit to them South beats really nice & keep it hip hop regardless. 

As far the radio goes...I dont really listen to it just the mixtape's because most them artists are hungry like when 50 started...

RM: Any last words/comments/shot outs?

Mec: Yes I would like to thank my supporter's from the UK Lou Lou production's (the kartel family producer's in the uk) jimus, ranger, the artist Mo-Barz, Preamo, Triple Threat, G3mz, Tazdatmc, Big Skilly Films, Dinero Management, Shawn Butter's, Crime Square DJ's from harlem, S.T. da Nomad & whoever else I forgot just many too name lol!



RM: How can people keep up with you as well as check out some of your work?

Mec: Hit me up on twitter/meconeproduct or www.facebook.com/meconeproduct & my facebook band page mec-one productions & www.mixtapesondeck.com & www.bigskillyfilms.com

RM: That's wassup Mec!  Good looks on the interview fam...keep grinding...much respect!


Video(s) of the Month











Hiphop ThrowBacks

RIP Heavy D













It's crazy because Heavy D just performed a few weeks ago on the BET awards.  This was Heavy's first performance in 15 years.  I am blessed to have been able to seen that performance as well as have gotten a chance to know one of hiphop's finest.  Here is Heavy at this years BET awards...






R&B Throwbacks













Movie ThrowBacks














Thank you for checking out my section!  If you want to be featured, have questions or video suggestions...holla at ya girl on twitter @tazdatmc


Also last issue I had a chance to catch up with Big Skilly of Big Skilly Films...click here to check out his feature and exclusive interview.

Out the Box (Winter Wonderland Issue)

Royalty Magazine is reaching OUT THE BOX to bring you some talented artists in different genres.

This months light shines on...

 

 

 

Not Them:  Hiphop/Electronic/Dance/DJ

The wordsmiths Gentleman J and The Dirt Merchant met in film school at Full Sail University. After a couple drunken freestyles at parties the dynamic duo decided to attempt writing songs, which never happened. It wasn’t until chance put them in the same house, aptly dubbed “The Stronghold”, where the Hip Hop magic began.

If every aspect of hip hop were in a digital picture, then Not Them! uses every single pixel in the frame.

They are an uber imaginative, poetically inclined, trail mix of soliloquies that are just as fun to hang out with, as they are to listen to.

After all, they are just trying to make friends…. with the world in mind.

For more on "Not Them", click here...

To see who was in our last issue of "Out the Box" please click here...

The Showcase (Fall Back Issue 2011)

And this months light shines on....

Runt Dawg

Royalty Magazine: What's popping Runt?  How is your summer going so far?  

Runt Dawg: Errthing good baby..this has been my best summer ever!!

Royalty Magazine:  Well for those that don't know, you have previously dropped projects such as the "Yung Turna Mixtape", "Friday the 13th Parts I & II", etc.  Any hot new/upcoming projects you want to tell us about?

Runt Dawg: I got "Friday da 13th pt.3" poppin', plus my new joint "Shutdafukupandlisten" coming soon...all over "Muddy Waters 2" Redmans new lp also comin soon on GillaHouse music.

Royalty Magazine:  That's wassup!  I am looking forward to that.  You got heat and I am anxious to hear some new music from you.  I am also a Redman fan so hearing that Muddy Waters 2 is coming soon is hot!  Good ish my nig!  Now tell us who is Runt Dawg? Like how would you describe your vision as an artist?  What's your style?  What makes you stand out?

Runt Dawg: Runtdawg is gutter, grimy, hood, but humorous, gritty and identifiable..whut makes me stand out iz my brick city swagger of course, and catchy punchlines.

Royalty Magazine: At what age did you decide to make your dream a reality?  What was that feeling like?

Runt Dawg: I started in 96. Ppl loved my couple of rhymes..so I wrote more, did songs and got heard by Ruffhouse Music.

Royalty Magazine: Can you remember your first rhyme?  If so, tell us what was it about?

Runt Dawg: My 1st rhyme..lol..I remember most of it,I was on sum fake scarface shit..he iz one of my favorites of all time..so I was spitting like him, but adding my nwk swagger to it..hahhahahaaha. 

Royalty Magazine: Lol...Well you are definitely doing your thing!   You are signed to Redman's label "GillaHouse", (along with Saukrates, Ready Roc & a few other talented artists) how did yall hook up?  What can we expect to see/hear from Gilla in 2011/2012?

Runt Dawg: I knew Redman since like 1989, he used to be wit my older brother..then he got signed to DefJam and came bak to the hood and scooped us..good dude..this iz GillaHouse time..keep yall ears tuned in..pancake and syrup iz online now..we got GillaHouse album and madddd projects poppin' this year..no games!

Royalty Magazine: I can dig it!  What are some of your other accomplishments?

Runt Dawg: My most major accomplishment iz making my moma proud..nothing else compares. 

Royalty Magazine: That's wassup!  What are some of your goals?  Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Runt Dawg: My goal iz to stay focused, be reliable, stay pushing and in 5 years I plan to be wherever God has me..I know that as long as I'm walking in his light..ima be good..I wanna do a movie of my life..a comedy of course.

Royalty Magazine: Sounds good.  A movie huh? Well that would be interesting lol.  I can tell by your music that you are grimy but you are funny as well.  GillaHouse nikkas be clowning, but you keep it real and that's what's up! Let me know if that movie drops..I wanna see :).  Anyways, tell us...How do you feel about the current state of hiphop?

Runt Dawg: The current state of hip hop iz aimed at kidz I think..its sum dope dudes, but the majority are all fluff..can't hate how they eat tho so its all gee..I know me and my dudes got our own lane, it ain't for kiddy rappers.

Royalty Magazine: Lol true.  Anything else you want to tell us?  Any shot outs/comments?

Runt Dawg: Shout out to you baby..all my GillaHouse Gorillas...Redman, Readyroc, Saukrates, Dirtyface, and errbody in the bricks..the whole Seattle, my dude Eric Sermon, Keith Murray, Method man, and to my moma I love u.

Royalty Magazine: I know you're a busy dude so thank you for your time and thank you for gracing us with a front cover feature!  Before I let you go, tell the people how they can follow you?  What's your twitter, youtube?

Runt Dawg: Yall can follow me on twitter @runtdawgilla and check me on YouTube runtdawg...yezzzzzzzzur GillaHouse!!!!

Royalty Magazine: Good looking out Love!  Till next time...

Courtesy of Tazzy for Royalty Magazine

Check out these videos from Runt Dawg....GillaHouse!!!!!

Hop Da Great

Royalty Magazine got a chance to recently interview Hop Da Great!  Shot out to Hop for the interview.  Here is how it went down... 

Royalty Magazine: Tell us about Hop Da Great.  What is the meaning behind your name and how did you get your start?

Hop Da Great:  Pretty much I moved to a hood called High Bridge, which is located on the westside of the Bronx to be exact.  I used to go by the name of "I-Hop".  I knew when I entered this game it wasn't going to be a dope name...it wasn't going to really mean anything so I took the "I" off (because people in the hood still call me "I-Hop")...So I continued to run with the "Hop" thing and they just kind of added "Hop Da Great".  People started seeing what kind of music I made and all the angles I was coming from...also my song subject was just dope so people were like "you are the great" because you are making "great music".

Royalty Magazine: I can dig it!  Describe the feeling you felt when you first picked up the mic.  What pushed you to take that chance with music?


Hop Da Great:  Well it's funny because music was always in my life.  My uncle (RIP), I actually got him written on my hand...his name was Doc Nice and he actually used to rap and do all that crazy stuff.  It was very interesting to me as I grew up!  I thought how he put words together was so dope so I kind of ended up following in his foot steps.  I just wanted to rap.  I didn't even know it was rap at first, that's what makes it so crazy.  I didn't know what I was doing at such a young age.  I started rapping young so I just followed his foot steps and knew I wanted to do this...it was a passion...it became a part of me...I just love music.  I'm universal with the music too so it's not like I just listen to rap.  When I'm not recording, I don't even listen to rap...I listen to other things so it kind of just fits with me.  If I wasn't rapping, I would be doing something else. 

When I first picked up that mic...I got booed!  But as I gradually got better and better at what I do...that's when I started to be like "Oh yeah"...I'm glad that I did this because now I'm about to take over!         

Royalty Magazine: Do you remember your first song?  If so can you tell us what it was about?


Hop Da Great:  My first song...I believe it was a love song.  Yeah it was a love song to this girl that I was madly in love with.  I wanted her to know that I was in love with her.  I think it was called "Love Massacre" or something like that...I don't know.  It was a crazy record but I don't remember too much in detail because I make hundreds and hundreds of songs.  But yeah that was my first song though...it was for a female.

Royalty Magazine: Your current project is the Inventive Series Part I.  Can you tell us a little bit about the concept behind this mixtape?  What are some tracks to look out for?

Hop Da Great: The Inventive Series (hosted by DJ Bootleg...Slip N Slide All Day!)...good looking out for believing in me!  To be honest, the Inventive Series is just me pretty much reinventing songs.  Like if I was on those songs...what I would have done...what I would have said...how I would have did it.  I took that approach.  All my Inventive series are just going to be me doing songs over.  You might hear 3-4 exclusive joints on there...but the Inventive series was made for me to recreate music that is already made, but to create it my way...how I would of did it, you know what I'm saying?  It's not biting...it's just more paying homage or saying "I like that record" and I just wish I was able to get on it, you know what I mean?

Tracks to look out for...my latest project coming out "September 12, 2011" is going to be "Confidential".  Confidential is a cd full of original music that I have been working on for maybe like half the summer, but it's original content that's super dope.  The subject matter is a little bit more concious, but you still have your mix of party and love tracks.  I'm pretty much telling a story that's kind of confidential.  That project is going to be really crazy though!  I'm looking forward to it.  I have so much production on it and the amount of work we put on it is unbelievable!  Just look out for it on www.whoishop.com/  It's going to be serious...it's also going to be a free download and then eventually it's going to go to I-tunes.
              
Royalty Magazine: You also have an array of videos such as Motivated, I got a plugg, World is mine, etc.  What are some of your other videos and where can people check them out?


Hop Da Great:  Well on the video tip...I'm a Monster...I'm a Beast.  My team, we actually direct so if anybody is looking for a video...get at us...get at me because we got 'em for the low.  I'm talking about low...low for like $150 because the visual to me is like everything.  It's like the mixtapes in 2000...the visual is now like the mixtape.  You have to have a visual to your record.  

I have alot of videos that are out right now.  I started out at the top of the year with "Light it up", which I did the Drake joint over (also on the Inventive).  I got another video "Life of the Music" that's crazy, featuring my partner "NY" and associate I used to mess with "D Bellz".  It's alot of videos...I'm just trying to hit 'em hard with the visuals, music and everything.  Not just throw everything out...I'm not with that, but to give them more than what an artist would usually give them.  I do this because they spend their money on this stuff...even though my stuff going to be free, you still have the option to pay for it so I want it to be quality that you can pay for...quality that you should pay for, you feel me?  That's where I'm kind of going with everything...that's why there's visuals and so much going on with my music (you know what I mean in general).             




Royalty Magazine: You are definately out here grinding hard...what keeps you motivated? 


Hop Da Great:  Everything...my kids, my mom.  I didn't have it very easy growing up(which where I'm from is alot of peoples story), but what makes my story so unique is the fact that I actually know where I'm trying to go with it.  I'm forseing everything...like I'm already seeing 5 years from now so I'm going in...I'm going hard.  Everyday I see my momz I just want her to be in the biggest crib she could ever have.  I want my kids to have the best that I never had.  I don't want them to be in a shelter...I don't ever want them to go days without eating.  It's stuff like that, that keeps me going and motivated. 


My biggest competition is me, so I'm not really seeing nobody else!  No offense to anybody else because I respect other peoples grind and what they doing.  But what I'm saying is that I'm so busy doing me, I'm not even really worried about them, you know what I mean?   

Royalty Magazine: Real talk...I can dig it!  You are from the New York area right?  New York not only has a huge amount of artists (both Underground & Mainstream) but it basically has a lot of people who are there period!  How do you stay consistant with competition being so fierce out there?


Hop Da Great:  Well like I said in my last answer, when it comes to competition...the only competion I really see is me because it's a battle within myself that i'm going through.  A battle that I tell at a later time when it comes to music but I'm not really worried about the competition because I made my own space...my own lane for what I want to do. 


That's why I started directing...me and my partner started a company called "Just add water films".  I got with a bunch of producers that I knew respected my music so I'm in house everything!  It's pretty much me everything so I don't really do too many features...not like that, but I'm trying to accomplish my goals and focus on me.  If anybody want to be apart of my situation, I'm fine with that.  I collab, but it's not like "oh I need your collab" or "you need my collab", you know what I'm saying?  I'm just working and that's pretty much where I'm at because alot of people aren't working.  I am a strong believer that if you work hard enough, you will get everything that you want, you feel me...plus more! 


Royalty Magazine: That's true.  Any advice for upcoming artists?


Hop Da Great:  Yo it's alot of trickery in this game...It's alot fucked up people in this game...it's alot of bullshit in this game so you just got to do you and not sit around or wait.  You can't procrastinate, you have to get up and do you.  You can't worry about no one else...you can't say you waiting for him to do this or I'm waiting for my man...naw you got to say fuck ya man and go do what you do.  It took me a long...long time to get to this point so I just started.  Luckily I'm young so I have plenty of time, but my advice to any upcoming person is to do you and don't depend on nobody.  Luckily enough I have a partner (by the name of NY) and he handles alot of my business.  We are like brothers...we grew up together so it's like a trust thing there but if you out there by yourself, do your thing man.  You don't have to spend hundreds...hundreds of dollars in the studio, get your own equipment so that you can go to the studio when you want.  "Just do you"...that's my advice to anyone coming up in this music thing on the artist tip. 

Royalty Magazine:  Any comments/shot outs or last minute words?

Hop Da Great:  I want to give a shot out to of course my company "MVA", all my staff members...Rumblez (VP), Don Gucci (A&R)...the best A&R that I feel I as well as my company could have.  Big shot out to my partner (Mr Key to New York)!  He's like the business side of me so without him there's no me and without me there's no him...Shot out to High Bridge...I do this for the BX!  I do this for the people that never really had much but want alot. 


I am Sir Motivation so for those that are non-motivated, get off your...you already know!  While you are chilling...I'm working and while you are working, I'm working...so you playing...we working.  Big shot out to DJ Bootleg (Slip N Slide).  My in house producers...Shy-city music, Kid Nova, Below.  Shot out to Rick Mosley (no bono film work), shot out to Fresh (Looney Bin films).  Team MVA, everyone screaming "MVA"... "Most Versatile Artist", that's what we representing.  Just anybody showing me love in general and anybody I may have forgot... I love you guys and without you I couldn't do this.  This is ya boy Hop, "We Going to Win".  That's my campaign..."We going to win!"


Royalty Magazine:  What is your twitter or website?  How can people stay up with you?  


Hop Da Great:  My twitter is @HopDaGreat  Definitely hit me up on twitter...I have over 26,000 followers.  I am still unsigned...I do not have no deal.  I am doing this waiting for the right deal, you know what I'm saying?


Hit me up on facebook at www.Facebook.com/HopDaGreat All my shit is Hop Da Great so you can always reach me up under that.  If you google "Hop Da Great", everything will pop up from reverbnation to myspace. 

Now my official website is http://www.whoishop.com/  You can find all my content on that site.  Everything that I've ever dropped...on the internet...viral...videos...features...everything is at www.Whoishop.com 


Royalty Magazine:  Thank you for your time.


Hop Da Great:  No thank you because people like yall (magazines, dj's, etc.), I wouldn't get the notariety that I think I deserve.  So I really thank you for even reaching out.  You know I'm humble as fuck & I work hard so I hope I get to do this again and that this is not the only time.  


It's ya boy Hop Da Great...check me out!

Royalty Magazine:  No doubt Hop!...I look forward to doing this again.  Keep us updated on your projects...keep grinding!


Courtesy of Tazzy for Royalty Magazine   























And the light continues shining..

Forenzic - BIOGRAPHY

President/CEO - Get Merked Records

Wayne Mercado, Better known as Forenzic has been in the music business for about 25 years. He started out as a DJ at age 13, along with his brother and cousin. He has been intrested in learning how to produce music for the better part of his life. The music Forenzic plays as a DJ inspired him to dig deeper into the music business.

Instruments that have been given to him also inspired him to learn to produce beats and put music together. Listening to the music he played helped get his creative juices flowing. He then decided to start producing for himself to better hone his skills. In high school he started a crew with some of his friends and his cousin.

    
The group consisted of 1 rapper, 2 singers, and his cousin as the DJ.Forenzic produced the group.They then decided to make a name for themselves (C.A.S.H). Which stood for Cold Ass $treet Hustlerz.While working on music after school, they took time out to do little appearances here and there,trying to make a name for themselves in the music industry.

In 1995 Forenzic started  publishing company named W'Nice Productions, to publish the music he was making for himself and his crew. Later on down the road Forenzic made a record company and named it Mercado Ent./Records, to not only record for himself not only for himself but for his friends and crew as well. Now in 2011 he is going strong with a new company name (Get Merked Records,LLC) Forenzic and his team are now ready to business with the big boys!

Follow Forenzic on twitter @Forenzic

JGREEN MONEYTALKZ Presents: The Indie Top 50 Vol. 55

FEATURNG INFAMOS WORDZ 

Ear Hustlin' (Fall Back Issue 2011)

Chillin' with Tazzy - the Chief Editor

Whut it do?  Thank you for checking out my section!  As you can see...I am exploring new ideas and trying to take Royalty Magazine to an even higher level.  So far the response is good...please make sure you leave comments, feedback, etc. 



Blackout Mode

This is a new section that I like to call Blackout Mode.  I will feature music, videos, etc from two of my favorite rappers "Redman" & "Methodman".  I will also show videos from their entourages and collaborative emcees.  I don't think they get the props or credit they deserve so with me being a fan & a media outlet to the underground, I am giving respect where respect is due!  If you haven't copped that Blackout II yet, please make sure you do...don't sleep!  Hiphop at its finest!!!!!!!!


This month "RuntDawg" graces the cover of Royalty Magazine.  RuntDawg is signed to Redman's label "GillaHouse".  Click here for exclusive interview with Runt as well as to check out his feature and videos!...

I would like to take this opportunity to feature "Big Skilly" of Big Skilly Films.  From the Kartel Family...to Big Skilly Films...Skilly has his hands in a little bit of everything.  He not only directs/edits some of the dopest music videos out of NY, but he also has put together a few must see documentaries and shows.  Big Skilly and his team go hard with the music, videos and of course the grind so make sure you stay up with them.

What else is Skilly up to?  Lets just say he is taking his creativity to a whole other level.  Check out some of his recent work:

Da Brat/Jermaine Dupri

Lil Wayne/Nicki Minaj 

 Jay Z/Nas

Nas/Kelis

Drake/Nicki Minaj

 Swiss Beats/Alicia Keyz

     

Jay Z/Beyonce

I think that Skilly is not only creative for doing these pics but it is just hilarious!  I've seen some bad photoshop jobs before and these are far from that.  He is def skilled in what he does and makes them look so authentic.  I can tell you off top when I first saw the Jermaine Dupri + Da Brat pic I thought it was real lol.  

Anyways, as you can see Skilly be clowning...I had the opportunity to ask him about the motivation behind his picture.  Here's how it went down...

Royalty Magazine: You currently post up random pics in your "Pic of the Day" segment. What is your motivation behind this segment and how did you get started doing it?


Skilly:  I started to do this to generate traffic to my page.  To be honest, not everyone is going to come to your page and view all the hard work you post so I mix it up.  It's like when you have to give your dog his medicine and you mix it in the food...Thats what I do I mix it up! Once people come view pics then they end up browsing my page and see all my work...And they enjoy it!...Truth be told I have over 4000 friends on facebook, but I get more comments from people not on my friends list. I think mainly because my page is open to the public and those people that stop by eventually end up adding me as a friend...

Royalty Magazine: Sounds good.  You have posted some crazy, funny, weird and outright hilarious photos...what are a few of your favorites? Which ones have gotten the most buzz (good or bad)?

Skilly:  Yeah I post some crazy stuff Lml...But you gotta remember I live In New York City so crazy things are always happening.  I'm just glad that I get to take a photo of the craziness and share it with everyone...I posted up a pic once of a homosexual ad that was posted on a telephone, and that shit turned into a frenzy. I was getting messages from people not even on my friends list complaining, telling me to take it down because they thought I was trying to start a war with the Gays (which I wasn't). I guess the comments got some of them mad, but hey it's the opinion of people who have a belief & think thats wrong...

Royalty Magazine: Yeah I know what you mean.  An opinion is just that an opinion...as long as you have your beliefs that's what matters.  You also started creating your own pics such as combining Jay z/Beyonce, Da Brat/Jermaine Dupri, Nas/Kelis, etc...what motivated you to start creating these pics?  I've also noticed that when you combine these artists faces/features you tend to stick to a certain theme (such as Nas + Kelis, 50 cent + Ja Rule, Rick Ross + 50 cent)...have you came across any challenges as far as some artists not lining up well or harder to recreate?  If so, what was the result?

Skilly: Yeah they were funny...I'm a hiphop junky through & through (I Breathe This)...My man was fucking around with photoshop merging actors and famous people so I decided...lets do rappers...So we did a few and people loved them...I started getting requests so I did them...And as always I got more traffic to my page. People started checking out my
videos asking for prices, so it worked out good. I did some that was straight up ugly so I didn't post those.

Royalty Magazine: lol I feel you.  You have also done countless music videos as well as documentaries. I remember seeing a glimpse of your skills when you started doing the "Hanging with the Kartel Family" series. You have def come along way since then...Can we expect any more volumes of the "Hanging with the Kartel Family?" What else can we expect to see from Big Skilly Films in 2011/2012?

Skilly: I stopped doing "Hanging with the Kartel Family" I'm working on "Big Skilly Films Tv" now...I switched it up a bit so you get to follow me around and see the shit I go through...I'm wrapping up my "Big Skilly Films Presents Vol.1 Dvd". I'm also working on my Hiphop documentary called "I AM.."  I'm also working on a few short films that's going to be crazy!  I will still be dropping videos in between so gotta stay busy, which I like to be.

Royalty Magazine: Sounds good!  Any comments/last words/shot outs?

Skilly: I would like to thank all my supporters...cause when I've had enough of the bullshit you guys are the ones who motivate me to go hard and that's what I Need...

Check out all my work @ bigskillyfilms.com
Hit me on facebook.com/bigskillyfilms
Follow me on twitter.com/bigskillyfilms

Gotta Shout Out The Team that Holds Me Down Mec-One, Dinero, Triple Threat, Shawn Butters, Mo Barz, Kennedy Clemente.

Courtesy of Tazzy for Royalty Magazine 

Shot out to Big Skilly Films and his team.  Here are a few of his videos:

Monthly Classics

Video of the Month










Hiphop Throwbacks (RIP NATE DOGG)
















R&B Throwbacks
















Movie Throwbacks (Am I The Only One Who Remembers this Movie?)