Interview w/ Knowledge Bones (Ear Hustlin') Stand Up or Fall Back Issue

Royalty Magazine: What's good? How's life treating you? Well 2012 crept in, out and is dam near gone! What are some of your greatest accomplishments or memories from this year?

KB: Sup Dard life is good right now from family to work and well most things in between.  Nothing is perfect but im feelin good!  I dropped my album “Eyes on the Prize” in May this year (finally) after all the delays and dramas with the label.  I just took matters into my own hands, took control and got it out there on a no budget advertising campaign.  Its been hard, but I got enough buzz , sold enough CD’s and had enough itunes sales to keep it moving.

Royalty Magazine: What can we expect to hear or see from you in 2013? Any upcoming projects or tracks should we be checking for? What projects are you working on now?

KB: I've got a few things in the works...I don't want to leak too much right now, but I got a new solo project and collab project with a mutual friend of ours (Taz) so gonna bring an international flava.
Plus I will be incorporating my aboriginal culture and stories in the new album.

Royalty Magazine: If you had a chance to appear in the BET Cypha, what artists would you team up with? What beat would you want to rock to?

KB: That would be boss to rock it!  Here's my specs...my team members would be Reks, Joell Ortiz, Celph Titled, Dow Jonez & Plan B (UK) and the beat would be Slaughterhouse – Fight Club (some of my favorite emcees right there).

Royalty Magazine: Which era of music (past or present) has affected you or impacted you most as an artist? Please elaborate.

KB: I’ll just stick to Hip Hop for this question.  I grew up on N.W.A, Snoop Dogg, 2pac, DPG, Spice-1, Mac Dre, MC Eiht, Nate Dogg, DJ Quik to name a few.  I got suspended from 6th grade for having Ice Cube’s – Bop Gun cassette in my bag.  The West Coast for me late 80’s - early-mid 90’s can't be touched! It's an era where I would act like Nate Dogg, wear bandanas like Kurupt, Chucks & Checks were all I wanted to wear, so the west coast attributed a lot to me as an artist.  As I hit late teens, the East Coast just drew me in!  Big-L, Big Pun, Notorious BIG, Jay-Z, Blackmoon, Onyx, KRS, Wu-Tang, Redman, Erick Sermon, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Keith Murray (to name a few) were artists I listened to, so I've always had a mixture.  Over the years I've taken a liking to an array of artists at different times in their careers such as Dead Prez, Apathy, Jedi Mind Tricks, Immortal Technique, Cuban Link, Celph Titled, Drake, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Ludacris, Fabolous, etc.

An artist I admired so much and have to mention is Stack Bundles.  Sad loss for the game, Rest In Peace.

But right now I can't go past Slaughterhouse.  I've been a fan of all of 'em as solo artists (and as a group.... damn), also The Game, Em, Obie, Sticman & Lupe.
Royalty Magazine: How do you feel about the current state of hiphop? Are you familiar with the term hip-pop? Are you feeling hip-pop at all or do you think it has an impact on the watering down of hip-hop?

KB: I believe Hip Hop has been in a state of emergency for a bit now.  The rebuilding has been consistent,  but I would say that Hip Pop is watering down Hip Hop.  There used to be a time when commercial Hip Hop had a certain flava and to say the least you could tell where it came from (West/East/South/Mid-West).  Now commercial Hip Hop is stuck with Hip Pop because its hard to differentiate between the sounds regardless of the artist.  It's sad to hear and see what is happening!  I personally am one for expanding my horizons as an artist and living my dream, but not to the point where I'm not even recognized as a Hip Hop artist.  I know money makes the world go round, but somethings gotta give!  Let's be real...what message is being sent to the youth?  Pop champagne, falsify having a good life as a kid to talk about the struggle that they never lived, weak choruses on every song (sing along for a couple maybe but every track? lets be real).  More rappers need to be Lupe than Flo-Rida is all I'm sayin.

Royalty Magazine: Being from Australia, can you tell us how the hiphop scene is over there? How would you say the music culture differs from your country vs the US? Is it easily embraced? Who are some artists from your area that we should be checking for?

KB: Underground Hip Hop is highly regarded in Oz.  It’s a hard market to crack over here because most of the scene is very cliquey and diversity is not real huge.  A lot of the artists sound similar and have a similar sound but Oz Hip Hop is still growing.  In regards to the difference to the US, there isn’t as many different styles. A lot of the artists seem to have the same or similar influences.  The accent is a huge thing over here (“rap how you speak”) and you still have a lot of Aussie Emcees that put on the American accent.  I'm not against it though, do you and I will do me!  

As for artists to peep...well me Knowledge Bones (haha).  Up and coming artists to check for: a Surrel from Melbourne, Streetz from Adelaide (he is apart of The Evans Administration, which is Juice’s label).  As for the biggest names they are: Hilltop Hoods, Bliss & Eso, 360 & Drapht to name a few, but the time has occurred where the artists mentioned have gone for the more harmonized sing a long rapping opposed to traditional spitting (to each his own I say).

Royalty Magazine: From losing great entertainers to police brutality to reality show obsessions to ppl living unrealistic lives, things in the US are crazy right now! How would you compare what is happening over here to what is happening in your country? Is it similar or different? How do you feel about the Trayvon Martin shooting?

KB: Fuck reality TV!  A couple of shows are cool but every one wants to be in on it.  Our kids need reality like go outside & talk to the kids up the street, play ball, ride a bike, skate till the street lights come on, then go home and interact with your family.  Wrong messages are being sent with a majority of reality TV.

The Trayvon Martin shooting was very sad and unprovoked, the kid was walking  “too calm” considering the weather conditions.  I believe one of the comments that was made was to why suspicion was aroused?  He was a 17 year old kid...is he not allowed to enjoy the rain?  He was murdered for no reason!  Racial profiling is definitely a factor!  Second degree murder?  How is that even considered? Capital Punishment is legal in Florida?  Yeah well a 17 year old kid has had his life taken.  I think Zimmerman should be considered for Death Row!  The legal system in America is in need of a very big tune up and reassessment.

Police in Australia are trying to make every one a criminal with a new string of laws called “Association Laws”.  Association laws are against Outlaw Bikie gangs and any other organized groups.  The funny thing is the law itself makes no reference to Bikie's, it refers to any Group, Association & Club.  The hidden thing here is it actually affects the Rifle Association, Sporting Clubs, Religious Groups and any one with a pending criminal case or charge (regardless of the severity) is made to be out casted by any one else in the group, club or association.  And if they do have any form of contact with them they will be charged and the same will continue.  Most people aren’t reading the fine print because it's just a bully tactic that is being strung thru the media.  Most states haven’t initiated the law and I hope it stays that way!  It's an invasion of privacy and the cops are abusing their power in the process to prove a point.

Royalty Magazine: How do you feel communities like Royalty Magazine & Street Thoughts help artist gain exposure? How will you as an artist benefit? How will you continue to broadcast your message to the world?

KB: Royalty Magazine & Street Thoughts give opportunity where else opportunity would not exist!  Me having an interview is a prime example of that.  I'm a local emcee from Perth City, Western Australia with minimal National recognition and now I have the chance to have worldwide exposure.

I will never stop with my music and will continue to spread my message through any means necessary.

Royalty Magazine: Any last words, comments or shout outs? Anything you want to touch basis on that we haven't already?

KB: Its been a pleasure!  Keep an eye out for the wonder from down under with new tracks coming out soon, working on the new album and I'm always active.

Big shout to my wifey & kids Jacqui, Jayda & Derell, my biggest fan my Mum, all my fam in Oz, my boys for being there always, Beni BJAH, Boya Kane, Chile Chillz, G3MZ, BigSkilly, James Wade, Dead Prez, Streetz Nettle...much love Tazzy for reaching out to an old friend.

Royalty Magazine: How can people keep up with you and/or check out your music? What sites or radio stations can people catch you on?

KB: My album “Eyes on the Prize” is available on iTunes.www.knowledgebones.com
www.soundcloud.com/knowledgebones
www.twitter.com/_knowledgebones
www.facebook.com/knowledgebones

Check out my clips on youtube
 “Knowledge Bones feat Dead Prez – Two Flags” clip shot by James Wade,
 “Knowledge Bones feat N’fa Jones – Listen Closely”  clip shot by Nic McRobbie

Peace….Yeah Dard.

Royalty Magazine: Much Love & Respect.


Interview Courtesy of @TazDatMC for @RoyaltyMagazine

Freakington of Reddarme (Ear Hustlin') Summer Grind Issue 2012

Royalty Magazine: What's good? How has the first half of 2012 been treating you so far?

Freakington: Everything is good no complaints just working and staying busy, grinding basically. 2012 is shaping up to be a great year thus far. The focus is on success and prosperity. 

Royalty Magazine: That’s wassup! You currently rap, sing, produce, compose, etc. What part of music did you get involved into first? What followed second, etc? What pushed you to take that first step and take music seriously?

Freakington: Yes I’m pretty self contained musically. I started really early as a toddler I would take the pots & pans out of the cupboard and "play the drums" with the wooden spoons, which led to my first drum set. My father plays pretty much every instrument well, so even in youth I was always fascinated by music. I played drums at the church where my pops was the MD and began taking the keyboards more seriously (which was the start of producing I'd say as early as maybe age 13-14). I always wanted to know how the record was made, who played this who sang that or whatever. Not to mention my father was also running his recording studio in the basement, so it's pretty much a part of my DNA as music has always been a big deal to me. It's a pretty big deal on my father’s side of the family to say the least. 

Royalty Magazine: Do you remember the first song you recorded, produced or composed? If so, tell us a little about it. What was it about? Was it hot or not? 

Freakington:Wow ... The first joint I recorded ... I may have been about 14-15 I think. I'm sure it was r&b because I didn't really start rapping until after high school. But more than likely it was some sort of love song or whatever. I personally used to think I actually "was" Jodeci ... So it was probably something pretty groovy ... Was it hot? As far as I'm concerned (at least then it was) ... Lol ... The girls at school loved it so I don’t think it could've been too too bad. Lol, but I'm sure the responses from peers helped shape my desire to perfect my craft and sound. Watching someone enjoy your own idea of a hit and agreeing is priceless though it's really one of the bigger pay offs to me. 

Royalty Magazine: I can dig it! In being from an industry and area that is so competitive, how do you stay motivated? Stay consistent? 

Freakington: Well the idea of making that new sound or finding that particular melody or groove that can come about spontaneously is a great deal of the motivation as well as just being a competitor by nature initially. Hearing other artists and producers ideas and work also plays a huge part. I like to raise the bar every time I get a chance and achieve more & more, so it's a constant motivation to aim to be #1 & stay consistent by doing as much. 

Royalty Magazine: Real talk. You worked with Redman on the Reggie album. What was it like working with Redman and can we expect any future Redman/Gillahouse collaborations? 

Freakington: Yeah I did "All I do" ft. Faith Evans. That was pretty big I always was a big fan of both Red and Faith so it was definitely a great opportunity. I've been cool with Redman for quite some time so that's the homie anyway, but when he told me Faith was doing the hook it was like "oh man word ?!??!" I got mad love & respect for Red though he's one of the only cats that kept it tall the whole time we've cool so the history definitely keeps the future intact. You should expect to see some collaborations in the near future with him & myself. 

Royalty Magazine: Yeah I am a fan of Redman as well as Faith, so I can dig it! You are also part of a movement called "REDD ARME". Tell us more about your group. How did yall hook up and who are the other members? 

Freakington: The Redd Arme is a Midwest/East coast partnership between Bobby Bushea and myself. With him hailing from Queens and me being from Ohio… it creates a fresh & unique sound, yet maintains the standard of hip-hop (if that makes any sense). We have the "Redd Tape" coming out really soon to start the campaign that will pretty much set the tone for the forthcoming "Greaseball Music Vol. 1". You can expect the "Redd Tape" to drop mid March early April. It features "Redd Arme" along with our other artists "Steph Stone", "Slash", "Money Mars" and a few others. I handle all of the production on both projects as we all contribute lyrically. We met through mutual friends and family, (myself and Bobby that is), and pretty much clicked from day one. It's a family oriented bond so it goes way beyond the music though and that's the foundation of the movement. "Steph", "Slash", & "Kulade" also serve as key soldiers in the movement providing their own unique individuality artistically, so it's basically a new regime outside with a solid and sound foundation to build success as well as make history while doing so. 

Royalty Magazine: That track yall did "Steady Hustlin" ft Jim Jones & Kulade goes hard. What was the motivation behind that track? Who are some other artists you have worked with? 

Freakington: Thanks I’m glad you dig it. "Steady Hustlin" came about during the early stages of "G.B.M Vol. 1". Iit was one of the first joints we recorded actually so we put "Kulade" on the hook, threw it out on the radio for a test and it got some pretty high reviews. Jim Jones was buzzin on NY radio heavy at the time so it was suggested that we do a song with him and that's the one he picked to jump on so it was good business & the joint came out hot. S/O to "Young Guru" on the mix and "Jim Jones". I've worked with quite a few people though "Mobb Deep", "Redman", "JoJo","Rockwilder", "Uncle Murda" ,"Memphis Bleek", "9th Wonder" "Rick Ross","Mario Winans" , "Andy Hilfiger" I mean the list just keeps growing you know so it's working out for me at a pretty reasonable pace. 

Royalty Magazine: In starting from where you began to where you are at now, how has hiphop as well as the industry changed? Where do u see music going over the next 5-10 years? 

Freakington: Hip hop has changed a great deal in a way, but to me it's like history repeating itself as well. The history of it has repeated itself several times over from the colors we used to wear in the 80's being popular now to even the DJ being more exposed like it used to be before. You have a whole new group of "superstars" in the video models and rappers girlfriends; you even have rappers achieving higher acclaim independently faster than a signed artist. The "skinny jean" trend, the mohawks , and all the other elements outside of the culture that over time have been influenced and infused into hip hop. At times it's a bit much to keep up with but the variety of options you have as a listener in music is always a plus I'd say. 

Royalty Magazine: I can dig what you saying. I am waiting for that 90’s era of hiphop to make its way back around lol. So do you have any upcoming tracks, shows or projects that we should be looking out for? 

Freakington: Well the focus now is pretty much the aforementioned "Redd Tape" and "Greaseball Music Vol. 1" and the whole "Redd Arme" movement as well as the production end on my side. We’re working on a lot of different projects from fashion to film as well, however the foundation is the music so we look to continue solidifying the brand and getting the sound out there. 

Royalty Magazine: Sounds good. Do you have any advice to upcoming artists or producers looking to break into the industry? What are some Do's & Don'ts you have learned throughout your career? 

Freakington: I've learned to not really take a bunch of business personal it's one of the things that disrupt both sides if you let it affect either side. Also I'd advise artists and producers to take the time to make sure your own business is handled. It’s not something that seems interesting to do until you've missed out on a bunch of money. I always encourage people I meet to just stay working and remain busy about taking yourself to the next level. Finally I'd tell the producers to separate your tracks when you complete the track so if there's ever a check available for one of your beats you don't have to risk losing the placement due to not having the mpc or the keyboard you made it on before. Having to recreate a track is one thing, but having to recreate a track that you could've tracked out saved and got paid for is completely different, trust me.

Royalty Magazine: I can dig it! Any last words, comments or shot outs? How can people check out some of your work? 

  Freakington: I'd like to personally thank Royalty magazine for the look we appreciate it greatly. You can get more in tuned to the movement at ReddArme.com , twitter @reddarme, @freakington. Production is ways on deck and networking is the key in this game, so get at us you dig. Also s/o to "P.B." for putting it together. The entire "Redd Arme Regime", "Winning Streak Films" & "Ghetto Legends" and everyone involved in the movement of making good music. Hoffa. 

Royalty Magazine: Thank you for your time. Much love & Respect… 

Interview courtesy of TazDatMC for Royalty Magazine

Royalty Magazine Nominated for Award

Royalty Magazine has been nominated for the Elegant Hoodness "I Expose" Award, your love and support is appreciated by voting.  To vote please click here...

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.

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 

Music Tunnel (August 2011)

Music Tunnel is where you will get connect with your favorite Underground Artists.  From Videos, to Cd covers to website links...Music Tunnel will feature some of the Underground's finest. 

To get featured in this section, book with Royalty Magazine now!



Here are this months feature...








 If you are feeling the video and are asking yourself Who is Hop?  Find out more about this talented Artist by checking out www.whoishop.com/  Also make sure you download Hop Da Great's New Mixtape "The Inventive Series Pt 1" now available at http://www.whoishop.com/



Get to know Sev Da Producer!  Check out his site and join his network today at www.Sevgotbeats.com

Ear Hustlin' (Summer 2011 Issue)

Chillin' with Tazzy - the Chief Editor

Per Seattle Weekly News, former University of Washington Player Venoy Overton, has been recently charged with allegedly promoting prostitution.  The accusation comes from a woman who says that she is Overton's girlfriend and that Venoy pushed her to start selling her body on "the track" (pacific highway area in Seattle).  The woman (whose name is being withheld by police and prosecutors) reportedly says that it went down on May 18.  She called Overton on May 18th crying because she wasn't making enough money at her job.  Allegedly, she had been giving Overton half her earnings because he had promised to "take care of her once he made it to the NBA".  
Eric Devericks
Anyways, on the night of the 18th...the woman says that Overton drove her to a Chevron station and then allegedly started schooling her on the in's/out's of prostitution.  The woman said that she was "scared shitless", but went along with it anyway because Overton reassured her it would be okay once she got the first trick out the way!


Crazy right?  To me it sounds like a page out of the book "Whoreson", by Donald Goines!  Anyways...the story gets juicier.  Find out what happens when police get solicited by Overton's girlfriend "on the track".  Also find out what happens when Overton is investigated by police for allegedly sexting his 15 year old cousin.  What happens next?  What is his response?  Click here to read full story or visit www.Seattleweekly.com  
To view video, click here



Venoy Overton played alongside teammates Isaiah Thomas, Justin Holiday and Matthew Bryan-Amaning, possibly have a chance of getting picked in Thursday's NBA Draft.  Would Overton have made it to the NBA?  You be the judge, check out the full story here. 

Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous...Doggy Style Edition!  Check it out below....

 

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 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!!!!!!!!

Monthly Classics

- Video of the Month -



Hiphop Throwbacks











R&B Throwbacks
This months R&B Flashback spotlight is on none other than "GUY". 












Movie Throwbacks
The Mask!!!

Remember When?!  This section will highlight various couples, flashbacks, news of the past...

Remember A Different World?







How about the original Jimmy Early?




Remember the Arsenio Hall Show?