D Millz is one of the hottest up and coming UK rappers from outside of London! We caught up with him! How did you first start rapping? I was about 13 years old when I first wrote a rhyme. It was absolute nonsense though, I can't lie and say that I was goin' in from young, haha. I just kept at it and kept at it, practice makes perfect right? I was too involved in other things to fully focus on it though, so for years writing just stayed a hobby I did whenever I had the spare time. The first recording I did was on an old karoake machine my boy used to have in his bedroom. I'd record instrumentals from CD onto a tape, then put a blank tape in the other slot and we'd spit for hours. We took that thing everywhere with us! I started to take it serious when I was about 19, did a few recordings, mainly freestyles, I'd post them on the internet, on various forums, MySpace, etc. I went by the name of X-Calibur then. Caught the ear of Iron Shiek, a Wu-Tang affiliate who was Cappadonna's and Shyheim's (Wu-Tang) manager, and also Infamous Mobb's manager at the time. In the end nothing became of it as I just wasn't focused at all, I wasn't putting the work in. I started fuckin' with Icadon (f/k/a Icarus, Redman's protege) and his Black Flagz movement, but again, it didn't work out as I was too busy runnin' around doing stupid shit instead of being about the music. Shout-out to them man though, they still movin' and gave me a lot of insight into this industry. Who were your main influences when you were first starting doing music? When I first started I would say it was definitely Wu-Tang that influenced me. Heavily. I used to work on one of their websites from being young. I'd type up their lyrics for 'em, put 'em on the net, when they had new material to promote, I'd call 'em up and we'd do interviews for the blogs and all that. But growing up I only ever really listened to Wu-Tang. A little DMX, Biggie, Nas, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony mixed in there. I was very selective. I've always been a fan of lyrics. I loved the wordplay, the metaphors, the rhyme-schemes. Oh, and Eminem's Slim Shady and Marshall Mathers albums too, I fucked with those. Other than that, life in general influenced me. From being a young eteen, I'd seen and done a lot, and needed a way to express myself. I was always good with words, my teachers thought I'd be an author. I guess they're partly right! Who do you listen to, and who do you respect in the rap game today? Right now there's not too much variation in what I listen to. Without being biased, majority of my playlist is made up of my London boys, Eurogang (S.A.S, Bigz, Skrilla Kid Villain, Haze). I listen to Fabolous, Maino, Jeezy, Cam'Ron, Ghostface, Method Man & Redman, Joe Budden, Jadakiss, Styles. But mainly just Eurogang, cuz I can relate more to what they saying. As far as who I respect in the game, I respect anybody making good music. Anybody making money out of it. I respect artists like Blade, Giggs, Pak-Man, Wretch32, Scorcher, my boy Kayo aka Kidderachi, my guy Paralasis there's a lot doing it right now, I could be here all day naming names. I also respect man who have pushed it to another level, such as Tinchy, N-Dubz, etc. I might not like all of the songs that they do, but I respect their hustle. The song "Memo to the Scene" on my EP might be perceived as me taking shots at them, but it's all in jest. It ain't nothing serious, it's just bars. What projects have you had out in the past? None! I just dropped my debut EP, "Up North Thoughts", featuring S.A.S, Bigz, Skrilla Kid Villain, Kayo aka Kidderachi, MackDice, and Kayos from NY. (Download for FREE here: http://bit.ly/bfe8eC) All original production from my German family, Benno and Froze. Although I know a certain Chicago DJ who I used to send my recordings to when I was around 14, 15, compiled a CD called "The Anthology" that he was slingin on eBay about 8 years ago! Haha. That wasn't official though. What are you working on now? Right now I'm working on the follow up to "Up North Thoughts", titled "PaperWork". First single off that gonna feature Lazee, from Sweden (Google him if you don't know already!) and it's really gonna have the same features as my current EP. It's not that I don't want to collaborate with anybody else, more like not everybody is as humble as man I've worked with and they might air man when I contact 'em, or they just ain't heard of me, whatever. But that'll change in time, trust me! Also got a collaboration mixtape I'm about to start working on with my man Paralasis. He's originally from SW London, but now stays in New Jersey. We got some other projects lined up too, such as t-shirt lines, and some other stuff but I don't wanna give too much away just yet! If you could work with anybody in the game, who would it be and why? Hmmm tough question. As far as artists, it might come as a surprise, but I'd love to work with John Legend, no homo. If I could get him on a track, it'd be a smash hit, trust me! Other than that, Cam'Ron, Fabolous, The Clipse, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Joe Budden, Meth & Red, Ghostface, the usual suspects, man. why? Coz I feel their music, All of those I mentioned been grinding for a long time and are still relevant today. Not too many man can say that. Oh, and Drake too, I fucks with Drake's music. Where can we get at you on the net? Twitter: @UpNorthMillz or www.twitter.com/UpNorthMillz YouTube: www.youtube.com/DMillzTV MySpace: www.myspace.com/UpNorthMillz Facebook: www.facebook.com/UpNorthMillz E-Mail: cheechdawildkard@gmail.com Where would you like to be in Five years? In five years I'd like to be living comfortably. And I'd like for my kids, my family, and all those around me to be living comfortably. No more struggling. Still making good music, and be respected by my peers. Do you have any shout outs, or last words? It's a lotta shout-outs! First off, shout out my man CK for holdin' me down whilst I was growing up. If it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't even be here today. Shout out my boy Lee, for always providing man with that peng! Haha, makes my music possible! On a music tip, shoutout to Mayhem (S.A.S), he's looked out for man, and give me plenty of good advice. So has Skrilla Kid Villain and Paralasis, so big up them man too. Shoutout Mega (S.A.S), Bigz, ZaZa, Haze, Kayo aka Kidderachi, J Money, Benno for being patient with me, providing those sick beats, and mixing down my shit! Froze, FunnyTummy, MackDice, Lazee, HarlemDaDon for pushin my shit over in the States, Kayos, SNKX, Gords aka DJ Star Status, too many people to mention. Oh, and shoutout MediaMassacre.net for supporting me, putting my songs and my video on the site, shoutout Making Movez TV (www.allgrime.com and www.wegoingin.com) for shooting my first hood video down in London, shoutout Sauceoreli from Road Starz TV, we gonna link up soon. Just shoutout everybody who fucks with me, everybody whos given me a push, everybody whos downloaded my EP, watched my video, and re-tweeted 'em on Twitter, or put the links on their Facebook and whatever. I appreciate all of that greatly. And shoutout to you, HeaviestHookUps for giving me the opportunity to speak out!
D Millz Interview
May 1, 2010Killa Keise Interview
January 22, 2010We catch up with Killa Keise
How did you first start rapping?
I first started rappin with Cellski
Who were your main influences when you were first starting doing music?
lil wayne jay-z young jeezy & ice cube
Who do you listen to, and who do you respect in the rap game today?
lil wayne gucci mane & young jeezy !
What projects have you had out in the past?
Turfed Out, Killa Squad, Trap City & Talk Of The Streets !
Which would you say has been the best received, and where can we cop it from?
I would say Turfed Out & you can get it from rusputins
What are you working on now?
A project called Flyin’ Wit Tha Bird
If you could work with anybody in the game, who would it be and why?
lil wayne because hes a very hard workin & to be the best you gotta work like him
Where can we get at you on the net?
www.twitter.com/killakeise & www.myspace.com/killakeise200
Where would you like to be in Five years?
In a big house hella rich
Do you have any shout outs, or last words?
yeah grind hard work harder and follow yo dreams to reach yo goals one luv to all the killa keise fans
SK Interview
January 22, 2010How did you first start rapping?
I was probably 17, I was locked up for felony drug charges for about a year and had a lot of time to put my life into music. I really didn’t start taking music serious until about a year ago though, I got tired of the other game so I stepped in this one.
Who were your main influences when you were first starting doing music?
Noreaga, LOX, State Property
Who do you listen to, and who do you respect in the rap game today?
I listen to all types of artists, no one in particular.
What projects have you had out in the past?
My first commercial mixtape was released a few months back, DJ Woogie of Shadyville/SODMG Presents: SK – The Warm Up mix.
We had a very impressive turnaround it ended up being downloaded globally and is still doing a lot of downloads each week.
What are you working on now?
The “Follow Up” Mixtape with DJ Woogie will be released in early February
If you could work with anybody in the game, who would it be and why?
A large record label, that’s who I wanna work with.
Where can we get at you on the net?
www.twitter.com/sk4prez2020 , www.youtube.com/sk4prez2020, myspace.com/padefamily
Where would you like to be in Five years?
Hopefully doing another interview with you, a lot richer, and in the UK this time!
Do you have any shout outs, or last words?
Shouts to everyone that’s supported me thus far, and the whole UK! I need to get my passport so I can come see you PP!
DJ Ames Interview
January 22, 2010We catch up with UK mixtape Don DJ Ames.
When did you first start working as a DJ?
I started out when I was 18 in 2002 but it wasn’t til 2006 that I started taking it really serious.
Why did you choose that over producing or rapping?
I couldn’t rap LOL but producing isn’t ruled out as its something im looking to get into later this year.
Who have been your biggest inspirations and influences over the years?
Definatly DJs such as Jam Master Jay,Westwood & Funkmaster Flex. But as I got more into Mixtape Dj Clue & DJ Drama became big influences on me aswell.
Which artists have you worked with on mixtapes and where can we cop them from?
Ive worked with loads too many to list all my mixtape are free downloads so myspace.com/djamesuk is the best place or djamesuk.co.uk.
Who would you want to work with if you could work with anybody, and why?
Right now if you have good music a good work ethic and a good movement then I want to work with you. No major names are standing out to me right now but lets see what the future brings.
So, what mixtapes are you working on currently?
Again a whole long list there. Best place to check is myspace.com/djamesuk for up coming releases.
Where do you want to be in five years time?
First off I still wanna be where im at now a free spirit not been told what to support and play by labels etc and be successful.
Where can we check you out online?
Myspace.com/djamesuk
Twitter.com/djamesuk
Do you have any shout outs or last words?
Shouts to you for this interview. My PR So Sincere and my promo company Tawag Promotions and basically if your working or have worked with me then shouts out to you.
Nima Fadavi Interview
January 18, 2010We catch up with dope producer Nima Fadavi.
So, how did you first start producing?
I was always around hip hop since a very young age. I grew up writing graffiti and break dancing with friends when I was younger and I eventually started to become interested in producing. As I grew older I started doing it more and more and it just eventually turned into a career for me.
Who were your inspirations back in the day when you first started?
When I first started I was inspired by a lot of different producers such as Rob the Viking, Joey Chavez, A-Plus, Evidence, & Alchemist.
Which producers do you like and admire now?
The same exact ones.
If you could choose any rapper to vocal your beats, who would it be and why?
That’s a really tough question. There’s so many rappers that I would like to work with. If I had to choose the top 5 I’d say Evidence, Swollen Members, Messy Marv, M.O.P., and Guru.
Who have you worked with, and where can we hear the tracks?
Some rappers you can hear on my beats are Pep Love, The Grouch, Sunspot Jonz, Andre Nickatina, and many more. There’s a lot of stuff that I’ve recently done that hasn’t been released yet but will be out soon on projects coming in 2010. You can hear tracks at nimafadavibeats.com.
What do you use to produce? Instruments or software?
I use an MPC, and hella records. It’s really as simple as that. I track everything out into Pro Tools and very occasionally I’ll add additional instrumentation onto it.
Will you ever do, or have you already done, a whole album of work, like Timbaland or Jake One have done?
I’m actually working on album like that right now. I’m spending a lot of time and effort into it so it probably won’t be out for another year.
Where do you want to be in five years?
I’ve been asked this question in the past and my response has always been that I just want to make a living doing what I love to do. But now I’m in that position so five years from now I want to be making an even better living doing what I love to do and having accumulated an impressive rooster of artists I’ve produced for.
Where can we get in touch with you online?
http://www.nimafadavibeats.com
Do you have any shout outs or last words?
Shout outs to Ineffable Music Group, and thank you to everyone who’s supported me.
Jaja Soze Interview
January 18, 2010We catch up with UK Rap legend Jaja Soze
How did you first start rapping?
I STARTED RAPPING AT THE AGE OF 16
Who were your main influences when you were first starting doing music?
I grew up on ice cube, london posse, public enemy, nwa, etc
Who do you listen to, and who do you respect in the rap game today?
i listen to a lot of artists and i respect the uk underground rap scene not the urban
What projects have you had out in the past?
i’ve done lots of projects, my last being my streetboy, book, album and dvd,
Which would you say has been the best received, and where can we cop it from?
street boy is available to download on itunes, the book is in whsmith, the dvd www.pdcent.com
What are you working on now?
my new free download cd is out january 25th www.pdcent.com
If you could work with anybody in the game, who would it be and why?
i want to work with nas, jadakiss,and in the uk all the good artists
Where can we get at you on the net?
www.pdcent.com you can find all my info there
Where would you like to be in Five years?
at the top
Do you have any shout outs, or last words?
www.pdcent.com support the movement
E&J Interview
January 18, 2010We catch up with UK MC E&J.
How did you first start rapping?
I dunno I have always flirted with the idea did the whole mcing round the times before dizzy blew up never really took that seriously , used to just freestyle with friends for fun, went to a couple youth projects and did my thing I actually got serious when I visited someone through someone (Debo) and he basically had all the equipment there and I was like “can I try a thing”. Did a freestyle and from there it was rap,that was the birth of introducing E and J. Shout out to Debo.
Who were your main influences when you were first starting doing music?
Erm I had alot of influences from American British and french rappers but early influences was from my parents they were musicians they used to play loads of instruments and shit they had a band and everything they was on reggae back then so yh my parents were.When I first started erm I would say Busta Rhymes your jay z erm talib kweli i had quite a wide range the list goes on.
Who do you listen to, and who do you respect in the rap game today?
British game I listen to everyone and everything really.I have respect for J.F.L.O.W.S,Debo, Giggs, youngsta the list goes on American wise I listen to Wiz Khalifa,MF doom ,Max B again just to name a few
What projects have you had out in the past?
my first mix-tape introducing EandJ
Second mix-tape book a flight
third and fourth was peep my swag vol.1 and 2
Which would you say has been the best received, and where can we cop it from?
Book a flight most defo I got a lot of love for that.thanks to the supporters. That is now available on my myspace.com/paperboienj on freedownload so’s the rest of them.
What are you working on now?
My fifth installment is Paperboi fm that one is crazy you need that in your life lool
If you could work with anybody in the game, who would it be and why?
From the U.K i’d work with Kano I just know the energy on that track would be crazy!!!!!
American wise Wiz khalifa cause he has crazy choruses and beats
Where can we get at you on the net?
myspace.com/paperboienj
twitter.com/paperboienj
Where would you like to be in Five years?
Defo still in music probably putting some one else or a few on and just coaching them through the industry backed by the machine which offcourse would be paperboi records lol
Do you have any shout outs, or last words?
yh shout out to Debo (rhythmic productions), J.F.L.O.W.S , Twist my boi ,P.D, Short Money L.P, Wizzy Wow the list goes on AND IF YOU DONT SEE YOUR NAME DONT BE MAD ITS NOTHING PERSONAL LOL oh and offcourse to my supporters and shout to you lot!
Hawdwerk Interview
January 12, 2010Hawdwerk is one of the most lyrical rappers around! We catch up with him about his debut project!
How did you first start rapping?
I first started rapping when i was 9! I liked the dogg pound at the time and the first rap i remember writing was at “outdoor science school” where the 5th graders spent a week in the wilderness, it was about forest animals, predator and prey, it was fantastic
Who were your main influences when you were first starting doing music?
When I first started my main influences were dj quik, tallib kweli, xzibit, nas, fugees, a tribe called quest, outkast, dogg pound, pharoahe monch, busta rhymes, crooked i, ras kass, sly boogy, DMX! A lot of people that you would normally hear on the radio because I hadn’t cracked into the underground yet to a certain extent!
Who do you listen to, and who do you respect in the rap game today?
I respect genuine artists that standout! Artists like, eminem, joe budden, crooked i, nipsey hussle, lupe fiasco, mykestro, strong arm steady, planet asia, chace infinite, atmosphere, murs, doom, cee-lo, bishop lamont, i mean i can’t name everybody…. i listen to and have listened to a lot of people, i just love hip hop
What projects have you had out in the past?
High Power Moves with Jansport J is my first official project.
Which would you say has been the best received, and where can we cop it from?
hawdwerkjansportj.bandcamp.com you can download the free digital copy and order a physical hard copy, signed if you wish
What are you working on now?
currently im working on my mixtape Off The Clock, and going in to restart my solo album i was working on before HPM entitle Graveyard Shift, other than that doing features here and there and really trying to push HPM as far as it can go
If you could work with anybody in the game, who would it be and why?
Honestly …. 50 cent…. because… well… have you seen him fail? lol that guys unstoppable. i would just want to learn all the hustle tips i can from him and work them into my system, you don’t have to be a gangsta rapper to make it where he’s made it, you just have to be able to take advantage of every route you can.
Where can we get at you on the net?
the best place to get in touch with me is twitter.com/hawdwerk if you got beats thisishawd@gmail.com, wanna chop it up? hawdwerk@gmail.com, and u can check out my myspace.com/hawdwerk im just not too active on it, it needs to be updated.
Where would you like to be in Five years?
in five years id like to be living comfortably off of music. maybe on my 4-5th lp and just relaxing, loving the life God blessed me with
Do you have any shout outs, or last words?
Thank y’all for the opportunity, id like to shout out jansport j and everybody whos been riding with us through this whole process, there’s too many of y’all to name! Thank you!
XSF Interview
January 12, 2010We catch up with Thizz representer XSF.
How did you first start rapping?
I did my research on old school hip-hop in high school, and that did it. I had been listening to what was coming out at that time, and felt like what was going on then was way doper than what was coming out. Not to say today’s artists cant rap, but I’m into that lyrical shit like Rakim, KRS-One, etc. That lead me to freestyling at school and whenever possible, writing raps and songs, honing my craft for the right time. After school was over, my friend Remy called me and said his brother Taz makes music, and wanted to hear me spit over the phone. After I was done, he came thru and picked me up to go to a studio in San Jose, where I laid the first three songs I’ve ever recorded.
Who were your main influences when you were first starting doing music?
Bone Thugs~N~Harmony, 2Pac, Nas, Jay-Z, X-Raided, A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim, Wu Tang Clan, and pretty much all the Bay Area Artists that were doing it big at the time.
Who do you listen to, and who do you respect in the rap game today?
Rakim, 2Pac, A Tribe Called Quest, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, TI, Talib Kweli, Tech N9ne, Jeezy, Yukmouth, Fabolous, The Outlawz, UGK, Jadakiss, Method Man, Red Man, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, AZ, Big Pun, Big L, Masta Ace, Black Thought, Common, Lauren Hill, GZA Andre 3000, Slick Rick Ice Cube, Scarface, Chuck-D, Kool G Rap… There’s more, but that’s a good start.
What projects have you had out in the past?
My group, The Dragons, have put out 2 projects ourselves: Rapademics 101, which is our debut album. And Smokehouse Chronicles Volume 1, which is a Demolition Men Mixtape.
Which would you say has been the best received, and where can we cop it from?
I would say this recent mix tape: Smokehouse Chronicles Volume 1 is better received, only because our evolution as artists and musicians shows, the production and features are also a huge step up from our previous effort. You can find it on iTunes or amazon.com and very soon in stores around the Bay Area.
What are you working on now?
Personally, I’m working on a solo album. As the Dragons, we are working on The Backdraft, which will be our 2nd album.
If you could work with anybody in the game, who would it be and why?
I wanna sit down in the studio with the guy who mixes and masters the hit records. I’m not sure who, but somebody is twisting knobs and using plug-ins to make everything sound right.
Where can we get at you on the net?
I’m on myspace/therealxsf and twitter/therealxsf Myspace has videos and music, but Twitter is where u would go to get at me.
Where would you like to be in Five years?
Somewhere where the water is clear and the sand is white.
Do you have any shout outs, or last words?
I just wanna shoutout everyone that has kept it 100 with The Dragons, everyone that has shown love and support. There are too many to name, but they know who they are. Thizz is the Nation!
Undefined Beats Interview
January 8, 2010Undefined Beats has worked with the sickest lyricists in the game. We catch up with him.
So, how did you first start producing?
Back in school I started hanging out with this kid that had a little studio set up in his garage. A few samplers, drum machines and what not. I would bring over samples I found off records and we would work on beats together, gradually I started to get more and more into it and buying my own gear. Once I got my ASR -10 I never looked back.
Who were your inspirations back in the day when you first started?
I was really feeling Marley Marl, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Sam Sever, DJ Mighty Mi, The Beatnuts, Large Professor. All the producers that contributed to making those classic Golden Era HipHop albums.
Which producers do you like and admire now?
Definitely Alchemist his work ethic and consistency is inspiring. Scram Jones, DJ Muggs, Rza, Evidence, Jake One, Nottz, The Snowgoons. There is alot of dope music being made.
If you could choose any rapper to vocal your beats, who would it be and why?
Kool G Rap, He is definitely my favorite Emcee of all time and still one of the illest in the game today. His resume of music from day one to now is really incredible. You have to respect is ability to stay current with all these new cats coming out. I feel like I need to produce a G Rap joint just because I’m that much of a fan of HipHop. The game needs that raw ,grimy music and I’m working on making that happen.
Who have you worked with, and where can we hear the tracks?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have my beats blessed with verses by Army of the Pharaohs,,Reef The Lost Cauze, Big Lou, Outerspace,Sabac Red [Non Phixion], Termanlogy, Randam Luck, King Syze,Shaabam Sahdeeq, Doap Nixon, Block McCloud, Nyce Da Future. I have alot of new projects with alot of dope rappers in 2010 that I’m really excited about.
What do you use to produce?
Instruments or software? Mainly I use my ASR-10 sampler, Sometimes I add to the tracks with Reason, I play bass and guitar so I might lay down some live riffs once in a while. I’m a crate digger at heart so I prefer the Asr-10, Technics 1200 and crates of records. That’s the sound I grew up on.
Will you ever do, or have you already done, a whole album of work, like Timbaland or Jake One have done?
I definitely will do a whole album in the future. Right now I building relationships with the artists I’m producing for. This way when i do my solo record I can count on them to bring that heat. I’m always sampling and collecting ideas for my album. It’s always in the back of my mind, I just don’t want to put out a so so record that gets lost in the mix. It’s gotta be the best possible music I can create or what’s the point. Right now you can download The Manual Labor Sessions, it’s a compilation of my favorite joints I produced. You can cop it for free @ http://www.execute1200.com/manuallabor
Where do you want to be in five years?
I would like to have my home studio set up so I can continue to produce and drop records. All I really ever wanted out of the game was to stay excited about making music. Finding that up and coming ill lyricist and being inspired to match his talent with a bangin beat. Music never gets old to me.
Where can we get in touch with you online?
You can check all my info, news and music at www.myspace.com/undefinedbeats I stay updating it all the time.
Do you have any shout outs or last words?
First and foremost I appreciate you taking the time to do the interview. Shouts to my crew The Bash Brothers DJ Concept and DJ Mickey Knox, Jay Piffakneeknee, PR Dean /HTA, Brown Bag Allstars, Rita for the non stop inspirational words. Nothing but classics for 2010
The Heaviest Interviews 