“ We Work Hard To Get The Unsigned Heard”
Thank You, to all the viewers that supported the magazine. The previous issues have been very well recieved by both the artist and audience. If you have miss Issues I-IV visit www.issuu.com and download passed issues , You can always vist our website & catch up on the latest news about artists at www.theunsignartist.com. I’m pleased and excited about the growth of “unsigned” and our mission to let the World hear and recognize the “unsigned” talent thats out there Grindin. Please like and follow us on your favorite social sites. We work hard to keep bringing you unsigned talent. Enjoy Unsigned Vol. I/ Issue V
Editor, Chocolate Butterfli
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Ta bl e Of C o n t e n t s 4-Philsophlo 6-Rita J 9-UWOP 11-Mil Tickit 15-Co-Still 20-B-EasyLive 22-Beauty Of The Month 23-Q Storm 25-Raga Z 27- DJ Bamn 29- Rich Law
Born Phillip Wallace
in March of 1976, raised on the
South Side of Chicago, Philosophlo started writing rhymes in 7th grade, and has grown into a talented Music Producer, with a unique and soulful, signature sound. The versatile soul child who describes his sound as “Deliberately Unique” HipHop Soul, interest in music began very early when he used his allowance to buy his first 2 records, RUN DMC - King of Rock, and UTFO - Roxanne Roxanne. His interest in music grew and was cultivated, when in 4th grade he and his older brother became Jr. Engineers with W.K.K.C Radio’s “Young People’s Radio Network” under the instruction of James Kelly - where he gained a valuable foundation in Radio, Audio, and Sound Editing..These kids were running the boards! (1991) in high school ge abd two friends started a rap group called No Home Trainen, lyrical trio which was part of the Verbally Diseased crew, and Nutti Pacc Nation, who have a deep rooted history in Chicago and many notable success stories! In 2008 while working as a Youth Mentor with ABJ Community Services, He and his students won “Best Media Project” in Illinois for a song he Produced & Co-wrote with his students and presented to the Illinois Abstinence Coalition on behalf of “Securing a Budget” for After School Programs in Illinois.. An accomplishment he’s very proud of. He Made a Difference in his community!! He dedicated this production to his Brother/Best Friend Chris, a High School Honor Roll student who was murdered during an attempted carjacking while a senior in high school while working at Burger King. (1992). He went on to become a sound man (A2 audio engineer) for live stage recordings with Metro-Mobile Recording and his set the stage and patched equipment for
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Philosophlo live stage recording with Metro-Mobile Recording and has set the stage and patched equipment for Grammy Nominated Clients including John Legend, Lupe Fiasco, and Fred Hammond to name a few! Philosophy has gone on to produce Music for independent films (Bronzeville Film Festival 2009) and is currently the Sound Designer for stage plays in the Chicago-land Area. (13 Women / Broken Windows / Annie) His most recent and notable contribution to HIP HOP is winning the 360hiphop Producer Beat Battle at EPMD Concert and Eric Sermon producer workshop!, Though the Chicago Promoter never made good on the prize and earnings, Philsophlo was satisfied by being able to meet Erick Sermon and have the opportunity to have his production critiqued by the Def Squad/Def Jam Music giant. Also 1 of his favorite
ARTIS T PROF I L E
producers and the only reason he actually decided to attend the event. Phil’s produced music and edited sound for indie film “Pursuit” which hit theaters in Illinois and Michigan in 2012. You can check his music out at www.philthebeat.com. Tune in and check out the new single “Live Percent %” where HipHop is going through Re-Construction. If you need beats & production, studio time & recording services, professional audio services, sound design for theater and film check out the website or google Regulus Group Media.You can also follow him on, www.twitter.com/philthebeats.
Philsophlo:
thank em for making all that noise for me. On the other hand when the promoters slide you broken promises and lies, is when the dream reflects the harsh realities of the business. It’s an ugly biz.
CB: Do you remember the first track you wrote in 7th grade? Phil: Interestingly enough, the first song I recorded & performed was called “It’s A Black Mans Time”. I was in 8th grade and performed it at Thornridge HS talent show in 1989-90. Recorded at Smooth Sound Studio’s on 11th & Wabash. That was the spot back in the days.
CB: Your thoughts on the New Hip Hop? Phil: Hip Hop is the only craft where the the forerunners don’t respect the forefathers as much as they should. Boxers respect greats that came before them. Architects, scientist and even chef ’s do too. Why don’t hiphop artists? Some of this modern music that was born from hiphop is more along the lines of pop music though so i’ll just call in “modern music”. It’s music that’ll last as long as the drink in ya cup. I think modern music is more of an ‘industrious creature’ than an art form. It’s controlled by endorsements and money marketability.
CB: How was the experience being in a rap group? Phil: Great for learning how to work with others on compromise and creativity. The friendly competition made everybody better. We had to be original while finding ways to tie everyone creativity together.We rocked tons of shows and had some good times. It comes with a lot of bs and headaches too but looking back, it was coursework.
CB: Is your main talent is producing? Phil: I’m an MC’s, producer, business owner and father. My best talent is being a team player. Just gotta have the right team around you. Put me in a room full of team players and we’ll all shine. As they say in court, “I can prove it”. Right now it’s time for me to explore some of my other un-nurtured talents and complete my own album, with or without support.
CB: The tragedy you experience in high school did music help you? Phil: Absolutely. Music was escapism. I walked around with a fake smile for a long time so music was something I could lose myself in. I poured my ideas into it, shared my viewpoints, and burned all the negative energy. Creating and listening to music occupies mind, heart and soul. Kept me focused and directed.
CB: How is your single? Phil: Live Percent%…? I’m happy with what I’m able to do independently. Produced, wrote and recorded it & pushing it myself. I’d be happier with a larger team effort and larger fanbase. I’m excited that E Sermon (EPMD), Wise Intelligent (Poor Righteous Teachers) and Dres (BlackSheep) reached out on social networks and commented on it. That’s works for me!
CB: Becoming a sound man for celebs did it help your craft? Phil: It helped to see the live shows up close and personal from upstage/downstage and enabled me to learn about more equipment and the inner workings of the technical side of large and live music venues. House of Blues, etc.. Invaluable!! An (A2 audio Engineer) is more of a sound man for the ‘company’ you work for, rather than the celeb who’s performing. Unloading the truck, patching all the gear, sound checking 19 choir mics, 10 drum mics, sitting through a full show/concert, unpatching and reloading the trucks is just a snapshot. There’s not much time to network with the artist and it’s not encouraged, but you can shake a hand, introduce yaself,
CB: What’s the next big thing for you? Phil: I’m working on an album and I’ll be lending myself to a few of my favorite local Chicago talents who happen to be friends. I gotta get myself attached to the right situation this year.
Speaking Truth!
CB: You accomplished many prod. & music, Do you enjoy that more than performing? Phil: I haven’t performed in a while so It’s hard say. I do enjoy the tech work though. Overall, It’s just nice to be appreciated for performing or tech work. Some of the most talented people are working behind the scenes though. You’d be surprised. CB: How was the experience winning the Beat Battle? Phil: Extra-Ordinary, Unforgetable. When you’re In that moment where Erick Sermon is critiquing your music and the crowd is rooting & voting for you and the work you put in, It’s validating. That audiance was complete strangers so I gotta
ARTIS T PROF I L E
Rita J
Walking a tightrope can be risky business, especially if you happen to
be sporting high heels and a pencil skirt in the process. Since its inception hip-hop has largely been considered a man’s world. Few women have attempted to claim the “emcee” moniker and even fewer have done so with a feminine touch. Armed with a writer’s wit, and a short list of hip hop foremothers, Rita J has critically wounded the notion that an intelligent woman can’t be heard over an 808.Raised in the talent rich pockets of Chicago’s South Side, Rita J-- Rita Jackson when not on stage-was born to entertain. A trained dancer, Rita J has spent much of her life on stage often showcasing her artistic prowess in competition. Her experiences as a dancer taught her at an early age the value of hard work and passion-characteristics beneficial to any artist, and essential to an emcee.While her own musical talents lay dormant for much of her childhood, the seeds were planted early on. The offspring of avid music listeners, Rita was raised on a sonic diet of 70’s funk, soul, and R&B. Pilfering through her father’s record collection for fun, Rita found herself captivated by the soulful croons of Bobby Womack, the rhythmic musings of groups like Slave, Shalamar, and the Bar-Kays, and the vocal and artistic depth of artists like Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen, Prince, and Phylis Hyman. Already a seasoned entertainer, 6| Unsigned www.theunsigartist.com
her rich musical indoctrination further fueled her desire to seek out new forms of artistic expression. It would only be a matter of time before Rita herself would carry the mic on her own personal foray into the music industry.Though influenced by the music of her parent’s generation, Rita eventually found solace in the music of her own. Like all other music, Rita was first introduced to Hip-Hop through her father. But as a child coming of age in what is widely considered to be the genre’s “GoldenEra,” Rita turned to a faculty of emerging hip-hop greats to further advance her hip hop education. Influenced by the style, wordplay, and story-telling abilities of Nas, the cadence and vocabulary of Black Thought, the melodic delivery of Buckshot, and the hard, edgy, female perspectives of MC Lyte--Rita developed a deeper appreciation for the genre.Realizing the opportunities afforded a dancer are often limited, Rita turned her attention elsewhere. Always a writer of sorts, she began attending poetry slams while in college. Recognizing the wealth of opportunities afforded a verbal performer, Rita expanded her artistic repertoire, performing in stage plays and even landing roles in independent films. Still music was never far away. Whileworking on a final project for a music engineering course, Rita found herself behind the boards, mixing an album for a local hip hop group. In a less than epiphanic moment, at the urging of her collaborators, Rita opened herself up to the idea of rhyming-and she hasn’t looked back. Since she first grabbed the mic, some 10 years back, Rita J has shared the stage with several industry notables including Digable Planets, Jean Grae, J-Live, and Chali 2Na. Channeling the finest attributes of her idols, and combining them with her own genius, Rita J can best be described as perfect storm of hip hop pedigree. Her grounded, earthy aesthetic appears to contradict the “take no shorts” onstage persona with impeccable tone. But where many female emcees stumble Rita remains balanced. Demonstrating both strength and sensitivity, Rita is proof positive that a woman can display both beauty and skill, without being overtly sexual or sacrificing
their integrity in the process.On Artist’s Workshop, Rita’s debut album released in 2009 on All Natural, Inc., Rita stiff-arms the rugged and risqué, instead offering an introspective look into the life of everyday people. Filled with an eclectic mix of food (Listen), fun (Body Rock) and inspiration (Dreams & Aspirations), Artist’s Workshop has proven to be one of the most accessble hip hop releases in years, earning Rita a spot in URB Magazine’s 25 Now (alongside labelmate AdAd, Indie Punk newcomers Sleigh Bells, and Neptune’s collaborators Christian Rich), along the way. “I wrote the album in my bedroom and I was surrounded by art and music...it felt like it was my workshop. I took in everything around me and put it into the album, hence the title.”Never passing on an opportunity to affect change, Rita J lives life with a purpose. An activist both on the mic and off, Rita dedicates herself to showing hip hop in a positive light, and as her music career continues to flouish, Rita J the artist is only beginning to evolve. Her underground yet commercial appeal has landed her everything from modeling gigs, to a sponsorship deal with Skullcandy, the famed headphone manufacturer. And it’s not just the music industry that’s taking notice. Rita is catching the eye of tastemakers in the film world as well. She appears in the Sonali Aggerwal directed “What Ever Happened to Hip Hop, alongside Jean Grae, Nikki Giovanni, and hip hop icon KRS-One and she has toured Europe with her own material several times & has toured with the French turntablist crew C2C. Her sophomore album “Lost Time” is scheduled for a 2013 release on All Natural Inc. With a growing fan base both in the US and overseas, Rita J is quickly becoming, not just a voice, but a face of future culture. Proving there are no limitations on creativity. https://soundcloud.com/missjackson79/06-the-dough1
Rita J
Such A Lady In Chicago! Chocolate:Do you feel it’s a must that females emcees have sex appeal about them? Rita: It is not a must that females have sex appeal, but in this industry it has been shown to generate more sales the more sex appeal a female displays. But no, I do not believe females HAVE to have sex appeal to record and/ or perform music and be “successful”. Chocolate: Do you still enjoy dancing as much as you did when you were younger? Rita: Yes, I still enjoy dancing, I do not dance as much as I used to, but that is soon to change. Chocolate: Growing up with the style of old school funk, Do you sometimes go back to that style in music? Rita: I’m into funk and “old school” sounds and yes, I like to incorporate a bit of funk and “old school” principles in my music. Chocolate: The Day you decide to sit and wirte,What type of style did you try to compare? Rita: When I first started writing, I wrote poetry and then I tried to write a rhyme to a beat, just to see if I could do it and to see how it sounded. Chocolate: Do you still participate in poetry slams? Rita: I never really participated in poetry slams, but I did attend open mics and no, I don’t really enjoy poetry slams and open mics as I used to, they were more of a outlet and stepping stone to me being creative and trying out material. Chocolate:Are your lyrics personal than commercial? Rita: Yes, my lyrics are personal, I write for myself with young people in mind to overcome obstacles and challenges that we all face throughout life.
Chocolate: How was the experience being behind the boards with the music groups? Rita: I enjoyed engineering when I was learning ProTools in college, it taught me how to record and track out beats and gave me the options of manipulating sounds to make whatever I like, I’m not so much into engineering for other groups. I’d rather focus on my own material and get that tight. Chocolate:Thoughts on the female emcees today lyrics? Rita: Today’s female lyricists are okay, I don’t feel like too many are writing anything groundbreaking or different, I think there needs to be more of a presence of females in Hip-Hop for variety’s sake so that we can have different perspectives. Chocolate: You have worked with many well known names on stage, Did you perfect your craft during those performances? Rita: I have learned a few things from sharing the stage with other notable acts, its been more about professionalism and stage presence. I still like to study performances from the audience’s perspective, but I have just watched and listened to the greats that I have gotten to share the stage with. Chocolate: Your goal for the rest of 2013? Rita: To release my second solo album “Lost Time” and tour with the French turntablist group C2C on their “TETRA” Tour in France and also performing Rita J shows internationally.
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UWOP A Chicago Native on the Southside is known on
the streets. When he first heard Illmatic by Nas thats when he decided to rhyme, Uwop begin to write his rhymes at the age of 12, He begin rhyming in the lunchroom of Curie High School with other upcoming underground artists, only certain ones in high school knew about Uwop skills, even though he was the quiet type he continue to write and perfect his skills as an hip hop artist, Uwop graduated from Curie High School, then went on to attend Columbia College, That is where he begin to master his stage perfomance and lyrics, He then befriend a group of other artist that was going by the name Madd Corr, Uwop contintue to perfect his skills within the group. Uwop decided to record his very first track “Jumanji” in the early 90’s, The track recieved street and buzz credit that gave Uwop the boost he needed, to go in the studio and record his next Single “Self Title,” He continued to perform with Madd Corr “The MOW” till he started to perform as a Single artist. As a single artist Uwop craft became more personal with lyrics and his performance stage became more intense and crowd driving. Uwop took his trials in life and turned 9 | Unsigned www.theunsigartist.com
them into lyrics that he used on many single LP’s and mixtapes, His style is straight forward and strictly hip hop no commercial lyrics in his craft. Uwop will say his stye is unique. His stage performance brings the crowds to they feet and makes them listen to what he has to say. Uwop released his first video “VENTING” APR.2013, the track is growing street credit and You Tube hype. He is continues to record and write tracks to finish his new revamped style for 2013. You can find his music ChicagoCrook.com & Jimmyleeundergroundradio.com. Twitter:www.twitter.com/Woptimus Facebook:www.facebook.com/tarikwoptimuscausay Soundcloud:www.soundcloud.com/woplastic Email:wopology4453@gmail.com
UWOP v e n t i n g t o Chocolate
C B : Yo u r t h o u g h t s i n t o d a y H i p Hop Culture? Uw o p : To d a y ’s H i p H o p c u l t u r e is connected to almost ever ything, politics, commercials, movies, gospel, more clothing but as far as the music goes I f e e l t h a t i t ’s o n l i f e s u p p o r t . . . lol! Some may not like that but who cares. Their is a lot of negative things in Hip Hop that is being glorified in the music. Yo u c a n’t b e y o u r s e l f , e v e r y one sounds the same and by me stating that their are a few kats i n t h e g a m e t h a t ’s k e e p i n g i t together mainstream. CB:Do you find it easy to write lyrics since most of them are personal based? Uw o p : It ’s v e r y e a s y f o r m e t o w r i t e t h e s e d a y s , b e c a u s e I ’v e been through to much not to have anything to write about. I d o n’t h a v e a n y p r o b l e m w i t h writing about my personal life. These are things that I must get o f f o f m y c h e s t , e i t h e r I ’m g o i n g t o g i v e y o u m y a l l o r I ’m n o t going to give you anything at a l l . . . I g o t t a s h a r e m y s t o r y, I ’m mean some people can relate. CB:How did you p erfec t your stage presents? Uw o p : I p e r f e c t e d m y s t a g e presence by practicing ever y chance I get. In front of the m i r r o r, m y l o v e o n e s , s t u d y i n g 10 | Unsigned www.theunsigartist.com
other artist that give good stage shows. If I want your energ y I must give you mines in return. Yo u m u s t h a v e c o n f i d e n c e a l s o . CB: How was the exp erience performing in the group Madd Corr? Uw o p : W h e n I w a s w i t h M a d d C o r r T h e M . O. W. i t w a s a f u n experience we were compared to Wu - Ta n g a l o t b e c a u s e o f h o w many of us were in t he g roup, we all had different skills. When it came time to perform it was CLOBBERING TIME!!! B eing around that many emcees you had step your game up because their was always a challenge, so you had to learn how to spit those darts! C B : Wo u l d y o u s a y t h a t y o u r style is old school hip hop or new hip hop? Uw o p : I w o u l d s a y t h a t m y s t y l e of emceeing is GROWN MAN R A P ! T h i n g s t h a t I ’v e d o n e , witness, lived, learn and what I ’m g o i n g t h r o u g h c u r r e n t l y. . . real shit! Their is no amount of money in this world that can make me do something that is n o t m e , I c o u l d n’t l i v e w i t h m y self. As a man you must stand f o r s o m e t h i n g c a u s e i f y o u d o n’t you will fall for anything. Hip Hop is me.
CB: How did you come up with t h e c o n c e p t o f t h e “ Ve n t i n g ” Vi d e o ? Uw o p : D u r i n g t h e t i m e I w a s w r i t i n g “ Ve n t i n’” I h a d a b a b y o n t h e w a y I w a s n’t w o r k i n g ,
I w a s s l e e p i n g o n m y g u y ’s couch hardly had nothing to eat t r y i n g t o c o m e u p w i t h m o n e y, rent was right around the corn e r. It w a s a l i s t o f t h i n g s t h a t I was going through I mean you had people talking shit but o u t o f a l l o f t h a t “ Ve n t i n’” w a s born. CB:The decision to go solo how did that come about? Uw o p : T h e r e a s o n w h y I d e cided to go solo it was the best thing for me to do I was able to write about anything I felt w a s r e l e v a n t a n d I d i d n’t h a v e to compromise myself with no one. Their is always going to be someone who likes your music or dislike your music, but to be the best solo artist you must d o y o u i t ’s t h a t s i m p l e i f n o t , y o u ’r e n o t b u i l t f o r t h i s g a m e .
C B : T h e m e a n i n g o f Uw o p ? Uw o p : Uw o p i s t h e n a m e I c a m e up with that connected to my s t y l e o f r h y m i n g , Uw o p i s t h e s l a n g n a m e f o r t h e Uz i , m a c h i n e gun and als o as Nas st ated in “O n e L o v e” o f f o f I l l m a t i c “ h o l d the two philliys together in the B r i d g e w e c a l l ’e m Uw o p s” i n a n u t s h e l l t h e r e’s a t i m e f o r w a r and a time for peace. C B : Yo u r a d v i c e t o u p c o m i n g artists? Uw o p : My a d v i c e f o r u p c o m ing artist, please be yourself I c a n’t s t r e s s t h i s e n o u g h , k n o w y o u r h i s t o r y, l e a r n t h e c u l t u r e , listen to all genre of music, be creative, patient, practice your craft, never give up on your d r e a m a n d d o n’t d i s s K r s o n e . . . l o l ! Pe a c e y ’a l l
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“ I am in Chiraq (Chicago) and with the people around me I don’t see myself going anywhere but to the bank”!
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Co-Still
Dominating Tha Mic
buisness men when tryna wear both hats. Chocolate: Being invited to be a part of Chicago Rap Compilation album, How was the experience? CoStill: Amazing... It made my buzz stretch into different states. Chocolate: Do your style with the gritty raspy voice be compared to anyone? CoStill: They compare me to Young Jeezy and Goriilas Zoe, but my next mixtape was made to let the world know im better than both them. Chocolate: Being offer so many deals was there ever one close to being sign? CoStill: Nope, I only sign what makes since and if it dont make dollars..... u finish the rest. lol.
Chocolate: B e i n g a Chicago native, Did it help your career? CoStill: I guess..... I mean its my story.... its the reason I’m the way I am... Chocolate: Being a witnessed to so much violence in the streets,Did music help you cope through the tragedies? CoStill: well it was my story, a lot of what I write about is from experience and i guess you can call it a way of venting. Chocolate: Did your friends from Verbally Disease Motivate you to be a better artists? Costill: No... it was a group of talented people but it felt more like competition and power struggle. it was an experience that started me having tuff skin, my 1st lesson on how people take the “me” out of team. but I learned alot. Chocolate:How was the experience with the first solo effort”Days of New”? Costill: It was the beggining of my buzz and actually having a fan base. i considered my frehman project a real success. Chocolate:Working with local pioneering producer Kay-Tone & Verbally Disease Family, Did they push you work harder on the solo album? CoStill: Like I said at 1st vd was a negative force in my eyes bcuz they didnt know how to cope with having an artist that was jus as talented a them. most artist are bad 18 Unsigned www.theunsignartist.com
Chocolate: What made you form 89 music? CoStill: The fact that I anted to chase music with the people I ran the streets with. Chocolate: How well did the showcase Elite Chicago Allstars series, Do for other artists? CoStill: It was a major succes, our finale showcase was all indepedent artist and we had 1100 inside and 200 outside ... so yep a success... $10 a head. Chocolate: Collaboration with othr fellow Chicago artist, Did you guys style mesh together? CoStill: Most of the collaboration worked out for the best with the track. Chocolate: How is the alliance with Bo Deal Waka Flock Bricksquad Monopoly Going? CoStill: BO WAS MY NIGGA BEFORE all the BSM, He introduced my to Wacka inATL and we had a decent relationship and a couple things in common with him being a “blood” and me being a “stone”.
The bloods were founded by a high rankin member of The Black P Stones, so it was love through the gate with Waka and I, but I really grew to like Cap da Prez and Kebo Gotti but they were eventually black baled from that circle for some personal disagreements but I still got a lot of love for them cuz they are real street niggaz. The music business is f#$@ up and cut throat. Chocolate: Finally signing a joint deal with Wicked Ent, What motivated the Final decision? CoStill: My whole career I had the records and the following etc., but I was missing what Wicked brought to the table which is organization, that extra knowledge, and structure. They are a totally different animal as these other so called buisness men. Their pockets are a lot deeper than mines if we have to make certain moves. Last but not least I trust them with my life and my career is my life rite now. I truely believe in them and the feeling is mutual. I’m excited! Chocolate: How is the Growth of clothing line? CoStill: Of course we setting it all up now.. We meet 2 0r 3 times a week talkn stratedgy. I’m confident this run, Im blessed to be partnered up with Wicked.
“It’s My Story.... It’s the reason I am who I am”!
Contest 2x ContestWinner Winner
SHiLL
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B-EasyLive Born in Chicago…. A Young street hustler that has ambitions of breaking his way into the rap game with an impeccable grind and above average music would need all of it going up against the obstacles that lied ahead of him. But knowing he had the talent to be one of the best rappers in the game Brian “B-EASY” Penn would not let anyone or anything stop him from being successful. Negativity was constantly thrown his way, at times it even came from family but that would not stop him…. “B-EASY” knew what he was here for a reason, rap was his destiny…. Writing new rhymes everyday and being blessed with the gift of gab from the jump didn’t hurt either… ”B-EASY” is looking to raise the bar in the rap game and make rappers step their game up, and in Chicago he is doing just that…..
With 8 mixtapes in the streets now he is becoming an underground legend in Chicago!! He has done shows with some of your favorite artists and DJ’s like Nicki Minaj, Plies, Gucci Mane, 2Chainz, Noreaga, Cash Out, DJ Holiday, AZ, Twista, DJ Sean Mac, DJ V-DUB, OJ Da Juiceman, DJ Reese, DJ PHarris, DJ Victorious, Jim Jones, Keith Murray, and a list of others….. “B-EASY” is one of the hardest working artists out right now with talent that matches his grind. So who said hip hop was dead it was just bored and fell asleep….Now “B-EASY” is the wake up call!!! www.facebook.com/beasylivefanpage www.twitter.com/beasylive www.reverbnation.com/beasylive www.youtube.com/xclusiveasy74
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B-Easy tells How Easy It Is! CB: Did street hustling play apart in your lyrics? Easy: Without the streets I wouldn’t have my story I didn’t want to go through certain things I went through but I did and I feel like me telling my story might help that kid out there about to make some of the mistakes I made or it might give him hope that you can make it out the dope game and use those same skills to hustle the rap game. CB: Overcoming obstacles that lied in front of you did it make it easier to write music? Easy: Honestly everything I go through whether its positive or negative helps me write because I put my life experiences down on the pad but I like to write about overcoming obstacles more so because I want to motivate my niggas to do better. CB: B-easy have significant meaning? Easy: Being Everybody And Staying Yourself Which pretty much means that I can adapt to whatever my surroundings are but never lose who I am and always stand my ground at the same time. CB: Music experience in Chicago has it been beneficial yo your career? Easy: I love everyone who supports me in Chicago and I have benefited from a few things like shows and the underground Mixtape scene but chicago is not a city that’s a major music market so it was only so much we could do here. CB: Who do you compare your style of music to? Easy: I grew up on 2Pac Jay z Nas Biggie Lil Wayne Big L and Camron... So I’m pretty much a mixture of them all. CB: How is the Mixtape movment going in Chicago and Nationwide? Easy: It’s not the same as it used to be because the game is over saturated with rappers doing Mixtapes and it’s more about singles now... It’s still a good thing to do but it has to be anticipated and well promoted to be affective I believe . CB: Performing with mainstream artist who is your favorite? Easy,: Jeezy was my favorite artist that I have performed with and one of the realest shout out CTE .
CB: Has an artist has it every became to much and you decided to just take a break? Easy: Every artist goes through that before they get to their dream but the thing about it is fighting that urge to quit! It’s like a gold digger who buys all the digging equipment starts digging and years may pass before you find something. Will you quit and let someone behind you pick up where you left off? What if you were three feet away and didn’t even know it, then the person who picked up where you left off digs those 3 feet and find your gold you put all that hard work into finding. That’s just my motivation to never quit 3 feet from gold!! CB: Do you feel new Hip Hop is commercial than lyrical? Easy: Hell yeah they gayer you are the more successful you will be the tighter your jeans the more the labels will back you. I’m not saying lyrics are dead and gone but rap is definitely more commercial than lyrical nowadays. CB: What’s the next new track to be released? Easy: Be on the lookout for Tatts on Me a Chicago flavored track that’s gonna be my breakout single produced by @ vilerproductions out of London.
Height: 5’3 Waist: 38 Hips: 46 Bust: 40DD
B e a u t y
O f
Mz. Roni T h e
M o n t h
Q-Storm Born January 7th 1982 in Harvey, Illinois, William Martez
Mims only child was raised a little bit of everywhere after a 2 months in Harvey his mom moved them to 55th and Indiana in Chicago Illinois. there in a one bedroom apartment they spent a year only too move back to the south suburbs Robbins. Here Q-Storm went to elementary school where students were mostly white but a good experience (Nathan Hale in crestwood illinois) after elementary Mother moved south to the suburb Chicago Heights where Q-Storm attended Roosevelt, Washington jr. high school and Bloom high School. As a only child Q-Storm mostly kept to himself. Q-Storm got into writing poetry as another form of expressing himself since drawing wasn’t 100% ventilation. his poems became prophetic and later he personified his personality into a well-prophetic time turnin William Mims into Q-storm. in 2006 Q, hooked up with “michael Jones” to create the underground album “Wordz of Venim Off Michael’s “self label Streetwise Records After that Q-Storm began to grow more focused into the music driving out everyone who really wasn’t serious about what they said they were. But he needed his own studio set up to really get himself out the way he knew how. In the summer of 2007, Q-Storm built his own studio, taught himself to record and mix and master his own tracks. The creation of the album he would call “The Reinvention” would come in to play. At the top of 2008, Q-Storm discovers “Giovanni’s” a place where local talent is showcased, his first chance on his birthday Jan 7th, he would be known to others. After numerous of shows and local street buzzes, as well as many collaborations via world wide web from east coasts artists from New Jersey, Baltimore Maryland, New York, United Kingdom as well as California/ Q-Storm on August 22nd 2008 released his first album that represented him fully “The Reinvention.” The album displays as a Complete transformation in mind, body, and soul. Speaking on personal experiences to real life captured tablets in the forms of songs like “Long Time Coming, 4 Wordz, Illuminati Politics, Circulate ,just to hard, Getting Stronger, If You Ain’t Rollin,and many more. After the year cruises with more
attention towards the album 2009 comes as Q-Storm branches out in the mist of becoming more knows, now his face is seen as “the emcee” Q-Storm networks with Chicago’s underground on a wider range. From North to east west and South to South Suburbs. 2009 Q-Storm began to prep a album called “I Declare War”. He began to become more known within his state proximity by performing at numerous open mics, even headlining showcases, his work ethic increases and confidence and power grew within his work. In the entire year of 2009 he also suffered thru heartache, pain, rage and confusion, with songs having more rage and anger aggression channeled thru each experience which caused him to seep in and out at times waiting for allah to mold him into a new “reinvention” and he did.. New year hits 2010. Today Q-Storm is reborn! He’s molded into a new being, studies under the 5% nation of gods and earth, connected with more promoters and gods and goddess representing the essence of the music in its organic form and have scored from open mics to headlines on stage within the Chicago underground.The “Chicago Vindicator” is here. He performs all over Chicago spreading his music to the unknown and most known to build and create more energy within the essence of hip hop. In August of 2010 Q-Storm travels back to his first album to re release “the Reinvention” with the strong singles “4WORDZ”, “CIRCULATE” “GETTING STRONGER” and “PUBLIC EYE” along with music videos to express along with music videos to express himself more broaden range. He is currently finishing his sophmore album “I Declare War.” Set for release in 2011. In 2010 Q-Storm (William Mims) has overcome fears, heartache, insecurities, and demons that were blocking him from progression. With songs and remixes like “AIRPLANES (THE TRUTH REMIX) Q-Storm has developed a key of understand to the community. They receive Q-Storm even more now. As he enlightens us how important from which we are...and were. The revolutionary that the entire universe will shift energy to react into a state of pure revolution.
ARTIS T PROF I L E 23| Unsigned www.theunsignartist.com
Q-Storm
L i g ht s Up Hip Hop ! C B : Do you still do art in between writiing lyrics & poetry? Q: I havent drew in years! I really want to, Im going to have to develop the time needed to sit down and fully draw a figure. Once i get one picture going im going to keep going! C B : How was the experience working with Micheal Jones on your underground album? Q: Working with Jones was a learning process, he was technically my first producer. He started to learn my style and
NOTHING TO LOSE” a song off my album “The Dark Knight” album. That to me so far..is my favorite piece of me. It captures 100% of my thoughts and if I can explain everything i live for in one song right now? That would be the one. C B : How long did it take for you to master your own skill and stage presence? Q: It took me exactly 3 years to get comfortable, to be able to capture the crowd, control the crowd and actually learn the stages and mics and how to emcee a live crowd with my music. I had to also master my flow and delivery, my style changed at least 3 times while still searching for myself in music. Now I get on stage im still a bit nervous UNTIL..I grab the mic and all that shit goes out the window. C B : Do some of your music have the teachings of the Supreme Mathamatics? Q: . 5% of the Nation of Gods and Earth I would say I am heavily influenced by Clarence 13X and some of his teachings. Also within the culture of hip hop some remnants of the mathematics are shared by the icons and pioneers that also I am admired by like Rakim and Wu-Tang Clan. With my own personal knowledge and research yes I have blended some of the information into my lyrics.
began to adapt his ear for sound and makes beats which catered to my flow of creativity. Even on songs from which we both spit lyrics on we always had a chemistry on the microphone as well as him just producing for me. C B : Building your own studio in “07 did that also drive local talent to you? Q: Yes it sure did! When i built my own studio and started my own path as a local artist, I made many connections and acquaintances. Admired by a lot of artists for being different and sounding much unlike others, People began to respect me for what I represented. C B ; You have many tracks that captures your life, Is there one favorite? Q: I was just talking about this to one of my mentors! She asked me this same question I would say “WE GOT 24| Unsigned www.theunsignartist.com
“ We Got Nothing To Lose” C B : How was the experience collaborating with international artists? Q: The power of the internet!!! This is when I realized its potential. Working with international artist not only gave me the exposure but the respect across the globe. The struggle is very common and it felt good to know that you are felt and understood. It also let me know that I was speaking the truth! and I was encouraged to stay revolutionized. C B : Is there a reason for so many albums being released back2back? Q: Not in particular I just be having so much to say! HAHA! im slowing down now to work on my label imprint’s first project which is a collaborative collection of artists that im putting together. A mixture of songs representing “FREE-
MINDZ.” So I’m actually taking a break now. C B : Do you feel your music has a lesson? Q: Yes i feel my music especially now after all these years of consistent productivity it has not only a lesson but a guide to certain situations and issues from which if challenged, can assist and aid. C B : What’s your feeling about today Hip Hop? Q: Today Hip Hop is more less not mainstream. Its back to its roots from where it was created..underground the raw uncut realism is not to be televised ;)
C B : Your advice about young artist? Q: My advice to young artist is this.. if you “Trying to rap” meaning to get a record deal, have that whole fame and appeal of a “superstar” dont belittle yourself. The record companies will consider your hard work and talent and quickly use and replace you. With the internet now at full access you can use it to your full advantage..dont be controlled by the dreams of having a record deal...Control your dreams and you wont have to have a record deal.... #FREEMINDZ
International Music Spotlight
Raga-Z
was born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. As a child, he was exposed to music while attending church with his mother. This played a major role in encouraging his love for music to grow. He was also introduced to the culture of reggae music through his father. In his free time, he found himself doing things such as creating instruments using paint pans to make a beat to play while he would DJ. He grew up listening to sounds of Sterograph , Stereo One, and Killamanjaro. He also began to work with and learn from sounds such as Black Scorpio, King Jammys, King Agony, Love Rock, View Master, and many others. He later befriended the following artists; Jah Zarro, General Trees, The Late Pan Head, Mickey Melody, Devano, Kabeeba, I- Kushna, Booma Rankin, Mickey General, Luciano, Ghost, I-Wayne, Lady G, Beetle Bailey and many more. He has worked with various labels such as Black Scorpio Label, Abvi Musik, M Productions, Carvel Musik, Warriors Musik and Shyeim Records. In addition, Raga has been affiliated with some top producers such as Ansil Collins, Joe Gibbs, and many more. His new Album consists of Ride With Me, Rude Operator, 7 or 11, Two nuh fi show, Sexy Chicks, Why Me, Just Gotta Be Mine, Wine baby Wine, Good loving, Party People, Who Say Jah Jah Dead and Independent Woman. Raga-Z has also made music videos, one of which is called ‘Defend It’ courtesy of M Productions. Raga-Z is an energetic and full-of-life artist - an all-rounder who caters for the pallets of not only the ‘old school’ but new style dancehall and lovers of hip-hop. A very versatile artist with a unique voice.
http://www.shyrick.net http://www.facebook.com/wayne.r.ingram http://www.twitter.com/raga_z http://www.youtube.com/ragga364 http://www.myspace.com/raga-z http://www.reverbnation.com/ragaz http://www.lastfm.com/raga-z Also for bookings or other matters send an email to shyrickentertainment@gmail.com
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Raga Z
have already have worked with?
Dance Hall w/ Chocolate Chocolate: Growing up in church in Kingston, Jamaica was the music culture and escape? Raga:Growing up in church was a way to know God and stay away out of trouble in those days, But music to me was a gift from God. Chocolate: Making beats as a young child with paint pans do you catch yourself beating on certain things now as adult when you think of a beat? Raga: Back then it was fun so as I grew older I listen for that Drum & Bass. Chocolate: You grew up listening to many sounds do those sounds play a major part of your music today? Raga: Yes these sound system help build my style stage craft how to write because of the foundation in the music. Chocolate: With the many friends that you have befriended have you collaborated with most or some of them on hit tracks? Raga: Yes, with a group call the “ Wailing Souls”Souvenir from Jamaica, A big reggae group also get the chance to record in tuff going recording studio, making it big over seas. Chocolate:Working with so many well known labels dod the experience prepare you for committing to a major label? Raga: Well always these top producers and label help me to become ready for major labels. Chocolate: Do you have a favorite producer that you have work without the many choices that you 26| Unsigned www.theunsigartist.com
Raga: Yes, Mr. Miceal L. Lawson from “Slag EM production and Shyrick Rec.. Chocolate: Have you went back home and shot a video with the family and friends from home? Raga: Planning to go back to Jamaica a lot more for videos. Chocolate: Do you keep your style of music strictly dancehall? Raga: Not really Dance Hall & love Hip Hop. Chocolate: What’s your advice to other jamaican artist that are coming out on the music scene? Raga: Keep your head is not a easy road but never give up.
“Keep your head it’s not easy road but never give up”.
DJ. B.A.M.N Son of a bass player,introduced to music as a child, inspired and taught by his father. B.A.M.N. began learning music production in the early 90’s in his father’s home based studio. In his teenage years he began promoting parties with childhood friends and caught his first look into the world of a dj threw Quentin Daniels aka DJ Q. After graduating high school in 2004 he decided to add DJ to his list of skills. He chose the name B.A.M.N.(pronounced Bam) an acronym for By Any Means Necessary, suited to his attitude and life style and his ability to turn nothing into something. At age 18 B.A.M.N. began spinning for his peers in his Englewood neighborhood becoming the go to guy for all the local house parties. By the time he was 23 you could find B.A.M.N. in bars and lounges all over Chicago’s south side. His talents and personality earned him a residency at a popular bar on the “Low End” The Union Station (51st and Union). It was here he earned the reputation as “The Go Hard DJ” and people began calling him “Mr. Go Hard”. With his reputation for being talented, humble, and hungry growing, DJ B.A.M.N. began networking and meeting DJ’s who were legends on their scenes like DJ Monty & DJ Mikey Mike, DJ Disco, DJ Clent. etc. He built working relationships and used them as inspiration to better his talent and knowledge of the craft and the music scene. Now 27 years young DJ B.A.M.N. has been in clubs all over Chicago and surrounding suburbs, Crimson Lounge, The Regal Theatre, Adrianna’s, The Zone, The Press Box, The Rap Factory, Sub-T, Secrets, etc....... He is the official DJ for rising teen rap star Princess Nauwisa, Oakwood Shore’s Community Life Center, and Polished Pebbles (girls mentoring program). DJ B.A.M.N. has officially linked up with DJ Monty & DJ Mikey Mike and is now a member of L.E.P. Nation. Con-
DJ’S SPOTLIGHT 27| Unsigned www.theunsigartist.com
stantly growing as a man and a DJ, B.A.M.N. is continuing to add to his resume and network and wearing many labels (DJ, Producer, Sound Engineer, etc), as well as running a home based custom sign and tshirt business (Sweatshop Customs). As of November of 2012 he became a BLOK BIZNESS DJ and his goals just keep getting bigger. It’s B.A.M.N.
PROF I L E
Chocolate Butterfli’s Top 20 1.The Miscarriage...........................................................................................................Q Storm 2.Venting............................................................................................................................UWOP 3.Toss N’ Turn.......................................................................................................2EZ ft. Webbie 4.Thirst...................................................................................................................CityofColour 5.Lovin You......................................................................................................NuWorld Records 6.Haitian Food..................................................................................................................GMC93 7.Get U Hurt.....................................................................................................................Co Still 8.Get Ya Chips........................................................................\...............................Ghost Carter 9.Englewood to Hollywood.......................................................................................Greg Granit 10.Dancing with Bars...........................................................................................Lord Baltimore 11.Big Poppa’s Revenge....................................................................................BobbyStoneMusic 12.She Got It Going On.........................................................................................G One da Don 13.Errbody Knows Me..................................................................................................Mil Tickit 14.In Love.........................................................................................................................GMC93 15.Far Gone...................................................................................................Farrah Boule Burns 16.You Should Be...........................................................................................Blazin Hot Studios 17. Southern Creature......................................................................................................Lil Yella 18. Haters Love Me................................................................................................Queen Guttah 19. Keep Some Change.......................................................................................Verbally Disease 20. Buss...........................................................................................................................Rich Law
www.soundcloud.com/ceochocolate 28 | Unsigned www.theunsignartist.com
R ic h L a w (aka Napalm The Don) Southside Chicago native has been grinding underground musically for sum time now...Born and raised in Englewood, music has always played a major part in his life. From watching the performances of his uncle who had his own band to hearing the sweet vocals of his aunt who was the lead singer in another, it was only a matter of time before his path to a recording career would be set. Making his first mark on the world of hip hop in `06 with “Heart of the Midwest”, it was set in stone that this path would make the pace to the rest of his life. Since then he has continued to climb the ladder to success from recording hits with sum of the midwests most elite artists, to taking part in sum of Chi Towns milestone projects such as Chicago United to the Hungriest Rapper reality show.... Now with a new direction and perspective on the game, RICH LAW™ and AMC Music Group, LLC poses to be not only a force, but also a trendsetting entity in the world of hip hop! www.soundcloud/richlaw www.facebook/richlaw www.instagram/richlawlife www.twitter.com/richlawlife richlawmanagement@gmail.com 29| Unsigned www.theunsignartist.com
Rich Law Tells the Facts W/EssenceRayne Rayne: How did you recieved the name, Napalm The Don? Law: Well my alias is Rich Law, but since I first started making music I’ve always been known to have a fiery delivery. And for those that dont know, “Napalm” is an agent used to make bombs and explosives. “The Don” was added to compliment the lifestyle of a boss. Im a big fan of the likes of “The Godfather” and “Scarface”. Rayne: How was life growing up in Englewood? Law: It wasn’t easy lol, I mean Chicago alone is a mini war zone so you definetly have to be cut from a certain cloth to survive them streets. As a youngster my mom tried to steer me away by sending me to family in the burbs to attend school to no avail because weekends and summers I was on the block and when I graduated I married it. Made a few dollars and lost a bunch of real niggaz but besides wishing I could bring them back I wouldnt change a thing. It made me the man I am today. Rayne; Besides the family connection, Why do you like Hip Hop? Law: I use it for my personal form of expression. It has always played a major part in my life, from the artists that bring substance to it, the emotions that it erects, to the lives it has made a difference in for those who love, appreciate and practice it. Its the best thing that ever happened in urban life. Rayne: What was the name of your first track? Law: “This Life”.... first joint I ever recorded and it basically told a true from the heart story of some of the trials and tribulations in my life. A classic! Rayne: What artist would you love to work with? Law: Hands down “Rick Ross”.... I feel he brings something great to the hip hop game. From the tracks he uses, his delivery, to the focus and dedication to his label and artists. I would love to record with him or even be part of his team! Rayne: Tell me a little about your reality show? Law: The “Hungriest Rapper Reality Show” was a project put together when I was affiliated with a company called Breezy Ent.( s/o Stacey Gill) to shed light on our Chicago and Midwest artists. We chose 11 artists out of 100’s and put them through numerous tasks to find who was the hungriest for success. The winner recieved a slew of perks and prizes to help boost their career. We had alot of fun with that project, s/o to all the participants. One of the best times of my life. Rayne: Who is your inspiration? Law: .I would have to say T.I. ..He is what I call the full package. Musically talented, good buisnessman, great father to his children and husband to his wife, and to top it off he overcame 30 | Unsigned www.theunsignartist.com
difficult obstacles and adversity and still remains one of hip hops front runners. I admire his tenacity. Rayne:: When is your next albim coming out? Law: You can be on the lookout for my new album entitled “RICHLAWLIFE” around late August.... with a few collabs and some production from a few hot producers, the goal is to get back to when you could zone out to a album from begining to end! Stay tuned for a classic! Rayne: Do you think you touch any real hip hop fan’s with your music? Law: Ok I got this song called “Far Away” (s/o Sandy Redd on the hook), and I have not had one person yet that didnt feel that joint to the heart, as well as other songs ive recorded. My aim is to provide a sort of substance with the majority of my music so as to leave a lasting impression...the type of songs that stick with you for life...so yes I do. Rayne: Describe your music? Law: I would say its a little bit of both... I pride myself on being versatile when it comes to music. I do what comes natural to me and I always make sure its from the heart. I try to touch on all aspects of life with my ideas so I guess you can catogorize it as “Life Music!”