http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews DJBooth.net's own DJ Z interviews the hottest names in Hip Hop, from industry veterans to newly signed up and comers. en Copyright 2009 2009-11-17T18:00:29+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/wiz-khalifa-interview-1117091/ As anyone who’s ever flown with a major airline is well aware, getting off the ground is never as simple as it seems. Even after you’ve managed to check your baggage, get through security and find your gate, unforeseen circumstances can leave you landlocked for hours on end. Since last we spoke with him, buzzmaking emcee Wiz Khalifa‘s found himself in a similar situation; tired of watching his sophomore full-length idle on Warner Bros.’ runway, the Pittsburgh native’s decided to ditch the major and bring the project to the masses via his tried and true indie label, Rostrum Records. Fresh off the release of his B.A.R. (Burn After Rolling) mixtape, the emcee who brought us exclusive freestyle “Runnin’” is preparing to prove once and for all that, Deal or No Deal, he’s headed to the top. Fueled by the success of lead single “This Plane” (currently #4 on the DJBooth.net Rap Chart) Khalifa’s long-awaited second studio album is cleared to finally land on record store shelves next Tuesday, November 24. In an exclusive interview with our own DJ “Z,” Wiz Khalifa steps into the Booth to discuss why he doesn’t consider his time with Warner Bros. to be wasted, the New Year’s resolution that will make Steve Jobs very unhappy, and the perils of enjoying some “Studio Lovin’” when you’re 6’4”. Pre-Order “Deal or No Deal” Now! We Got Next 2009-11-17T18:00:29+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/crooked-i-interview-1103091/ As it’s been said so many times before, West Coast hip-hop is ready to make its comeback in a big way, and one of the most prominent – and hardest-working – figures in the ‘gangsta’ revival is street veteran Crooked I. Fresh off the success of lyrical supergroup Slaughterhouse‘s self-titled, Booth-acclaimed debut album, the Long Beach mainstay’s not resting on his laurels. In addition to cultivating such emerging talents as Horse Shoe G.A.N.G. (the up-and-coming crew who brought us the 100th entry in our exclusive freestyle series) as head of his own Dynasty Ent. label, Crook’s been busy crafting razor-sharp solo material behind the mask of his ”I don’t give a f*ck” alter-ego, Mr. Pig Face Weapon Waist. With a lengthy, uniformly acclaimed résumé of solo features and countless blazing-hot guest appearances, Crook’s established himself as a hands-down favorite among our resident hardcore heads. Now, the seasoned rhymesayer is preparing to give listeners a closer look at his bloodthirsty, Dickies-clad Slaughterhouse persona with the Treacherous/Dynasty Music Group release of his hotly-anticipated digital EP, serving up raw, uncut lyrical carnage on tracks like reader-approved leak Guess Who’s Back (featuring none other than Snoop Dogg). In an exclusive interview with our own DJ “Z,” Crooked I steps into the Booth to discuss the possibility of a Slaughterhouse reality series, what he believes it will take to rehabilitate both the West Coast hip-hop scene and the ailing music industry as a whole, and the full story behind his Mr. Pig Face character. Street Veterans 2009-11-03T17:00:33+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/j.-cole-interview-1027091/ For most up-and-coming emcees, the prospect of stepping onstage in front of 10 thousand-plus fans to spit a verse alongside the great Jay-Z would sound like nothing more than a nice dream (or a nightmare, if you’re performing in your underwear). For J. Cole, however, this incredible scenario has become a reality. The Fayetteville, N.C.-bred, NYC-based emcee had just a single mixtape (‘07’s The Come Up) to his name at the time of his signing, but one listen to current single “Lights Please” was enough to convince Jay-Z to choose Cole as the flagship artist of his newly-launched Roc Nation label, even giving him a guest verse on Blueprint 3 track “A Star Is Born.” Now, J. is preparing to prove that the aforementioned record’s title is much more than simple coincidence – it’s destiny. With “Grown Simba” and “Heartache,” both included on recently-released sophomore mixtape The Warm Up, J. Cole left Booth readers and staff fully convinced of his artist-to-watch status, and “Lights Please” only deepened that impression, earning an impressive four-star average rating. Fans can currently catch the rising star on a nationwide college tour with Hova and fellow buzzmaker Wale, running till late November. Once off the road, Cole will devote his full energy to recording his yet-untitled debut album, set to hit stores sometime in 2010. In an exclusive interview with our own DZ “Z,” J. Cole steps into the Booth to discuss taking the stage alongside his legendary label boss for the first time, the pros and cons of being a beatsmith as well as an emcee and his unorthodox approach to phone bills and student loan payments. We Got Next 2009-10-27T18:59:25+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/jaicko-interview-1020091/ Situated just east of the Caribbean Sea, the island of Barbados is well-know for its scenic beaches, its immaculate – and, in recent years, its uncanny knack for churning out pop/R&B talent. Since Rihanna opened the floodgates earlier this decade, the nation has produced a steady stream of promising artists, including “T-Shirt” singer Shontelle and Jive signee Livvi Franc. The latest rising star to emerge from the island is Jaicko, a singer/songwriter/producer who left his home country in hopes of becoming the next Caribbean sensation – and the first male Bajan artist – to hit it big stateside. Does he have what it takes to beat the odds and grab his piece of the American Dream? To quote his current single, “Oh Yeah!” Fueled by the growing success of the record referenced above, Jaicko is getting ready to take his game to the next level with the release of his Capitol Records debut, Can I. Due out sometime this winter, the album will include all the potential hits pop-hungry listeners could ask for, as well as deeper material addressing the struggles the singer’s faced thus far in his journey to the top of the music game. In an exclusive interview with our own DJ “Z,” Jaicko steps into the Booth to discuss his early transition from rapping to singing, how he plans to stand out from the pack and ensure his longevity as an artist, and the two things Z simply must experience when he visits Barbados this winter. Pop, R&B, We Got Next 2009-10-20T18:00:38+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/emilio-rojas-interview-1015091/ If Emilio Rojas comes off as a little “Bold and Arrogant,” you can rest assured that he’s earned it. As an up-and-comer who left his hometown for Brooklyn with no job, no cash, and no clear plans, and then proceeded to quickly establish himself as one of the crowded NYC hip-hop scene’s most promising young talents, the rapper has a lot to be proud of. Already a familiar face in the Booth thanks to numerous reader-acclaimed mixtape features and exclusive freestyle “The Last Days,” the Latin emcee is preparing to drop one of his most exciting street releases yet, presented by East Coast icon and fellow Rochester native DJ Green Lantern. With the Oct. 28 release of The Natural, Rojas will bring his devotees more of the vicious wit and agile flows they’ve come to expect, in addition to welcoming plenty of new fans into the fold. Including the lead single referenced in that very first sentence and reader-approved leak “Nothing Like It,” the forthcoming mix-album will find the artist showcasing his uncanny talents over beats by such high-profile producers as Sean C & LV, Nottz and M-Phazes, as well as Green Lantern himself. In an exclusive interview with our own DJ “Z,” Emilio Rojas steps into the Booth to discuss how his father’s departure inspired him to devote his full energy to music, the recent trip to Venezuela that opened his eyes to both his heritage and to the tremendous hardships faced by natives of developing countries, and why he chooses to put so much of himself into his lyrics. We Got Next 2009-10-15T16:00:54+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/three-6-mafia-interview-1013091/ As a group who have stayed inspired and relevant for nearly two decades, ascending from underground acclaim to chart-topping, Oscar-winning superstardom without ever alienating their core, street fanbase, Memphis’ Three 6 Mafia could write a book on how to gain and maintain a position of prominence in the music game. Fans will be happy to hear that, rather than penning a self-help manual, members Juicy J and DJ Paul have chosen to reveal their secrets to success in musical form – on their forthcoming 10th studio album, the history-making duo will give listeners worldwide a crash course on the Laws of Power. Coming on the heels of the members’ respective solo LPs, Chronicles of the Juice Man and Scale-A-Ton, Three 6’s 10th full-length (their first since ‘08’s Booth-acclaimed Last 2 Walk) will see Juicy and Paul once again balancing the dark, gritty style that characterized their early years with the more mainstream sound that made them an international sensation. Heralded by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins-produced lead single “Shake My” (feat. Kalenna) and Webbie-assisted follow-up ”Lil Freak,” Laws of Power is set to hit stores everywhere Jan. 26, 2010, via Sony/Columbia/Hypnotize Minds. In an exclusive interview with our own DJ “Z,” Juicy J steps into the Booth to discuss his own personal Laws of Power, why the hardcore fanbase continues to be a vital factor in Three 6’s success and what it will take to finally get DJ Paul on the phone. Industry Heavyweights 2009-10-13T18:00:38+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/jason-derulo-interview-1006091/ We in the Booth pride ourselves on spotlighting emerging talents before they reach the big-time, and 19-year-old singer/songwriter Jason Derulo is a prime example of our knack for early adoption. When we first featured the Miami up-and-comer way back in August of ‘08, we had no doubt that his commitment to his craft would take him to the top of the game, and the overwhelmingly positive reader response to “Algebra” backed us up. Fast-forward to October ‘09, and Derulo’s a major-label signee with a monster hit on his hands, and he’s preparing to take his career to the next level with the release of his self-titled debut album. The flagship artist of a new joint venture between Warner Bros. and J.R. Rotem‘s Beluga Heights label, Derulo’s already made it to the top of Billboard‘s R&B Chart and iTunes’ Top 200 with single ”Whatcha Say.” That Imogen Heap-sampling smash, however, is only the tip of the iceberg – having racked up songwriting credits on tracks by everyone from Lil Wayne to Danity Kane, Derulo’s mastered an impressive array of sounds and styles, and his forthcoming freshman set will find him taking full advantage of his sizable musical palette. In an exclusive interview with DJ “Z,” Jason Derulo steps into the Booth to discuss his lifelong dream of changing the world through music, why classical recitals and improvisation simply don’t mix, and the stringent dietary regimen that allows him to perform shirtless with pride. Pop, R&B, We Got Next 2009-10-06T18:00:33+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/fashawn-interview-100109/ In recent months, the Booth has been abuzz over the burgeoning West Coast revival, spearheaded by such talented artists as Nipsey Hussle, Pac Div and U-N-I (to name just a few). Another major player in the growing movement, Fashawn is an up-and-comer we know very well. With an acclaimed mixtape discography stretching back to the age of 15 and a long list of reader-approved features (including exclusive freestyle “Midnight Groove”) under his belt, the 20-year-old emcee has accumulated a sizable fanbase in the Booth. Now, the Fresno, Calif., native is preparing to introduce himself to listeners across the nation with the release of his hotly anticipated debut full-length, Boy Meets World. Created in collaboration with veteran beatsmith and fellow Cali native Exile, the long-awaited set will find Fashawn spitting his life story to date, chronicling his growth from a ‘90s baby into one of’ 09’s most promising young hip-hop talents. Heralded by single “Life As a Shorty” and equally Booth-acclaimed bonus track “The Outer City,” Boy Meets World is set to drop Oct. 20, via One Records In an exclusive interview with our own DJ “Z,” Fashawn steps into the Booth to discuss the pros and cons of growing up, the inspiration behind his new, Alchemist-produced The Antidote mixtape, and why he’s confident that his potentially-classic debut studio album will only be the beginning of a long and illustrious musical career. We Got Next 2009-10-01T18:00:44+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/pac-div-interview-0924091/ With a sound that never quite fit into the SoCal box, scrappy rap trio Pac Div may have seemed like a long shot, but if there’s one lesson we’ve learned from sports movies, it’s that the underdog always wins (unless you’re Rocky, in which case you have to wait for the sequel). In true cinematic fashion, brothers Like and Mibbs and longtime friend BeYoung have triumphed against long odds, clinching the big game and walking home with the trophy (that is to say, the major deal). Now reigning supreme as Church League Champions, Pac Div are preparing to undertake their toughest challenge to date: establishing themselves as ballers on the national scene. Signed to Universal Motown earlier this year, the trio who brought us innovative cuts like “FAT Boys” and “Shut Up” as well as Nice & Smooth collabo “Funky For You ‘09” are currently hard at work on their first studio album, Grown Kid Syndrome. Centered around the transition from childish adulthood to true maturity, the full-length is projected to hit store shelves and online retailers in the first quarter of 2010. In an exclusive interview with our own DJ “Z,” Pac Div steps into the Booth to discuss their high hopes for the next decade of hip-hop, what they’d change about their hometown and the music game if they were collectively elected “Mayor,” and Z’s difficulties with the Church League Champions online game. We Got Next 2009-09-24T18:00:43+00:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/kid-cudi-interview-0922091/ A lot can change in a year. Just last summer, a recording artist named Scott Mescudi was a working a nine-to-five job to make ends meet and pursuing his musical dream in his spare time. Fast-forward to 2009 and the “lonely stoner” we all know as Kid CuDi has grown from relative unknown to unlikely pop megastar, thanks in large part to the breakout success of debut single and Billboard #3 hit ”Day N Nite.” Hailed by many as a musical game-changer, the Cleveland-bred singer/songwriter/emcee has distilled his genre-bending style into an outré debut album he hopes will be the “one small step” that spurs hip-hop to take its next giant leap forward. Released on Sept. 15, via Dream On/G.O.O.D. Music/Universal Motown and available now in stores and online, Man on the Moon: The End of Day finds Kid CuDi chaperoning listeners on a guided tour of the vast expanses of space and the depths of his own psyche (with a little help from narrator Common). Fueled by the artist’s breakout hit as well as Booth-acclaimed follow-up singles “Make Her Say” (w/ Kanye West & Common) and “Pursuit of Happiness” (w/ Ratatat & MGMT), the album is a heady, intensely personal, THC-drenched journey that those who come along for the ride won’t soon forget. In an exclusive interview with our own DJ “Z,” Kid CuDi steps into the Booth to discuss his commitment to creative envelope-pushing, what inspired him to make that infamous ‘retirement’ announcement earlier this year and his powerfully intoxicating influence on female fans. We Got Next 2009-09-22T17:00:22+00:00