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 2008 2008-05-09T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/bob-interview-0509081/ For years, rappers have banked off the success of songs filled with money, cars, jewelry and women.  A growing problem with this marketable trend, however, is that the hip-hop consuming public has grown tired of it; they want something fresh, something new, and something different.  Basically, what they want is change; what they need is B.o.B.. A native of Decatur, Georgia, B.o.B. signed with producer Jim Jonsin to be the flagship artist on his newly formed label, Rebel Rock, and alongside industry tastemaker, TJ Chapman, as well as the fine folks at Atlantic, B.o.B. is preparing the release of his groundbreaking debut, “The Adventures of B.o.B.,” for the end of 2008.  In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” B.o.B. steps inside the booth to talk about the start of the “hater music” movement, staying away from the industry’s “stereotypical bulls**t,” and why he hopes that future travel plans overseas don’t end up like his experience in London. We Got Next 2008-05-09T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/yung-berg-interview-0505081/ At first, he was known only as “the rapper with the ‘Sexy Lady’ joint.” After several months in the spotlight, however, thanks to the Ray J collaboration, “Sexy Can I,” the listening public is finally getting familiar with the Chicago-born, Yung Berg.  Following the release of his introductory EP, “Almost Famous,” Berg patiently waited while his record labels straightened out their release schedule.  Now, a little less than a year later, the 21-year-old rapper has been given an August 12 release date for his debut project, “Look What You Made Me.” Heavily criticized online by hip-hop fans and media members alike for his hard imagine and ‘for the ladies’ material, Berg ignores all dissenting opinions and is only focused on pushing his current buzz single, “Do That There,” and the forthcoming album’s official single, “The Business.” In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” Yung Berg steps inside the booth to talk about being pigeon-holed, his disdain for bloggers, the possibility of recording an R&B album, and why he doesn’t need top-level production talent to make hit records. We Got Next 2008-05-05T04:00:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/qwote-interview-0501081/ Over the past few years, Miami’s ‘305’ area code has been well represented in the music industry by both the city’s new school (Rick Ross, Plies) and old school artists (Trick Daddy, Trina).  The only problem, however, is that the intense Florida spotlight has only been shining on hip-hop–that is, until now. Using his crafty lyrical skill and his compelling vocals, R&B/Pop singer Qwote recently nabbed record deals with Miami based “indie major,” Slip-N-Slide Records, and prominent major player, Jive.  Together, along with the assistance of Steve Obas’s Final Cut Records, the labels will release the Miamian’s debut album, “Qwote UnQwote,” later this summer. In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” Qwote steps inside the booth to talk about why being signed to multiple record labels is an important benefit, why he recorded three versions of his debut single, and which iconic pop star he is most often compared to in the industry. R&B, We Got Next 2008-05-01T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/the-roots-interview-0429081/ Fifteen years ago, Philadelphia’s Legendary Roots Crew released their debut album, “Organix.” Little did any of the band members know then, but the collective would develop a large underground following and go on to release nine more albums, including their politically-charged new project, “Rising Down.” Having predicted that eight years of Republican rule in the United States would make way for a more creative and politically active hip-hop community, Grammy Award-winning drummer and group leader ?uestlove, along with his seven other crew members, are on a mission to point out the blatantly obvious and encourage the possibility of change in the future. In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” ?uestlove steps inside the booth to talk about the group’s longevity, a lack of free speech in the today’s music, the end of racism in America, and which group member he wouldn’t mind switching places with during a performance. Industry Heavyweights, Street Veterans 2008-04-29T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/kardinal-offishall-interview-0425081/ If he isn’t already, rapper Kardinal Offishall is about to become the most successful Canadian-born hip-hop artist in America.  Having rocked a mic on a mainstream level the past eight plus years in his native Toronto, Canada, Offishall will release his first domestically distributed project, “Not 4 Sale,” this summer. After dropping several albums under several different labels since 2000, the six-foot-four Offishall hooked up with Akon in ’05.  Following the release of Akon’s debut project, “Trouble,” the rapper was offered a recording contract with KonLive and distribution through Interscope.  Knowing the two artists had an undeniable chemistry, Kardinal accepted Kon’s offer, thus paving the way for his forthcoming LP. In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” Kardinal steps inside the booth to talk about growing up as a gifted child, working with Akon on his new project, why Toronto has the most “Dangerous” women, and how a career with DJBooth.net could have been his future. We Got Next, Underground 2008-04-25T16:00:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/novel-interview-0423081/ Next time you purchase an album, hard copy or digital, take a moment to glance over the production credits.  Chances are you’ll notice a glaring difference between the artists of today and the artists of yesteryear - very few actually write or produce their own music.  Big budget acts such as Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and even Justin Timberlake often fail to contribute more than their vocals to the mixed and mastered final product. While he doesn’t share in the fame of the aforementioned A-list stars, writer/producer/singer/rapper Novel is looking to change how music is made.  Scripting out his Rowdy/Capitol debut album, “The Audiobiography,” with creative concepts and thematic lyrical content, this Atlanta native isn’t just versatile; he defines the very word.  In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” Novel steps inside the booth to talk about following his family’s footsteps into the music industry, why it’s easy to pick up women in a recording studio, and what minimum-wage paying job he’d accept as long as he could continue to record music and support his children. R&B, We Got Next 2008-04-23T04:00:01-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/one-chance-interview-0421081/ In November of 2005, R&B quartet One Chance appeared on the soundtrack to Usher’s “In The Mix” with the radio-killer “That’s My Word.” Almost two and a half years later, though, fans of the foursome have been left to wonder whether or not the group will ever release their debut album. Amidst speculation that the Chicago-based act has had problems with label politics (the group is signed to Usher’s US Records, as well as Clive Davis’ J Records), members Courtney, Jon, Michael and Rob are guaranteeing their fans, DJBooth’s readers, and R&B lovers worldwide that their major label debut offering will soon be available. In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” the fellas step inside the booth to discuss upcoming tour plans with both Usher and Janet Jackson, the importance of bringing back R&B battles, when their album is tentatively scheduled for release, and why they never have used their promotional hotline for a late night booty call. R&B, We Got Next 2008-04-21T04:00:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/kid-sister-interview-04160811/ Survey today’s R&B landscape and you’ll find that female artists like Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Beyonce are some of the most prominent names in the music business.  Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for females in Hip-Hop.  Rappers Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown and Remy Ma are out of jail, in jail, and on their way to jail respectively, and veterans such as Eve, Da Brat and Salt-N-Pepa haven’t released anything in years.  If women have a future in hip-hop music, there might just be a Chicago MC who will lead the way; her name is Kid Sister.  Known nationally thanks to a guest spot from Kanye West on her super-hyper single, “Pro Nails,” the Midwest-born Melisa Young is fresh off appearances at both the SXSW Music Conference and MTV, and recently signed a label deal with indie-major, Downtown Records. In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” Kid Sister steps inside the booth to talk about her post-college struggles, her refusal to become the product of a ‘corporate think-tank,’ and when fans can expect her debut album, “KoKo B. Ware.” We Got Next 2008-04-16T17:15:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/daddy-yankee-interview-0415081/ To most of the listening world, Daddy Yankee is known only as a Reggaeton superstar; in 2008, however, that perception will change forever.  With a solidified international presence in music already established, the Puerto Rican-born Ramon Ayala has added philanthropist, entrepreneur and actor to his growing list of job titles. In addition to continuing his successful career in music, Yankee will star in the summer release of “Talento de Barrio,” a film for which he is also crafting the soundtrack.  And if that weren’t enough, D.Y. started a scholarship fund in his native Puerto Rico for teens who’ve been in a juvenile correction center and most recently purchased the rights to a basketball franchise to stimulate the local P.R. economy. In an exclusive interview with DJBooth‘s DJ “Z,” Daddy Yankee steps inside the booth to talk about the parallel between his life and the character who he plays in “Talento de Barrio,” what he’s going to do in order to one day sit next to Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks, and why he plans to go to college once his rap career is over. Industry Heavyweights, Reggaetón 2008-04-15T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/bobby-valentino-interview-0411081/ With hits like “Slow Down,” “Tell Me,” and “Anonymous,” singer Bobby Valentino became a household name over the past three years.  This past Wednesday, however, in an exclusive interview with DJBooth, Valentino revealed his trek toward continued success will now be taken independently. Frustrated with the politics at his former label home of Disturbing tha Peace/Def Jam, Valentino has amicably walked away in search of a better situation.  The news of Valentino’s exit comes just three weeks before the release of his new EP, “Come With Me,” and several months before the planned release of his third studio album, “Underground Love.” Sitting down with DJBooth’s DJ “Z,” Valentino explains why the move was made and what it will mean for his future recording career, what fans can expect from his upcoming spring and fall releases, and how he plans to lead R&B music into the digital age. Industry Heavyweights, R&B 2008-04-11T16:00:00-05:00