Badnews Hip Hop

METAFORE INTRTVIEW

badnews912 — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:24:47 +0000

Badnews interviews newcomer Metafore!

Posted at 9/21/2007 08:12:00 PM

Awrighty then, before you naagaas go out to the club and do your thizzle or what have you, I’d like you all to check out HHR’s last installment for tonight. It’s a dope interview with an up n coming independent artists named Metafore that our sideline reporter BadNews got the chance to conduct last week. For those who don’t know, Metafore, was a recent finalist in the “On The Rise” contest that was sponsored by 50 Cent in conjuction with YouTube (see here). He’s also got a dope single out on the airways called “Nah Mean“ along with a new mixtape “Heir To The Throne 2″ that we’ve both featured on HipHopRuckus. Whoa! Where’s he from? How did he get started and what’s he thinking right now? You’ll just have to read and find out! So with out further interruption, as I like to say, peep the latest masterpiece from Badnews as he interviews Metafore….

BADNEWS: You’re from Florida right?

Metafore: Yep. Raised in Florida, but born upstate (New York), that’s where I live now.

BADNEWS: Well how was the music scene in Hollywood, FL?

Metafore: What it is now. There’s not that much really going on, it’s about the same. But it’s a little harder now getting put on, especially when you’re my age, but it’s really the same.

BADNEWS: You started writing songs and creating beats at the age of 12. How did you manage to create a beat at 12?

Metafore: Well, actually I just started writing music at 12. Making beats came a little bit later. But I use to listen to the radio a lot and I use to say “I could do better” so I started writing songs and just started rapping. (Laughs) I won’t say what songs I would listen to though! (Laughs)

BADNEWS: (Laughs) Ok. Well your mother really helped you out a lot to get your foot in the industry door. She use to carry around your demo and even played it at work. Have you gone on to hire her, or do you have that type of relationship that Usher and his mother use to have? You know, that mother/manager role?

Metafore: I mean, mom dukes is always going to be mom dukes. I don’t have that kind of relationship with her; she just looks out for my best interest. That is always number one. She was the one who jump started my career. But I mean parents always talk about there kid (Laughs) like everyone talks good about there kid. If I had a kid, I would speak positive about them. But she is definitely that spark.

BADNEWS: You signed on to Luckybug Entertainment. Did you feel that you could help them more than they could help them out? What was your attitude going into this?

Metafore:Well they could definitely help me more than I could help them out. There’s people here that been in the industry that were already here. But it’s like a double edge sword… if I blow up, they will gain that buzz and other artists will see that and try to get with them. Its like if you scratch my back, then i’ll scratch yours type of thing.

BADNEWS: Your 1st single is titled “Nah Mean” it has a real club feel to it, it’s a real catchy song that can get stuck in your head. What was your 1st experience on hearing your song being played by a stranger?

Metafore: Well… it wasn’t that song that I heard; it was a CD of mines. I was walking down the street and I heard my song. It was some guy playing it and I walked over to him and asked “Where did you get that CD?” and he said “From a friend of mines“, and I told him “That’s me!” and he looked liked he didn’t believe me, (Laughs) but he was said It was a good song. (Laughs)

BADNEWS: (Laughs) Well that’s not bad. You have your single playing on Music Choice as we speak, how did it feel to hear your song being played on TV?

Metafore: It puts a face behind the music. I remember I was at home and my friend called me and said, “Yo, you’re on TV”. I was like no way!! He didn’t have satellite, so I had to go home and watch it and sure enough I was on TV (laughs). It was then I said to myself, “Ok, I can do this”

BADNEWS: That’s what’s up. Now you shot your video to the song, and it’s currently on your Myspace. It’s shot in black and white, where did you get the idea?

Metafore: Well, it’s was my manager’s idea to shot it black and white. Most videos today are real colorful, and bright, and we wanted to shot a video that looked real hood. You know, that had that edgy looked. But it looked good.

BADNEWS: Now you got a lot of pretty girls in your video. You getting any groupies yet? Are there any crazy fan stories you can tell us about?

Metafore: (Laughs) Well… I’m not getting any groupies yet, but there was this one time I was at the bus station and I was in line waiting for a transfer, and there were these girls behind me saying “is that him?” and I didn’t pay it any mind, but I heard the other girl say “ask him”. So they came to me and asked me if was Metafore. That did it right there! (Laughs) But they asked me for a autograph, unfortunately I couldn’t give them one cause my bus was coming but it was all good though.

BADNEWS: See that’s how I’m trying to roll, I want a girl preferably girls to run on me and ask me if I’m BadNews (Laughs) …one day though. Ok, you have a blog on your Myspace page that’s addressing the Nas/Virginia Tech situation (Bill O’ Reilly protested that Nas be banned from a concert in VT because of his “gangsta” lyrics..you remember right?) how do you fell about O’Reilly trying to block Nas from performing?

Metafore: I mean, he’s not really that gangsta anymore. He was more gangsta back then, then he is now. People are going to listen to what they want to hear, so if he comes there the people who want to listen to him will come and the rest will stay home. It’s up to the venue anyway. He (O’ Reilly) is doing that.

BADNEWS: Word. And finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Metafore: I see me being a household name. Being a successful artist and just working hard and grinding.

BADNEWS: That’s what’s up. Well thank you for your time, and definitely good luck with your career.

Metafore: Thank you.
Edit Posts
As we like to say, much luv to Metafore and our his marketing squad for giving us the change to conduct this impromptu convo. Respect to that and yo, for more on Metafore, hit him up on his official myspace page for more on this playa! Holla!

Photo (top) Source: Rachel Crick – Photographer

Source: BadNews – Writer for HipHopRuckus

-If you have any questions or comments for Badnews, hit him up by E-mail, MySpace or AIM (TimbNews)

Labels: BadNews, InterView, Metafore

Hip Hop Ruckus – Recent Headlines (2/24/08)
* Custom Made – “Black History Month”
* “The Best and Worst of 2008 NBA” by The Beast
* Handsome Boy Modeling Club – “The World’s Gone Mad” feat. Del The Funky Homosapien & Barrington Levey (Video)
* Uncle Murda – “Gangsta Shit” feat. Sev & Jadakiss (Audio)
* Pictures from post-fight party hosted by Winky Wright and including a performance by Common
* O.G. Larry Davis get’s murdered
* Rick Ross – “Boss” (Video)
* Yung Berg is holding casting calls for new video “Do Dat”
* AnP – “Mourning Star” + Bonus Track (Audio)
* KRS-One – “Criminal Minded” prod. by DJ Premiere (Audio)
* Serena Williams – “Nike WorkOut Mix Samples” (Audio)
* Jay-Z concert tickets available for Sale.
* 308 Boyz – “Ballin’ feat. Young MeeChee (Video)
* Free Mixtape, Hussein Fatal – “Makeveli’s Soldiers (Download)
* Three Six Mafia – “I’d Rather feat. DJ Unk (Audio)
* Rob Grimes – “Free World Freestyle” (Audio)
* Prodigy – “2nd Interview & Freestyle with G4TV” (Video)
* Cash Capital Clothing & B-eZ Records drop new mixtape hosted by Sheek Louch
* Devin The Dude – “Makin’ It Hard” (Audio)
* “Dillathon” Release to Honor the Memory of J Dilla
* The Knux – “Cappuccino” (Audio)
* Royce Da 5’9″ – “Freestyle” feat. AZ & Sav Killz (Audio)
* Hero – “Be Aware” (Audio)
* Guru – “For Ya Mind” feat. Zion 1 + Bonus Track (Audio)

See More Headlines –>

1 Comments:

Anonymous said…: yo i like dis kid. i got his mixtape from a friend imma buy his cd; 5:49 PM

K. SMITH INTERVIEW

badnews912 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:22:01 +0000

Exclusive BadNews Interviews Will Smith’s nephew “K. Smith”

Posted at 9/11/2007 06:54:00 PM

At the set ,we get the opportunity to interview all types of unique Artists and Groups. This next entry will prove that. Just last week, BadNews got the chance to sit down on the phone and kick it with Will Smith‘s nephew…K.Smith. Yep that’s right and on the success of his single “Better Man” featuring Omarion (See Video Here), he’s here to tell u why he, not his uncle Will, is the “Real Fresh Prince“. Whoa! Anyways, read this cool interview and remember where you read it first. Before I bounce, give K.Smith a shout on his official myspace joint to see what’s good….

Badnews: You say that you’re the “Real Fresh Prince” why is that?

K.Smith: The same story that my Uncle had is the same story I had. Everything.

Badnews: Everything?…

K.Smith: Yeah everything. From living out in West Philly, acting up getting into trouble, to coming out to Cali and living with the rich Uncle and Aunt everything.

Badnews: I can’t lie I wish I had that story (laughs). Was your uncle a big influence on you? Will your album be similar to the type of records that he puts out you know, no cussing on the tracks?

K.Smith: Absolutely. Theres no parental advisory sticker on my album. That’s not where I’m at in my life right now. I never killed 50 people or anything so I won’t write about that. I wanted to put out a record that my grandma could listen to. I want to put out an album that a Grandma will go out and buy for her grandson.

Badnews: That’s what’s up. Now you’ve been everywhere from the White House to even spending the night in Nelson Mandela’s house. Wow (laughs) where was the craziest place you’ve ever been?

K.Smith: Yeah… (Pauses) I would have to say Nelson Mandela’s House and the White House. But the White House was crazy. Everywhere you went there was a security guard. I mean everywhere (laughs). They were all hidden all over the place.

Badnews: Wow. Ok you have a single out called “Better Man” featuring Omarion. You also shot the video to it, and it has rapper Yung Berg making a little cameo. Have they shown you things, or given you pointers on how to blow up?

K.Smith: Absolutely. Berg is like a big brother to me. And Omarion is a vet. So they constantly give me advice and show me little tips and pointers to help me succeed. But I can depend on Berg no doubt he helps me out a lot.

Badnews: Well you’re going to be a star that’s my opinion. You’re going to manage. Are there any other forms of entertainment that you’re interested in? Like would you do any TV shows or movies?

K.Smith: Of course. I would like to do movies and TV. My Uncle sent me several scripts, but I want to focus on music right now, and then when I become more established then I will show those some more attention. But you have to establish yourself before you get into all that.

Badnews: What’s the name of your album and who’s on it?

K.Smith: The name of the album is “Streets to Hollywood” and I have Production by Jukebox, DJ Drama and Cannon, Trackmasters. I can’t really talk about whose appearing on the album just yet but I have some good songs and some real good artists.

Badnews: I can’t wait to hear it. Now I detect a little Fabolous in your swagga if you will (laughs) correct me if I’m wrong

K.Smith: (laughs) Nah its cool…

Badnews: Ok cool (laughs) what I’m trying to say is who were your musical influences growing up?

K.Smith: Jay-Z, 50, Big, Pac… my uncle of course. It might sound a little off but the only young dude that was doing it when I was younger was Bow Wow, I mean he had a number one record when he was 11 and I would see him perform and I would say “I want to do that”. LL Cool J too. I’m LL cool K (laughs)

Badnews: See now that’s how in trying to be one day! I’m trying to be LL cool News (laughs) I aint mad at that!

K.Smith: (laughs)

Badnews: You have another song that’s out called “Million Bucks” and it’s a sample from Ludacris.

K.Smith: Yeah it’s a sample from “Stand Up”

Badnews: Yeah. Are there any songs from your Uncle you wouldn’t mind sampling?

K.Smith: Oh man there several. There’s this on song I wanted to do I can’t remember the name of it goes like… (Hums a Will Smith song I couldn’t tell what he was humming) Man I forgot the name of it. Id like to do “Summertime” that’s a classic. But I’d defiantly like to sample some of his songs.

Badnews: Your family does it big in Hollywood. Everybody and there mama knows your uncle and aunt. He also introduced us your cousin in his movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” so basically were getting the next generation of the Smith Family to entertain us. Where do you think you will be in the Next 10 years?

K.Smith: Here definitely in the next 10 years. In the next 20, ill be defiantly working on my label helping set up other artists that will help keep me relevant. I would had established my label Coalition/Overbrook records

Badnews: You have that label now. You have you signed so far?

K.Smith: I have Young Chase, he’s a monster and then Rush and I’m trying to get other artists as well.

Badnews: Ok I see you (laughs) you aint goin nowhere (laughs). Ok finally, who would you like to work with right now?

K.Smith: Everybody. 50, Jay… just anybody

Badnews: Ok well good luck in your career and thanks for you’re your time

K.Smith: Thank you

Yo we’d like to thank K.Smith for giving us the chance to interview him and get to know a little more about the “Real Fresh Prince” and such. Much success on your upcoming projects and such. Remember, to get at K.Smith…hit him up at his official myspace page….http://www.myspace.com/ksmithmovement. Peace

CYCO INTERVIEW

badnews912 — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:25:35 +0000

CYCO

Saturday, 16 February 2008

Article Index
CYCO
Page 2

Page 1 of 2

“I just got to stay in grind mode. The only feeling that I really have is to work harder and make everybody want Cyco.”

Interviewed By: BadNews

Badnews: what’s good? You got a real nice little buzz out right now. Did you expect it to come so quickly?

Cyco: Hell Nah! I didn’t even know that. I’m just finding this out from you right now. It’s a good feeling but we just need to stay on the grind and make it stronger

Badnews: How does that make you feel? You’re getting a lot of attention

Cyco: I mean I don’t have a feeling; I just got to stay in grind mode. The only feeling that I really have is to work harder and make everybody want Cyco

Badnews: Alright. Now you were born in Stone Mountain, GA and you been through a lot at such a young age. When did you start rapping?

Cyco: It was about five years ago. I thought this would be easy. I would just drop a hot song and everybody would like it and I would be rich (laughs). But its hard work. I’m just now learning there is more to this. Like the business side and the managing and promoting so it’s real hard work but were on our grind

Badnews: That’s what’s up, there’s a lot to learn. Now when was the point where you decided to take it serious? You made that career decision at a real young age

Cyco: when I was like 12 years old. It was 2002 and I was just in the streets. I stayed in the hood more than I stayed in the suburbs but I when I took it serious was when this dude from New York told me I was nice. He told me I needed a name that can stick out like if someone puts me in a group, like someone would say “DMX, T.I., Jay-Z and Cyco”. Like what? Cyco? So I just took it serious from there

Badnews: So would you say the guy from New York was the main reason you started rapping? Like he gave you motivation?

Cyco: Hell Yeah. Rapping was nothing to me at first, like it was regular to me. But when a guy from up north told me “ Yo you’re nice son, you need to rap” I felt I could to do it. Your partners will never tell you you’re good. Like if me and you were playing basketball, I wouldn’t tell you your nice (laughs), so if your boy is saying there nice, but you are great and actually separates you, it makes you feel like you can do this.

Badnews: (laughs) okay, so he was that guy that got you in this that’s what’s up. Now like I said before, you have been through a lot at such a young age. You saw your brother get shot and killed when you were nine. Would you say that it help your music in a positive way or a negative way now?

Cyco: It helped me in a positive way. It made me do something positive with my life because life is short. He wasn’t my real brother but he was like one. I could always go to him for help. He was always there. My dad was in the army; my mom was struggling so he was someone I could depend on. We were in the streets and he was shot in the head by my real cousin. But it helped me a lot to look at life in a different way.

Badnews: Would you sometimes get in the booth and use those emotions to project a song you’re doing?

Cyco: When I’m going to do a gutter song like “I’m fid to do this or I’m fid to do that” it helps me. You can feel my emotions in those kinds of songs. When I get mad or when someone pisses me off, I just wont tell you, id just keep in the inside. But I use those emotions in my music.

Badnews: Ok, that’s good music is real therapeutic. Now what do you have lined up right now? What are you getting into as far as dropping any music?

Cyco: I’m working on a mixtape right now. I’m giving you Cyco. I plan to release two more mixtapes

Badnews: And will that direct you to a studio album?

Cyco: Oh yeah. Just do these mixtapes and then go after a deal

Badnews: Ok so you’re real busy. Now speaking of deals. I got to ask you something that might get you in trouble later on down the road (laughs)

Cyco: (laughs) ok

Badnews: What are the top three labels you want to sign with?

Cyco: (laughs) ok. Number one would be Interscope, you can quote me on that. Then the second would be Geffen, and then Warner

Badnews: I noticed you didn’t say Universal…

Cyco: I wouldn’t go there. (Lil) Wayne and Birdman are there and they seem uppity. I wouldn’t be comfortable walking into that building. I want to be surrounded by artist like (Dr.) Dre, Snoop, Eminem or The Game he’s at Geffen. They would be good artists that I would feel comfortable with.

Badnews: Alright. Now what’s the name of your new mixtape going to be?

Cyco: I don’t know. I want to name it Hollyhood Battleground because everyone is trying to get a deal I have to fight everyone, battle them. So that might be the name of the mixtape.

Badnews: And are you working on any tour dates like going on the road?

Cyco: Oh yeah, were working on that

Badnews: Ok, so were going to see a lot for you in the future. Now one last question. What do you think of Solja Boy?

Cyco: He sucks. You can quote me on that. Do you all listen to him up there?

Badnews: Honestly, I don’t know what’s going on up here. I know I hear him in a couple cars when there driving down the street but I don’t know if he pops off up here like that (laughs) I don’t really listen to him but I listen to everything

Cyco: Well he sucks you can quote me on that (laughs)

Badnews: Ok (laughs). And I’m not picking on Solja boy, I just wanted to see what you think about him because he’s repping you’re area and you two are the same age so ok I got the answer (laughs)

Cyco: That was a good last question (laughs)

Bandews: Ok. Well thanks for taking the time out to talk with me will you let Hiphopbase.net know about the tour dates first when you get them?

Cyco: Oh yeah I will.

Badnews: Ok. Good luck with everything

HOWARD FLIES IN DUNK CONTEST

badnews912 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:36:18 +0000

Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images

i thought i take a little sports break and hit you up with a little update from all star saturday in New Orleans. it was all about flash last night in the arena when the stars came out to compete in the skills challenge, the three point shoot which was won by toronto raptor Jason Kapono out and the fan favorite slam dunk contest, but the story of the night was when Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard won the slam dunk contest beating last year’s winner Minnesota Timberwolf Gerald Green. one of his memorable dunks came during his second dunk when he stripped off his jersey and wore a superman top with a red cape

Five Rappers and Vixens that need a hug by Badnews

badnews912 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:27:11 +0000

Ok Valentine’s Day might be over, but there still some people out there that need a pat on the back. So I’m waking up today and I turn on the TV and I see a lot of crazy stuff. Then I go downstairs to get on my gray laptop and I hit the net. So I’m surfing around looking at what rapper said what, or whatever video I can get my hands on and I realized to myself… some of these industry people need hugs. Well not some ALL. But there are some that need a hug more than others so here are my top five people in the industry who need a damn hug

5. LIL’ WAYNE: Ok, he gone through some trouble at the border a couple weeks ago and even did a little “bid” in an Arizona jail before he posted bail and was back out on the streets to resume stuntin’ like his daddy. But when he got back on his grizzly and did a show, he let it be known that his boys were not there for him by turning around to his entourage and telling the crowd to say fuck you to them. He even took off his jacket and threw it at his DJ…HAHA! I mean wow. And of course this was caught on tape and is now posted all over the net. They even did a small piece on BET news. So for the sake of venting and spending time in a jail and facing felony drug charges, please give him a hug

4. CAM’RON This dude needed a hug since February of ’06 so let’s recap. Killa calls Hot97, confronts 50 Cent off bad Intel then responds to 50 cents Funeral diss with Curtis. Things are going great right? Well he drops a Youtube video sporting a black eye he received from Jay’s artist Tru Life and then telling us he’s on vacation and telling the cameraman to get a shot of “the pool”. Huh? You just dished out the best 50 diss song ever from a disgruntled rapper and you’re going on vacation? You needed to get in the studio! And then he goes on 60 Minutes and says the most stupid thing a rapper can ever say to the media when given a hypothetical question about snitching on a serial killer. Then to top it off, he has to look at Rap City and see his new enemy on the same screen with his ally Jim Jones I won’t even go into details about that night at Howard and what he said about that. Damn, someone give this guy a hug or a Ferrari. A pink one at least

3. Karrine “Superhead” Steffans: Come on yo. Sleeping with a million rappers actors and whoever and then writing a book about it isn’t being a role model. And then on top of that you dropped a vol. 2 and then tried to play Bobby Brown while he was sleeping on your couch? How did Bobby get in there Superhead? Let’s move on

2. The Wire. One of the best shows on TV is going off the air for good in a couple months. The best show ever to expose the drug trade and then on top of that bring new attention to one of the most dangerous places in the world didn’t even get an Emmy. Now awards don’t mean anything, but for the people who vote who gets the awards I got a question. The Sopranos, a made up tale about a crime boss can sweep the Emmys, but a show that drew in from real drug dealers, real actual events (for example, Hamster-dam, the Barksdales, and even the real actual wire taps) didn’t win any out of its six year history? That’s stupid. After The Wire gets its hug the award people might need one too. TV is slippin’

1.
Rita G. “I’ve lost count of all the emails saying ‘I would pay any amount of money for the g-string right off your butt’. Well, here’s your chance. I will wear each pair of panties long enough to transfer my ‘natural’ scent, but these are limited, not mass-produced. So order them now. I might not be offering that many of them!” if you don’t know her by now you know she’s a beautiful girl in Kanye West flashing lights teaser that drives Ye out to the middle of nowhere in the trunk of a Mustang and sets a mink on fire. It’s a good video but here comes her dumb move. This chick is actually selling her underwear off her ass to the highest bidder starting off at $25. Why is this sexy woman doing this stupid stuff? We know who you are, we know your sexy and everyone and there pops would get with you, but is it that serious? Is the attention that desperately needed? You know what forget that… if I find out the guy who actually spent the money to her panties and the “natural scent” I’m going to put his ass at number 1. That’s all I got, let’s get back to the important stuff.

8-BALL INTERVIEW

badnews912 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:56:36 +0000

Man, i’m really running out of cool intro lines and all, but forget all that. Read the title. It say’s “BadNews interviews the ‘Fat Mack“…Eightball“. It is what it is. For those who don’t know, maybe if you’re living in South Dakota (Ha, Ha, Ha…), he’s 1/2 of the legendary Hip Hop duo Eightball and MJG. Being from the dirty, I grew up listening to him and M spit for years, before BadBoy when he was with Suave House Records with Tela and em. True! Anyways, my man’s, Badnews, sat down with Eightball to discuss some thangs which I think you’ll like to read. Check it out!!-Destro

Badnews: How do you manage to stay current in hip hop? You been doing this thing for years?

8Ball: (pauses) I don’t know… I just do me. (Pauses again)… I tried to answer this question so many times in the past and even up to now; I still don’t know (laughs) I just do me. I just do what I feel.

Badnews: (laughs) Ok, I am going to try and ask you something no one else has (laughs)… In 2002 you signed to Bad Boy records, and you currently run your own label 8 ways Entertainment. Did you feel you had to fall back for a little while on running 8 Ways so you could meet your demands for Bad Boy label?

8Ball: Yeah sometimes. You got to go with the main attraction. I mean we have a major deal and requirements and goals to meet. But Bad Boy helped the label out a lot of ways as far as attracting attention to it. Other Bad Boy artists help a lot with getting the name out there too.

Badnews: Alright that’s good deal right there.

8Ball: (laughs)

Badnews: Now you’re not the only southern artists on Bad Boy, you have (Gorilla) Zoe, Yung Joc and the Boyz in Da Hood team, and of course it started out with a lot of New York artists. Well around ’01, ’02 the south was really starting to blow up on the mainstream… the same time you and MJG were signed. Did you feel at some point that this was one of Diddy’s moves to stay current by signing southern artists? You know like striking while the irons hot?

8Ball: I mean yeah definitely. He’s a business man, a real, real good business man (laughs). He knows what he’s doing. But Bad Boy South wasn’t really on his mind until after me and MJ (MJG) got there. It wasn’t even established like it is now. But he knows what he wants from his artists and that’s the sound he wants Bad Boy to make.

Badnews: Ok. Now there’s one notable point were you worked with Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit. What drew you into rock music?

8Ball: Just growing up in Memphis. Memphis is a music city, there’s the underground Hip Hop scene, a bigger Blues scene and there’s a real big underground Rock scene that me and MJG have always been into. I love to rock out sometimes. I love guitars and live music. That’s what helps me gravitate to alternative and rock.

Badnews: Are there any current alternative artists that you would want to work with?

8Ball: (pauses) Aww man (laughs)….. I mean right now I would work with My Chemical Romance I like there work I got them in the deck right now. My favorite song on there album is number 13 I don’t know the name of the song but I blast number 13, that’s my song (laughs) it’s in the truck I’m telling you. I don’t know anyone else… but I would work with whoever

Badnews: (laughs) I don’t doubt you. Ok Now there was the smash hit you and MJG were on by the name of “Stay Fly” featuring 3-6 Mafia, Crunchy Black and Young Buck who all hail from your state Tennessee. How did that come together I mean, I can’t really think of any other artists that were born in one state and topped the charts like that. Maybe New York. And California.

8Ball: Well me and DJ Paul always wanted to work together and we did work with them on some songs unofficially you know the song “Gangsta Walk” produced by David Banner, but Paul and J (Juicy J) said they got this track and Young Buck was on it and asked us if we wanted to get down on it. I didn’t expect the recode to blow up I mean were talking about smoking weed (laughs) I didn’t expect the record to go that far.

Badnews: (laughs) I did and to honestly keep it real I wasn’t really feeling 3-6 mafia until I heard that sippin’ on some sizzurp (laughs) its just there tone and the bass lines those dudes are pros

8Ball: Yeah the masses finally caught on (laughs)

Badnews: (laughs)… Alright we all seen UGK get the “Living Legend” award at the Ozone Awards. Did you feel like you got snubbed? I been hearing from some people you did

8Ball: No. it was there time. They have a hot single, a hot double album, they got what they deserved. There hot right now, that’s the whole purpose of the awards our singles didn’t do well like there’s—

Badnews: True, but there some people/ fans out there that really think you got snubbed for the certain fact that there hot RIGHT NOW…

8Ball: I mean I don’t want to hurt our fans feelings, but they deserved it. We had an excellent album, but there album is great.

Badnews: You’re a humble dude (laughs)… Now Tennessee is known for blues, did you ever try your hand in it?

8Ball: No not as a bluesman (laughs) but me and MJ definitely made a form of hip hop blues. Were kind of like the bluesmen of rap. During our whole career we had a whole of downs and some ups. Our songs and lyrics sound real bluesy we intergrated alot of that sound into rap.

Badnews: Ok, who do you listen to now?

8Ball: OH! Just so you know I’m not lying… (He puts me on hold and turns up his radio. My Chemical Romance is playing) I told you I got them in the deck (laughs) this song pumps me up like I drank 10 red bulls. I listen to everything of course my artist Devious we both have an album dropping name The Rookie and the Vet. On October 9th….

Badnews: man that was a perfect segweigh because that was my next question. How did you meet rapper Devious?

8Ball: Well he has an uncle out in Houston and every time I go out there, his uncle tells me “When you get back to Memphis, check out my nephew. He’s good he reminds me of you”. So a while later I bumped into Devious, and he had his CD on him and gave it to me. It had like 10 songs on it, and when I heard it all that really caught my attention was his delivery. The music was ok, but I thought to myself, OK, we can put him in the studio and work with him. I can t really pick out mainstream style artists because of my background, but I heard something in him. I think he could be the future. People hear and love him there’s something about him. He’s a real stand up guy and it shows in his music. The young people will love him he’s definitely the new voice of Tennessee.

Badnews: That’s what’s up. Ok so the album titled “The Rookie and The Vet” is due out October 9th. Thank you very much for your time you’re a real cool dude

8Ball: Thank you, and make sure you go get the album too

Badnews: I promise ill get the album that’s my word (laughs)

8Ball: (laughs) Alright now…

Hope you enjoyed that interview and such with BadNews and Eightball. Yo, on the reals if you’re a true fan of Eightball and MJG go get that new album “The Rookie and The Vet” which hits stores this Monday, October 9th.

DJ FELLI FEL INTERVIEW

badnews912 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:54:08 +0000

What’s up world it your boy Badnews, and first off I want to say happy New Year to everyone that made it. And I’m going to start off the New Year right with this cool little interview I did with the one and only DJ Felli Fel the west coast beast who signed a deal to Island Def Jam, you know J. Dupri and em. He is currently waiting to drop his album. He has a crazy song right now out titled “Get Buck” you can hear this song on the site, anyway here’s some entertaining reading material for you. We talk about everything from his record to Wendy Williams to DJ Drama and the rest of the major DJ’s. So as usual, sit back and relax and enjoy. Shout out to Brian and Chaunte thank you both… what up Flo!!

Badnews: What’ up man how are you doing?

DJ Felli Fel: What’s up? I’m great.

Badnews: Cool. I know you’re busy so i’ll get started.

DJ Felli Fel: Oh your fine, take all the time you need

Badnews: Thanks. Okay, You’re a high profile DJ that has a crazy show on Power 106 in Los Angeles, California that’s the number one market in the country and is one of the biggest hip hop radio station in the world, and on top of that you get 1.6 million listeners a day…do you ever get a lost for words?

DJ Felli Fel: (Pauses) I’m the least nervous when I’m on the air, that’s where I’m most comfortable, that’s when I’m in my element, so I’m never nervous.

Badnews: What made you want to get into radio?

DJ Felli Fel: I got into DJ’ing by DJ’ing clubs and the clubs got me into radio, I’m originally from ATL but I was living in Dallas and the club where I worked, worked out a deal with the station that had a strong frequency and I was doing the Saturday night mix and I got attention when the station got bigger, then I came to LA. Its great work here, but its not just hanging around celebrities its hard work, I mean Real hard work I’ve been here seven years and I’d say its definitely been a blessing.

Badnews: Who are the biggest celebs you’ve interviewed?

DJ Felli Fel: Nas, Alicia Keys… I’ve interviewed them all. The most memorable one I would say is when I interviewed all three members of Run DMC; I mean all three including Jam Master Jay, rest in peace, that’s the most excited I’ve ever got for an interview. I interviewed them when they had no current records out but it was still exciting I grew up listening to them. And lets see…there is Ludacris, Nelly, Fat Joe…106 is the biggest radio station in the world and it gives you a platform to reach everyone and it also gave me an opportunity to build relationships and friendships. I get the details from them and then I see them at parties or at the studio I don’t do interviews anymore though unless it’s a special event I just do my mix show.

Badnews: Now radio personalities such as Wendy Williams and Miss Info are what you consider “gossip shows”, and a majority of people will say they hate their shows but then people like Wendy will have the highest rated shows in the top five market, how do they stay so current and popular when everyone says they don’t like them all the time (Laughs)

DJ Felli Fel: Different radio personalities have different styles. Miss Info was just up here using our studios; she’s got a different style. She talks about the streets. But I don’t know its just human nature and honestly we’re just capitalizing off of human nature. People want to know about gossip on there favorite rappers and singers. As for me, my name is Bennett and I aint in it (Laughs) I don’t know how Wendy can go out but I got respect for them both. There popular for a reason

Badnews: Ok let’s go to the next question before she says she caught you out with a model or something

DJ Felli Fel: (Laughs)

Badnews: Who’s been the craziest guest on your show or what’s been the craziest thing that’s happen to you while you were on the air?

DJ Felli Fel: (Laughs and Pauses) Well, on air or not on air?

Badnews: On air.

DJ Felli Fel: Not to long ago while I was on air doing my mix show spinning and mixing, you know doing my thing, and then I saw these white flashing lights in the hallway so I said to myself it must be a fire drill. So I look out the window and I see everyone left and the office was cleared, Now I can’t go out the room because I’m on the air so I step out for a minute and look around and the office is cleared. I see the general manager and he tells me its okay, just stay in, you don’t have to go down stairs. So I go back into the room and the door is locked and I have to get back in to change the record before the song ends. (Laughs)…

Badnews: The golden rule in radio is no dead air.

DJ Felli Fel: Right! You can’t have dead air on one of the most powerful radio stations in the world (Laughs). But I guess when there’s a fire drill, the door locks and I couldn’t get back in. now I wasn’t in the studio, I was in a room with all my equipment that’s separate from the studio, so I had to go all the way to the other side of the studio and put on a CD until the door was unlocked and I could get back in and I only had two minutes to do it so I was pretty close

Badnews: Sounds like a horror story if you work as a DJ (Laughs)

DJ Felli Fell: (Laughs)

Badnews: Now you got a crazy album in the works called “Go DJ” and you have a single out titled “Get Buck” feat. Akon, Diddy, Ludacris, and Lil’ Jon. How did you get all these heavyweights together on one track? I mean Ludacris and Lil’ Jon by themselves had two hit records with Usher.

DJ Felli Fel: I know it’s crazy! The title of the album is still pending but I signed with Island Def Jam you know Jermaine Dupri and Mr. Reynolds are over there. I’ve known J.D. for years and he gets my vision. And the second single will have Kanye West, Ne-yo, Fabolous, and Andre 3000. These are going to be some crazy records on the album there’s not a set release date but I’m definitely dropping in the first quarter. So its gonna be big. I mean real BIG!

Badnews: That’s what’s up, so how did you get the “Get Buck” record to come together?

DJ Felli Fel: I just let them listen to it and they loved it. Akon was the first to hear it and he said he loved it. So he called Diddy and Diddy had already heard the track and he said “This shit is hot!” he wanted it on his album but he couldn’t get it. Then Luda heard it after him and said he loved it, and then finally Lil’ Jon heard it he has a home out here in Hollywood, and he loved it (Laughs) and it worked out from there. The second single will be mellower. Fab is going to be on the third verse and I wanted Snoop on it but I couldn’t get him it was going to conflict with him dropping his record but he will definitely be on the album. Andre (3000) will be on the second verse and Def Jam feels it’s going to be a bigger record than the “Get Buck” single. This is more radio friendly not that “Get Buck”. Not that “Get Buck” isn’t but this one will be the one that does it.

Badnews: Now DJ Drama dropped an album; DJ Khaled dropped an album. It’s like the DJ is becoming the artist now, what’s the difference between you three?

DJ Felli Fel: We all have different styles. I have a more party vibe to my street records. Khaled and Drama are similar to me they’re more street DJ’s. My records are more radio friendly they’re friendlier to the ear but I just stay in my lane, DJ Khaled stays in his lane and DJ Drama stays in his we do our best. I want to get me Drama, Khaled, and an east coast DJ on one record and each of us introduces an artist from our city for example Khaled would introduce a Miami artist, Drama will introduce an ATL artist, and I’ll introduce a West coast artist and so on…

Badnews: That sounds like that could be the next big record.

DJ Felli Fel: It’s something I’m working on.

Badnews: Now what would make of all this “rap beef”? would you say it effects an artist credibilltity or really having there skills there trying to display effected?

DJ Felli Fel: I don’t pay attention to it. Remember, I deal with a lot of real drama being out here on the west coast (Laughs) the artist out here aren’t really on that battle stuff. They just want to make good music. All I can say is just keep it on wax. There’s too much nonsense in the world already (Laughs)

Badnews: I strongly agree with you there. Well Thanks for taking the time out to talk to me I know you got to be on air in like 2 minutes (Laughs)

DJ Felli Fel: No problem thanks for interviewing me

Badnews: So be on the look out for DJ Felli Fel’s album dropping some time in early ’08 and of course support his single “Get Buck” I had that song on my myspace page for a while (Laughs). Also check out for your show on the greatest radio station in the world Power 106 in L.A. Thanks for the time and good luck on air

DJ Felli Fel: Thanks. Talk you soon!

SHA MONEY XL INTERVIEW

badnews912 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:51:41 +0000

As you should already know, BadNews, is on the case with this special feature. Yesterday (6.6.07), BN, had the gracious opportunity to holla at G-unit Producer Extraordinaire and Loud.com affiliate, Sha Money XL. Hell naw! That’s right, Sha Money XL. Well, who is Sha Money…well, you’ll find out more about him in the interview. But know this fact about him. He is responsible for single handily introducing 50 cent (back in the day) to Eminem by of delivery of 50′s independent release”Guess Who’s Back To Me” to Em. And you know…the rest is history, but that’s a whole other discussion for later. Anyway, peep this interview with Sha Money XL and BadNews…We think you’ll really like it…

BadNews: So what’s the deal?

SMXL: I’m good. How you doing Badnews?

BadNews: I’m good.

SMXL: Good to hear that.

Badnews: Thanks. So what’s a normal day for super producer Sha Money XL?

SMXL: Well, a normal day varies; I’m in Manhattan most of the time you know? I’m running between buildings in Manhattan. I’m sitting down with new artist and current artist, usually closing deals. I got to close a few deals today. I’ll be in the studio working on tracks or I’ll travel a lot nah mean? But mostly I work in the city.

BadNews: Okay you sound like a busy dude. What’s the thought process you go through when you’re in the studio? What I’m trying to say is how do you create a record?

SMXL: It’s all premeditated; usually I’ll already have the melody in my head already. I’ll skim through my samples, I’ll go through the drum beats, but usually I’ll always have the melody in my head before I go in the studio. For example, when I was in Toronto on the movie set for, “Get Rich Or Die Trying” and I had this beat in my head and I was humming it all day, like (hums a Mobb Deep beat) so I went to the trailer and grabbed a labtop, laid a track down, then grabbed the keyboard and dropped the melody to it. And 50 Cent walked in and asked, “ Who did this?” and he was feeling it, so he wrote the hook and we had the song, and put it on the “ Get Rich or Die Trying” soundtrack. then when I was on the road, I rented out Pharrell’s tour bus, I was with my big nigga Kia and I had a melody in my head like (he hums the melody to Mobb Deep’s first single, Put ‘Em in their place, off their 7th album “Blood Money”) and hit the keyboard and laid the track down, and then shot it over to Havoc and that’s how they got their single. But like I said I always have the melody in my head then I’ll attack the studio and go to work.

BadNews: Ah, that’s crazy (laughs). So you were in the streets awhile back hustling and doing your thing. Then you ended going to NYU right?

SMXL: Yeah…

BadNews: So what made you decide that the streets weren’t for you anymore and take the path to college?

SMXL: Well I was in the streets crazy selling drugs and trying to eat. I took trips upstate (New York) trying to sell drugs, thinking I was going to be a big drug dealer, and I got arrested. That was the first time I was arrested yo, and I went straight to prison. And it was Upstate prison; I was locked up in Albany for six months. I didn’t even get a slap on the wrist. You know how most niggas get a slap on the wrist their first time they get arrested? I didn’t get that. I went straight to prison. So when I came home I was like, “This shit ain’t for me“. So I went straight to the studio after I came home, worked on a bunch of songs with 50 to get involved with the mix tapes and then I just went to college.

BadNews: Ok, well you definitely made the right choice for real.

SMXL: Thank you

BadNews: You faced some hard times in 2000, how did music help you through those troubles?

SMXL: you mean when 50 got shot?

BadNews: Yeah…

SMXL: Well music is very powerful thing. 50 makes powerful music. He has a bigger influence you know? I mean niggas tried to kill him over it. It was real crazy. I was calling his grandma…I still remember the number. But when I first heard he got shot, I was upstate at the house. I had a job and was making good money. But I heard he got shot over the radio, and I went straight to Jamaica hospital, with my son in my arm just to let him know I was there for him. That I was loyal. But when 50 got out the hospital, I just told him look, come Upstate, get right, and work on some music. So he came up to the crib with his goons, they checked it out. And we went to work for like a year and a half.

BadNews: Well, obviously…we all know what happened after that. Hard work pays off.
Speaking on hard work, you posted a few tracks on Loud.com. Do you ever have second thoughts on posting the beats?

SMXL: Of course. I have second thoughts when I post a beat, but I do this to help the hood out. I do this to give back. I don’t make any profit off this. I just post the track and see what they can do with it.

BadNews: So what turned you on to getting involved with Loud.com?

SMXL: The fact that it’s innovative. I’m reaching out to an audience that can’t reach me. To give them an opportunity to get more involved with the people and put their music in hands of people who they can’t reach and to show off their talents. It’s a good sight, but this summer I’m going to post more tracks on there. I’m about to go hard and post nothing but tracks. I got some serious ammo, I’m going to give it my all. (Laughs)

BadNews: Ha (laughs) I feel you. So you were a musical direction supervisor on the motion picture “Get Rich or Die Trying“. What’s the difference between producing and scoring a motion picture?

SMXL: Emotion. You got to have a song that fits a scene. Like for a sad scene, you got to have the strings. In an intense scene like when 50 was recuperating, you got to have certain sounds to capture the emotion. And like when Caesar’s rival was on stage or had a song, I have to make a whack beat for him. I had to make a hot, whack beat. He portrayed a Ja Rule image, so he had to be whack as hell. So I had to make a hot whack beat for him. But I had to find the sounds to fit the emotion. We were in the studio a long time, but we had to make it right.

BadNews: So how long did it take to score the movie?

SMXL: Two months in and out.

BadNews: So you held a producers conference in Arizona, how’d that go down?

SMXL: Ah man that was crazy. It was like 500 producers that attended and I put a lot of work into it. I wanted to give back and help them out. When Lloyd Banks was on tour, I sent him like 100 beats from the conference, and he listened to every last one of them. But the conference was to give them knowledge on not just how to produce, but the legal shit to get their tracks in producers’ hands. Man I spent like 100 grand on that shit, I fed them, I paid for producers to come down and talk to them, I had Premo there, Swizz was suppose to be there but he couldn’t make it because he was promoting his record, “Its Me Bitches” so I spent 6 grand for a video conference, so he could talk to the producers. I felt that there were all these work shops on how to be a rapper and make it but none on how to just be a producer. So I balanced it out.

BadNews: That’s what’s up. Would you ever produce a pop record? Like say Lindsay Lohan’s people hit you on the cell and said, “Sha. Could you help us with this album?”

SMXL: Well, music is music. I wouldn’t work with Lindsay Lohan. I’d do a record with Alicia Keys but I wouldn’t really consider her pop. I stick with just hip hop. I have a roster that will handle all that pop shit. They can get their money that way. Like Soul NaNa, he can come in handle the pop stuff.

BadNews: That’s what’s up. I don’t want to hold you up I know you’re a busy dude, but last question. What do you think about the gas prices?

SMXL: Ridiculous (laughs). I spend like 60 to 70 on the tank every two days. So like a week. I’m not taking no train, I’m not taking no cab, I’ll just drive myself, throw it in the parking lot, go straight into the studio and do what I have to do and if I don’t feel like driving, I’ll get a driver. But yeah gas is crazy.

BadNews: Man tell me about it. Ok, this is really the last question. You got any new projects coming out? You working on any movies or new video games? Or anything else with Loud.com?

SMXL: Well I’m working on some new deals right now. I scored Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift and I got a game on line called, “Freestyle basketball“. It’s crazy. In Asia like 20 million people are online playing it. I scored the video game with Lloyd Banks, but seriously you got to check it out its crazy.

BadNews: I will definitely. Well thanks for your time and good luck!

SMXL: Alright you be safe.

TREY SONGZ INTERVIEW

badnews912 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:49:52 +0000

Badnews: What’s good with you?

Trey Songz: I’m doing good man

Badnews: Cool. Ok let’s get it. How did you first hook up Troy Taylor? He’s been around for a long time and work with virtually every R&B legend you can think of…

Trey Songz: Well, I meet him when I was like 14… Nah I think I was 15. But I met him through a friend of my mothers who actually was his partner, but they don’t work together anymore. But I met him, I sang for him and he liked me and took me under his wing, you know showed me the ropes. I use to come out to see him for a few summers and when I graduated high school, I moved in with him for about a year and took it from there.

Badnews: Now you produced AND co-wrote for soca artist Kevin Lytle. How did you get into soca music?

Trey Songz: well I got a call and was asked if I wanted to come out and meet him, for a couple days we wrote some songs, and then I was able to get a couple songs on his album, but I like soca. I still don’t know much about it I like the music, pretty much any music from the Caribbean. All of it is good music.

Badnews: what’s the difference between R&B and soca music?

Trey Songz: well they both want to make you dance. They both have a good rhythm to it. There’s a good vibe and a feel.

Badnews: Ok…now speaking of other music, I heard you rap too. What would Trey Songz rap about?

Trey Songz: Life…..whatever is going on around me. Some of these rappers lie and portray people there not, but I would just speak on life like whatever is going on. Ill rap about women the club… I talk a lot of shit, I talk a lot of shit anyway but rap is just like R&B to me its just another way to express myself, just get the creative juices flowing and express myself.

Badnews: Ok cool. Now who’s on you latest album “Trey Day”? and were there any artists you wanted to work with that weren’t on this album?

Trey Songz: Well I won’t say who’s NOT on the album, but I have appearances by Jim Jones and Bun B. then production by Brian Cox, R. Kelly, Dr. Dre, and Jimmy Jam I know I’m leaving some people out…..But production wise it was an all-star cast. A lot of producers today are like artists so the music is crazy and Jim Jones and Bun B helped me out and gave me a lot of guidance on this album but it’s a great album everyone involved made it a great album and there are a lot of great songs. OH! DJ Drama is on the album too.

Badnews: It sounds like its going to be a hot album. Ok your into to Rap, you do R&B…will we get to see a Rap/R&B album something like how Tyresse/Black Ty dropped? That’s a lot of slashes (laughs)

Trey Songz: I don’t know. Right now I’m just playing with it. I fell in love with rap before I fell in love with R&B. I never heard Tyresse’s album but I don’t know if I want to split it up and make one album R&B and one album Rap.

Badnews: Ok so we just have to wait and see world. Now my next question is what was the best advice given from an artist in your position about handling fame?

Trey Songz: (pauses) well I never got any advice from my peers. Just from Jim Jones and Bun B there my OG’s. I can call them for anything anytime. But the best advice is stay true to yourself. A lot of people don’t really understand what that really means because it sounds cliché but it’s a real true statement and it really is the best advice.

Badnews: In 2006, you did a song with Japanese artist AI right?

Trey Songz: Yeah.

Badnews: Now is it AI like Iverson A.I. or….

Trey Songz: Nah it’s pronounced AI (eye)

Badnews: Oh Ok got it. Well you did a song with AI and even preformed it at the MTV Japanese Music Awards. Do you speak Japanese or other languages?

Trey Songz: Well I don’t really speak it. I just know enough to get by like if I’m over there and I’m hungry. But Japanese is real easy to learn.

Badnews: Really!? I heard Japanese and English is the hardest languages to learn.

Trey Songz: Nah it’s real easy to learn (laughs)

Badnews: Ok, I believe you. I didn’t know that (laughs). Ok what did you think about Barry Bonds tying Hank Aarons home run record?

Trey Songz: I mean it’s a historic thing. It’s a beautiful thing records are meant to be broken.

Badnews: Did you play any baseball or get into to any sports when you were younger? You didn’t really get into music until later on so did you play any sports?

Trey Songz: I never was into baseball when I was young. I like it now and I can sit down and watch it. But I’m more of a basketball player. When I was young I played basketball and soccer.

Badnews: Ok I feel you on that. Ok last question. Who would be your top five video vixens, actresses’ or any female you’d want in your next video?

Trey Songz: I really don’t like to use girls. Everyone else has the same girls in there video so I would have to get a beautiful women you never seen before

Badnews: Ok that’s a good answer (laughs) could she be from Virginia or just anyone?

Trey Songz: Any girl. Just a beautiful girl from anywhere.

Badnews: Ok no doubt (laughs). Well thank you for taking time out to talk

Badnews: Ok No problem I appreciate it—

Trey Songz: No I appreciate it (laughs)

KY MANI MARLEY INTERVIEW

badnews912 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:42:36 +0000

Badnews interviews Ky-Mani Marley!

Posted at 12/08/2007 01:28:00 AM

What’s the deal world, its your boy boy Badnews, and I got a chance to talk to the one and only Mr. Ky-Mani Marley and yes it was a good interview if I say so myself ha. but seriously check out my interview with him, we talked about his hot video “One Time” which is one of the best songs of ’07, to the shady record labels that think that their slick, but just sit back and check this interview out. Shout out to Brett, thank you for putting up with my hounding and of course a special shout out to Hip Hop legend PIMP C your personality and your music will be sorely missed. Now I give you the interview. Enjoy!

Badnews: Mr. Marley how are you doing?

Ky-Mani Marley: I’m doing very good how are you?

Badnews: I’m doing well. We were suppose to talk a couple weeks ago but I knew you had some trouble but were here now.

Ky-Mani Marley: Yes we are.

Badnews: OK lets get stared. You were nominated for a grammy five years ago for your first album “Many More Roads”, did you feel like you had to step it up more for this album? And did your record company tell you to step it up?

Ky-Mani Marley: Well that was my second album, but its always a record company’s job to tell you to do better and to compete with other artists but as for me I always tell myself to step it up you know… I don’t compete with anyone but me. I try to always better myself as well as my music.

Badnews: Well whatever your doing its good. Now you have a hot single out right now named “One time” and it’s a crazy song.

Ky-Mani Marley: Thank you…

Badnews: (Laughs) Its true it’s a great song. You have the video out to it that’s inspired by the classic movie “Carlito’s Way”. What made you go with that concept?

Ky-Mani Marley: It wasn’t my idea for the concept, it was brought to me by Gil Green , he felt that the theme captured the essence of the song and I agreed too, so we shot it and it looked great.

Badnews: It was a great video for real, probably the best this year.

Ky –Mani Marley: Thank you for that.

Badnews: I’m serious I’m not playing (Laughs). You were born in Falmouth, Jamaica correct?

Ky-Mani Marley: Right, right…

Badnews: Then you moved to Miami at the age of nine, did you notice a musical culture shock between the two cities?

Ky –Mani Marley: Definitely. In Miami it was more hip hop and Jamaica was more reggae (Laughs) In the part where I lived in Miami the block was full of Jamaicans it was like my home away from home. Even though I was in Miami where I lived, it had that home vibe to it and the music played a part in it you know?

Badnews: Ok I see. Now your very first album was titled “ Like father , like son” and it was an album that was made up of cover songs from your father Bob Marley would you say that this is your most personal album to date?

Ky-Mani Marley: Nah, this is not my most personal album, it was the record companies idea to release that album, they released it behind my back and I couldn’t do anything about it.

Badnews: Oh wow. Did you feel that was this was a snake move on the record labels part?

Ky Mani Marley: Definitely. I had no idea the record was until a couple years ago, and I said to myself “what the (mumble) was this man?” I still give recognition to my father though, I cover his songs at my concerts and show him love, but that’s about it. I wouldn’t release an album with just me covering my fathers songs I am a different artist, I speak on what happened in my life that’s where I’m most comfortable at.

Badnews: That’s foul on their part but at least we know the truth now. What was it like growing up Marley? Were you treated like royalty–

Ky Mani Marley: No, no, no. I certainly wasn’t treated like royalty, you know? I wasn’t given any opportunities based strictly on the fact I was Bob Marley’s son. I was poor. My family struggled you know? I was raised in the city where people suffered I was a Marley kid but it didn’t make any difference I came to this country when I was nine years old and I stayed in a two-bedroom apartment with nine people living in it. So being a Marley didn’t help us out any (Laughs).

Badnews: Well that’s what’s up. That’s what makes you a true artist. You’re lyrics are real.

Ky –Mani Marley: Thank you, I speak from the heart. My rhymes are not made up, they are real. They paint a picture of the hood.

Badnews: Now of course music runs through your family your brothers had hit songs in the last three to four years, do you ever give each other pointers or advice?

Ky-Mani Marley: No I just do me, we stay real close cause were brothers and talk about music or whatever is happening in our lives, but as far as my music I just do me.

Badnews: Now your mother was a table tennis champion. Do you play table tennis your self, or played any sports?

Ky-Mani Marley: Yes I play table tennis. In high school I played football but at the end of the day I was doing music. I enjoy music more.

Badnews: Now your also an actor, you’ve been in a lot of movies the notable one was “Shottas”. Which do you enjoy more acting or rapping?

Ky-Mani Marley: Music is my first choice. I can express myself with my music better than I can acting out a character. Music I can express my true self and I can speak on more about me. I like acting a lot but music will always come before acting.

Badnews: Now you have your album out titled “Radio” its in stores right now, what’s going to be the next single?

Ky-Many Marley: Its going to be “Hustla” it has a good vibe to it, nice bounce and the flow is great. What do you think should be the next single?

Badnews: (Pauses) I would have to say “Hustla” too.

Ky-Mani Marley: (Laughs) Why?

Badnews: It’s a good song and it’s a great follow up to One Time. And if the video gets done right, Hustla will be a great conclusion to One Time. I want to know what happens to you. (Laughs)

Ky-Mani Marley: (Laughs) Ok well Hustla will be the next single.

Badnews: Ok good. Those were all the questions I really had I know we don’t have a lot of time to talk, but thank you for taking time out to talk to me I appreciate it a lot.

Ky-Mani Marley: Oh no thank you.

Badnews: Do you have any shout outs for anyone?

Ky-Mani Marley: Just shout out to everybody and all the Hustlas….

Badnews: That’s what’s up well thank you once again and good luck with your career.

Ky-Mani Marley: Thank you.