Unsigned Artist Spotlight: Jay Cro: Then & Now
Understanding that progress is a key to success in the Hip-Hop world, Detroit rapper Jay Cro, who also goes by the name Jay Young’n released a 20-track mixtape in November titled, Potential: Then & Now (Hosted by DJ Pest & DJ Grand K) that showed his development into a rapper you need to keep an eye out for. His dedication to perfecting his craft and taking the game seriously earns him the respect of his peers and love from the listeners. His lyrics, backed by the voice of a confident emcee who knows he’s got what it takes, will make both the hip-hop heads and the ladies bob their heads. Check out the interview we scored with Jay Cro below:HW: Firstly, is Jay Cro a stage name?
Jay:Yes, Jay-Cro, Jay-Young'n the name, hip-hop/hustling the game (laughing)
HW: (laughing) I see. Speaking of the hip-hop game, what do you think of the rap scene nowadays?
Jay: Well I think its getting better than where it was going. To me only lyricism survives so the commercial ring-tone rap only last for a hot minute. I think a lot of artist need to stay original and don't worry about what others think and stick to making their style of music.
HW: What do you think of the style and vibe of Detroit? Did moving there from Atlanta shape your own music in any way?
Jay: Well, Detroit most def has a lot of potential that needs to be heard. Most "local" artists here just wanna rap about the averaged dope boy life "killing, drugs, money & women", but there are some artists that stand out rapping about those same topics and other aspects of life. We surely have a style that would be new to the game, just can’t wait to get the chance to express it to the world. Me moving here definitely changed the way my music comes out. The way the south is ain’t no telling how my music would be, or if I would still even be rapping if I stayed down there.
HW: What would have kept you from rapping here (Atlanta)
Jay: I don’t know really, I was raised up here in Detroit so if I would have stayed in ATL ain’t no telling how I woulda been; my sound, the way I talk, the way I dressed all could have been different. So that's why I say Detroit made me who I am.
HW: Which leads me to your mixtape; Potential: Then & Now. What is your favorite aspect about it?
Jay: The "NOW" part (laughing). But I did it to show people my growth as an artist, from the production to my delivery in flow. So I like how if people actually pay attention they can hear the difference between then and now.
HW: You just explained my next question which was going to be about the title. Is there anything you would have done differently on it?
Jay: Naw, not really. I mean, I did everything on the tape exactly the way I wanted to. Only thing I would have done differently was the way I did the promotion for it before it came out, because I didn't get to do everything i wanted to before-hand.
HW: Ok. How has your life been different since Potential came out?
Jay: Busy lol. I’ve been getting on different blogs, different mix-tapes, getting more listeners, meeting and connecting with different people. Some performances have opened up, a lot of different opportunities are becoming official.
HW: That's amazing! Who are you now, as a person, since getting into the music industry?
Jay:’m still the same old me, the hustle, the grinder "Jay-Cro Jay-Young'n", ain’t nothin gonna change me but the lord (laughing)
HW: So there haven't been any positive or negative changes in you in all this time?
Jay: Naw I try to keep all negative energy as far away from me as I can. I’m a very optimistic person so its been nothing but positive movement round these parks lol. I’m just blessed to be able to make the music I can.
HW: I couldn't agree with you more. How long have you been rapping? Can you give me an exact number?
Jay: I’ve been rapping for 7 years now, since I was 13.
HW: At your age especially, people are always evolving. Do you think the same can be said for you, and for your music?
Jay: Most definitely, that was the whole point of my mix-tape. I am going to keep evolving and progressing because I feel I can always get better as an artist.
HW: I have a quote from you in regards to music. You said that "it should never be made for one specific crowd". But do you think its also possible that being a rapper alienates you from people who don't listen to rap?
Jay: Yeah it would to a certain extenct, because if you don’t listen to hip-hop then you’re just not going to listen period. But for the people that like rap, I don't make rap songs for one type of person, I make songs that everybody can feel & relate to.
HW: Do you think you will add different elements to your music as time goes on? Throw in some rock music maybe?
Jay: Yeah, I’ve always had a thing for rock music far as beats. You can tell that with my song "Cocky" off my mix-tape. I wanted to do it before [Lil] Wayne did it, just not as far as he took it (laughing). But fasho rock, singing, pop, just different things to be simply...different
HW: I wish you all the best of luck with that, you are going to make some outstanding music with that kind of attitude and passion. So for my last question, how far do you want to go as an artist?
Jay: I want to go farther than anyone could even imagine. I don’t have to be the best, the king, or the person on top. At the end of my lifetime and rap career I just want to be simply known as a "Legend".
HW: Well, legends are definitely not born, they are truly made. I know you'll continue to work for it. Thank you so much for your time Jay
Jay: No, no thank you. I most def appreciate this.
Be sure to check out Jay Cro's mixtape, here: jay-cro.bandcamp.com. You can find him on Twitter and Myspace. The compilation includes previously unreleased tracks as well as some of his new material. Leave a comment below!
Unsigned Artist Spotlight: Sonny Black
Unsigned Artist Spotlight: Nine 30
Fresh out of California, Riverside, Cali to be exact comes a sound infused with so many different aspects of music outside of Hip-Hop that it doesn’t always agree with the genre’s definition. The sound dabbles in pop’s comfort, and revels in rock’s rebellious outfit. The man behind the sound is rapper/songwriter, Nine 30, a member of the Fresh Beat Crew, which is made up of artists, promoters, producers, songwriters, and entrepreneurs. Nine 30 got his feet wet with the release of the mixtape, DJ MayDay Presents: A New Day, Vol. 1, and as of September unleashed his first solo effort, Confidence & Nonsense. The evidence of his California breeding is forever present in his easy-going flow as the listener unintentionally begins to sway their head back and forth to the lyrics.
When asked if he had a preference between being a rapper or being a songwriter, Nine 30 who also goes by, Mr. End of September replied, “I don’t necessarily have a preference between being a rapper or a songwriter. I look at it like this, rapping is what I do well. I cant sing or even hold a note, but rap allows someone who lacks the God-given ability of singing to still express themselves musically. On the other hand, the songwriting aspect provides a mental and artistic challenge that I don’t necessarily get from rapping. Its like sports; you master the sport that you’re best at, but you play other sports to stay in shape and develop certain abilities that aren’t as sharp. I listen to so much music and my ear is so well-rounded that I would truly become bored if all I did was rap.”
He credits his older brother with first exposing him to music, because he rapped and helped introduce him to the classics. “…by age 14 I was freestyling at school every day at lunch,” said Nine. Competition in ciphers was unheard of due to his vocabulary range and his undeniable way with words. “…after I graduated from high school was when I started to take it seriously. My cousin and producer Alphalite, my best friend Strheatz, and I all shared the same passion for music so we started actually writing and producing our own music at like age 18-19." At first, music played second fiddle to school, but once Nine 30 received his degree from UCR, he was intent on pursuing music full-time.
Now with family, friends, and an education backing him, he is ready to conquer the music industry, and promises to bring “a certain energy, positivity, and versatility to the industry” that he feels has become scarce. Not to mention also shed light on the IE, an area he thinks was completely untapped and misrepresented. For the future, “I want to represent myself, my crew, and my city on the biggest stage, and I want to get paid to do what I love. I’ve had jobs …I want this to be my career,” he said.
Be sure to download his mixtape the link is >> HERE.
EK favorites: “Different” featuring Name Brand, "Flight School" and “Mr. End of September”
Indie Artist Spotlight: Kev.O
With the music world in the middle of an identity crisis, music lovers everywhere are searching for their next favorite artist. Have no fear; Kev.O (pronounced Kev-Dot-O) is here! The Atlanta, GA bred artist, who has been calling Washington, DC home since 2001, has a voice influenced by the musical geniuses of old and lyrics that speak to the youth of today. We, here at EK, got a chance to speak with the man himself, check out the interview below.(This interview was done by Hydah Walker for EardrumKrushez.)
HW: Hello!
Kev.O: Yo! What's Good?
HW: Not much, looking forward to interviewing you. How are you?
Kev.O: I'm cool man. How are you?
HW: That's good to hear. I'm excellent. Glad we finally got to do this.
Kev.O: Fa sho. Same here.
HW: So, to start off, where are you from?
Kev.O: Orginally, Atlanta, GA but I've been in DC since 2001.
HW: Why the move to DC, was it for your career?
Kev.O: Somewhat…I started school at Howard University in the fall of 2001. I was a music student. So, I guess you could say that.
HW: Did you ever graduate from Howard?
Kev.O: (laughing) Yes I did. There's a funny story about that too.
HW: Let's hear it!
Kev.O: Well, I was very clear about what in music I wanted to do when I got to Howard. So, I started on a bass scholarship. Then, I decided I didn't want to be a bass player for the rest of my life, even though I was good at it. Then, I switched to piano, which I had been playing since I was 5, and realized I didn't have the discipline to be among the best. So, I switched to voice and remained on scholarship for the rest of my time there. So, between the hopping around and taking some time off to take advantage of opportunities like singing with Mya and Mario, I ended up being in school until 2007.
Kev.O: I didn't end up going to graduation, because I had no idea I had actually graduated. Thought I had some credits to make up. I found out when I received a call two weeks later from the school asking what I wanted them to do with my degree. LOL! It was cool though. I had watched it on TV from home. Oprah was our commencement orator, and she gave a great speech! She also received an honorary doctorate from Howard University that year. So, I tell people we graduated HU together.
HW: So did you have a lot of support in regards to your music dreams?
Kev.O: I have to say I've been blessed to have so much support. It amazes me every time I think about it.
HW: So, family, friends, and fans have been behind you?
Kev.O: Family's been supporting me from day one. Took friends a minute to realize I was serious when I said I wanted to be a profession recording/performing artist. The fans have been amazing. It's like watching a baby grow. Every time I look around, I'm shocked by how much my fan base has grown.
HW: That's incredible, not everyone has that love when they go into the entertainment business
Kev.O: It's definitely not a task for the faint of heart.
HW: I couldn't agree more. What is your favorite aspect of being a recording artist?
Kev.O: The creative process, whether it's live or in the studio. It's a lot like playing with Lego blocks. It's interesting to see each piece individually then put them together and see what they ultimately become.
HW: It must be wonderful to do what you love everyday and share it with the world
Kev.O: Definitely. I count it as a blessing.
HW: What do you think makes your music special?
Kev.O: It's uncontrived and honest. I believe all art should be as unique as the individual who conceived it. Because I am so many things, so is my music. It's R&B. It's Alternative Rock. It's Soul. It's happy, sad, introspective, retrospective, romantic, sometimes cold...all these things.
HW: so it’s a showcase of exactly who and how you are
Kev.O: Exactly
HW: Have you experienced personal struggles that have affected your music?
Kev.O: Definitely. Particularly the song "Falling" from the new LP. So often, as artists, we want to be successful. So, we try to imitate that which has already been done, completely overlooking the unique gift the God has given us. So, that song is about breaking free from that.
HW: That's very inspiring. Do fame and authenticity go hand in hand for you?
Kev.O: Fame has never really been a goal of mine, but I think respect and authenticity do. With respect comes longevity, and I believe that outweighs fame all day. As long as there is someone who is dedicated to listening, I believe I can still call myself an authentic musician.
HW: I couldn't have put it better myself. What are some of your absolute favorite songs from your new LP?
Kev.O: Hmm... I'm having a hard time with this one. They're like family - I love them all for different reasons.
HW: Name just a few off the top of your head then
Kev.O: "Falling", "Heavy", and "Don't Say" come to mind first. I got some help from YahZarah aka Purple Saint James on "Lights On", and she's just so sexy melted-chocolate-y with everything she does! LOL!
HW: It's great when it works out like that
Kev.O: Oh yeah!
HW: To wrap this up I’m going to ask about some quick facts that new readers may not know about you: favorite place to write/sing music?
Kev.O: In the shower or in a private studio. Sometimes on the metro too. Lots of inspiration there.
HW: Favorite genres of music?
Kev.O: I tend to lean toward Rock, R&B, Gospel, but I tend to enjoy greatness in any form.
HW: Ultimate inspiration to pursue music?
Kev.O: Avoiding the mental institution. LOL! Really.
HW: Do you have time for a personal life?
Kev.O: The two have actually begun to merge. I really do personally enjoy music. So, it keeps me happy and keeps the lights on (most of the time...LOL)
HW: and finally, what is the most difficult thing about having the life you do right now?
Kev.O: The entertainment industry is art, business, politics, and relationships. Sometimes it's hard to balance all four or distinguish one from the other. That's why it's always great to have someone on your team who can help provide an objective view of things.
HW: which I’m sure you do
Kev.O: Definitely. I'm so grateful for great management! Oh wait! I just realized I didn't mention the name of the new LP and where to find it.
HW: that's right. go ahead
Kev.O: It's called Lovolution: The Urban Alternative, and it's available at www.CDBaby.com/cd/KevO2. You can also visit me at http://www.kevotheartist.com/ to get more info on me and other releases and to join the email list. Be sure to follow me on Twitter too! KevOTheArtist.
HW: Thank You Kev.O. This was a great interview
Kev.O: Thank you Hydah!
Upcoming Producer's Spotlight
Unsigned Artist Spotlight: CDon
It takes ALOT to get us interested in a new rap artist, so when we first heard 17 Year old, CDon, an up-and-coming rapper out of Detroit, Michigan, on MySpace, and found ourselves replaying his songs, we got excited, let me say that again…we got EXCITED! I dare you to listen to one of his songs and try and deny his talent! I spent at least an hour trying to figure out how to classify his style, and truthfully it is a blend of the east coast flow and the west coast chill, doused in the cleverness and creativity of the mid-west. We managed to get an interview with the man himself…check it out below:
EK: What inspired you to make music?
CDon: Def. what created the love for the music was Michael Jackson. From there on artist from around here who were making big moves definitely made me realize that I can hang with them as far as good music goes too. So then I started doing it myself.
EK: Who are some of your influences?
CDon: There are so many. Of course Outkast, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Janelle Monae, and a few others like Big Sean and Mike Posner.
EK: How would you define your music?
CDon: My music is def. on some Midwest and eastcoast rap. Rappers like Common and Kid Cudi, but also like Jay-z. Honestly I do everything and I love all type of music whether it’s from down south or west coast. I am influenced by a little bit of everything.
EK: How long have you been in the music industry and are you signed to a label?
CDon: I have been recording songs for the last month or so, and I am not currently signed to a label.
EK: What is 1 song you have that you would like fans to base their opinion of you on?
CDon: That’s a hard one, because I throw myself into every song that I do. Everyone is really feeling “U feel me” & “Check me out” so maybe those ones.
EK: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website?
CDon: They can access my music through Mypsace. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CDon326, but they can also hear some of my music on youtube, imeem, spityogame, and facebook.
EK: Do you have any upcoming releases?
CDon: Yes, I am releasing tracks all the time. Right now though the biggest one I have coming out is called House Party. It will probably be my biggest one.
EK: How has your music spread so fast in such a short time period?
CDon: Just passing out cd’s at major events, and just pushing my stuff out all over the internet. Fortunately for myself, Everyone has seem to take a great liking to my music and has been passing it around to all of their friends as well.
EK: 5 years from now, where are you and what are you doing?
CDon: 5 years from now I plan to be a signed artist hopefully to a major record label, and just continuing to put out music that everyone likes and can relate too.
EK: Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?
CDon: Yea, there is Kareem Jamal who is a very talented upcoming artist/producer who has produced most of my music. There is also the people at Tha Good Life Reviews who were responsible for my first internet article and really pushing my name out there. Autumn Logan who has had full support and got my music out there to a lot of people. Doughboy and the entire Concrete Roots store in Brighton, MI. And just all of my fans in general.
Check him out on any of the major social sites: Myspace, Facebook, Youtube, and Imeem… Keep a look out for new singles, cuz Im telling you once he starts coming through your airwaves (…that’s a when not an if…) you’re going to want to be able to tell your friends you knew about him first!
Myspace Band Player Generator
Leave us a comment below, or hit us up on Twitter….I noticed a lot of you are really fond of the ContactUs button over there on the right…you will be astonished to learn that the comment button (below) does in fact work, and that we actually respond to that (or twitter) faster, than emails. If you are an artist, however, click the ContactUs on the right. *smile*
Unsigned Artist Spotlight: Zack Borer
To prove that we are dedicated to bringing you only the best in music, we are going to do you a tremendous favor and introduce you to Zack Borer, an amazingly talented, unsigned, 25 year old artist out of New York City. It is impossible to listen to his song “That’s The Way” or any song of his for that matter, and not become an instant fan! (Listen to his songs here! Videos are below!) We scored an interview with the man himself, check it out below:
EK: What genre do you consider your work to be?
Zack Borer: The eternal question!!! Ha! I've been answering this question for years, so I think I have a pretty good answer...I am in the pop/rock/funk/soul genre! HA. My aim is to take the traditional singer/songwriter thing, and add elements of funk and groove behind it. I want the song to be the most important thing, but I want people to be able to move to it.
EK: How long have you been in the music industry?
Zack Borer: I have been playing music for many many years. Upon graduation from college though, is when I began looking at the music industry as a career. Over the past year I have been more determined and motivated to put myself in the right position to actually make playing into a sustainable career.
EK: What inspired you to make music?
Zack Borer: There is not one thing that inspires me to make music. The writing process is very spontaneous to me, and inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places. Sometimes it's a life experience I've had, or a tv show I just watch, or even seeing the expression on someone's face sometimes drives me to create music. Once I started writing and performing, I couldn't stop....
EK: Who are some of your influences?
Zack Borer: If it wasn't for my friends and family, and some former band mates from previous projects there is no way I would be where I am today. BUT, musically speaking I have always been influenced by artists who are genuine and real. Ben Harper and Stevie Wonder have always been constants in my development. Recently, I have been influenced by a number of amazing vocalists such as Amos Lee and Martin Sexton.
EK: If you could work with any artist right now, who would it be and why.
Zack Borer: From 2 opposite ends of the spectrum: Ben Harper for his sheer influence on me and his ability to play every genre of music flawlessly, and Justin Timberlake who always seems to be on the cutting edge with sonic arrangements and production.
EK: Do you have a recording label, or are you apart of any music groups?
Zack Borer: I am not. Everything I do comes from me (and a few others on my team). I am a DIY artist through and through right now.
EK: Where have you performed, and do you have any upcoming shows?
Zack Borer: The stage is where I feel most comfortable so I have always been a strong advocate of playing live. I have played up and down the east coast, Canada, LA, but as of now I am playing multiple shows a month in New York City. I always have upcoming shows, the next one being on June 6th at a venue called Ace of Clubs, which is located at 9 Great Jones St.
EK: What are the main themes or topics for your songs?
Zack Borer: I try to write about whatever I'm feeling, but I'd say a major theme of my songs is staying positive through misfortunes. Whether it be heartache or loss, I try to look at situations for what they gave you, not what they have taken out of you.
EK: What is your objective in reference to music? Raise awareness, make good music, enlighten?
Zack Borer: I don't think I have an objective with my music. I'm just a normal guy putting his thoughts on a piece of paper. Hopefully, my experiences can be relatable to someone listening and that something I'm saying can be useful in someone else's life.
EK: Has your music changed since you first begin? If so, how?
Zack Borer: I think my music has definitely changed a ton. I think the longer someone does something, the better at it they become. When I first started writing I wrote in a very impersonal way. I used to think that no one was interested in my experiences, so I would write in deep metaphors, which took most of the emotion out of what i was trying to say. Then, I just got to a point where I said, "I'm laying it all on the line", and I really believe that has sky-rocketed my lyrics, my melody and my delivery. You can't fake it, People definitely see through it. Also, I think I am a student of music, and am constantly discovering new music every day. The more I listen, the more I learn.
EK: How can fans gain access to your music?
Zack Borer: I am all over the internet!
http://www.zackborer.com/
www.myspace.com/zackborer
www.youtube.com/zackborer
www.twitter.com/zackborer
Become my friend on facebook as well!!!!
EK: Lastly, Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?
Zack Borer: I want to thank everyone who is always there for me. It gets lonely out there as an artist and without my family and friends behind me it would be impossible to stay focused and motivated. Oh yeah, and PB and RB
Here at EK, we believe, its always better when other people help you stroke your ego, so feel free to comment below and tell us how right we are about Zack...(this could work in your favor as well... in the future when you and all your friends, are at a sold out Zack Borer performance, and they try and act like they discovered him first, you can get to smile and say...um no loser (aka non-E.K. blog reader) I been had the scoop!)
Dont forget to check out his latest tracks!
