S-R-H-H, Ent. would like to wish all it's supporters HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Thanks for a great year of Hip Hop to all the real artists/record labels holding it down! Thanks to all readers and supportes of S-R-H-H for your continued support through the great year 2013.
Remember to give your vote for the Top 10 albums of 2013 here on S-R-H-H. ->
There is more to come in 2014!
ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Check out last years R.A. The Rugged Man Christmas Special!:
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
December 23, 2013
September 28, 2013
S-R-H-H Presents: KdawG Interview With Rise Sovereign
KdawG: "Peace Rise Sovereign. How are you? Glad to have you here for this interview."
Rise Sovereign: "Peace family, thanks for reaching out."
KdawG: "You released your first official instrumentals tape last year "Days In Exile". It was a very
dope tape. And this year you released the EP "The Lost Pages" where you also spit. It's been on heavy rotation over here. Were you satisfied with these two projects? And how has the feedback
been so far?"
Rise Sovereign: "The response on the Exile tape was dope and people have been showin love. It was a collection of instrumentals that I had made over a few years and I put them together. Apparently word got around and a couple heads started wanting to use some for their solo projects. "The Getway" ended up on Swerve & SYG's album and became "Not So EZ". The Lost Pages was a full fledged project with emcees, I wanted it to be a follow up to the Exile tape where I could feature some dope artists while showcasing my rhymes. I was able to connect with artists that I felt would carry the vibe of the album. The homie Young Noble and Purpose from Tragic Allies were both gracious with their verses"
KdawG: "What inspires you to write and to produce music as well?"
Rise Sovereign: "I always felt words had a lot of power, and found that to be true in hip hop. Adding music behind words adds so much more depth to what's trying to be said, it goes beyond language and hits you deep. To me that's soul, and that's the level. I try to come with on every track. I always wanted my production to be visual. I get inspired hearing new kinds of music, learning about what's goin on in the world, philosophy, religion, all kinds of shit that makes you really think."
KdawG: "Where do you see yourself in the "hip hop game" right now?"
Rise Sovereign: "As an independent , I don't feel like I have to be in our out of the game. There's too much politics and not enough music, I try to fall back and focus on my craft."
KdawG: "Which artists are your biggest influences? What do you listen to yourself these days?"
Rise Sovereign: "In terms of my sound, the Wu really molded the way I approach music. Over the years, RZA has been my one of my biggest musical influences, then came the Wu Elements. His way of sampling opened me up to a whole new appreciation of music and opened my ears up. I listen to a lot of soul, jazz, rock, r&b; whatever hits me at the moment. I'm always keepin my ears open."
KdawG: "Do you have any artists you really wish to work with in the future?"
Rise Sovereign: "Definitely. I would love to cut a track with the Abbott, the RZA. Bronze Nazareth and Kevlaar from the Wisemen are also in my top ten. Definitely want to work with Noble again. Purpose from Allies was dope, I would like to have the whole team on a next project."
KdawG: "Describe your music with three words (If possible)? "
Rise Sovereign: "Soulful, visual, atmospheric."
KdawG: "What about politics? Do you think it's important to question politics and society in ones music?"
Rise Sovereign: "Always. Music is a tool for change, the spoken word will never die as a medium to reach people. Hip hop has been linked to politics since the beginning. My philosophy is question everything and stay open to what's goin on in the world. Reality is its own art form and hip hop is a reflection of that. Hip hop is rhythm laced with a dose of truth, and all of the underground
heads spittin real shit know that. The dopest MC's in my opinion always had a message; something real in their lyrics that you felt even if you turned the beat off. I think the message is just as important as the music, so I try to bring my best production game into every track I produce, just to stay true to that concept."
(The interview continues below the picture)
Rise Sovereign: I'm working on my next instrumental album, Days in Exile vol 2. but I'm not sure if that's gonna be the final title. I want to pick up where the last one left off. I'm working with some new gear in the studio and want to incorporate it on the next project. It's gonna have the same underground feel but with more instrumentation, more of a song structure on each joint. I want to take it in a new direction but stay true to the sound and theme that I put forth on the first tape. I'm working on a a full fledged album which I plan to drop sometime over the next year with some new features."
KdawG: "Dope dope. What can the listeners expect on the upcoming instrumental album? Will it be a longer tape or just around the same? "
Rise Sovereign: "I'm aiming for 17 tracks, the theme and overall feel is going to be the same as the first album. There is going to be more variation, something more open ended on each track. I want the beat to be full enough to carry the listener to the end of the track without getting repetitive,
but open enough for someone to spit a rhyme over, feel me."
KdawG: "No doubt fam. On "The Lost Pages EP" you had features from members of Tragic Allies among others. Will any of these artists be on your next album with features, and/or will we be able to see some new faces on there as well?"
Rise Sovereign: "Word, I am looking to get some new features in. It all depends on the style of the production, I envision different artists over different types of beats. On that Finish Line joint I pictured Noble sounding dope. He liked the beat and went in hard. If I come with an open, storytelling beat with a lot of atmosphere, I want a real lyrical emcee that's gonna tell a memorable story. If the beat sounds aggressive, I want someone who can bring a lot of energy to match the feel of the track. The Lost Pages had a lot of variation in production style so I feel every feature matched the feel of the beat overall."
KdawG: "I guess the listeners and fans really looking forward to the "Days In Exile" part 2. I am as well. Are the release date set yet? Or is it to early to say?"
Rise Sovereign: "Early 2014. Going to be taking my time on this joint, I want the final product to be solid."
KdawG: "Will you release some new material this year? Any singles etc for example?"
Rise Sovereign: "Possibly, I'm always putting out tracks, I might get in a collaboration and release it as a single, I can see that happening soon."
KdawG: "What is your personal favorite track from yourself?"
Rise Sovereign: "Production wise, there was a beat on Days in Exile called Slippin. Something about that beat just fell into place while I was producing it. It just felt complete even though it was just a basic loop. It felt like you could take the track into any angle, like a slow storytelling joint or something else. Every time I hear it I get inspired to start writing, so I always come back to that joint when I need some direction on how to finish a verse or a new beat. As far as a full track, depends on what I'm feelin at the moment. Hybrid Swordsman or Finish Line shows the hunger, the lyrical sharpness, whereas Born Day is more uplifting, something more soulful and less aggressive. I feel like I got different favorite tracks for different days."
KdawG: "Where do you see yourself in five years from now?"
Rise Sovereign: "Constantly building fam. I try to stay true to my vision and my sound, and see where it takes me. I plan to stay independent as long as possible and stay elevating."
KdawG: "What do you prefer? Producing or emceeing?"
Rise Sovereign: "To me they go hand in hand, so I can't really separate one from the other. Musically, I'm always keeping my ears open, always looking for new gear or new techniques to try out. I'm always digging for new sounds and new genres, so my production gears always going. When it comes to rhyming, I take breaks occasionally. I'm comfortable producing an entire album without rhyming once, so I feel most at home behind the boards."
KdawG: "What's your thoughts on the Hip Hop Industry today?"
Rise Sovereign: "Fans have been conditioned to support wack shit and sleep on real artists who put a lot of time and effort into their craft. For every wack mainstream MC, I can name at least 10 underground artists who have sharpened their production game, or are criminally slept on for their
lyricism. The game used to recognize talent and real skill. Kendrick went in on that control verse and tore it up, dude is a real lyricist and brings a lot of energy to the game. The hip hop industry will change overnight when people realize how powerful the spoken word can be."
KdawG: "Anything you would like to add? Any S/O or similar things?"
"Days In Exile" (2012) Rise Sovereign
Make sure to subscribe/Follow Rise Sovereign:
You can also check out both of his past projects, "Days In Exile" and "The Lost Pages EP" on KdawG's Official YouTube channel: KdawGOfficial
Interview by KdawG for S-R-H-H, Ent. © 2013. All Rights Reserved.
August 19, 2013
New Single From Endemic
"Terminal Illness 2" will be the sequel to "Terminal Illness" which was released in 2009 on Money Maker/EMI.
Endemic - High Society Feat. Tragedy Khadafi, Ruste Juxx, & Afu-Ra: Soundcloud
June 14, 2013
S-R-H-H Presents: KdawG Interview with Vega X of Guerilla Alliance & PXR
KdawG talked to Vega X of Guerilla Alliance and Planet X Records. Check out this brand new interview where we discuss the forthcoming album "Empire Of Fear", last years Mixtape from Guerilla Alliance, Vega X's solo album, other upcoming projects, Vega's influences, thoughts on the hip hop industry today, and much more!KdawG: "What's good Vega X? The new record "Empire Of Fear" with Macabean The Rebel as Guerilla Alliance is almost here! What can the listeners and fans expect on this album?"
Vega X: "Yeah so these are kind of the alter egos different from our former records, we have recieved a post 2012 dimensional DNA upgrade, I'm VX: Heaven's Assassin now, and Mac is Mac the Rebel for the rest of the GA Trilogy which I will explain later. Fans can expect an improvement on everything since "Guerrilla Warfare" better production, features, and definitely the best bars in my opinion out of any of the material we have released. I would even invite people who didnt like GW to check out EoF, and see if it changes their mind about GA"
KdawG: "It's a lot of great guest appearances on the new album. El*A*Kwents from PXR; Lone Ninja of Twin Perils, Sick Since, Tehuti Mos and Rasul from LCOB, Canibus, Block McCloud, Scripture, just to name a few. It looks promising. And I see that Macabean will produce most of the beats. But you also got some more producers on there. Do you got your own favorite track of the album so far?"
Vega X: "Yeah still "Ordo Ab Chao" original mix because Canibus destroyed it, and really had one of the most flawless verses I have ever heard in my career as far as encompassing the essence of hip-hop culture. I really like the remix beat Mac made on the "2012" mix though. I have so many favorites it's tough to pick honestly. Scimitar is epic because Dro & Rich both ripped it, Ronin is incredible Scripture of the GGO shined on there. Can't wait to see what the fans think of some of the top secret videos we have planned!"
KdawG: "'Empire Of Fear' will be the first release on Planet X Records this year. In the end of 2012 you released the Mixtape "Xibalba Be: The Reincarnation Mix CD" which was fire.
Will there be any more releases on PXR in 2013? What's next?"
Vega X: "Next is "The Cosmic Code" EP which is EL*A*KWENTs and my side project as "The Celestial Order", after that my final solo LP "Tablet of Destiny: Secrets of the Multiverse" and GA3 "The Dark Rift" feat. Kool G Rap, Killah Priest, & 9th Price. We also released an EP trilogy from our Australian artist "Irrefutable", I think EL has a project he's been working on as well. And at some point Mac will be done 'F.E.MA'"
KdawG: "Let's talk a little about Last year. Guerrilla Alliance released the Global Warming: Reign of Terror LP. Where you satisfied with the final outcome?"
Vega X: "GW: ROT was actually my "debut" sophomore solo LP presented by PXR, I personally was very satisfied with the outcome, as it got a very good review from fans. It is largely considered a classic underground solo LP by many, and much better quality / music wise then what I have heard from other local artists."
KdawG: "I see. What inspires you to write?"
Vega X: "Good Question, at any given time it could be any number of things. Close friends, in some cases other artists, I follow world events closely, I do thorough history research, other forms of media such as Film, graphic novels, gaming, all different forms and genres of music including experimental which I basically have my roots in."
KdawG: "Which artists have been the greatest inspiration for you? Do you got a favorite?"
Vega X: "Kool G Rap, Killah Priest, Canibus, Chief Kamachi, RZA, 9th Prince, Hell Razah, Lost Boyz, Gravediggaz, LCOB, Chino XL, Rakim, Cypress Hill, Onyx, Ill Bill, Soundgarden, Nirvana, RATM, Metallic, Slayer, Vee Eye, Guru my favorite hip-hop artist of all time would be Big Punisher, rock Kurt Cobain & Chris Cornell, Zach De La Rocha as well."
KdawG: "What's your thoughts on the hip hop industry today?"
Vega X: "While the mainstream is 98% trash, a lot of people aren't holding the underground for being over saturated with garbage as well. I don't like the fact that the UG scene mimics the mainstream, and the same corny gimmicks make their way into both markets. For instance the emo-rap (or anything) trend is particularly bad as the skinny jeans punk rock haircut style is definitely not a part of hip-hop culture. I got love for punk rock, but if that is punk it's cool, let it be that. Hip-hop should be hip-hop, if all the genres are going to blend together into the same bland cheap sound and visuals, things will become very boring. There are some good new artists both known and UG I admit, which I enjoy listening to. On the whole, I don't like the immature 45 yr old online studio gangster nerd fanboy image modern day hip-hop portrays. The idea that the MC in being marginalized into these trendy sub-genres example "frat-rap" is divisive in my opinion. On the other hand battle rap leagues like URL are opening up a whole new market of talent show casing artists all over the world in a "new" (for those unfamiliar to battle rap) format. Although that creates a fringe of obsessive fanboys as well, like any sport. You have 36 yr old nerd losers who think they can rap trying to jump in the ring, and get 3-0d and walk out thinking they won because of their ridiculous egos."
KdawG: "Where do you see yourself in the indie and underground hip hop scene right now?"
Vega X: "Right now, I think Empire of Fear is one of the best hip-hop albums out, it is just way higher quality then a lot of what I hear. People who think they know everything about hip-hop or any music, but continue to put out low quality recording projects short change the fans in my opinion. Why are they going to pay for something in an age when everything is free? You need to give them a reason too, and It can't be sub par bears, mediocre rapping, and below average features. In the future I see myself contributing to the indie scene in new and different ways, taking an approach outside of hip-hop and music all together. I know a lot of fanboys won't be able to handle that concept."
KdawG: "Word, all this definitely looks very promising. And yeah that's true, I've heard that El have a lot in the makings. So it's sounds like it's much to look forward to on PXR this year!
Do you have anything special you want to say at the end?"
Vega X: "Finally I would appreciate everyone getting word out about our crowd funding campaigns for the "The Dark Rift" LP we have G.A. T-Shirts, Hoodies, and beanies available as perks and much more! Basically if no funding comes in as was the case with EoF, we will have to scale many things back on the album and it will all but guarantee there wont be a GA4. I can also say "Tablet Of Destines: Secrets of the Multiverse" will with out a doubt be my last solo LP do to other Planet X Media projects which will take the front line. Please spread word about our Indie Go Go, and Kickstarter campaigns on your tracebook, twitter, Google + or anything else you use! These crowd funding campaigns help support PXR with studio time, pressing fees, Artwork, Music video budgets, website / radio fees and more!"
"Peace to,
K-dawg, Mac the Rebel, EL, Scripture, Irrefutable, Gaz Resistance everyone who supports PXR "The Dark Rift" LP coming soon!"
Follow me and Mac, and Gaz (Twitter):
@VXPlanetXPXR
@MacabeanMMBeats
@PlanetXRadio
@MattIrrefutable
SUBSCRIBE TO www.youtube.com/vegaxterror
Don't forget to check out the article about the forthcoming album "Empire Of Fear" here on S-R-H-H as well: Guerilla Alliance - Empire Of Fear (Coming Soon)
April 29, 2013
Fellows of Perfect Penmanship - Which Way Is Up
Artwork by: KdawG of S-R-H-H
Fellows of Perfect Penmanship - Which Way Is Up (Produced by Merky Waters):
You can also check out this playlist, where all the single leaks from the album is uploaded: "Extraordinaty Tales"
April 02, 2013
AbnormL Injustice - Feet Help the Hands (2013) Out now!
You can check out the album on KdawG's Official YouTube channel (Promo):
AbnormL Injustice - Feet Help the Hands (2013) Playlist by KdawGOfficial
Free Download (Bancamp):
http://abnormlinjustice.bandcamp.com/album/feet-help-the-hands
Track Listing:
01. 1-4 (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
02. Run For The Thrills (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
03. Feet Help The Hands (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
04. Bishop (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
05. Glass Cow (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
06. Tie Dy (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
07. Pillage (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
08. Re Run (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
09. Sycn Mode (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
10. Sounds Like (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
11. Dismiss (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
12. Status (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
13. Golden Age Mix 9 (Produced by AbnormL Injustice) Instrumental
Album: Feet Help the Hands
By: AbnormL Injustice
Year: 2013
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Label: N/A
Official Facebook Page: AbnormL Injustice
Buy: Free Album
Download: Bandcamp