A07 x Paul Wall “Pow Wow”

We had the opportunity to spend the day with Houston’s own, Paul Wall. During that time, we chopped it up with him a bit and got some quick photos and footage. We also covered Chi-town’s, Twista, performance. Pics can been seen here and the footage is below. We like to give a shoutout to Paul, Kat, & Rich-n-Rude.

-A07

A07 x Paul Waul from A07 on Vimeo.

A07 x Mayer Hawthorne Interview

If had all the money in the world to pick out the band I wanted they’re who I’d pick. I’m spoiled rotten right now

Andrew Mayer Cohen a.k.a Mayer Hawthorne, simply put, is a chameleon. He has a tendency to quietly blend in with the crowd. It’s possible to walk right past him and not even recognize him. Well, at least as Andrew – but when it’s time to hit the stage Mayer sets a soulful tone that wakes up the dead, and yet calms all calamities. If there’s any such thing as pure talent, Mayer fits the bill. From playing the bass guitar since age 6, to being signed after only playing 2 songs he created, this Hip-Hop DJ turned Soul Musician’s music will have you hooked from beginning to end.

A07 – So you just got off stage, how are you feeling?

Mayer – Good man, Life’s great! Just finished up the Lonely Hearts Club tour and we’re out to Europe next.

A07 – Okay, so coming out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, talk about your homes music scene and your transition from Hip-Hop DJ to 60’s soul singer…

Mayer – There’s a lot of unbelievably incredible talent in the Detroit area and I’m extremely blessed to be apart of the Michigan music scene. I couldn’t be more proud to represent. I’ve been a Hip-Hop DJ & producer for the last 12 years. I moved out to Los Angeles to pursue Hip-Hop, met Peanut Butter Wolf and wound up doing soul music. That’s just how it goes sometimes.[laughs]

A07 – Since meeting up with Wolf, how’s the relationship been with him and the record label?

Mayer – Man, Stones Throw is the greatest! They’ve always been one of my favorites even before the deal. Its incredible to be able to work with the same label as J. Dilla and more. It’s a family affair over there. We have a good time.

A07 – So what’s it like touring with Ghostface and newcomers like Fashawn?

Mayer – Incredible! This tour was amazing for me and I happy because it allowed me to get my music out to so many people and meet everybody and say what’s up!

A07 – You had quite a reaction out there tonight…You enjoy the love?

Mayer – Yeah San Diego has always been good man, I’ve had a lot of good shows out here. Definitely want to come back again.

A07 – We noticed on your Twitter that your quite fond of our local beer selections…Any specifics?

Mayer – Well there’s so many good micro-breweries out here it’s hard to say. I like how almost all the bars brew there own beer.

A07 – So how’s touring with your band?

Mayer – Its great, They’re all my favorite musicians. I mean, if I had all the money in the world to pick out the band I wanted, they’re who I’d pick. I’m spoiled rotten right now.[laughs]

A07 – So your known as an instrumentalist, is there any particular instrument you prefer to play?

Mayer – My primary instrument is the bass guitar. My father taught me how to play bass at 6. He played bass too. I always wanted to be a drummer but my parents wouldn’t let me have drum set in the house cause it made too much noise. I would sneak over to my friends house and play drums whenever I could, now drums are my favorite. But in the end they’re all important.

A07 – You know music and fashion go hand-n-hand. Are there any specific brands that you’re into?

Mayer – Well, I’m not really a brand guy. I like to flip it between future and vintage styles. I wear a lot of vintage suits but a lot of new sneakers. I basically wear whatever works, is eye catching, or classy. Stay classy San Diego!![laughs]

A07 – Thnx a lot!

-A07

A07 x Fashawn Interview

They brought me out as a special guest on that but I was just honored to even be there

Being humble in the world we live in usually comes from some type of hardship ones faced while growing up or comes from the result of foreshadowing the future knowing what could happen if the opposite were to occur. Well, what if there was an exception? What if it’s just genuine? What if your young and gifted not doing anything to gain certain attention? What if humble just means being who you are speaking from the heart? Then that exception is Fashawn..

From the moment we set foot inside Canes Bar & Grill, we knew we were in for a treat. Mayer’s band was setting up getting ready for sound check, glass clashing in the back as bartenders prepared to serve alcohol. Voices echoed throughout the empty venue, “Testing 1,2″, “go get your wristbands”, and “what time?” which was always followed by a complaint. As far as time goes, it’s the last month the well renowned beach-side eatery and event venue will be open for they have claimed host to some of the greatest concerts this city has had to offer. Tonight, the “Wizards of Poetry Tour” featuring Fashawn, Mayer Hawthorne, and Ghostface Killah is no different. The most beautiful thing about our line of work is opportunities arising and knowing when to cease the moment. As Fashawn sat in the corner behind the merchandise counters, it was evident that this was his first time in San Diego. He was by himself; no guards, no hype man, no one. Just Fashawn being “Humble”. We are always 100% for the new talent in Hip-Hop and this opportunity to speak with him stood out like a sore thumb. After his performance, We sat down with Fashawn for a slice of humble pie…Whatever is left on the plate you can have.

A07 – So wassup Fashawn what’s good?
Fashawn – Aw man, just out here Wizards of Poetry Tour w/ Mayer Hawthorne & Ghostface chillin’ man what’s good…

A07 – A lot people don’t know where your from. Care to clear that up?
Fashawn – I’m from Central California. To be more specific, Fresno. There’s L.A and then the Bay Area and right in between you have this little section, The Central Valley and that’s where I’m from. Home of Planet Asia and myself.

A07 – Cool, so did you have fun performing tonight?
Fashawn – Of course, this is my first time in San Diego the crowd was real accepting and live, man it was great!

A07 – You look like a season vet out there. It seemed like your shows are second nature to you.
Fashawn – Well I been on tour for a few days, so I guess you can say hella practice[laughs]. But I’ve been doing this for years but I’m barely starting to emerge now. I mean I’m barely on my first album you know…

A07 – Okay, well the end of the year is near so talk about what went on with Fashawn in ‘09.
Fashawn – Well let’s see, I started with the World Layover Tour with my man Evidence. We did Europe, Germany, Italy, Amsterdam, & Czech Republic and man that shit was crazy. He didn’t bring me out as a special guest, he let me get my own 30-45 set so I got to tell my story. I also linked up with Alchemist this year and did the Rock the Bells Tour with him and Evidence and that’s like the realest tour in Hip-Hop. They brought me out as a special guest on that but I was just honored to even be there. During the whole time we were doing the RTB tour, I dropped a tape with Alchemist, The Antidote. I did that in like two weeks and we put it out September 10th. Since then, I just been rockin’ man. I just got accepted for this Ghostface tour, got the “Boy Meets World” album coming October 20th, produced by Exile. It’s been a busy ‘09.

A07 – So can we expect to see you in 2010 XXL Top 10 Freshmen?
Fashawn – Actually, Shoutout to XXL, they gave me a “XL” rating on my album, “Boy Meets World”. Peace to them, and hopefully I get the cover next year. Some of my fans were asking me why I didn’t make it last year but hopefully I put in enough work to make it next year.

A07 – Okay, survey time. We’re gonna do the 10 things in 2010 with you. Tell us 10 things that you would like or would like others to do in 2010?
Fashawn – Okay, I’ll start the first 5 for other people and then the other 5 for myself.

1.) Stop biting my style cause I’m the only one with it and you can’t do what I do.
2.) Be yourself! Cause nobody can be you better than you.
3.) Do what you love. There’s always something magical that happens when you do what you love.
4.) Stop being baby daddy’s and be fathers. Shoutout to my men.
5.) I want my men to walk with they ladies and not in front of them.

Fashawn – Okay, now 5 for me:

6.) I want to record more music. I’m going to record more music!
7.) I want to get the cover of a magazine. I don’t know which one yet.
8.) I might grow my hair out. You know do something different.
9.) Eat healthier and stop eating garbage.
10.) Be the best me that I can be.

A07 – Okay cool, any final shoutouts?
Fashawn – I wanna shoutout my step brothers, Ev’ and Alchemist. I want to shoutout Large Professor, that’s the homie. Dilated Family, Cypress Hill, Muggs and Dj Hecktik. And again, “Boy meets World” in stores October 20th. That’s my first LP and I’d appreciate it.

-A07

A07 x Cool Kids Interview

A07 – So real quick before we get started, introduce yourselves to the world.
Mikey – I’m Micheal Rocks..
Chuck – Chuck Inglish..
Both – We are the Cool Kids

A07 – Okay. So talk about your record label status. A lot of people think your independent while others think your signed to a major label, just clear that up for us.

Chuck – Nobody should think we under a major label. We are the anti-major label.

Mikey – We’re independent from the core man, It’s just us!

A07 – Upon debuting mainstream, it seemed like you guys just “popped up” and took off from there. Was there a major event that triggered your instant success or just steady progression over time?

Mikey – It was us just constantly building over time progress we had already made. We just kept working and made sure we built the music and the name up.

A07 – You guys have always had this “music only” mentality. What is your motive behind that?

Chuck – We’re good at this right now. I don’t wanna think about nothing else. Why do that? Why not become the best at what your best at, you know? Even though I know how to run a business, I’m not trying to be a mogul or a business man. I rap, make music, make music for other people, or make music for no reason at all. I just rather do that. I mean, sometimes what I wear aint even peoples labels, I just wear whatever but I have no business designing clothes u feel me. I have no business selling [you] fragrances, I just do what I know best.

A07 – Speaking of clothes, as far as your individual styles are concerned, how do you separate yourselves in the industry from being considered just another fad or movement in comparison to the whole hipster movement?

Chuck – They’ve been talking about that for the past three years, it’s old now.

Mikey – I’m only rockin’ the stuff that’s fly to me. It’s not really about anybody’s clothing line or particular brand, it don’t matter if it’s something I like that cost $2..
Chuck – You just got to flick it!
Mikey – Yeah, It’s all about flickin’ it! Wear the clothes don’t let them wear you!

A07 – Earlier you guys mentioned being anti-major label. Seems like you guys have a lil’ thing against the industry.
Chuck – For what? They aint done nothing to us, they just can’t do nothing for us.

A07 – Then what do you guys think is the worst thing about the music industry?

Mikey – Man, losing that control. Once you sign over that control it’s over!

Chuck – They want their money back! Why would you want to do music with somebody that wants their money back in, let’s say, two to three weeks? They only want their money back. They’re not trying to put out anything good, just listen to the radio.

A07 – Has the industry caused you guys to changed how you deal with people on a daily basis?

Chuck – No. We don’t care because we don’t want nothing to do with it [industry]. We’re not there with the industry like that because it’s not for us.

Mikey – Nah, we’re not chasing that and we don’t listen to radio like that. I don’t really feel the need to chase it.

A07 – Okay, well in reference to touring, How has touring affected the Cool Kids career, good and bad?

Chuck – There’s no bad..

A07 – None?

Mikey – Nope. As artist, you have to get out there on the road and give those live presentations of the songs your fans have been listening to. There’s nothing better to see than songs you’ve been rocking to live in the flesh. So it’s a must that you keep your show reputation on point.

A07 – Do you guys feel like you’ve “made it?” And if not, what do you feel needs to happen in order for you to feel like you’ve made it?

Mikey – I mean, we’re workin..

Chuck – We’re getting there. We’ve been given the opportunity to tour and travel all around the world. We just did a show in Japan where the first five rows were people who didn’t speak English but knew the words to the songs. I mean, what else do you want. I don’t want nothing else but to keep doing what we’re doing and keep progressing. I’m completely happy where we are right now.

A07 – Do you put any marketing or branding behind the Cool Kids name, or do you just “do your thing” and let the pieces fall where they may?

Chuck – We think of everything. There’s nothing we don’t think about. We operate on action-get it done-talk about it later basis. We handle everything the way it’s supposed to be handled, but on our own. We want to reach the next level on our own, that way when we look back at all the worked we accomplished, it’ll mean more. That’s why we’ll never do anything slightly whack. It takes too long to get to the point to where people care and we don’t want to let that go.

A07 – Okay let’s talk technology. As a society we’ve come a long way and have advanced so far. One would think with those advances it would make things a little easier, but in your case as artist, it hasn’t. Why do you think it’s taking away from aspects like record sales?

Chuck – The internet didn’t stop record sales, there just aren’t any stores anymore.

Mikey – They wanted to move everything to the internet, so they just axed everything else that was working previously. It also cut out a lot of other avenues for people to get music. Now people can just type stuff and there it is right on Youtube.

Chuck – Yeah but that’s lazy, and people don’t like getting music the lazy way. No matter how much they lie to themselves they don’t. People don’t like fast food as much as they like cooked food; they don’t like free shit as much as they like something they saved up to pay for. It’s the same for everything, so when you buy your music that’s no accident because you wanted to buy it. You may hear to songs on Itunes and say, “hell, I’ll buy it” but you may not even listen to it ever. I’m a victim of that! I have peoples music on my laptop I still aint popped. Haven’t even listen to the intro yet because I’ll forget about it. Since we have the fan mentality and the artist mentality, the checks and balances will always be there.

A07 – Fish Ride Bicycles, when’s it dropping?

Chuck – It’s getting made right now.

Mikey – Yeah, after Gone Fishin’ we realized that we can come no less than that. We have to over shoot this one and we’re already in the process. We’ve got a couple of joints on the album that are sounding crazy so soon as we’re finished making it that’s when it will come.

Chuck – We set bars, and then we go there.

A07 – Any other projects or collabs you guys working on?

Chuck – Nope, there’s nothing else until this[When Fish Ride Bicycles] comes out. There are some songs I’m writing for people right now but that’s separate, that’s Chuck stuff. Chuck’s stuff plays second to this, because this is what made it happen. We also consult on all the extra stuff, too.

A07 – How’s your chemistry in the studio? What can you expect in a typical studio session with the Cool Kids?

Chuck – The same thing you hear on the song, is what happened.

Mikey – He’ll make a beat, bring it over later that day, and I’ll like it or I won’t. If it’s something I’m ready to work on, I’ll start writing right then and there. Then the next day I’ll give to him and he’ll finish it.

Chuck – That’s just the process of it though. If a song sounds like we were chilling, then we probably were. We can’t fake the funk at all.

A07 – If there was something you guys could change about one another, what would that be?

Mikey – Nothing. I mean, it wouldn’t be him if he was different.

Chuck – I’m not a changer. I feel you either work through it or you don’t. I don’t want to change the world I just want people to get smarter cause you can’t change everything, sometimes you just have to do better. If Hip-Hop sucks, just make some good albums and shut up! Don’t be the rapper talkin’ about other rappers not rappin’ when yo ass aint rappin’; and everybody’s guilty of that! That’s how we feel about that and we’re gonna always try and do better.

A07 – Last one, what do you think of when you hear the word “rise”?

Chuck – Dunkin’!

Mikey – Elevating man, going up..

Chuck – Just Yammin’!

Mikey – Just taking that next step and anything else related to progress.

A07 – Thanks, any shoutouts?

Chuck – We shoutout free bro[laughs]. Shoutout to the live shit, the beach,

Mikey – Them Carne Asada Fries man…They put me in my seat!

Chuck – Fish Tacos, street vendors, shaved ice, and simulated surfing machines..
Mikey – Everything cool man! That’s it.

A07 – [laughs]Thanks fellas…

Overloaded with Aaron Churder

A07 – So introduce yourself and give us a little bit of background history…
Aaron – My name is Aaron Churder. I own Overload Skateshop and the Chula Vista Skatepark. When I first moved to San Diego the shop was here and I live right behind it and I always wanted to be a part of it.

A07 – Okay give us a bit of background on the shop itself.
Aaron – Overload actually opened in ‘99-2000 and was half distributor and half skateshop. The skateshop was about 600 Sqft. I ended becoming friends with the owner and I would let him do shoe sales at the skatepark. After a while I let him know that I would be willing to take over the shop if he ever closed because I had an idea for it. Before the way it is now, it used to be super hesh.

A07 – Okay. Well, the shops always been here not you. What made you want to move? Why San Diego?
Aaron – I’m from Temecula. I moved to Utah then when I got an opportunity to open a skatepark, I moved to San Diego.

A07 – What got you into the street culture?
Aaron – I grew up in the street culture. When I was a kid I use to love Fresh Jive, Stussy, and now 15-20 years later, my friends are the ones that started the brands and it just made sense. I’ve always been of fan of the brands though.

A07 – What are some of your favorite brands out there?
Aaron – I like a lot of the bigger brands like LRG, Obey, and Johnny Cupcakes. I think Supra’s on top of their game and one of my absolute favorites is Rouge Status.

A07 – Right now you have two locations, one being in North Park and the other being in Chula Vista. Do you plan on opening any other locations and if so, where?
Aaron – I looked at opening one in L.A on Fairfax but I’m too poor[laughs]. I’m more interested in online right now though and strengthening that. I already have two stores and with the retail experience I’ve gained, more doors doesn’t mean more money.

A07 – Let’s talk trade shows. What is your take on shows such as ASR, Agenda, Magic and how do they affect your business?
Aaron – I think it’s fun to party but being in Southern California and with all the companies being down here, I don’t think it’s necessary to pre-book any booths at trade shows. It’s more to just go and have fun.

A07 – When someone walks into your store, what should they expect when they walk in?
Aaron – A friendly staff, clean stores, and constant changes like the store art and new product. We also have a few goofy things such as stripper pole now and a loft.

A07 – What would you say is your most rewarding experience in owning your own business?
Aaron – I think the fact that people like to come back. It’s hard owning your own business so you appreciate every customer. It’s cool when kids come in and rather buy the a Overload board or ask for the stickers and that’s just the branding. Also learning how the the business works and getting to know a company.

A07 – What separates Overload Skateshop from its competitors?
Aaron – I think in a local market we carry more product and we have a variety from price point stuff to high end street wear, from affordable to limited shoes. We just have more selection. I think that model of a boutique with eight shirts and one pair of shoes is old. In my opinion, it doesn’t work for business.

A07 – If you could change something in the retail industry, what would it be?
Aaron – I think the respect of other stores around you and not carrying the same products if your walking distance away from each other. Also, for companies to tighten up their distribution and honor contracts. I think you[stores] should be exclusive dealers of a particular product within a certain amount of miles and not feet. I think when you can get a “limited” item at four different stores within two miles it kind of takes the “limited” factor away from it.

A07 – If someone wanted to get in touch how would they go about doing that?
Aaron – I’m always at the store or the skatepark building ramps. There’s the site ShopOverload.com, the blog Skateoverload.com, and our Twitter @ShopOverload.

A07 – How long have been building ramps?
Aaron – 17 years

A07 – It seems like when streetwear brands considered “underground” go “mainstream” it’s looked down upon. What are your thoughts on that and how do you stay true to the Overload brand?
Aaron – I think I stay true to the brand living the way I live. My wife and I come here to work everyday and we’re passionate about it but at the same time this is our livelihood and if the opportunity arises where I can to support more, sell more and employ friends I’m cool with that.

A07 – What do you think of when you hear the word “rise” and how have you risen?
Aaron – Going up…the hardest part about it is being hated on by other people doing the same thing as me like their more entitled to run a business than I am but you just rise above it and laugh it off.

A07 Gets Familiar with Clinton Sparks

A07 – So around what time did you begin your career?
C.S – I would say professionally around ‘99-’00. I consider my career beginning when I got on radio for the first time and that’s when I did.

A07 – Since then, you’ve stayed pretty consistent. What do you feel has changed musically, industry-wise and personally?
C.S – Wow!..those are quite lengthy answers for each one. Musically, we’ll obviously the internet has been a huge role. When I first started, I lied and told everyone I had a crackin internet show cause I knew no one knew about the internet. That’s how I got Eminem, Wu-Tang, Camron, & Common over to my mom’s house. I use to tell them I had one and them not knowing any better would believe me. That’s how I built relationships with them. The industry changing is similar to the music with the rise of the internet. Personally, I’ve evolved. When I was growing up I listened to all types of music from The Commodores, to Quite Riot, to RUN-DMC but I came up through Hip-Hop and gained success primarily through being Hip-Hop Dj and the mixtape circuit. I’ve personally evolved by being able to play both sides of the field. I can play all kinds of music and be accepted. It allows me to go way left and do a Chester French mixtape or work with Fallout Boy, but then turn around and do a record with D-Block.

A07 – Your resume has grown tremendously. So, being aware or your sales & marketing background, was your motive to build yourself as a brand the whole time?
C.S – Yeah. when I first started, I never looked at myself as Clinton Sparks. I always treated Clinton Sparks as a brand that I was trying to sell from day one, and to do that, I had to step outside of myself. I remember when I would hear other Dj’s compete in Boston, they’d be like, “I’m the best Dj in Boston”. I would literally sit back laugh and think to myself, “These guys are losers!”. They just wanted to be the best in Boston, I’m trying to be the best in the world. So I’ve all always had the mindset of a business person and treated myself as product….I still do-everything is the Clinton Sparks and “Get Familiar” brand.

A07 – You’ve worked with various artist. What exactly drove you to work with someone “way left” like Chester French and in particular, what exactly draws you to a new artist?
C.S – I found Chester French on the internet. I hit them up, told them I digg their music and that we should hook-up. They’re super cool! They had a house in Los Angeles cause they had just signed with Pharrell. They told me to come out to their house so I did and we instantly hit it off. We Vibe’d for like ten hours. The purpose of me meeting them was to convince them to do a mixtape. At first they didn’t get how a band like them could do mixtape, or even knew what the concept of a mixtape was, so they passed. We remained cool friends and about a year later, they hit me up and told me they wanted to do it. I listened to their music and suggested we do it like a movie since no one knew who they were. One thing that I tell artist is that anyone can make a cool song, especially now, but if your looking for longevity, people need to buy into you as an artist and person. For me to want to work with a new artist, the music got to be good. Then when I see them, I need to see them take themselves as serious as they want others to take them by putting in the work to be successful instead of expecting someone else to do the work for them.

A07 – So what would you say is the most rewarding experience in you career?
C.S – My son.

A07 – What’s his name
C.S – Jack. I know you were probably waiting for me to say something like, “being on ‘E’ or being Diddy’s Dj. Honestly, everything’s awesome but I never feel like I’m “there”. I always feel like I’m just one step closer to somewhere else.

A07 – Are there any artist out there that you haven’t worked with that you would like to?
C.S – Teddy Riley. That’s who made me a producer. I might cry if I met Teddy Riley or at least choke up[laughs]. Or, anybody that’s open minded, experimental, or just likes to do cool shit.

A07 – How’d you go from being a Hip-Hop Dj, to getting a job on ‘E’?
C.S – There was a guy named Ben Lyons, a fan of mines, who worked for Music Trade Magazine. He was doing a music conference in New York and asked his girlfriend, who worked at a record label, if I could come speak at the conference. I did and our relationship began from there. He ended up becoming a movie critic for ‘E’ and about a year later, ‘E’ wanted to get someone to do music the way he did movies. He immediately suggested getting Clinton Sparks.
He had the executive producers call me and they asked can I fly out so I did. I thought I was going to be interviewed the gave me three album they wanted me to know about, mic’d me up and threw me on live. I nailed it first take and got the job. I’ve always been good in front of the camera though. I used use skip communications class in high school and go do random skits and parodies on stuff around the neighborhood. I mean even now, I have so much stand up comedy material in my phone, I’m just trying get the balls to do it! I’m writing screen plays right now, I just developed a new television show, two new card games for casinos, and I’m writing a book. I’m just a think tank. When I went in to ‘E’ I saw ten different ways we could have made money, but I overwhelm people with ideas so much, that they feel threatened and don’t like me. So when I went to ‘E’ I thought to myself, “I’m not sayin shit!”[laughs].

A07 – What upcoming projects do you have coming up?
C.S – I just did a record with Pitbull & Akon. It’s Pitbull new single called “Shut it Down”-I wrote Akon’s parts and produced the beat. I also did my record on Pitbull’s album with him & T-pain, both records are smashers. They’re like the Day-n-Night Remix, whereas if you’ve never heard it before, you’d go crazy the first time you did. I’m also working my 3 albums right now. One more of the Dj/Producer, ones more of the artist, and one with my partner Dj Snake from Paris. We have a group called LOGAN DE GAULLE our first single being the new Tyrese record. We’re sorta Daft Punk-ish. That albums has everybody from Lisa-Lisa, to Lil Jon, to Lamar. Even Clipse has a record on here that you would never expect them to be on.

A07 – When are those all set to release?
C.S – Next year. I was a little shy to come out as an artist but I kept playing my music to everyone like Ne-yo and Akon. Kanye finally heard my music and ask what I was going to do with it. I said probably a 80/20 split and have people be shocked that that’s me on a record. He was like nah, you could the next breakthrough artist of the year with this music and the connections you have. He doesn’t know this, but he was the one that motivated to just do it. If people say I suck, I’ll go back to being a producer and a Dj. It’s not gonna kill me and I just wouldn’t put anything else out that sucked.

A07 – Okay between the two, what do you prefer? Satellite or Mainstream?
C.S – Those are two parts of me so one day I may want to play some top 40,and the next I may just want to wyle’ out on some Hip-Hop.

A07 – Where do you think your versatility comes from? Is it just you being talented or you not wanting to be a one dimensional Dj?
C.S – I just like all types of music. Any creative I pretty much like. The thing I really don’t do is Country & Reggae.

A07 – You seem like you really have the branding down packed but you speak as if your still on the come up. Even though you’ve gone so much farther than others, do you feel as if you haven’t gained much in this industry?
C.S – I don’t say this to bully people to fuck with me or be cocky, but I know I do good business. You can come to me and get radio, TV, production, marketing, Karmaloop Tv, and ‘E’. When I first start doing radio my goal was, “If you wanna break in New York, go see Flex. If you wanna break in the rest of the world, come see me.” Also, I’m nowhere near where I wanna be and I know there’s a million other people that want to be where I am right now so that’s why I never slow down or take breaks. I don’t play video games, hang out, go drink, or chase ass.

A07 – What type of advice would you give to anyone trying to pursue a career similar to yours?
C.S – I always say, be the first you and not the second somebody else. When I watched other people I only watched what they did wrong. I never had any influences ’cause nobody around me was doing what I’m doing. I think my influence was me not wanting to be broke anymore.

A07 – Do you think it’s harder to get things accomplished now versus the past, being that the industry is somewhat over-saturated?
C.S – No because I’ve already made my mark before that happened. Out of my circle of credible Dj’s in the mixtape world like Green Lantern, Whoo Kid, Kay Slay, Clinton Sparks, & Big Mike, I kind of went in another direction and grew as a business with the changing markets. If I kept putting out the same thing I’s be whack!

A07 – Do you think the Dj’s in your circle caught on to that?
C.S – We’ll I can’t say because like I said, I had different musical taste and a different personality. We all do but that’s how I did it. So I don’t know.

A07 – Do you have any regrets or wish you could have did anything different in your career?
C.S – No. I wake up everyday excited to the party called life. I’m very thankful for it.

A07 – Okay final question, what do you think of when you hear the word “rise”?
C.S – My first thought when you said that was a loft of bread. Without yeast, the bread wouldn’t rise in the oven…..

A07 – Thanks…[Laughs]

Diz Gibran Interview

A07 – What brings you to SD again?
Diz – Took a real quick trip, my girls doing some stuff for Comic Con, and I’m just out here to see some friends-hit the beach a lil’ bit cause I’m getting ready to go out of town.

A07 – Since were @ 5&ADime, one of those friends must be Jay. Talk about that relationship.
Diz – I come from streetwear. I been doing sales & marketing for streetwear brands the last 8 yrs. Jay @ 5&ADime became one of our accounts when he first opened up then from there we became friends. Anytime I’m here this is one of the first places I come to–always.

A07 – On a music side, “Soon you’ll understand” is being considered to be one of the best mixtapes this year by B.E.T and Imeem to name a few. Do you feel any pressure to out-do yourself or are you more worried about consistency?
Diz – A little bit of both. I mean, I felt pressure doing this one[soon you'll understand]. but at the same time, it’s something me and Moonshine have a love for first. We didn’t know what the turnout was going be when we did this one, we just recorded what felt right and ended up with what people are calling a classic with a lot of critical acclaim. The next one will be a little bit more different and aggressive.

A07 – How’d you meet Moonshine?
Diz – We met at the Magic Convention 5 yrs ago. He was a buyer and I was doing my sales thing. He gave me his card then two weeks later when I was in New York I hit him up we had some drinks and that was that. But 2 yrs went by before he knew I rhymed and I knew he produced. When we found out, it was automatic.

A07 – Sounds like destiny?
Diz – That’s exactly what it was!

A07 – Any Upcoming collabs or anything outside of L.A?
Diz – I was just texting Dom. when we both get back from out of town, we hittin’ the studio. Also, I’m working to collab outside of L.A, so as far as collabs go, we talkin’ to some bigger names. Me and Emillio Rojas been building and some other good shit in the works that I can’t speak on just yet.

A07 – You usually come out here to chill right? So what type of vibe do you get from San Diego?
Diz – Man, I love San Diego. It’s super laid back plus Im a beach kid. I was born in Newport Beach and lived in San Clemente a few years before moving to L.A so I’ve always lived by the water growing up surfing skating and whatnot. It’s real relaxing out here too. I dont”t come out here as much as I would like, but when I do it’s love.

A07 – Any future works with Crook & Castles?
Diz – Yeah that’s family, they were really one of the first to see what me and “Moon” were trying to do and support us on the music. I knew them before they started Crooks and when we really started rockin’ on the music and taking it serious, they got behind us and wanted to push…..Pause both of those statements!….but I don’t know what’s next. Of course another mixtape probably around the winter time and we’ll take it from there. Shoutouts to the Crooks and congrats on the new store…

A07 – I know your quite the sneakerhead. Are there any kicks out right now you beastin’ for?
Diz – I been a sneakerhead for so long, I kinda got out of it. I got my collection, I rock all my shit, but I been on some super simple shit. But I tell you this, These[Vans] I got on right now aint comin’ out for a year. My boy @ Vans designed and sent me these and they my favorites right now. There’s nothing that feel I gotta have cause I’ve seen a lot so I don’t lust over anything no more.

A07 – When it’s all said and done, What do you want Hip-Hop to say about Diz Gibran?
Diz – We do this cause we love it so I want to be respected as a great MC. I want people to say Diz was one of the fucking greatest. I got a lot of work to do but I think we on the right track. I been doin this a long time without making any money so that’s not the drive. The drive is me living and dying doing what I love to do. From there, the spoils from it is beautiful but I want be known as someone that added something to Hip-Hop.

A07 – Any shoutouts?
Diz – Shouts to Moon, my manager Terry, all of L.A Hip-Hop, RiseA07, and my girl.

A07 – Last question. When you here the word “Rise”, what does it mean to you?
Diz – Improvement, progression you know……Airborne!!

Throwback: Wale Interview

A07 – Talk about being the Ambassador of the Capitol.
Wale – I believe everybody’s the ambassador of something, ambassador just means I’m like the liason between mainstream hip-hop and DC hip-hop because a lot of people don’t really get to shine where I’m from and I’m like one of the first with a voice to exceed the DC area so I’m just trying to bridge the gap a lil’ bit.

A07 – When you realized music is wanted to do, what made you go for it?
Wale – It’s one of those things that just found me. I mean I was doing it so much and the game keep going, it’s like I have no other options this is what I love.

A07 – Talk about making XXL Top 10 Freshmen.
Wale – It wasn’t really nothin to me. I was definitely excited and happy for XXL giving me that accolade, but I don’t really get caught up in believing my own hype. That way you protect yourself because the same people that praise you are the same people that knock you down. I probably signed about 100 autographs today. 20 out of those 100 will probably say somethin bad about me within the next 3-4 hours so you don’t really take it in like that. I learned from this game, that where there’s love, there’s hate and sometimes it comes from the same person.

A07 – If you could change anything about Hip-Hop, what would it be?
Wale – I just wish people would take more time with their product and not rush it so much and flood the airwaves with stuff that they didn’t take their time with. My album is a body of work that I really took my time with on every song. I can do a song in like 20 minutes but on my album I spent about a week and a half to two weeks on each song because it’s all telling a story.

A07 – Tell us about U.C.B.
Wale – They all from DC. They’re the youngest of the traditional “Go-Go” sound that’s why I decided to tour with them. We’ve been friends for a long time and I’ve been playing with them for about four and a half years now.

A07 – We heard you have a decent shoe collection. How many pairs of kicks do you own?
Wale – Somewhere between 250-300 pairs of shoes depending on who’s been in my house.

A07 – Any females in the game you feelin?
Wale – Man, I’m a around-the-way kind of guy, but I like Paula Cambell from Baltimore.

A07 – Okay, Twitter?
Wale – Man, that’s like a wave of the future. I think it’s important to connect with the people and give them a little piece of you. You have to work a little harder now because the attention span of the listener isn’t what it use to be, let’s say, in ‘94. It’s good to have an extra connection with fans and not just talk about music all the time; I consider what I’m doing more of a brand than a record. Day-n-Night(Kid Cudi), I Love College(Asher Roth), and Brooklyn Girls(Charles Hamilton) are all bigger than “Chillin”, and these are all guys I came up in the game with, but I’m probably one of the only ones that can do a hour show and that’s what I feel makes my thing unqiue. It’s more of a lifestyle than just a record that’s why I give myself more to the people then a lot of other artist.

A07 – So is “Back to the Feature” droppin Tuesday?
Wale – That’s coming soon. I mean I just got a house that I’ve had for 2 months and I’ve only slept in it twice. I don’t even have food in my refigerator. One might ask what does that have to do with it, but I haven’t even been able to gather myself and that tape been at 80% for a long time. I’ve still got to put the final touches on it. Then you on tour and the road everyday so I haven’t even seen a studio in I don’t know how long. It’s just one of those things I have to hold until it’s right for the people because they desrve that.

A07 – How’s Touring?
Wale – It’s expensive. I can tell you I aint making no money from any of these shows. But this is what it’s about you know, these shows, connecting with the people, signing autographs, and hopefully not getting swine flu from shaking all these hands.

A07 – Bulls or Celtics?
Wale – I want the Bulls to win but I think Boston got it.

A07 – We’ll see, anything else?
Wale – Shoutouts to A07. We came, we here, we saw, we conquered…..We Next!