Tag Archives: Hip hop

03.13.12
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Jay-Z Rocks Performance

 

Last night, I watched something on Youtube that was a different experience, yet made me excited me to actually attend via my laptop. American Express launched this major Twitter campaign as part of the South by SouthWest Interactive Festival. The idea is simple, American Express cardholders can link up to Twitter via a new sync service in which members can earn discounts by following tweeting certain hashtags when the opportunities arise. To really push this effort, American Express linked up with Hip Hop Mogul Jay-Z to perform a live concert  in which viewers could tweet what songs they wanted to see perform, and choose to look at at the concert from a few different angles. Jay-Z performed many of his hits such as Big Pimpin, Allure, and even Glory, the track he released right after his daughter’s birth. It was definitely a nostalgia feeling for me. One thing is for sure, the proud new father brought the house down for the select 2,700 in attendance while rocking a signature snapback.

02.23.12
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Interview w/ International Gem

How are you today?

everything good, headed to get a fresh line for the felines

Definitely have to stay looking presentable. You are from New York, what was the upbringing like?

my upbringing was young parents (the struggle), during the crack era, public housing drama etc. a common story from the 80’s to the 90’s

Interesting. Now I dont want to take up much of your time. So Who inspired you to become an artist?

I always been into music, I started writing as a way venting and soon became my way of expressing myself

Who were some of your fav artists that you looked up to?

I wouldn’t say looked up to but the theme music for the early chapters were Nas, Kool G Rap, the Wu, MOP, Death Row

You mentioned that you started writing as a way to vent. When did you start writing?

started writing at 14 started taking it serious around 16

Where did the name international gem come from?

originally stemmed from Gem Star then a bunch of sucks ran with the name. Through International on left Gem to let them know where I’m headed.

What do you like and dislike about the rap game today?

it seem like the less talented the more shine but I respect the hustle and the level of creativity being shown right now

What do you feel like you could bring to the game?

As of 2012 I’m making music for me. I’ve said I want to help bring NY back but truth is it never left. my creativity and struggles I express are beyond the states line

What projects are you working on?

right now I’m working on my EP, reaching out to alot of producers coming up. I want this project to be me as a whole, love & war

Whats the process for you like when it comes to writing and working on an EP?

I write whenever my mood shifts. You can’t force emotion. I may be writing 5 different songs in the course of a day. if it was real when you wrote it, the feel will remain authentic to the listeners.

What are your ultimate goals?

my goal is to be in the credits. Fame only last for so long, history is what I want to be apart of.

Whats this Greenleaf Multimedia I hear about?

Green Leaf Multimedia was started some friends and I. A way for those around my way to be seen and heard. started in 09 and we’ve been growing. I’m also the editor for the company www.youtube.com/greenleafmultimediato view our work

I definitely like the idea. I was able to check out the one titled “Food” sampling the “Scarface theme”.

yeah. That was some work we did for an upcoming artist as well, creative dude s/o to Octane

You should definitely keep up the side projects along with your music. Versatility is unique.

definitely is. I also producer as well. Like I said I’m trying to be in the credits all across the board.

With at comes the end of this Twitterview. Any last words/shoutouts/pitches for my readers, people around the globe?

s/o to y’all for having me, @CeceVance @GreenLeafMM #KHM, the fans, GB an the struggle

Thanks for taking the time, good music, versatile, bright future, people need to be on the lookout.

I appreciate that #love

02.09.12
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Interview w/ Maciel Cruz

I had the pleasure of Twitterviewing a fellow university student with a bright future.

How are you today?

Lol great hun… Just finished having brunch with the girls 🙂

Great! You’re from New York. Share with us a little about your upbringing.

Yep 🙂 Born in D.R .. Raised in Queens, NY. I love where I come from; & absolutely Love where I was raised.

What’s the best aspect about being from New York?

Theres a lot of aspects. I would have to say the opportunities that arise. Also,living in NY forces you to be independent.

Speaking of independent, you’re definitely doing your share. You’ve been in some videos. Talk a little about that.

Had the opportunity to be in a couple of videos; met different people. Great experience. A couple of projects coming up as well.

Outside of doing big things with music videos and photo shoots, what do you do in your free time?

I LOVE spending time with my family & friends. They are who keep me Sane. I also work & go to school. My schedule is crazy lol

What do you study in school and what do you hope to do once you get a degree?

Paralegal Studies… Hoping to get my Masters in English Studies… Write a book… Countless things. I love to be challenged.

How long have you been modeling?

About 2 1/2 years or so… Really got more involved the past year… A lot of opportunities have come up that I’m grateful for.

What drew you to modeling? How do you feel personally about yourself and your accomplishments?

Ppl gave always told me growing up I should get into it. Never really thought about it till I got to college 🙂 & I love it.

So far the experience is amazing; I’ve learned so much from the ppl I have worked with… Truly a blessing.

Who is someone you’d like to work with?

Shakira or Beyoncè!! Both Amazing performers!! 🙂

What’s the one thing you feel is your best feature?

My facial features lol people say I’m exotic looking. They compliment the personality as well. Personality is the most important

Where do you see yourself a few years from now?

I like to live in the moment. Haven’t thought that far ahead. Enjoying this moment to the fullest.

That was my final question, is there anything you’d like to say to your supporters/followers/ my readers? 

Thank everyone for their love & support!! ❤ & thank you for the interview 🙂

Thank you for your time. I wish you the best in your future. Good luck in school!

Thanks love!! XoXX likewise.

Check out more about Maci

02.05.12
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Interview w/ Kandi Girlz

Introduce yourselves a bit

Hello thank’s for interviewing us we are the kandigirlz from st.louis a young Hiphop rap group

How many of you are in the group and what are your ages?

its only 2 girls in the group dollface16 and sade 15

When did you girls decide that you wanted to pursue music?

we decided to do music at a very young age we was raised around music everyone in our family does it

Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?

beyonce , tupac, and eminem

What inspires you girls to sit down and make music?

our life and watching. Other stars like beyonce music is a wonderful thing and we want to be apart of it

Have you girls ever been on stage or worked with any big time artists out there?

yes right now we working with brian angel from day 26 and we also had a audition with america got talent

Wow! How did the audition go? What did you perform for them?

it went well we will find out if we made it on the show at the end of feb we performed super bass

That’s good! What’s your latest project?

We are working on our 2nd Mixtape “Kandi Treat”

What producers do you work with?

Well we have an in house producer by the name of DJ Sno

What artists currently would you like to work with?

We would like to work with everyone from @elvisfReShley @MrAngel_day26 Lil Wayne, Drake, Beyonce

What’s the ultimate goal for you girls?

to be icons in the music industry

Who do you all seek out for advice if you need any?

Our Publicist @CeceVance and our Momanger

Ok almost done here! A little Wildcard questions. Favorite T.v Show? Country most want to visit?

family guy lol and paris

Ah yes the Griffin Family! What would you like to say to your fans who are tuning in or will read on Blended Entertainment?

keep your heads up and stay true fans

Thanks for taking the time to do this #twitterview. Wish you girls best of luck. The stage is yours.

and Thanks 4 having us

06.03.11
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Interview w/ Hollie Wood

First can you introduce yourself to the people?

Sup world! I go by the name of Hollie Wood (also known as ‘H’) I’m a independent recording artist. My sound is Hip-Hop but it’s mixed with Rock, Alternative, Pop just to name a few, I try to create music that the listener can relate to as well as groove to, I’m unafraid to be different, I experiment with a lot of different flows and deliveries when I rap. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to a single mother and I have 6 siblings.

How old were you when you realized that you wanted to pursue the art of music?

I’ve always had a great appreciation for music ever since I was little but it wasn’t until I was around 15-16 years old when I wrote my 1st rap, it was a song called “Young One” and I still remember every lyric lol I looked at it as a hobby mostly until I was around 22 where I REALLY realized this is actually what I was born to do, it just felt right whenever I would be in the studio creating or recording music, it’s an unexplainable feeling.

Tell us a bit about your style of music?

My style is very open if that makes any sense. I usually start with Hip-Hop because that’s my 1st love and foundation but I’ll ultimately end up with whatever feels right, sometimes it stays very HIP-HOP, other times it curves to rock or to pop or R&B, dance even. I just love music that sounds good regardless of genre, as I mentioned earlier I’m unafraid to be different and take chances.

Who were some of your influences growing up, or even now?

Well being from Brooklyn I grew up listening to the likes of lyrical geniuses Jay-Z and the Notorious B.I.G but I was also influenced by artist who brought something different and wasn’t afraid to challenge the industry, people like Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott and I still listen to and are influenced by all of these artist and more to this day.

Tell us a little bit about your latest mixtape “The Chase”?

My latest mixtape “The Chase” is actually my 1st official mixtape release. I titled it “The Chase” because I am chasing my dream at full speed and another reason for the title is because I feel like I started late in realizing what that dream was… so in a sense I feel like I’m trying to catch up to what should have been done and that’s being a successful recording artist who can influence the world in a positive way with my music.

What motivates you to continue to work on projects?

My love and passion for what I do motivates me to continue to work on projects, there’s no greater feeling than that of PASSION and it’s a feeling I get whenever I know I’m about to go to the studio and work on my music.

Who is that one artist and or producer you would love to work with?

I would love to work with Jay-Z, the guy’s a genius and I love how he approaches music, I’m certain we would make a dope song together. I would also love to work with Timbaland, as a producer I feel he is one of the greatest.

Where do you hope to see yourself in a few years?

In a few years I hope to see myself with a #1 album and or single under my belt. I hope to have a solid fan base who supports my music 100%. I hope to see my name on the marquee at Madison Square Garden and I just hope to be a staple in the entertainment industry, a real influence in the world.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything you would like to say or express to anyone out there who may or may not know you yet?

No Thank You! And I would just like to say to anyone reading this just listen to my music it tends to speak for itself. I’m wrapping my 2nd mixtape “All Systems Go” which will be available for free download on my site http://thechasebegins.com it’s my best shxt yet! Other than that, just stay tuned.. follow me on twitter @hwoodofficial add me on facebook http://facebook.com/hfans and just keep your eyes and ears open for me.

Thanks Blended!