GANZO BEAN - FREE BEATS VOLUME 1

WOW! Fucking booya! Free Ganzobean Beat Tape?!

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ORIKAL UNO - +1

+1 is as simple as it looks... on the surface. 

This three song EP, recorded in 2010 at seperate times captures the energy and skill embedded in Orikal Uno. 

Enlisting the talents of Rhymesayers veteran Sab The Artist (Musab) the two go hard over the soulful and funky production provided by Ganzobean. Rhymesayers/Black Clover emcee Mac Lethal joins the fold to provide some heat to the track "Ammo." Last but certainly not least is the magnetizing track "Rev It Up" featuring up and comer Prof which you may have seen on tour with Atmosphere and Grieves."

Born 2 Hustle produced by Ganzobean

Ammo produced by Team Shells

Rev It Up produced by Team Shells

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GANZOBEAN - MACHO MADNESS

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STATUS REIGN - AMERICAN QUEEN

Status Reign is not your typical rapper, he’s not arrogant, flashy or melodramatic nor is he afraid of telling you the truth. His full length debut Brutally Honest is due April 5th, 2011 and is shaping up to be some of the finest work heard from the state of Minnesota NOT Atmosphere or Doomtree. He’s been getting a ton of positive press recently due to his well received lead single “Tonight” for which two different remixes were done by Ganzobean of Rhymesayers/Project Blowed fame.

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FUTURAX

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STATUS REIGN - TONIGHT (GANZOBEAN VEGAS REMIX)

This shit is nuts!


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NO TEAM IN I EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH STATUS REIGN

This is a great read and a very in depth look into the thought process and workmanship of Deej Storer AKA Status Reign!

(PHOTO COURTESY OF TRUE MUSE)
NT-Who are you? Where are you from and where do you call home?

SR-The name Is Status Reign and I originally hail from Tampa Bay, Florida. After only a year and change my folks made their way across the country and I spent some of my formative years in San Diego, California. Moving on my parents followed Opportunity to Minnesota and here I stay... Its hard to say exactly where I'm "from" having lived in so many places, but I would say I call Minnesota "home". I've been here the longest, done the most good here, and when I go on the road for shows... Minnesota is the place I miss.

NT-How long have you been making music?

SR-I've been making music since I was in Jr. High. It started more as something to do in class, and just kept going that way until some people told me that the stuff I was writing was good. From there it just kept getting more involved, more serious, and took up more and more time until I decided to do something specific with it.

NT-You also play the guitar I've heard, are you using that in your songs or plan to?

SR-I've actually been playing the guitar for a long time now. However, being self taught I'm about the skill level of an apt 12 year old. I have plucked a few lines for some beats, and would really love to be more active with using the guitar for music in general, but without really spending the time to improve my technical skill I'm limited what I can do... which isn't a ton. A huge draw back is that I've been spoiled in getting guitar... without playing guitar, and I throw that largely at Phingaz's feet. For anyone that doesn't know Phingaz, he is a master wiz at anything music related. If it has strings, a horn, or a key he will find a way to make it sound good, so working with him has truly been a blessing, while at the same time keeping me too lazy to really learn how to play.

<  Status Reign - Tonight

NT-What's one of your fondest memories of music as a kid?

SR-Back when B96 first started... All they did was play dope music with no commercials. Whats better than that? Maybe the fact that one of my favorite Cd's growing up was the soundtrack to the street fighter movie. Perhaps not. In all seriousness, some of my favorite moments are hearing a song that I still like today for the first time, or having a song be the theme song for a whole summer. I was just fortunate to grow up with all kinds of different music. My life has been filled with it.  I have too many good music memories to list them in their entirety here, but I'm sure a majority of them are common to many people.

NT-Are you picky when it comes to working with an(other) artist(s)?

SR-That kind of depends on what the project will be for. For example I'm always down to work with artists for mix tapes, EPs, side projects... whatever, but I'm extremely picky on artists that I will work with on something that is specifically for me. There's a lot that goes into picking people to work with for an album that most people don't think about. If I have an amazing singer do a chorus for me on the album, will I be able to find someone as good (or at least close) to perform that song with me on the tour? If I have another rapper on a song, is that person going to know what I'm after? Are they going to be on my same wave length? Also I think its important to stand on your own two legs. A lot of artists will have 18 tracks on an album, and 20 verses on the album will be from "featured" artists. There's nothing wrong with that... but I think an album should have something important to say, it should mean something, and its hard to find 15 some-odd people that understand your direction.

NT-Who are you working with at the moment?

SR-If I've had nothing else I've had people to work with! Being a member of Background Noise Crew I've spent a lot of time working with Analyrical. Me and him have a side project called "C.A.S.E." that people still seem to have a vested interest in, and one day I PROMISE were going to finish it. Phingaz is LITERALLY my go to guy with any idea that's weird, wild, or in general hard to pull off, and he has been a great help in throwing all kinds of dope stuff together. I've also done plenty of work with Tone Krusher Smith, TQD, and I've gotten hella loose on some Egypto Knuckles beats in my time. Other than people in "the crew" I've worked really close with a lot of talented musicians for this project and I plan to add several more people to the list before the album is completely finished. I'm doing all of my recording right now with J.L. Magee, who has been an invaluable extra set of hands, ears, and as a consultant on how the album is shaping up. I'm certain the album wouldn't sound as good as it does without him helping as much as he has. Legend Has It has also been instrumental with helping me shape the album, finding a definitive sound, and making sure that everything comes together down the home stretch, and pretty soon I'm hoping to add the lovely and talented Kalliah Jackson into the mix. An amazing singer, talented musician, and the most bad ass chick you'd ever be hesitant to bring home to momma (Congrats to Kalliah as well for landing a recording deal recently. Her album is going to be recorded shortly and I urge anyone with ears to keep an eye out for it).

NT-How did you meet?

SR-Meeting the BNC guys was a long and fabled journey that takes up the better part of two years to tell in real time. We were all around the same places around the same time, and long story short we finally started coming together to pool resources, and move towards a common destination. We've officially been a organized collective for over three years, and things seem to keep getting better. I originally met J.L. Magee and Legend Has It when we were all together in the group Azrael's Youth, a group that has since disbanded, morphed, and then come back together as something completely different. The new group "super Incredible" is gearing up for an album that is still in its infancy, but is certainly coming along nicely. Kalliah I guess you could say I "found"... Through a friend of a friend, who's sister used to date this one guy, who's cousin went to school with etc... Basically I heard her sing... and that was pretty much that. I wasn't sure how at the time, but I knew I wanted to get her involved, and me and her have been talking to get her a spot on my album for some months now.

NT-How did Background Noise Crew form and when?

SR-I suppose you could say BNC owes its current label of "a collective" to Egypto Knuckles. We as individuals had been grinding and working independently for a long time, and it wasn't until Egypto Knuckles organized what were called "building sessions" at the time that we all came together. The goal in mind was to move the same direction we all had been going separately and focus our collective energy into each individual person as needed, hopefully resulting in increased exposure, and opportunities while putting in the same amount of work. We've been together 3 years (officially) and things have come a long way from where they started. I care deeply for all those guys and I'm super excited to see where everything goes.

NT-What groups or bands are you really digging right now?

SR-Its really strange to think about what I've been listening to lately compared to what I was listening to just a few years ago. I used to think everything on the radio was the devil, and only stuff I discovered for myself was worth listening to. As it turns out... that was wrong. I've really been digging on B.O.B. lately. His album has a really awesome range and its good to listen to all the way through. Quite a few jazz musicians have also made their way into my regular rotation. To me jazz is really good cruising music because its easy to drift into your own thoughts on such passionate music. For anyone interested in getting into jazz but they're not sure where to start, check out Gregory Porter, or the New Jazz Composers Octet.

NT-Who were some of your inspirations in your early years? Who, after listening to it really made you decide to make music?

SR-Honestly I didn't really listen to a lot of hip hop growing up, or even much in my teens for that matter. I suppose I was more into classic rock (primarily my mom's influence) and the occasional rap song here and there. I think the whole hip hop thing sorta clicked for me when I started listening to Outkast. ATLiens was probably what I would call my FIRST hip hop album, and to this day perhaps one of my most influential. Since I was staying up too late before school my mom took my t.v. out of my room before going into Jr. high which left me with nothing but the CD player, and since I can't sleep without some kind of ambient noise in the background I would always listen to music (which kept me up just as late usually). Someone at school put me up on Outkast and BAM! hip hop was my new favorite. In the years to follow I developed something of an obsession with Andre3000. The way he rapped, the awkward, yet still perfectly deliberate delivery... I would say if I could be as good as any rapper of my choosing it would have to be him, and ultimately I think his unique abilities are what pushed me into making music the way I wanted.

NT-In your mind is there any one or two records that is absolutely perfect or damn near close?

SR-I've found that perfect, is more a matter of perception than a word you can use to describe something. I guess the cop out is NO album is perfect but two that are REALLY close in my opinion are "The Love Below" by Andre3000, and "Reflection Eternal" by Talib Kweli. Both of those albums have what I like to refer to as "the mix" factor. Meaning if you were to make your own CD for a road trip, what would you put on it? some highs, some lows, some hype, some chill... and in what order? these two albums stand out specifically to me because they both come with a pre-packaged all-in-one stance of "this whole album is all you're going to need". That's an extremely rare quality for an album to have, making these two near the top on my list of all time favorites

NT-Is there anything about those album(s) that you know they just "got it right"?

SR-Literally from beginning to end you don't have to do anything... You don't have to work to listen to them, you don't have to come back to something to try and "get it", you don't even need to hit skip or fast forward. Its not just good music, its good lyrics, beats, order, timing, etc. even the songs that aren't my favorite are still worth listening to and both of them have a concept that can be followed. Maybe not in content or topics, but in structure and quality these albums should be the model for anyone aiming to make a good album.

 

P.S. I know love below was part of a double disc...but...  fun fact... Speakerboxx was just ... O.K.

NT-Do you have any "desert island" records to share? (the only records you could listen to for the rest of your life?)

SR-Love Below would absolutely be on there. I come back to that one occasionally whenever my current interest fades and I need a refresher on the dopeness. Other than that, I would probably try and hold on tight to a lot of old music that I don't listen to much anymore. early Jay-z, Linken park, U2, its just too hard to say for sure, but I would hope to have access to music forever, so I'll just not answer specifically and hope that such a dark day never dawns on me.

NT-Where do you tend to write your lyrics? Bathroom, living room...on your lunch break?

SR-Usually I will work in my living room late at night. The quiet allows for concentration and lets be honest... Who isn't comfortable in their living room? It just has all the X-factors you need to come up with quality material.

NT-What equipment are you working with in the studio?

SR-I have been recording the album at J.L. Magee's studio, using some pretty top end stuff, doing our recording in Pro Tools and mixing with Waves Mercury. Its a home studio set up, but with a dedicated booth section, some of the dopest speaker monitors, computer equipment, and mics available. The equipment doesn't make the sound, but it does help, and I'm only encouraged by the tools I have the chance to work with.

NT-Could you describe your music-making process? 

SR-The writing process for me is really drawn out, and actually quite disjointed when compared to a lot of my peers. Most people I know will simply sit down when they feel like it and start writing... I do this too of course, but its not how I usually get started. I prefer to set aside and dedicate time to working on tunes. I think as a writer forcing yourself to write doesn't always yield good results, but when you're accustomed to sitting down and writing on a regular basis you get more relaxed, and more at ease... In  general the creative juices flow a lot better if I'm thinking "nothing different than last time... just let it happen". A calm of sorts hits me and I can look at emotional topics objectively. My current album "Brutally Honest" dives really deep into a lot of touchy subjects, and if I sat down looking at it as a big picture I'd probably get upset and wouldn't be able to write anything EVER!

NT-How have people responded to the music you've have been making?

SR-I'm extremely fortunate to be getting the feedback I have. Most people are really positive, and excited to hear the rest of the album, but even more so a lot of people have been really supportive. When I spread music out to try and get a gage of what people think of it, I've been getting a lot of people asking if there is anything they can do to help, or if there are any places they can talk to for me. it makes the whole process a lot easier knowing that there are so many people that are hoping right along with me. Some people however are nervous the album is coming out. As I've said before, there are a lot of personal issues and situations being brought up on the album, and while the people close to me are still being supportive, putting all my dirty laundry out for everyone to see affects them as well.

NT-Is there any surprises or a record in the works right now?

SR-Surprises are just ideas once you give them away... but the short answer is yes. I have something that I'm trying to organize with Phingaz, as a side project. Its fun, its simple, ultimately it will be free, and the best part is I can guarantee people are going to like it. without giving too much away its a secret for now, and once all the details get worked out and some things get under way it will probably be public info shortly there after. Other than the dungeon-esq secrets Super Incredible will be recording an album as soon as mine is finished, and at the same time I'm hoping to finally get the CASE album finished with my guy Analyrical. I just love making music and between now and the time this gets posted I'll have already come up with and discarded a dozen more ideas for projects, so its safe to say I'll try to always have something going on.

NT-Have you been getting good press recently?

SR-I've had a real influx of positive press lately... Some blogs, a few interviews, and some features on websites and radio stations. I've been making music for a long time, but this is the first time that I've tried to really get momentum for a serious project, so I'm not sure if I'm way ahead, way behind or somewhere in between. There are always bigger things to go after and bigger moves to make but things feel like they're headed the right direction and most if not all of my commercial feedback has been good thus far, so I'm optimistic, and hopeful for the future.

NT-What's the perfect crowd to you?

SR-Honestly, anyone interested in having a good time. when I get on stage I give all of myself to the crowd, and I just want people to let themselves get involved, let themselves have a good time, and let themselves feel good. A good crowd doesn't even have to listen to the words... if they do... awesome, but any fellas that come out to chill instead of mean mug, and any broads that will kick their heels to the side of the dance floor and get loose are OK by me.

NT-Do you have any shows coming up or tour dates?

SR-At the moment I'm focusing diligently on finishing the album, and tightening screws. So I'm purposefully abstaining from shows until the scheduled tour set to commence sometime in early April. Its going to be 12 cities in 14 days, and aside from being a grueling two weeks its going to be the beginning of a long stretch of shows promoting Brutally Honest, showcasing Super Incredible, and getting busy with my BNC boys. Stay tuned for things to come, and if you get the opportunity don't miss a chance to come party/hang out at whatever show hits near you.

 Status Reign - The Chorus

NT-What's your take on the Internet, has it helped or hurt you in terms of reaching an audience or making your money?

SR-The Internet certainly is a fascinating monster. Its never been so easy to get discovered, but its also never been so easy to be shuffled into the masses and fade into obscurity. I'd say all and all, the interwebs are the most revolutionary change music has seen or ever will see, short of someone coming up with a way to beam music directly into people's heads, but its largely for good. Its hard to say exactly what role it will play, but the old days of buying your favorite artist's CD at (insert retail store name here) are winding to a close. The future for music, both in distribution and marketing are all going online, and I just think its important to tackle it as a priority front. If I can make a living selling music over iTunes or Amazon.com or whatever, that would be great... But I would certainly enjoy the occasional illegal download of my music too.

NT-Where can people go to hear and buy your music?

SR-Just like every musician halfway serious about their music I have a Myspace, Facebook, Bandcamp, and so on... some tunes are available on www.Backgroundnoisecrew.com and my personal under construction site will be a main hub for all things "Status Reign" related. I love to give music away for free... but I have to get the money for my cigarettes and video games from somewhere... so for anyone who feels inclined my debut album will be available for sale anywhere humanly possible as soon as it is released in late March/ early April.

NT-last question...when you hit the venue, what drink is getting ordered first?

SR-My first drink is actually some-what ceremonial. Whether its covered by drink tickets, on the house, or out of pocket I always order a "bud in the bottle" to start. Take a few sips, and then judiciously remove all labels... all the while I like to stand up on the stage of whatever venue I'm about to perform at. I think of it as getting comfortable in my temporary home. After the first drink Its case by case, maybe a mix drink, maybe tap... but more likely whatever I can afford.

NT-Anything else to add for the readers? Any shout outs?

SR-I would just have everyone know that I love talking to people. I used to be really conservative, and shy, and when I turned 3... I said "efff that"! I'm basically a really simple laid-back kinda guy, that's down to have fun where possible. If you are like minded... Please, hit me up. I would love to talk with you. Having said that, huge shout out and love, to my friends and family, Kira, Dino and Jones, I couldn't do any of this without you... don't leave me... Or I will fall apart. My BNC family, thank you so much for the support and hopefully we have many more years of success, and fun to come. Congrats again to Kalliah, good look on the effort and support to my good friends DJ Ganzobean, and B Mc-C. For anyone I didn't mention personally its because you are too special to name... I just couldn't expose the awesomeness to the public yet.

 

TWITTER/FACEBOOK/MYSPACE/REVERBNATION/BANDCAMP

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ORIKAL UNO & GANZOBEAN - ME & MY DJ

 Ganzobean & Orikal Present - Me & My DJ by jonesdavid01 Share

NEW GANZOBEAN EP!!!!!!!!!!!!

"The Jack Whites present... Ganzo Goes To Detox. A 5 track EP of instrumentals that I made during my time back in MN after The Awful Truth Tour. There are a couple ideas behind this project. But the main one is that these songs are meant to convey the feelings of someone in detox. I want you to see thru their eyes, starting from the incident that landed them there, all the way up to being released and the days in between. I hope you enjoy and... Welcome To Detox."

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NO TEAM IN I EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ORIKAL UNO

I've had the distinct pleasure of seeing his young man work on music and the level of focus and drive instilled in him is pretty unmatched. He raps like someone is going to take his starting spot and freestlyes like he's about to say fuck it and kill it Scribble Jam. I've been posting a lot by Orikal Uno and by all means if you haven't been paying attention then now's the fucking time. For the 5th installment of Musicians on Music I present to you Orikal Uno!

NT-Who are you? Where do you call home?

OU-Orikal Uno. People who know me call me Antonio. St. Paul (WEST SIDE!), Minnesota is where i'm from, but I feel at home wherever I'm at in this world. I'm a Puerto Rican American Diabetic artist.
NT-How long have you been making music?
OU-Been singin' along with songs since I can remember. Starting recording and performing in early 2003.
NT-What's one of your fondest memories of music as a kid?

OU-Many childhood memories of mine have some sort of song that was either playing or closely associates with some of the moments. I remember hanging out with my Mom when I was real little, listening to songs from "The Double Dutch Bus" to "People are Strange." Haha, I also just remembered that my Mom used to record me on a little tape recorder singing nursery rhymes when I was like 2 or 3. She busted it out when I got my first real girlfriend and I was real embarrassed at the time, hahaha. I think I sampled that on my 3rd album, "The Harsh Reality"

NT-What kind of music was being played in your house growing up?

OU-Rock, rap, funk, disco... Prince, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle and the Nuthin But A G Thang single were always played in the cassette player. I also remember Rick James being played in the car a lot.

NT-What groups or bands are you really digging right now?

OU-Sab The Artist and Ganzobean have been making some insanely good music together. The new Drake was pretty good. Eminem's "Recovery" has been getting some plays since I bought it. For real though, one of Jay-Z's best verses was dropped on Drake's record. I looped that shit like 50 times over when I first heard it.

NT-What's your cd/record collection like?
OU-Diverse. Let me put my iPod on shuffle and show you the ten songs that pop up-
1) Fugees - Ready or Not
2) The Zombies - Time Of The Season
3) Notorious BIG - Another
4) LL Cool J - Loungin' (Who Do You Love)
5) South Park Mexican - Twice Last Night
6) The Beatles - Octopus's Garden
7) I Self Devine - Love Song
8) Jay-Z - Feelin' It
9) TI f/ UGK - Front Back
10) Eric B. & Rakim - Eric B. Is President
Well, I guess that's not too diverse. But my collection ranges from Bill Withers to Staind, from Metallica to Twista. Also a huge fan of Brazillian music and Bossa Nova. Anything from the heart.

NT-Who were some of your inspirations in your early years? Who, after listening to it really made you decide to make music?

OU-Michael Jackson was huge for me when I was real young. "Bad" was the first cassette tape I ever owned. 2pac was huge for me. I went through a rock/skater phase for a year or two when I was figuring out who I was. Powerman 5000, Offspring, Sublime, Godsmack and all that. I blame the KFAI Orphanage freestyle for making me want to actually try to make something happen. That was real inspiring. As I dug more into the local scene, I caught on to how Rhymesayers did their thing, and that was real inspiring to me as well. Now they pretty much run shit. And I got to watch a lot of that process in how they did it. Real inspiring.
NT-Who do you think is the one producer or Emcee changing the game like he or they see fit, the way they want it without giving a damn?
OU-That's hard to say, because a lot of people are really starting to bend their style up into something new. Everything is like a free-for-all in music right now, and it's real refreshing to see people try new things. Timbaland is a prime example of an "evolved" producer. Lots of already-dope people are evolving right now. Busta Rhymes has been droppin' some real nice stuff lately. You can tell Eminem is trying out some new things too. So to answer the question, a handful of musicians are trying new things. I side with controlled experimentation. People finding new ways to make songs about the same ol' topics.
NT-In your mind is there any one or two records that is absolutely perfect or damn near close?

OU-2pac - All Eyez On Me, Buena Vista Social Club's album, Red Hot Chili Peppers - BloodSugarSexMagic, Pearl Jam - Ten, Modest Mouse - The Lonesome Crowded West, Dr. Dre's Chronic and Chronic 2001, Jay-Z's - Reasonable Doubt, Eminem - Marshall Mathers LP, Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Mauraders, Outkast - ATLiens and probably a few more.

NT-Is there anything about those album(s) that you know they just "got it right"?
OU-True emotions were put into the creation, and you can hear it from the music to the lyrics, front to back.
NT-Do you have any "desert island" records to share?
OU-I think it would have to be that Buena Vista Social Club album I was talking about. It has all emotions, so it would cover all my moods for the rest of the days I was stranded. Plus, it's pure island music.
NT-Why did you decide to start Graff Roots Media? Why Not try to get signed?

OU-I started Graff Roots Media to do my own thing and try to make a living off of it. As far as being signed, I don't really see Graff Roots Media as a "record label" - more of a collective of friends who enjoy working together artistically and professionally. My vision for Graff Roots Media is to be the complete media solution - as in, recording/producing the album, designing the art, shooting the videos and photo shoots, and covering the marketing and back-end operation all at the same time. Graffiti Writers get fame by getting their name up in as many places as possible. That's what i'm trying to do, but professionally. As far as getting signed goes - if anybody lets me control and manage my music & identity 100%, while throwing money on the table for me to do it, or providing the resources for me to spread my music around the world, i'm in.

NT-What equipment are you working with in the studio?
OU-My trusty GT-57 condensor mic, an Mbox, KRK Rokit 5 monitors, an Oxygen8 Midi Controller, and a full keyboard. Software is ProTools, Reason 3.0 and Cool Edit Pro. I used to rock Magix Music Studio back when I first started. Been rockin' ProTools for a good 4-5 years now.
NT-Could you describe your music-making process?

OU-It's very natural, organic. Sometimes i'll sit down with the beat and try to match what the beat is communicating, whether it's a happy upbeat song or a dark, demented song. Sometimes, it'll just be a random moment in my day that will inspire a song. When I get that inspiration, I match it with music, write it, record it, then move on to the next song.

NT-How have people responded to the music you've have been making?
OU-I go through peaks and valleys with the exposure. I remember a good 2 years ago, I got a LOT of response from people when Myspace was poppin' off. Now-a-days, I'm building more of a core fanbase, keeping in touch with the people who have been following, and saying hello to the new fans who are just catching on to me. As far as songs go, different people like different songs I make - but the feedback from everybody has been generally good. I get the best response after rockin' a show though.
NT-Is there any surprises or a record in the works right now?
OU-Lots of records in the works. The Orikal&Ganzobean debut album is fully recorded, ready to be cleaned up and dropped. Uno, my 5th solo full length fully produced by Anonimust, has had a solid core of songs for a while. But, we keep making better songs, so we'll see when we're completely satisfied. I'm working on a full length album with producer C. Goody - we're planning on releasing it out in Northfield at the Key, as well as the Twin Cities. I'll also be releasing an EP or two with producer LMS. As well as mixtapes and guest features in between! As far as surprises, well, every single day this year has been surprising, so I guess those will come naturally.
NT-How did you get hooked up with Sab The Artist for the song "Born To Hustle"?
OU-I've been a huge fan of Sab since he was Beyond - I hadn't heard much from him since his old Rhymesayers stuff until Mack Music Vol 1 - I wore that mixtape OUT! So, I always wanted to do a song with him. My guy Ganzobean threw me a beat, where the chorus is saying "Born... To Hustle... All around the world" - Well, I wrote the first 2 verses, but got blocked on the third. After a conversation with Ganzobean, I brought up the idea of gettin' Sab on it. I sent him the song with the verses. He liked it. He rocked the empty verse, sent me vocals, the rest is history. Now Ganzobean resides in Las Vegas. Life's a trip.
NT-How about getting the beat for "The Awful Truth" into Sab's hands and having Abstract Rude on it? That must be exciting?
OU-It was real exciting! Unexpected, definitely. Sab had told me he liked that beat, but I didn't expect to hear Abstract Rude on it at all. To me, it validated that I can actually make some decent beats.
NT-And they named their tour after the song you produced as well? That's a trip!
OU-They sure did. And it's definitely a trip. Ganzobean just let me know that I'm on the list for the Nomad stop of the tour. I'll be there.
NT-Is there any artists or producers you're looking forward to working with or would love to work with?
OU-Always wanted to do some shit on some Dr. Dre joints. Always wanted to get some beats from Ant. Would love to do a song with Twista, or Devin the Dude. But this year, I got to do songs with 2 different people I really look up to (Prof, Sab), so that's been fun. I've always wanted to do a song with Illuminous 3. The musicians I respect are the ones I want to work with.
NT-Are you picky when it comes to working with an artist?
OU-It depends. As long as the artist is good peoples, I'm good with it. But if I ain't feelin' it, I won't be on it.
NT-Are you producing for anyone right now or is anyone producing for you in particular right now?
OU-My only recent production has been for Sab & Abstract Rude. As far as producers I'm working with: Anonimust, Ganzobean, Chris Goodwin, MK Ultra, LMS, DP Thot, Shells, Kaz Nasty, Rap Janitors (Spain), and Diligent Intelligence have all contributed to songs of mine this year.
NT-Let's talk about your fans?
OU-Best fans a guy could ask for. I get some real nice messages and comments from people. My fans are very supportive and they help me grow. I love you people.
NT-Have you been getting good press recently? Any blogs been a buzz with you lately?
OU-As far as physical press, nope, no press. I have a slight buzz around the interwebz. I've been laying low for a good year now, not really performing, so I don't blame anybody for not being interested right now. I'm building a strong arsenal of material so when I do strike again, people will hear it. and hopefully like it.
NT-What's the perfect crowd to you?
OU-Lots and lots of happy people completely feeling the music. A crowd with free drinks is always fun too.
NT-Do you have any shows coming up or tour dates?
OU-Nothing official yet. Almost ready to leave my studio and return to the stage soon though.
NT-What's your take on the internet, has it helped or hurt you in terms of reaching an audience or making your money?
OU-I got into it right as the old model was dying and Napster first came out. The internet has definitely helped a youngin' like me get some exposure and sales for sure.
NT-Where can people go to hear and buy your music?
OU-orikaluno.bandcamp.com I have lots of free downloads and a couple singles posted there. I'll also be using that site to release my future albums, EPs, and other musical chaos.
NT-last question...when you hit the venue, what drink is getting ordered first?
OU-On July 27th I'll take a Bacardi and Coke.
NT-Anything else to add for the readers or haters? Any shout outs?
OU-Reader, I appreciate your attention span. Shout out to my Mom, Grandma and Aunt, my Rosario family, Women, Bacardi, The West Side of St. Paul, Everyone who I work with, my friends, anybody Diabetic, and Swisher Sweets.

No Team In I (EXCLUSIVE) Orikal Uno & Prof - Rev It Up

No Team In I (EXCLUSIVE) Orikal Uno, Status Reign, JL Magee - BackRoots

No Team In I (EXCLUSIVE) Orikal Uno - Missmewiddat

No Team In I (EXCLUSIVE) Maria Isa, Orikal Uno & Anonimust - Sex Shoota

No Team In I (EXCLUSIVE) Orikal Uno - Get 2 U



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GANZOBEAN & DP THOT GIVE YOU...

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NEW ORIKAL UNO SONGS

Orikal Uno is on his Lil Wayne grind with recording over 30 songs already this year. He's been rocking with everyone it seems, check the list. Sab The Artist, Prof, Ganzobean, Chris Goodwin, Shells, Dilligent Intelligence, Status Reign, Anonimust, Try-D, Maria Isa, Dj Mindcontrol, JL Magee and Cherrelle. Never the less making the beat for "The Awful Truth" for Sab and Abstract Rude. Keep on the lookout for the Orikal Uno interview soon.




Super Bonus Song! No Team In I (Exclusive) Orikal Uno & Prof - Rev It Up
No Team In I (EXCLUSIVE) Orikal Uno & Prof - Rev It Up Share

NEW A-TEAM SINGLE IN THE WORKS PRODUCED BY GANZOBEAN!

Well goddamn the homie Ganzobean is going fucking beserk over here with these beats! If you haven't heard of the A-Team then google them please...for your own good. Aceyalone, Abstract Rude...ugh. Here's to hoping No Team In I can get the exclusive! Abby tweeted about it last night in fact!

SHIT SON, I SO NEED AN ACEYALONE INTERVIEW!

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NEW EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SAB THE ARTIST!

The next installment of "Musicians on Music" comes in the form of Rhymesayers/Hiero Imperium heavyweight Sab The Artist, although some older heads might know him under the Moniker Musab or the even older heads might remember Beyond. This dude was co-founder of your favorite Record Label Rhymesayers and has been producing pure quality music since before then. I mean this dude introduced Slug and Ant...which formerd your favorite group of all-time Atmosphere.
NT-Who are you? Where are you from and where are you now?
SAB-My name is Sab. Sab The Artist professionally. I'm a musician, song writer, vocalist, performer, audio engineer, etc. I'm from the Twin Cities, Minneapolis/St.Paul,MN. I grew up in south Minneapolis. I now reside in Las Vegas, NV. Although I'm like a leaf in the wind, I could land any where at any time.
NT-How would you classify your taste in music?
SAB-Vast. I'm not so much into a form of music as I am into the artist delivering it. I like watching an artist develop. Watching to see how far they are willing to stretch their rope. It's not hard to tell who spends the most time crafting their art. Who's not afraid to challenge the barriers of genre and sound. It's the artist for me.
NT-Is there a certain genre you really enjoy outside of hip-hop?
SAB-Definitely Pop/Rock. In my opinion Bob Marley is the greatest music artist of all time, but David Bowie is my favorite and ultimate artist of all time. I'm all about Journey, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Chicago, Phil Collins etc. If your doing music and don't wanna follow in those guys footsteps then please step aside. Your just blocking our path.
NT-Do you have any "desert island" records to share?
SAB-That's easy. An island? Give me Bob Marley's catalog.
NT-In your mind is there any one record that is absolutely perfect or damn near close?
SAB-Bob Marley is the greatest music artist of all time because he has the most perfect songs out of any one else. There's too many to name but stand outs are Michael Jackson - Thriller, Lauryn Hill - Miseducation, Snoop Dogg - Doggy Style (which in my opinion is the greatest rap album ever), Prince - Purple Rain, Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde.... I could get carried away.
NT-Is there anything about that/those album(s) that you know they just "got it right"?
SAB-No one knows exactly how a perfect album is made. I do believe timing is a big factor. I personally don't hear music, I feel it. When music is organic is when it has it's biggest influence. People are drawn to organic music, when they can feel it and not only hear it. So every perfect album we've heard is organic in someway. Maybe that's the secret.
NT-What was Hip-Hop like in the early 90's in Minnesota?
SAB-It was very organic. A hungry baby. We didn't know any better, we just wanted it.
NT-What was it like working on your first record "Comparison"
SAB-The final recording process was hectic. Me and Ant actually made most of those songs a couple of years before hand. When it came time to do the album we didn't know anything about big studio recording. We recorded the album at some guy's studio, listened and scrapped it. Then Siddiq went out and maxed his credit card on studio equipment, built a vocal booth in his basement and we got to work. We simultaneously recorded Comparison, Overcast and Dynospectrum. The rest is history.
NT-How did the Dynospectrum happen?
SAB-Me, Slug, Gene Poole and I Self were just constantly around each other vibin and making art. The name is a word I made up, there's a song on Comparison titled Dynospectrum. Slug said to me one day "we should call our group Dynospectrum". I said "word".
NT-Why the name General Woundwart?
SAB-I took the name General Woundwart from an animated film titled Watership Down. He's the leader of the villain rabbits. A real serious dude.
NT-Please tell me theres another Dynospectrum record in the works! It's honesty the illest group album to a whole lot of people...just say yes...please.
SAB-I can't say, LOL
NT-Who do you think is the one producer or emcee that's really changing the dynamic in hip-hop right now? is there one?
SAB-Changing the dynamics? That'd be Sab The Artist with Ganzobean and Ultra Chorus. And I'll give Kanye his props cause he's like the only dude people are thinking "what's he gonna do next?"
NT-How's it feel working with your sister Sandy?
SAB-Is it a long time coming? - Yea it's great, being able to share my dream with my sister up close is amazing. It's been forever in the making. We have so much in store for the world. Be on the lookout for some of our other siblings as well. We have a BIG family.
NT-How has the Leak Series been doing in terms of getting more people listening to your music?
SAB-The Leak Series has been fantastic. It's given me a creative runway to take off with everything I've been developing over the last few years. I'm happy with people's response, it's 90% great. It lit the fuse to the big bang.
NT-How has the push been for the leak series on the internet whether it be social networking sites like Facebook or Myspace or Message boards?
SAB-It's going swell. The internet is obviously the most used vehicle for promotion and I feel I've learned how to utilize it, but I'm a strong believer in the power of word of mouth. I don't over promote online and I believe spam hurts an artist more than it helps, if it helps at all. As long people are talking about your music, your good.
NT-Are there any surprises or a record in the works right now?
SAB-Oh yea. First up is the Sab The Artist EP. It's a gallery of beautiful music, 7 songs. "Artsy Crafty" is the first single available now, expect the video soon. The EP will be available online and on the Awful Truth tour this summer. Also my next full length will probably be HGH (Heaven,Girls,Hell). It's a complete collaboration with a production duo named Ultra Chorus. So music is lined up to go, just ironing out the kinks to insure each project is successful. And there are some surprises which I won't mention. That would spoil it.
NT-What's your approach to making a new record? Does it just happen, or are there specific periods you sit down and just knock it out?
SAB-I approach my songs like I'm painting a picture. There's many different layers and colors used to try an unleash the mood I want the song to have. I don't rush music. Music is art, I'm an artist. Some art is for the eyes, some for the ears. The purpose is how it makes you feel either way.
NT-What's your take on the internet and the downloading of music? Has it helped artists or hurt them in terms of gaining fans or revenue?
SAB-That depends on your approach to music and how you choose to get it heard. The biggest area it has affected in my opinion is how music is created. I think it's taken a lot of the creative quality out of the process of making music. Sonically and all. It's thinned out the process. Otherwise it's fine by me. It all comes from the mind at the end of the day.
NT-How was it working with Abstract Rude? You guys have a great chemistry. How did you meet?
SAB-Thanks. We met at Soundset back in 2008. I'm feeling what we do together. The Awful Truth Tour is going to be fantastic. We have a lot more in store, keep a lookout.

OFFICIAL/FACEBOOK/TWITTER/YOUTUBE/BLOG/BANDCAMP/MYSPACE/RHYMESAYERS

LEAK SERIES:





SAB THE ARTIST EP SINGLES:

AWFUL TRUTH TOUR SCHEDULE AND OPENERS:
June 22 - Las Vegas, NV Hip Hop Roots 2yr anniv (110th show) Boomers

[openers: Rock Steady Crew, Mikey VIP, Highdro, Mob Zombie, Artson]
June 23 - LA Low End Theory Airliner
June 24 - SC Moes Alley *C
[traveling openers: Alpha MC & Psychosis of Swim Team]
June 25 - Grants Pass, OR Rhymin on the River Festival

-AB RUDE ONLY feat. Tour guests-
June 26 - Eugene, OR John Henry's Club
June 27 - Shasta, CA Wayside
June 30 - Portland, OR Berbati's
[opener: MY-G]
[traveling opener: Toki Wright]
July 1 - Seattle, WA Nectar
[opener: Suntino Bandanaz]
July 3 - Bozeman, MT Zebra Cocktail Lounge
July 5 - Boise Neurolux
July 6 - Instore @ Uprok / SLC Salt Shaker 21+
July 7 - SLC Kilby Court all ages
[opener: Burnell Washburn]
July 8 - Park City, UT Star Bar
July 9 - Denver Larimer
July 10 - Lincoln, NB The Alley
July 11 - Des Moines, Iowa Vaudville Muse
July 12 - Chicago, IL Abbey Pub
July 14 - Detroit, MI Alvin's

 - AB RUDE Only - (Rejuveaple Leaf Tour - Eastern Canada edition)
July 15 - Toronto, ONT Annex Wreck Room
[traveling openers: PBT, Nilla, Mindbender]
July 16 - Ottowa - Ritual Nightclub
July 17 - Hamilton, ONT This Ain't Hollywood
[openers: DJ Realistic, PBT, Mindbender, NiLLa]
July 18 - London, ONT

The Awful Truth Tour - midwest edition
July 19 - Musab rejoins tour
July 19 - Columbus, OH Skullys
[openers: Midas Touch & Illogic]
July 20 - Dayton/Fairborn, OH One Eyed Jacks
July 21 - Milwaukee, WI Stonefly Brewery
[opener: local DJ]
July 24 - Minneapolis, MN The Nomad
[opener: Muja Messiah]
July 25 - St. Cloud, MN The Rox
[opener: Carnage]
July 26 - Duluth, MN Pizza Luce
[opener: 2one8]
July 27 - Columbia, MO Mojo
July 29 - Kansas City, MO Record Bar
[openers: Cess Crew]

The Awful Truth Tour - southwest edition
July 30 - Dallas, TX Lounge on Elm Street
[openers: DJ Notion]
July 31 - Austin, TX Red 7
[openers: DJ Notion]
Aug 1 - San Antonio, TX Limelight
[openers: DJ Notion]
Aug 2 - El Paso, TX
Aug 3 - Albuquerque, NM Launch Pad
Aug 4 - San Francisco, CA Club Six

-AB ONLY + Citizen Ten-
Aug 6 - Las Vegas 1st Fridays @ Bunkhouse
[openers: Paria B & DuwopRose, AmiRikkah, Outside Looking In, Jay Dubler
[traveling openers: Alpha MC & Psychosis + Open Mike Eagle of Swim Team]

The Awful Truth Encore Tour
Aug 11 - Palm Springs, CA space 120
[traveling openers: Alpha MC & Psychosis + Open Mike Eagle of Swim Team & Highdro]
Aug 12 - San Diego, CA
Aug 13 - Phoenix, AZ The Hidden House
Aug 14 - Pasadena, CA Terrace Cafe
[opener: Ivan Ives]








PLEASE BUY DUDES SHIT AND SUPPORT A LEGEND! HE PRETTY MUCH STARTED HIP-HOP IN MINNESOTA, AND YOUR FAVORITE GROUP OF ALL-TIME. IT'S TIME TO SWING ON SOME NEW NUTS! Share