The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Ka$h

I reached out to Ka$h of the Umbrella Music Group and did this interview via BBM, which combined both my love for Hip-Hop and my BlackBerry! Get to know the Milwaukee emcee a little more. Enjoy.

The Mad Bloggers: What made you decide to start rapping?

Ka$h: My mom use to always sing out loud in the crib. I'm the wise cracking family member. Proph made me take music seriously when he put lyrics to wax. I always wrote. I started out just rewriting my favorite lyrics from songs I heard. I just loved how it sounded put together. Then I started putting my own words together.

TMB: Who’s Proph?

Ka$h: My brother Prophetic. He’s not my blood brother but we have been friends for over 10 years, before we even thought about music.

TMB: Are you signed to a label?

Ka$h: I'm not signed to a label...but UMG (Umbrella Music Group) is the label if that makes sense lol.

TMB: Tell me about the Umbrella Music Group

Ka$h: The Umbrella Music Group is just a group of young black men using the team concept to push ourselves forward. We hope we are a young Sony in the making … we try to bring powerful, thoughtful music to the table. We feel like Hip-Hop is just the start of what could and will be.

TMB: What single are you pushing right now?

Ka$h:Right now the single Strength In Numbers, produced by Haz Solo. As far as performing and impact upon first listen, I had to run with it. And it’s my favorite track.

TMB: Do you have a real strong work ethic?

Ka$h: Work ethic is a funny thing with me. I go hard, but as far as solo me, I've slacked on creating that vault of music for myself. As far as my other duties as a member of my team, I try to never slack. So there is give and take.

TMB: Does the music have to be playing in order for you to decide to write something or are you random with it?

Ka$h: Bars come to me without music but I prefer to be around some type of beat to get in a zone.

Yo-Dot, Ka$h and Prophetic

TMB: What do you think about the state of Hip-Hop Music today? What can you bring to the table to make it better?

Ka$h: Hip-Hop is in another state of evolution. I think Hip-Hop being so marketable, people have confused it with being a dying sound. A lot of artists are trying to make hits and that's being pushed more to the forefront. But there is still the conscious, the Gangsta, the all around Hip-Hop styles. It’s just that the type we hear more often on the radio is the focused sound.

Hip-Hop is as powerful as it’s ever been with Drake and his Sprite deal, Jay and his ever-evolving biz deals. It’s just making us have to be that all around rapper if you want to do it. Hip-Hop went from one-dimensional artists to multi-dimensional artists. Sort of like basketball, how power forward's now shoot threes?

What can I bring? I can further that evolution. I have such a business way of thinking but I'm still such an artist that wants to push the limits every day. Every track. Every project.

TMB: Weed... Should it be legal? And do you need it to enhance your creative abilities?

Ka$h: I think ganja should be legal definitely. I feel like it’s less harmful than alcohol. It would hurt the governments, bottom line. So I think it’s a mute topic till they figure a way to employ all the Border Patrol, DEA, and make money off of it. I mean Border Patrol and DEA who will lose their jobs and find a way to gain profit on legalizing it. As far as enhancing my abilities....I think it gives me a jolt of creativity, but I don't need to be effective artistically.

TMB: Random: Boxers or briefs?

Ka$h: Boxers fa sho’. My last pair of briefs had some type of super hero on ‘em, when I was a wee boy.

TMB: What do you do for fun?

Ka$h: For fun I watch movies... I'm big into films. I can watch the same one over and over. I'm at the theater for the new releases I'm just into all types of movies. I’m a football and basketball junkie too... Great dad!!

TMB: You said "great dad"... Do you have kids and how does that impact your industry image?

Ka$h: I have a 3-year-old son. I think anybody involved in the industry or any career respects having kids. It’s harder to stay focused on your goals but you got that much harder to succeed because you have a living, breathing piece of motivation with you all day.

"Strength in Numbers" Ka$h (produced by Haz Solo)


Check out more on Ka$h at umbrellasup.com

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Kid Millions

It must have been some point back in August 2009 when I received Kid Millions' "Victim to the Beat" track and video. It was dope. It was fresh.

Later that year he released "Recession Proof Rap" and as the initial press release said, "Milwaukee MC Kid Millions, known for his uplifting, often hilarious storytelling rhymes and unstoppable style, has generously dedicated his brain and body to the public welfare with the release of his new album, With nine huge-sounding tracks that take you from snooze alarm to pavement in seconds each, Kid Millions does not waste time or money."'

The dude is dope.

I recently reached out to Kid Millions for a Q&A

The Mad Bloggers: Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

Kid Millions: I was born and raised in Milwaukee on the Eastside of town and moved to Bay View around 7th Grade.

TMB: How long have you been doing music?

KM: I started making music back in 1993 in a group called 3'z Company. My friend, Tom Noble, started a ska band with BK One and we would get on stage and do a few live rap songs. Soon after that we got a DJ and started doing all ages live shows around town. That's how I got to know The Rusty Ps, Dana Coppa and A-Biz..

TMB: How would you describe your music?

KM: Old-school-pop-locking-dance-floor-rocking

TMB: Who are your musical influences?

KM: Freestyle Fellowship,Tyrone Davis, The Esquires,Dj Premier, James Brown,The Clash, Beach Boys, De La Soul and much more...

TMB: What projects are you currently working on?

KM: I would like to continue making tracks with Sage Shwarm from Codebreaker. Also there are plenty of other producers I wanna get with like Dylan Thomas, House of M cats, Reason & many others. Right now I'm still focusing on playing live shows to promote my new album "Recession Proof Rap".

Kid Millions-Victim to the Beat from Darren Cole on Vimeo.

Get Kid Millions "Recession Proof Rap" cdbaby.com and iTunes


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What I'm Watching....Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam - Take Me Home

Damn, I love this music and era. Haha. Good times.



Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam ~ Wonder If I take You Home



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Basic Vocab - "Like A Star" feat. Jesse Boykins III

Here’s the third leak from Miami based Basic Vocab’s new album A Better Way, which is due out in April. This song is called “Like A Star” and it features Jesse Boykins III.

DL Link to Basic Vocab f/Jesse Boykins III "Like A Star": http://usershare.net/re2lh5vdg8lx

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: A.P.R.I.M.E. + Trellmatic = AUTOmatic

A.P.R.I.M.E.

Trellmatic

I caught this track last night and got stuck. It went straight into repeat mode as I worked. It's not the first time I've heard A.P.R.I.M.E. on a track, nor is it the first Trellmatic produced track that I have enjoyed. A.P.R.I.M.E. and Trellmatic, both memebers of Milwaukee's own House of M, have been involved in quite a few tracks that I have enjoyed. The two have teamed up to form AUTOmatic, with a new album, "Audiology 2", on the way. "Brown Leather" is a dope ass example of the dynamic chemistry of the duo. Dope, dope, dope.

Enjoy.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

www.myspace.com/prime3099
www.myspace.com/trellmatic

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Taiyamo Denku

I caught Taiyamo Denku from the good folks over at Uncommon Records. Taiyamo Denku released "Articles of Mind" on January 26 and a free project, "Lost Thoughts" on the same day. The Milwaukee emcee definitely delivers on both projects.

"Articles of Mind" features Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), Marv Won, Keith Murray, Sabac Red, Vast Aire, Pumpkinhead, Mainflow and more. The album includes production from Ayatollah, Panic of Molemen, Nasa aka Adam Warlock, Willie Green, A.M. Breakups and others.

According to Taiyamo Denku, "Lost Thoughts is just a collab of tracks that either didn't make the album or remixes of songs from the album and tracks that I just felt defined me as a artist that could give people who’d never heard of me a chance to check me out."

Check out this track and then head over to www.taiyamodenku.bandcamp.com and download "Lost Thoughts". You can get "Articles of Mind" on iTunes or Amazon.

Lost In Production (Prod by Ayatollah)



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#ThrowbackThursday w/@ladyblogga ... "When a Woman's Fed Up"

Women are very interesting creatures and men just don’t get that. When it is that we’ve had enough of enough, it’s a done deal pretty much. There’s nothing anyone can say, or do to change that. There are a lot of things we are willing to stand for but a lot of things we just won’t. Relationships are hard enough without all the extra. And yes I know that sometimes we (women) are hard to deal with but you know what, you know that going in. People know what they are dealing with when they get themselves into certain situations. And that goes for women as well. Don’t get it to a point where you have her saying this fellas because once she’s fed up, there ain’t nothing’ you can do about it…. And it’s too late to talk about it. I always laugh at this song because some dudes would NEVER admit that this is how they really feel. And the ones that do, kudos to you. That’s what it’s all about.



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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Elle Razberry

Elle Razberry is the voice you find on various hooks from MKE emcees, including Raze and the House of M. I joked with her on twitter a few days back, calling her Milwaukee's female Nate Dogg.

But seriously, she lays down smooth vocals and with more projects on the way, including her own, I reached out to her for a Q&A. Enjoy.



The Mad Bloggers: How long have you been singing?

Elle Razberry: According to my mother since the day I was born, so thirty *mumble mumble* years or so. :) I started like most folks singing in choirs, through high school and college, and doing some musical theater. Over the years I have gone from singing in girl groups to a classic rock band. Whatever I could do to keep singing. In more recent years I have had the chance to combine my love for Hip-Hop with my love of singing.

TMB: Who are your musical influences?

ER: I am convinced that I have musical ADHD. I love music of all kinds and I'm influenced by so much. While my favorites include a lot of Hip-Hop and R&B artists, like Lauryn Hill or Erykah Badu, I also get a lot of influence from old blues and jazz singers that I grew up listening to with my maternal grandfather or even rock influences from my time performing with a cover band.

TMB: How did you get wrapped up in doing hooks forso many different artists?

ER: My brother, Raze (from the House of M), needed a hook done on a song a few years back for a track on his album, "Dreaming in Greyscale." We recorded it and things have just snowballed from there with more artists needing vocals on tracks. I've always been down if I dig what folks are working with to help the cause.

TMB: Who have you worked with?

ER: Most of the work people will recognize me from currently is with Raze or the House of M, however I have also done live back ups for Firey Phoenix and Relative Theory (Firey Phoenix and Viva Fidel).

TMB: What's upcoming?

ER: I have tracks that should be coming out soon including, one with KingHellBastard (KHB), a track on the new upcoming Automatic release from A.P.R.I.M.E. and Trellmatic and a few tracks on Raze's upcoming cd including one featuring Frankie Flowers and I, that we are all itching to drop.

TMB: When do we get an EP?

ER: That's the next step. I've been writing quite a bit more recently. I have played with the idea of putting a project of my own together for a while and now I am making the time to put in the work. The plan is to drop the EP, "Cure Elle" in the Fall of 2010.

TMB: What do you want folks to take away from MKE Hip-Hop?

ER: MKE's Hip-Hop scene is growing exponentially and because the field of players is getting bigger, the competition is getting greater. This scene has something for everyone from those that love lyricists to those that need a good club banger and the blood sweat and tears that is going into it on the part of the artists is showing through in the quality of their work. Folks definitely don't want to sleep on the Brew.

"Gone" Raze featuring Elle Razberry


"In Your Mind" House of M featuring Elle Razberry



twitter.com/ElleRazberry
www.facebook.com/ElleRazberry


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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Yo-Dot

Yo-Dot is another talented emcee out of Milwaukee and another dope artist from the good folks over at the Umbrealla Music Group.

The first time I heard Yo-Dot was by way of his "Umbrella Season" video. Prophetic had hit me with the link. The track is laced with quotables and the beat is tough. It's one of those tracks that you have to play back a few times to catch it all.

One line stands out, "but I don't comprise nothing for a record spin..."

But "Umbrella Season" isn't the only dope track in Yo-Dot's catalog. There are many more. His rhymes are true and filled with passion. And working with some fine producers and other talented emcees doesn't hurt either.

I reached out to Yo-Dot for a Q&A.

The Mad Bloggers: Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

Yo-Dot: I'm from the Northwest-Side of Milwaukee, Sherman Park Blvd

TMB: How long have you been doing music?

Yo-Dot: I've been recording in a actual studio and pursuing a professional career since 2001

TMB: Who do you work with on your music?

Yo-Dot: I work with Adlib, Dame Ellington (Co-Founder of UMG) Royal Fam (Prophetic & Ka$h) Misen Lync and A-Xtra (UMG's Primary Manager)

TMB: Who are your musical influences?

Yo-Dot: My musical influences are my hood ... Prophetic ... Tay Butler ... Ka$h ... My son and the City of Milwaukee in General

TMB: Which one of your tracks really speaks to who you are as an emcee?

Yo-Dot: As far a the one track that speaks to me as a MC, I would have to say "No Matter What". It kinda explains the turbulence I've encountered as far as pursuing a recording career like. All the doubts and the personal experiences living in a environment filled with violence and the harsh realities of being surrounded with death and the unfortunate loss of life around me

TMB: What projects are you currently working on?

Yo-Dot: I'm currently working on my webtape (online mixtape) "DOT-BALERSTRERRI" .... If you know any history on the "Balistrerri Italian Family" you would identify with the significance of the concept. Me and Ka$h are five songs deep into our next Release (TBD) and another MKE artist by the name of ILL-B (Off the Block ENT) entitled "Call of Duty (Modern Warfare)" and my debut album (Fall '10)

TMB: If there was one thing you'd want people to take away from MKE Hip-Hop what would it be?

Yo-Dot: As far as what I want people to take away from MKE's music is that its a more "Diverse" sound to our City as far as what you hear from past pioneers and the music you hear from the radio. Everyone isn't talking 'bout ridding on rims and stuntin and having money!!!! There's an untold story to Milwaukee, and I feel it's my job to let the general public know the real and harsh realities of Milwaukee. We're not all just smiling and having money like people portray on records!!!

"No Attachments" Yo-Dot ft Prophetic





umbrellasup.com


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Theo3 - "It's Theo3" (Prod. by Anonymous Twist)

Check this track out by Theo3 we got in our email. Also, check out that 50 Bars, Same Pattern video. Pretty cool ish.

It was a phenomenal 2009 for Toronto Emcee Theology 3. Releasing the buzz video "50 Bars, Same Pattern" video and the critically acclaimed single "Make It Big" (2009 best of list Halftime Show NYC) helped build up World Wide anticipation amongst fans and DJs alike. As a Thank You to the growing number of supporters, Screwface Capital® records offers up the Brand New Bangin' single "IT'S THEO3" produced by Anonymous Twist (Sean Price, Planet Asia, #1 Rap Attack Charts in 2009 with Opio and Roc.C) for download. The hard driving rhythm of the track is complimented by Theo3's unrelenting lyrical assault. Blast it in the whip, iPod and home stereo system! Play it Loud and purchase the full Theology 3 discography at http://music.theology3.com.

DOWNLOAD 320KB HQ MP3 BELOW!

"IT'S THEO3" produced by Anonymous Twist (Sean Price, Planet Asia)
http://usershare.net/xjrkvswnlg0w

Backup Link
http://sharebee.com/26be47a6

"IT'S THEO3" FULL WAV. HQ DJ Package Download Link:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/z0142d

Links:
http://music.theology3.com
http://www.youtube.com/THEO3MUSIK
http://www.myspace.com/theology3

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Derill Pounds

Eighty or so miles north of Milwaukee is Oshkosh, Wisconsin. There you will find the unique sound of Derill Pounds. I featured him on the blog last June and I decided to feature him again in our Journey to Hip-Hop series. While not from Milwaukee, it's because of Milwaukee that I found his music. Plus, he's from Wisconsin and has been in the Wisconsin Hip-Hop scene since 1995.

As I said before, his music is driven by passion and his lyrics are driven by keeping it real.

I reached out to him via email for an update. The man has been working hard.

The Mad Bloggers: What's upcoming? What projects are in the works?

Derill Pounds: Hmmmmmmm ... let's see ... lots of new goodies in the works! Started the year of with a grip of shows and plenty more to come. Doing a live show side project with a super improv band called Ghetto Blaster, which has been fun as hell and a good outlet to some new ears and fans. I have been working on a bunch of new music and hope to be releasing another album this year. Working with a bunch of new producers and possibly doing EPs with a couple of them. Just working hard while also holding the full time job steez, which sucks, but I ain't got that Diddy money, so I have to work hard to support the things I love. All in all just having a good time with music and working with other musicians including some new people, which has been fun and always a learning experience. To wrap it up, also looking to tour this year in the fall instead of winter/spring so I can get some things taken care of and have some new tunes for the road. Be on the lookout for good times and some fresh original music!



www.myspace.com/derillpounds

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Prophetic

I recently caught up with Proph via email for an update and new music to be featured in our Journey to Hip-Hop series.

I did a feature on Prophetic late last year. At the time he wasn't working on any specific project, just hitting the booth so he wouldn't get rusty and working hard at pushing Umbrella Music Group and its artists forward.

You've seen some of his Umbrella Music Group family featured on the site already (with more to come). They all stay working hard.

"We got free music dropping damn near every month so please make sure you check it [www.umbrellasup.com] out when you get the chance," Proph said.

The emcee out of Milwaukee continues to hustle hard. He's currently nine tracks into his new project, which is currently untitled but scheduled for an April release.

Proph was also recently nominated for "Best Urban Artist of the Year", "Catchiest Song" and 'Most Likely to Blow' in the Radio Milwaukee music awards this year.

He also has plans on performing this year at Summerfest.

"[It's] one of the biggest music festivals in the world," said Proph. "So I'm excited for that."

And with all this going on, he also found time to complete two tracks with Tony Williams(singer signed to G.O.O.D. Music).

As you can see, Proph is continuing to work hard. Check out a new joint off the upcoming project.




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