1) Well first off, the $64,000 question. You've changed your name. We'resure it's a long story, but kind of give us a run down on how the name change came about, and the deeper meaning behind it.
Actually I didn't change my name. I'm still going by Supastition but I just needed an outlet to release music that was more introspective and encouraging. That's why I chose to create the Kam Moye persona. It's more of an alias but its also the shortened version of my given name. I think that's what throws people off. I've always liked the way cats like Madlib and Doom used different names on their projects. I'm a Gemini so I guess I gotta let out my other sides. I rhyme faster and aggressive on Supastition records but I'm more laid back on the KM records and I'm speaking on personal situations.
I always thought it was kind of backwards how you are allowed to be everything in hip hop except for just being yourself. Too many people get caught up in what others expect them to be. I can't count how many people around who told me not to release music as Kam Moye. That's like telling me that I can't be myself. I felt limited sometimes when I recorded as Supastition and it started clouding my creativity. I had fans saying that I'd never top The Deadline or Chain Letters no matter what I did after that. It got to a point of where I didn't know if I was actually making music from the heart or doing it to outdo my last project. I had to ask myself whether those same fans would accept me going in a new direction or not. I'm proud of what I've done as Supastition so I would never officially change my name. But ending the Supa name meant that everything would carry over into the KM catalog. At the end of the day, I chose to create something brand new and start all over with it. That's what birthed the Kam Moye project. I wanted to make music with a purpose this time.
2) The new EP, Self-Centered, is a lot of goodness. Give us some insight on the creation of the project. How long did it take? What is the core feeling of the project in your opinion?
I had some the songs for a close to a year and a few of them were recorded less than a week before it came out. That's the beauty of technology! My idea for Self-Centered was to introduce people to who I am now as a person instead of who I was when my first record came out. I recorded my first album around 2000-2001 and it came out 2002. That's 8 years ago! My perspective and attitude has changed so much since then. The bitterness and anger has been replaced with humility and modesty.
Self-Centered EP is an intro to my upcoming album Splitting Image. Nobody had ever really heard of Kam Moye prior to the EP and I intentionally didn't go hard promoting it so it was a shock to some people. I gave it away for free because I wanted it to reach as many people as possible and gain some real Kam Moye fans at the same time. Not just old Supastition fans. The feel of the record is very soulful and gives you a closer look into my life and what I've been through. It's not about being the illest emcee for me anymore. It's about making self-reflective music that hopefully someone can relate to. I didn't wanna use the same producers that were on the past Supa albums so I linked with some newer cats.
3) Being from NC, let us pick your brain on MC location. We know you've expressed some discontent with home support in the past. Is NC your end all be all for your heart? Would you feel more at home with your type of artistry in say, New York, or London?
That's another part of me that has changed. Being known in NC mattered to me when that was all I had going for me. It's no secret about where I'm from and I'm proud to be from North Carolina. At the same time I'm not blind to the fact that I probably get less support at home than anywhere else. I can live with that and it doesn't bother me. I really don't see anyone from NC who gets unconditional love like that. I look at the bigger picture and it keeps me motivated. Hopefully later down the line my track record will speak for itself when people discuss the history of NC hip hop. I did it on my own from touring to working with well-respected rappers, DJ's, and producers.
I just make the music that works for me. I'm not focused on any region in particular. NC has been unfairly judged in some ways because there weren't enough people in the spotlight at once to show that we aren't all on the same shit. When the Justus League craze was going on, I think I was one of the few NC cats who stayed in their own lane and didn't try to leech on to their movement. We've worked together and I'm real cool with some of them. Of course, there were always people who tried to attach my name to them. I had an album out prior to Little Brother and I wasn't one of those dudes who were banking on their success to for my own personal gain. The critics started labeling the JL sound as the North Carolina sound so alot of rappers and beatmakers got overlooked. I had always heard from day that I rap like I'm from New York so that alone let me know there was gonna be too much love at home. I started rapping before they started separating everything into east, west, south, and midwest.
4) It seems as if the name change is a setup for something huge for the fans. What have you got churning in the works? I know you shot a video this last weekend, how'd it go and what was it for?
I had no idea that recording under a different name would give me that much attention. Honestly, I didn't expect it to even surpass the Supastition name. I figured I could just go in and drop a few projects and nobody would give a damn about it. The fact that it was a different name and a free release that literally came out of nowhere kinda made people more curious to see what it was all about. I've gotten heartfelt messages from fans telling me how much they could relate to the struggles. That's love right there. My next focus is to finish up the Splitting Image album and find a good home for it. If no labels want to give me a good situation then I'd be more than happy to release it on my own. I doubt if I'm giving that way for free too though. I've gotten most of the beats already but I just need to sit down and finish writing and recording. I'm trying to make sure that it flows perfectly and touches on topics that I haven't done before.
I just finished up the video for 'Black Enough' in ATL this past weekend. I hooked up with a director out there named Rick Foy and he strongly supports what I am doing. We plan on doing a series of videos and working together on different projects. I'm excited to see what the final version of the video will look like because I believe in that song.
5) I know the "angry MC" you're leaving behind, but if you could absolutely annihilate one label/label head/industry cat who would it be? And why?
He ain't an industry person but Bill O'Reilly would be one of the first to go. FOX News would be out of business if I had the power to make it happen. I can't believe somebody gives a company that much power to broadcast so much biased and misinformed news. Its ridiculous!
6) Better year for hip-hop, 1988 or 1994?
That's hard to say for me but I'd have to go with 1988 because that era is when I first started rhyming. Hip hop was new to me then and I would be blown away by everything about it. The experience for me was better in '88 but '94 was one of the high points for releasing music. There was so much good music coming out that you just felt like this is what its supposed to be like. At that time, all of the 'hip hop would never last' talk died down and it was perfect.
7) Collaboration you're most proud of, producer or MC, your song or theirs. Did you ever collaborate with someone else and have it be surprising of the
talent on the other end?
I'm proud of everything that I've done with Illmind and M-phazes because they looked out for me. 'The Williams' was a great song for me but it was the first sign to show me how knowing someone or affiliations made a world of a difference. It was a good and bad experience.
8) If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
That's easy....I'd be able to teleport. I'd go on tour and do about 4 or 5 shows in one day in different countries. Hell, even if I could teleport I'd probably still have trouble getting into Canada and the UK!
www.myspace.com/kammoye
www.myspace.com/supastition
Friday, June 27, 2008
Exclusive Interview: Kam Moye
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Exclusive Interview: Fresh Daily
1) How's it going? First off, the name, Fresh Daily. Talk about when and how you got the name, and what its meaning signifies.
The name just signifies that I'm both a leader of the new school and a follower of the old school.
2) You're a very busy man. Give a run down of the projects you're currently working on. Producers? Guest appearances?
Ok, great. I just wrapped up my songs on "Table Manners" which is the 2 Hungry Bros new compilation album which is out now. Just Google "2 Hungry Bros Table Manners" also wrapping up my side EP "Tomorrow is today" and finally my full length album "The Gorgeous Killer in Crimes of Passion". Next year sees the completed projects of the album Dj Spinna and I are working on, Charlie Browns Field Goal (which is me and 8thW1) and hopefully "Daily New" with me and producer Suede Jury.
In terms of collabos with emcees, I've worked with Cool Calm Pete (def jux) and Tanya Morgan and Substantial, Skyzoo and others for my album. Lately I've been working with Mickey Factz and Homeboy Sandman. There's more in the works, but I'd rather not spoil it.
3) You've worked with some pretty heavy hitters. Talk about the path you've gone on in terms of connecting with some of these folks, as well as what the process was like in the studio. Any particular story/session stick out?
Sure, meeting the 2 Hungry Bros was pretty funny. Deep of the 2 Hungry Bros. comes from that hustling music @ venues HARD aesthetic and was really pushy in selling me his cd. We almost didn't work together cuz I hate pushy cd sellin' guys. But he ended up being my manager. Hell, the man knows how to hunt down money, so why not? LOL I met Illmind thru my friend and fellow emcee Naturel. Funny side story, I was railing against/arguing with Rapper Big Pooh on okayplayer message boards over what I felt was an injustice to one of my producers on his part due to (in my opinion) his overwhelming ego. Illmind kinda only knew me from the boards as the angry ranting emcee. LOL, I didn't know who he was at the time but I heard some of his beats at a Guerilla Words showcase and he heard some of my rhymes at the same said showcase and we linked up and the rest is well, history. Apparently because of dudes amazing beats and selective process, he's crafted a position for himself as a respected musician, working with other producers was relatively easy once they knew I worked with Illmind. I met Dj Spinna through Sucio Smash who is the head of our label. Spinna has a similar taste for beats as I do in reference to drums and drum patterns, so we've actually been churning out songs from scratch. I love Spinna cuz dude still gets excited when making beats. I get excited when I make rhymes so, its just fun. I actually met 88 Keys online, and he approached me about working on his mixtape while I was in the hospital. I didn't think I'd make the project since I was in the hospital for mad long. But the minute I got out he asked me to swing by the crib. The first sample he played had me open, so we went in on that joint. He ended up not using it for the mixtape due to time constraints, but it's gonna be released as a string of exclusive downloads. Oh No (Stones Throw) and Ski (Jay-Z, Camp Lo producer) and I worked with thru Sucio, we haven't had the time to actually sit down in the studio together yet but I've recorded with their production via email. Dj Evil Dee is like my big brother, so us working on music was just natural.
4) What has been the biggest hardship/setback/roadblock you've encountered recently on your path of being a recording artist?
Well, there's been several. Changing my name was one. Having no particular studio and engineer I can call home to preserve my sound continuity is another big one. Being in a near death car accident with my leg snapped in half and having to learn how to walk again and being out of the loop for 4 months was another. Aint shit to a G though. Lol. Nah but seriously, all praise due to God for pulling me out that last one alive and relatively unscathed.
5) Your favorite sneaker? What's your collection like?
As much as people jock it now, the dunk is probably my favorite sneaker, I been an o.g dunk collector for a while. Since about '98, when I started earning my own money. My collection is dwindling down because I'm realizing spending 300 bux a week on kix is not in my budget nor a real adult thing to do. Plus, some of the kicks I have are leanin a lil' bit so I either give em away of throw 'em away. I've probably given away more kicks than I've bought, real talk. Once my album drops though, I'm goin shoppin again. I love the Dunk x Trainer hybrids too. They're a real low key sneaker and really function and comfy. Air Force 2's and 3's (Highs) are some of my faves so are air max 95's and 1's. I really prefer high tops though to anything. The bigger and chunky and high the sneaker is, the more I probably will like it in all honesty. I've said this before man, I aint a nerd with it. I like sneakers but that aint my life. If u askin for a number to my collection, it's honestly probably down to like 40 pairs right now.
*Listens to the deafing gasp of Fresh Daily fans*
6) What is it about Fresh Daily that sets him apart from the pack? Do people try and lump you into one category? And if so, how do you feel about the lumping and the category they choose to lump you into?
7) What can the people look forward to from Fresh Daily?
Fun times. Dope music.
8) If you could have one super-power, what would it be?
Easy. Teleportation.
That would prevent me from my current flaw of being late everywhere. LOL
Shout outs to the 2 Hungry Bros. My AOK fam, and big breasted women. Word. Tomorrow is Today coming dumb soon.
Watch me duke, watch me.
Check out Fresh Daily here
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Kam Moye - Self Centered EP
Reform School Music and Rappers I Know present the brand new Self-Centered EP from Kam Moye (also known as Supastition). Self-Centered is a side project from Kam Moye featuring production from M-phazes, D.R., Eric G, Veterano, and Croup and a guest appearance from NC’s own Kaze. This soulful EP serves as an appetizer for the upcoming Kam Moye full length album, Splitting Image, which will feature production from the likes of Illmind, Khrysis, DJ Babu, and D.R. as well as guest appearances from One Be Lo and many others. Kam Moye (under the alias Supastition) has been featured on songs alongside KRS One, Little Brother, Royce the 5′9, and Elzhi in addition to receiving praise in XXL’s Chairman’s Choice and The Source’s Independent’s Day. He is also currently working on a collabo album with longtime producer Illmind (G-Unit, Little Brother, LL Cool J).
Kam Moye - Self-Centered EP
*A clean version for Self-Centered EP will be available on June 19, 2008 for all DJ’s!!!
contact: reformschool.music@gmail.com
cover art: FWMJ
photography: Tobias Rose
www.myspace.com/kammoye
www.myspace.com/supastition
Phonte Presents: An AIM convo between Al Gore and Bill Cinton
At first we were like, "aw, Tay takin it too far." But read this shit on his blog, it is so hillarious.
Phonte presents: An AIM convo between Al Gore and Bill Clinton
Monday, June 16, 2008
Exclusive Interview: Black ELement
1) Why the name Black ELement? Tell us the meaning. And why the capital L? Any significant meaning to that?
I've actually had the name since high school, and since there are five elements of hip hop, i felt that there was a sixth one. Thats the Black ELement which is making music with a purpose because in the beginning that was the essence of Hip Hop. I chose the black part due to the fact that ever since I been born a lot of people have mistaken my race. Since I'm a light skinned brother, I've been mistaken for Puerto Rican a ton of times and as much as I love my boricuas... (cue Styles P "I'm Black") I've always responded with "el negro". The capital L was something I added because Black EL is what everyone calls me for short, Black ELement is too many syllabus for some heads, step your pronunciation game up!
2) Where exactly are you from? Being an MC from New England, how does your perspective on things differ from an MC from say, NY or from ATL?
I'm originally from New Jersey, I moved up to the 'burbs of Boston in '97. Wherever you go though hip hop is like high school, you have all these cliques and bullshit reasons you can't get a show. I can honestly say Boston has had some terrible opening acts in the past. While there are a elite few who still hold it down in Bosstown (Special Teamz, 7L & Esoteric, Project Move), there is just a real lack of real hip hop in the Bean... everyone is either trying to be G'd up from the feet up or they rhyme the fucking periodic table. I love all types of Hip Hop as long as its real, I just feel a lot of these kids rapping in the Bean are either lying or teaching a chemistry class and I can't rock to that.
Right now I'm staying in New York for the summer and I can honestly say that people just keep more up to-date in NYC, but a DJ can throw on Mona Lisa at the club and people will rock to it like its '88. The scene out in NYC is obviously huge, and you have everyone and their mom trying to push their CD-Rs outside of Virgin. Its definitely competitive, and 99% of the time its not even how good you are but what connects you have. I'm interning for Sony BMG and Duck Down Records so I'm building relationships, networking and learning how the inner workings of promotion work on a major and independent level. But wherever you go right now Hip Hop is suffering, its gotten real boring and predictable not just the content but beats too. I don't think me being from Mass skews my perspective on the overall culture that much though, or I like to think so.
3) You have an album A Major Minority coming out soon. Tell us the meaning of the album title. Who do you have on tap as guests? Who is handling the production?
It's a concept album, and when I release the artwork I think a lot of people will have a bigger grasp of what the actual album is about. I chose the title because black people throughout history have made such a Major impact on our society today, we have our hands in multiple industries and now we may be looking at having our first black president in Senator Obama. As far as I'm concerned Minorities (not just blacks) were a major part in building this country to where it is today. I'm not by any means trying to make an over preachy or straight political album, think of it as a Spike Lee documentary on black America with Dave Chapelle as your narrator.
I hate when rappers have 13 guest spots on a 14 track album, why make a cameo on your own a shit? I try to keep the guest list slim for my debut album, there is something about holding down a whole album by yourself. However as of right now I have one definite lock for a guestspot and thats my boy Jelani (check dood @ myspace.com/jelanimusic), and we still have yet to lay it down but we've been meaning to get on this beat for years. I will definitely have a singer or two on there, but as far as other MCs you'll probably see at the most two (but you never know). Its a Black ELement project at the end of the day, not to mention my world premier I want to showoff my consistency.
I've worked with a lot of producers on this project, and they all bring something different to the table. Me name dropping everyone of them, would have people going "who?". But you got to understand when it comes to beat selection I'm one of the pickiest bastards ever. I keep my cipher tight like a catholic school girl, not just anyone is getting in there. The doods who your going to know soon enough are Ryan Durkin (Can't Call It), Kush Klien (Human), Danksta' , BBoySpaz, and Rami Afuni. Think of A Major Minority as my resturant and all of these guys are my cooks bringin something totally different to the table, so you get ur oxtail, with orange chicken in the same meal. In the next few weeks though I might be working with a few other producers so we'll see what happens, I probably won't finalize the track list until a week before it's release.
4) Do you certain studio protocol or favorite rituals or habits?
Yea, i sacrifice a lamb every time before I step into the booth.
5) Compare yourself to one artist, one athlete, and one politician. And Bill Bradley never dropped an album so you can't just answer with him.
Artist? Jackson Pollack, cause I do what I want and I don't give a fuck what you think.
Athlete I must go with my hometown on this one and say Kevin Garnett, I've been good for a long time, but I'm starting to get the results I deserve....oh and BEAT LA. chea!
Honestly, I'd have to say Barack due to the fact that I'm a fresh new face and I am just willing to let you into my personal life and inner beliefs (see Audacity of Hope).
6) How and where will your album be available?
When I feel its done.
Nah, I'm playing. I'm probably like 90% there it will probably be finished in mid/late July.
It's going to be available on amajorminority.com , worldwide for $0.00.
7) A particular song that has significant meaning or importance to you?
Can't Call It, cause a lot of us have dealt with deceit from people who we trusted and it just cuts you deep. The funny thing about all three of those verses is they are loosely based on reality, I've had cats use my lines in prep school acting like they didn't know, I thought my girl cheated on me so in turn I cheated on her, and one of my "boys" tried to dime me out cause he got in a trouble. Anyone can relate to being deceived, and Ryan Durkin did an excellent job of capturing the ambiance through the instrumental.
But if your referring to a song not by me that has significant meaning to me, I really couldn't tell you I listen to so much music. Recently i've been listening to N.E.R.D, Justice, and I got Black On Both Sides always in rotation when it gets 70 plus.
8) If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Extreme regeneration, like Wolverine. So i could sleep less and work more on my music, plus antimantium claws are always good to have for label negotiations.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Jelani - Wait You Can Rap?!?! (Intro)
Jelani is from Harlem, NY. He's got a free album dropping on Notherground Music produced by 6th Sense. This intro is fire! Can't wait to hear the album!
Jelani - Wait, You Can Rap?!?! (Intro) {prod. 6th Sense}
Mickey Factz - Machine Gun (The Leak #25)
From Mickey’s email:
“Self defense equals freedom”
People die all the time. Some out of anger, some out of protection, some out of revenge. This song breaks down all 3, over a crazy sample. Thru the eys of 3 people, I narrate the destruction of machine guns.
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Mickey Factz - Machine Gun (The Leak #25)
We here @ The Stratos are big Mickey Factz fans, but 6th Sense & Wildabeast already CRUSHED this on Wildahead Portibeast.
Pack FM - Click Clack & Spray VIDEO
Pack FM is an artist on QN5 Music out of NY. A long time NYC veteran, he comes with the ill video for this graffiti bombing anthem. Deacon The Villian from Cunninlyguists on production.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Rap Music Real Talk With Dallas Penn
Dallas Penn of Internet Celebrities fame drops a ton of jewels backstage @ SOB's @ a Joell Ortiz concert. He chops it up with him afterwards. Show... bus-in-ess.
Nas - Hero
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Phonte & DJ Brainchild Present: Gordon Gartrell Radio Ep. 2
Phontiggalo & Brainchild with the podcast. Tay goes in on Kells.
Gordon Gartrell Radio Episode 2
Che Grand - Crash
Che Grand is from Brooklyn. This joint right here is dope. Produced by Von Pea of Tanya Morgan, it's a goodie.
Che Grand - Crash
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Real: The Young Buck & The Chainless
The Young Buck and The Chainless from jeff on Vimeo.
These guys are fools. Lol.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Exclusive Interview: Wildabeast
We here at The Stratos Blog bring to you the first of many exclusive interviews. We plan on having the exclusive interviews be the trademark of the site. First up, we have Wildabeast the hood hippie from Harlem. He's part of Notherground Music and was a member of the Rawkus 50. Just recently he dropped an amazing mixtape Wildahead Portibeast where he tears into Portishead music with amazing rhymes. Check it out as we chat it up with the beast.
TSB: How did you get the name Wildabeast? Is your name Will?
Wildabeast: Yes my name is Will. I got the name Wildabeast from my boy Vic. Me and my friends were having a cypher in my room and Vic hadn't heard me rhyme for a while. When it was my turn to go I spit for like 48 bars and he said "Wow Will, you're a beast." So I took the name and ran with it.
TSB: How long does it take you to make a song in the studio?
Wildabeast: Depends, sometimes I'll have a rhyme ready to go to on his beats or I'll just format a rhyme to a beat when we do it like that it's pretty quick, about an hour. Most of the time he'll just make a beat from scratch. I'll give him feedback on what I think the beat should sound like, and I'll formulate my rhyme while he does that, and through the process we'll come up with a hook. That can take anywhere from one to three hours. On a good night we can do 3 songs.
TSB: By "him" you must mean 6th Sense. I know you two do a lot of work together. What's it like working with 6th?
Wildabeast: I love working with 6th. He's a dope ass MC and he is very musical as well. It's easy because we know each other so well. Sonically he knows what kind of beats I like but he also makes me go out the box.
TSB: What made you decide to do the Wildahead Portibeast project?
Wildabeast: Well 6th and I were in the studio just listening to music. I put on a Portishead track and just started freestylin, joking around. You see I've been doing that to Portishead since high school. 6th looked at me and said "why don't we loop this up and you rock to it?" I was kind of hesitant at first because I WORSHIP Portishead, but I said "fuck it." By doing this, hopefully I can open up a whole new audience to them. I also did the whole project because they hadn't put out any new material in over 10 years. The crazy thing is towards the end of the project I found out they were making a new album. I like to think I inspired them to make one.
TSB: It's like you said in your video breakdown, it's synchronicity. Were there any Portishead songs you wished you could touch, but didn't?
Wildabeast: Yeah the track titled "Roads." It's one of the best songs I've ever heard. The musical composition and vocals are amazing. I had to leave that one alone.
TSB: Tell us the craziest story you have in regards to listening to Portishead music.
Wildabeast: Wow there are so many. Well I remember this one time I had about 12 of my boys cramped into my small room. We were tripping out off shrooms, most of them for the 1st time. A couple of them started feeling uncomfortable so I threw on some Portishead, sparked up some good herbs, and the vibes totally shifted back to good. Good music + good herbs = great times.
TSB: Wow that sounds crazy. Wish I could've been there. Any new projects? Videos?
Wildabeast: Yeah a bunch of new stuff. First of all my man Jelani's album is done. It's called "Wait You Can Rap." This dude is no joke. His album will be available for FREE download very soon. I got a video coming out for the title track off my Rawkus 50 album "Many Levels." My boy Adam Hall did it and it's gonna be crazy. Definitely not your typical rap video. I'm gonna put out a mix cd called "Extra Levels" in conjunction with the video. It's gonna have new material as well as songs that didn't make it onto the album. 6th and I are also putting out a duo album called "Both Nice." We're gonna put a mix called "Been Nice" before dropping the album, which will contain material from the vault. That's everything but we are always working on new stuff so there might me a couple of surprises.
TSB: Wow. That all sounds incredible. Can't wait to check out all that stuff, you can be sure that we here at The Stratos Blog will cover it all! I want to thank you for taking the time out to do this interview. Know that you are the first of many! One last question to take us out... If you could have one superpower, it would be....?
Wildabeast: I would want the ability to smack the shit out of everyone in the world simultaneously so everyone could wake up and see what is going on. Yeah that would be a great super power.