Breeding Ground Spotlight: Tray Pizzy
WATCH TRAY PIZZY IN THE BREEDING GROUND SPOTLIGHT
Breeding Ground Spotlight: Good Life Music Group: Trudo & Frontstreet
The Good Life Music group is a rising label. With top talent like Trudo and Frontstreet The label is making moves with names like Wiz Khalifa Ludacris, Bow Wow, Yo Gotti, Lil Twist and many more. Find out more about their artists. AllHipHop.com: Introduce yourself . Trudo: My name is Trudo and I was born and raised in Memphis. I migrated to Atlanta a few years back and now I represent Good Life Music Group to the fullest. I recently broke into the rap industry about a year ago and I am now here to stay. I am going full speed ahead, like the title of my mixtape, “All Gas, No Brakes”. AllHipHop.com: As a new artist on an indie label, how does it feel to have a #2 slot on the Billboard R&B Hot singles chart bumping artists like Tamar Braxton? Trudo: It is a blessing to have my name next to the Braxton’s at such an early stage of my career…It is humbling. I am glad to be there, but I am trying to stay there. I am just going to continue working and striving for the best. AllHipHop.com: Migrating from Memphis to Atlanta, which do you feel had a greater influence on your music? Trudo: Both cities are influential in my sound and delivery. I would say it is more 50/50. My lyrics and thoughts are from Memphis and the way I deliver the message is all Atlanta. AllHipHop.com: How did you come to Good Life? Trudo: I have known the CEO of Good Life Music Group for several years. When I decided I wanted to pursue a rap career professionally, I knew signing with Good Life Music Group was a no brainer. I wanted to be a part of a strong movement. We all have the same goals and drive, therefore it was only right that I join the team. AllHipHop.com: Tell me About “All Gas, No Brakes” Trudo: “All Gas, No Brakes” will be my debut mixtape. It is going to tell you everything about me, my hustle, my drive and my determination to make it in the industry. It is all me with my foot on the gas pedal. AllHipHop.com: How did you team up with Frontstreet? Trudo: Frontstreet and I teamed up through a mutual friend and ever since, we have been rockin! The chemistry that we have when we are in the studio is crazy and it carries over into our everyday life. He is more than a label-mate, he is my brother! AllHipHop.com: When you were working with D4L, was it intentional that you set out to create a new style of music with “snap” or was it a phenomenon that just popped? Frontstreet: It just popped, because I do not recall us sitting down and saying this is next. It had something to do with the young producer that we were working with at the time as well…DJ Poo. He brought a different sound and the “snap” music is what came out of the sessions. AllHipHop.com: What is it about you and Trudo that make great musical chemistry? Frontstreet: We are brothers first. Our chemistry in the lab has been crazy since day one…when we start working and get in a zone, ideas, concepts and stories start developing. We are always pushing each other to perfection. AllHipHop.com: How did the Wiz Khalifa, Rocky Fontaine collaboration come about? Frontstreet: We were on the Dub Car Show tour with Wiz Khalifa, Ludacris, Bow Wow, Yo Gotti, Lil Twist and many more. I ran across one of Wiz’s friends, Fontaine and Koshe Kicks… we were just kicking it in the studio one night and that song came about. AllHipHop.com: What’s next for you with Good Life? (Both) Frontstreet: Our next step is our tour, “Welcome to Good Life”. Then my mixtape, “Undefeated” will drop later this year. I am also working on a couple of Good Life Film projects. My future is looking very bright and for me, I am very humbled and blessed.
Breeding Ground Spotlight: Smokes AKA Mr. Asian Pride
Hip Hop Juggernaut Smokes is an Asian American rapper from Wisconsin. The electrifying MC is a witty, multi-talented, and passion-filled rising star in the world of Rap music. Smokes has been featured in XXL Magazine, The Source online, OnSmash.com, AllHipHop.com, VladTV, YoRaps.com, Sirius/XM Satellite Radio and more. He has collaborated with such renowned artists as Three 6 Mafia, Joell Ortiz, Tone Trump and Young Joc just to name a few. Moreover, Smokes won the “Outstanding Artist of The Year” award at the prestigious 8th Annual Underground Music Awards and he has shared the stage with artists such as Kid Cudi, Wiz Khalifa, Kardinal Official, Asher Roth, Three 6 Mafia, Joell Ortiz, Diggy Simmons, Tone Trump and many more. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO: “GOT THEM” FEAT. JACKIE CHAIN AllHipHop.com: What’s Good Smokes? I understand right now you’re on a national tour with Jackie Chain, The Yellow Boyz and others. How is that going? Smokes: The Tour is going pretty well. It’s called the Asian Hip Hop Summit Tour and we’re hitting all of the major cities including New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, DC and we’ll be down in Austin Texas for the SXSW Festival. It feels real great to be out on the road interacting with the fans and I’m honored to be sharing the bill with such talented artists as Jackie Chain and The Yellow Boyz. For more info on the tour check out: www.Facebook.com/AsianHipHopSummit AllHipHop.com: What Project are you currently pushing? Smokes: Right now the main focus is centered around the new project entitled “The Pre Party,” which is a Mixtape I’m dropping before I release the EP called “Ecstasy at the After Party” in first quarter 2012.. The Pre Party features Joell Ortiz, Jackie Chain with production by DJ Pain 1 and Sean Divine. In addition I have some songs on there featured with Nipsey Hussell and Three 6 Mafia. “The Pre Party” is a melting pot of sounds, from Hip Hop to pop, to Dub step, etc. It reflects my love and appreciation for all genres. You can download it on my website www.SmokesMusic.net AllHipHop.com: What have been some of your bigger singles to date? Smokes: My standout records to date have been: “I Luv Da Party” and “Glowing.” “I Luv Da Party” peaked at # 3 on the CMJ Charts. And “Glowing” is currently doing well on the Rap Attack Charts and the Rap Network Charts. Most indie artists make music based on what they hear on the radio or what they perceive major labels wanting. I just try to make music from the heart. I keep it authentic and that resonates with the fans. All Hip Hop: If you can change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why? Smokes: I would bring back the love and passion for the music. I don’t think people love music has much as they use to. Music used to speak for us when our words couldn’t; we’ve got to get that feeling back.There are too many artists and not enough fans. Artists should never forget what it was like to be a fan of the music. I’m still a fan of Hip Hop. Smokes ft Three 6 Mafia “Fetti Clap” AllHipHop.com: Which Artists Have Inspired You? Smokes: I’ve been inspired by 2 Pac, Michael Jackson and so many more. Right now the artists I’m on tour with like Jackie Chain and The Yellow Boyz inspire me as well. AllHipHop.com: What Is Your EP Going To Be Like? Smokes: “Ecstasy at the After Party” is going to be fresh and exciting. It will be Cinematic, Motivational and Passionate. It will contain some really big songs and my goal with the EP is to bring my fans into my world while thoroughly entertaining them. AllHipHop.com: How can people get in touch with you? Smokes: For booking and press email Contact.Imperialmusic@Gmail.com. Check out my music and tour updates on www.SmokesMusic.net and follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Smokesmusic AllHipHop.com: Any Final Words For The People. Smokes: Yes, Shout out to All Hip Hop. I have major respect for everything All Hip Hop does. Also big shout out to all of the MC’s, DJ’s, Producers, Bloggers, B-Boys and B-Girls out there working hard to keep the culture of Hip Hop alive.
