KING ROTI 

Roti is a rapper who has gone through miraculous changes through his years in the underground music scene in Toronto ON. Starting his journey with hard raw rap lyrics that reflected his struggles and life as a hustler brought some unwanted changes, which started a new path for Roti. After the death of his friend and an endless cycle of crime, he decided to humble himself in his creative expression-MUSIC. His determination and drive to succeed are paying off with an impressive resume that has built in the past 2 and half years. Roti’s newest mix tape POETIC PROFIT VOL. 2, has the tracks: “Good Morning Toronto”, and “Waiting for You” ft. Keon Love along with some fun interludes of a gal playing Roti’s “wifie”; which dropped September 5th 2008 and has already started a buzz in the streets. In spring 2009 he will release a new album that will be distributed by Universal. This is a guy who loves what he does and “would have it no other way right now”. He has blessed HOOKEDUPB with a personal interview that shows his loyalty in music and towards the people who surround him. 

Interview With ROTI: 

How did you and Keon Love end up doing collaboration together? 

Funny thing she came and holla’d at me to work with her on a track, and I checked out her myspace, and really liked her stuff. I had a beat I was sitting on for a couple of months; I already had my verses done, I just needed someone to do the hook with me. Two weeks later she was in the studio with me! 

Can you give me any updates on the deal with universal distributing your album in 2009? 

Distribution deals…now a days do nothing except for put your material out there and take some money. We go to them with our stuff already finished; mixed and master, promotions est.….we go through Fontana North. 

Do you make any money from your music or other related projects like: videos or events? 

Ya, I make money. I make money from CD’s, Shows (unless we put it together), events, and Soulcan checks (rappers have to register with them to get paid). The mix tape release party we made money than. 

This past mix tape we printed 3000 copies, gave away 500, sold 1100 at $11 a pop, you do the math! 

My favorite quote: “time is money” – I love making money. 

Where does your inspiration come from- how do u get in the “zone”? 

I go through these moments for about two weeks at a time, where I’m known for writing a whole album’s worth of stuff. People who inspirer me are: homeless people, single mothers, immigrants, or situations that are close to home like: death of a friend, illnesses, struggles. I write all the time, I’m always busy- I love doing it…I would have it no other way right now! 

Do you think it’s easier to be an R&B artist or a Rapper in Toronto? 

hmmm…that’s a good question…I think R&B is a little easier in Toronto because there are more outlets for R&B people, they get radio play easier, and get shows more…Rappers have a persona about them- that their “gangster” and I don’t think the people want to hear! 

How do you think you will enter the professional game, in the music industry? 

What do you mean? A lot of work, it took Kardinal 14 or 15 years to get where he is, and Donmillion has been at it for years; it takes a while to be respected in the industry! I look up to those guys. Just dedication and hard work! 

Who would you like to work with in the future? 

Justin Timberlake and Kadinal Offishal 

How do you decide on which track to push? 

Team decision, everyone will sit down and decide! 

My team: 

Capital P- Rapper 

Trish- Management 

Razor- Designer 

Dope Boy- Publicist 

Keon Love- Singer (who was just signed to our label) 

Is Toronto your main focus right now? 

Aw, I don’t think so…but Toronto is where I have to start from, having Toronto back me before I venture out…I want to push my stuff in the UK, India, and the States! 

Has your “sound” changed over the years? 

YES, I’ve been rapping for the past two and a half years now but the stuff I was doing before was different; I’ve matured and it shows in the music, before it was all gang banger stuff! 

Who in your opinion is the “next” female independent artist? 

Um I’d say two: Kim Davis and Keon Love; my babies! 

Is there anything else you would like to add before we end the interview? 

Keep looking out for me; I’m always doing new stuff: projects, songs, callabo’s, and shows- music! 

CHECK ROTI'S MUSIC: http://www.myspace.com/enterthedot 

ROTI'S NEXT EVENT: October 2nd 2008 @ Soba 

Originally posted on owners private FB: https://www.facebook.com/notes/lindsey-browne/exclusive-interview-with-roti/27980676327