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The Raw and Uncut
Interviewee: Dre Specz
Dre Specz isn’t new to the Rap game; he has lived in, and rapped in, different areas of Toronto throughout the years. Although, faithful to and most known in the Scarborough area. What is new is that he decided to do a solo project- a big step forward becoming independent and putting more focus on himself as an artist. Trials and tribulations are a common factor in the Hip Hop/ Urban Lifestyle- but he isn’t giving up and spits real passages from experience. He has been increasing the number of shows he does, and finishing up his mixtape(s). Interested in performing in Toronto and surrounding areas to promote his new Hardcore Rap mixtape, along with building his new Rap group. Humble and focused he came out to tell us what really is “snap, crackle, and poppin”. Here’s, the long anticipated interview with Dre Specz:
When did you realize that you wanted to take the rap game serious?
I’d say I was 15 or 16…I was listening to a lot of rappers and I started to do it! Because I was going through a lot of crap back than and could relate.
What keeps you going knowing that there are many other artists striving to get the same thing you are (fame, fortune, power)?
I think at the end of the day we all saying the same things in a different way. Basically if fame happens great- but I’m here to get my point across the way I want, and do what I like- rapping! Power will come with the respect and fame.
Most people know you from BLACK CITY (Toronto Rap group), currently you are doing a solo project- what are the pros and cons that come with this?
Pros are:
-You don’t have to listen to other peoples ideas- you can do your own thing
-Get to pick and choose what track and beats you use
-You can drift away and do other things independently- so your not just that guy from that group
Cons:
No cons- not really, if you think about it- it’s just you standing away from the group.
You’ve been doing shows recently; what is it that you like best about performing live?
I like to see people at the shows bopping their heads- it means they are listening. I like that! It’s kinda like an addiction for me...
When you choose a beat for a track or mixtape how do you judge the quality or better yet what are the standards that you go by for picking them?
BEATS, beats I’m picky with beats. Any beat I pick is going to have that 90’s vibe to it- I’m stuck on the 90’s. I like that real Hip Hop feel to it…I don’t really like all that auto tune and garbage!
If you could only pick three out of the six important “industry helpers” (list below), that an artist needs to be successful, what would they be, and why?
· Promoter
· Graphic designer
· Photographer
· Manager
· Street Team
· Radio link
Promoter- because you cant make it by yourself. Definitely need someone to help you. No man is an island!
Manager- because they hear about stuff that you don’t. They help you get booked for shows and stuff like that.
Street Team- basically, two hands are better than one! It’s easier to get product all over the city than it is by yourself.
One of my favorites tracks/videos of yours are “Show and Prove” (youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR79enmAT0w), and the newest release “Hip Hop Aint Dead” (youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEEQ8TlrTNQ&NR=1) will your new stuff be just as raw and uncut, or are you going for a different style?
Definitely raw and uncut!! I like to keep truth in it. You know the “Show and Prove” track has a lot of truth and subliminal truth in it. If you don’t like or understand that track/video your just not a hip hop head PERIOD!
Actually after the mixtape is released (end of July 2010), I’m just going to keep it moving- and start on the next one…
What can we expect from Dre Specz in the near future (projects, events)?
Actually, coming next is the mixtape release party at the end of July 2010 (I’ll be performing that night). Look out for my new group called- First Cavalry, some of the artists are: Jae Banko, Keylow, Tha Mighty Atlas, Cliffy the Mobsta (incarcerated), And Look out for the next mixtape titled- "Fundamentals From Mental after" "Show N Prove" drops at the end of July!
Who is featured on the ‘tape?
Jae Banko, Tha Mighty Atlas, Tommy Spitz, Risky G, Kurse Dre, Dre Barrs, West Diamond and more
Shout outs/ last comments?
Yeh ,I wanna big up all my First Cavalry souljahs FREE CLIFFY THA MOBSTA!, free my brother shivaz , Free Krooks, my black city niggas, tommy spitz and the whole GCP, Kinsmuv, West Diamond and Bascrom, SMW (spark madness warriors), Dre Barrs, M3G/GSC, MNL (Money N Loyalty) Risky G, Kurse dre, Stretch diesel ,also big up Remembering Amnesia, STR888 FIAAA, and any Canadian rapper that’s gettin it in, provin that hip hop aint dead it lives in the north!... and one more thing... "SHOW N PROVE" IS COMMIN VERY SOON…LOOK OUT FOR THAT!!!
CONTACT DRE SPECZ:
http://www.facebook.com/drespecz
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/speczdasolo
Reverbnation
http://www.reverbnation.com/drespecz
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Original post on HOOKEDUPB MAG FB:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/hookedupb-mag/the-raw-and-uncut/416339077392
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