DT The Artist & Price Da Boss Interview                                                     Date: March 24, 2016

 

HOOKEDUPB MAG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH: DT THE ARTIST & PRICE DA BOSS #KimK

Interviewer: Lyndsay Brown

 

March 24, 2016, HOOKEDUPB MAG linked up with two Toronto Rappers: DT The Artist & Price Da Boss to find out more about all their exciting news they have planned for the very near future. DT the artist & Price Da Boss are partners in the Rap game, who have been creating a buzz with their new single “Kim K” in the clubs ahead of its released date. These two also have an international tour that will kick off in the next couple of months.  DT The Artist & Price Da Boss, not only work hard to accomplish their joint goals, and fulfill their passion to make music, and perform on stage, but they take time out of their busy schedules to work with youth in their communities. Both DT The Artist & Price Da Boss have Non-profit, grass roots organizations; Price Da Boss runs “The Why Not Campaign”, and DT The Artist runs “House of Talent”! Both guys are ambitious young men who have come together, making a pack to motivate each other on a daily basis as well as bringing each other’s strengths in unity to become a strong team. They are creating well thought-out plans for themselves, they are also making opportunities for other artists too. As if this isn’t intriguing enough, the story on how this interview ‘came to pass’ has been like solving a rubik’s cube.

 

Before the interview with DT The Artist, well experienced Rapper, was no online stranger to HOOKEDUPB has he is pretty savvy when it comes to online self promotion specially on Instagram. DT The artist is affiliated with 4DH alongside Steel DC a diligent artist from St. Maarten who is indeed known to HOOKEDUPB MAG through an online music connections. In the past DT The Artist & Steel DC both performed on the same stage in St. Maarten in front of 10, 000 people! Further, HOOKEDUPB briefly met DT The Artist at “The 6ix Female Cypher Series” 3.0 event early March 2016.

 

Price Da Boss has been in the music industry for a long time, but in his case mostly know for his behind the scenes work as artist management, hype man, videographer, photographer; really a ‘jack of all trades’! On site of the interview, HOOKEDUPB realized that in meeting Price Da Boss this was actually the second time meeting him! The first time was back in June 2015, when Price Da Boss, was at the time managing Toronto artist: Star Dat Prince, who is well known to HOOKEDUPB MAG, and the underground Toronto music scene.

 

Moving forward, DT The Artist & Price Da Boss have great charisma, and work ethic. They do as many as two shows a week; not just limited to Toronto/GTA, but all over Ontario, and abroad! Their new single “Kim K” has audiences taking notice, and the anticipation for the release is building, keep reading to find out all the details below:

 

1. First off can you tell us a bit about what makes each of you stand out from the crowd in the music industry, here in Toronto, and abroad?

 

DT The Artist- To start off I’d say our size between Price and myself, he’s five foot and muscles, we have this interesting dynamic between each other. On top of that we like to create fun type of music people can resonate with have fun when they’re listening to it, jump around, forget the cares of the world, that kind of thing …we also have a lot of punch lines!

 

Price Da Boss- I’d just say our work ethic; our work ethic is not like the usual one you’d find in Toronto.

 

DT The Artist- Traveling… we perform at least two times a week, like we don’t stop, we’re always looking for the next opportunity, where we can perform, what can we do different, that no one else is doing right now!

 

Price Da Boss- Some artists may frown on open mics, but some our biggest links that we met, has been through open mics…and because we do a lot of open mics as well we get to practice with each other.  when we actually have big show the chemistry between us can clearly been seen.

 

DT The Artist- It’s been built up already since we have that off stage chemistry as well as on stage. So, in a sense a lot of people don’t really get to see how we really are when we’re together so we’re actually working on a TV Show called the P&D Show, featuring Price Da Boss & DT. We’re actually going to be doing a show in St. Maarten and they will be recording every single thing we do, um and then we are going to try and pitch that to Roger’s as well as some other TV Networks so we can have a series on; then you can actually follow the things that we actually do…you Know with clothing lines and meeting with people such as yourself (HOOKEDUPB MAG), traveling internationally all those kinds of things.

 

2. how did your business relationship come about?

 

Price Da Boss- I got the name Price Da Boss, because for years I always have done stuff by myself right! I’ve been doing the business side for so long now that I kind of stray from being an artist…now I’m solely focusing on being an artist. Working with DT I’m actually getting to be an artist, and work on my craft. I have business knowledge, I’m able to understand what he is going through, he’s actually the one putting everything together, and I can help. For example, DT and I would make a lot of music together, but we also support each other’s solo career. If I’m performing he’s holding the camera, and if he’s performing I’m holding the camera, if I just have to be his hype man I don’t need the audience to be focused on me, there’s no envy, I’m okay with the spotlight being on DT, and vice versa. For me it’s just the support network just knowing that someone is going to support you. Just knowing that someone is crazy enough to sleep outside of a hotel for 30 hours just to meet that one person that your suppose to meet.  I guess it goes back to the work ethic as well.

 

DT The Artist- One thing that most people don’t know is that they think our relationship business wise is new, but Price and I have actually known each other over 12 years, so it just so happened that last year was the time when everything kind of aligned with me, and him to start working together, to figure out the business that kind of thing.  With the skill sets that we have individually, we’re able to combine them, so in business now we can do certain things.

 

3. Your social media accounts are doing really well regarding numbers, and public interaction; can you share some tips on how y’all accomplished this?

 

DT The Artist- If we look at our strategies are very different. With me I just post, whatever I’m doing, I just post…what I’m eating, where I’m going, who I’m with, what events I’m at, I just post it all, but a lot of times I don’t even use hashtags. A lot of people see it, and like it! Whereas, Price has a totally different strategy…

 

Price Da Boss- Ya, for me I have a PR…for example: I have a management team, and PR, I have an assistant, and I have a branding master. Something that may be posted on my IG, they could be like “save that for Snapchat” or I have people that when I’m at a show they’re filming the Snapchat for me! It’s just about catching the moments. For me, I use my IG as ‘inspirational’, and for the people watching It’s not like “oh look at me I’m doing better than you”… it’s like look at the hours in my day, and look how I’m using it to get to the next level. So, I have my own team who helps me out, what to post, and what not to post. Since, we are actually busy doing things, for example: yesterday was on my Snapchat, when I see people saying “oh keep doing it”, more inspirational more interaction, cause if you’re not doing it there’s nothing really to react on right!?

 

4. Recently, DT The Artist was the host of “The March Madness Artist Showcase” event here in Toronto; how did that go, was Price Da Boss there, and what went down?

 

DT The Artist- Okay for March Madness we were at the College bar big shout outs to Gavin who had given it to us. The show was actually organized by my booking agent Gezeta (Gezeta Inc.) and in doing so we created a partnership where she organizes and books the act. I do the hosting duties on the mic, and remind everybody go to the bar, introduce the artists, and I get the DJ (Shout out to T Major he’s been an amazing DJ). March Madness was actually our second show in Feb. 2016…we did ALLSTAR Weekend, and the March Madness Artist Showcase.

 

Yes, Price Da Boss was there, he was at both of those events. Usually where ever I am, he is, and where he is I am! A lot of the time we have created a support system for each other.

 

What went down? It was actually an amazing experience we’ve had two showcases now where we almost packed the venue with no security, no incidents, just people coming out, and having a good time and an amazing vibe. Both times the owners at the venues were like “wow no ruckus we’re booking up Hip- Hop shows, and we’re not worried about the shows”. When most times in Toronto when your booking a show the first thing is “how much security is coming”?, “what kind of Hop-Hop is it”?. We’re like ‘commercial’ stuff we’re not breaking down walls or nothing. What went down…we had some amazing performances we actually had a lady named D’eve, an artist who came from Guelph to come and perform, in Feb. when we had a dude by the name of Young Reno from New York to be there. It’s great that we’re actually attracting different people. Last night we decided (me and my business partner Gezeta) that we will be doing this once a month now. We love to use the word “perpetuity” (Meaning forever) you know that’s the word that we like to use. Just getting some things happening for artists within the city cause just like you (HOOKEDUPB MAG) I believe in artist development! I love working with artists, and seeing their potential actually become something real. I find a lot of artists in Toronto they’ll have this idea of who they are, but they don’t act on it ‘cause they think they are already celebrities, so even though they are indie they try, and act like are major… which holds back all their opportunities.

 

5. The “Kim K” single, what’s this about guys, is it negative or is it positive?

 

DT The Artist- (LOL), well it’s actually positive, we’re not saying anything bad about Kim Kardashian or anything! The basic song is about how we keep hearing about her, and seeing her everywhere. If you look at the news paper she’s there, if you look in the magazines she’s there, TV, Blogs she’s there…so that’s basically the hook: “Kim Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, all I hear about is Kim Kardashian, on the TV and the blogs she gets action, man all I hear about is Kim Kardashian” ! That track was produced by 2-20 on the beat, he is one of the producers that works with Price, and myself. That one (Track) is also going to be on his (Price Da Boss) “Six Tape”… It’s a mixtape called: “The Umbrella The Six Tape”! We have a lot of things going on, and that’s going to be our lead single.

 

Price Da Boss- It’s on ‘April fool’s day’ but it’s not an ‘April fool’s day’ joke it’s really serious!...the reason I got on the “Kim K” was, because DT had an open slot on the track. I heard the track, and I was just like “ya this is a banger”, it’s something I have to be on! Based on seeing different crowd’s reactions to it, it is something that gets them in a fun mood. We have a bunch of punch lines on the track, it’s just pocking light at the situation. The mere fact that we have so many punch lines on the track, and the crowd’s reaction just show how much the media really puts it out (Kim K News) there.

 

DT The Artist- It will be online after next week Friday (April 1, 2016).

 

6. DT The Artist is becoming an expert, how did it feel being a judge for the children’s talent show in the recent past?

 

DT The Artist- That was amazing. It was an event held at Falstaff Community Centre. I’ve been a judge before for “So You Think You Can Dance- North York” the last three years in a row. I’ve done other things like talking with youth, I also do workshops! So, judging that was something, that was kind of hilarious. They’re little kids, so, you don’t want to give them the five or a three out of ten! they only gave us 10-8…

 

Price Da Boss- I got to cut him (DT) off there, because you can’t give people the ‘dream’ if they do something that’s worth 2% then you got to give them 2%! Like me for example, I’m very serious about my craft. Right now we’re doing a lot more than the average artist right! There’s still room to do more, but even times where I’m getting tired or something, I’ll get that call from DT saying “nah man you have to come”! Just straight cold turkey! I need that sometimes, because whenever I do it, even though I feel tired, I feel like I have coach. It’s something I’ve done by myself, but when you have someone in your corner helping it’s a little bit more…Biggie had Puffy, Bow Wow had DJ, the West coast had Dr. Dre!! In Toronto we have a lot of people that say “ya” when it’s really not that good. We need people with that real opinion so you can get to where you have to go. For example, me I have personal mentor in Drakes producer 40, and the whole time before Drake blew up I would see that the same type of qualities I seen in DT, for some reason I have a good way of picking up who I really want to work with. When you have real people around you telling you that are helping you out or whatever…you got to take that advice, some people weren’t really doing what their suppose to do. Some people will get a ten for trying, but that kid will leave with that ten in their mind, and think that they deserve the ten…

 

DT The Artist- The kids were 7, 8, 9 (years of age). There really wasn’t room for feedback. I would do it anyway, and just be like: “hey you know what spend a little bit more time on your dance, or in your song we couldn’t hear you” they be like “oh you didn’t give us a 10”, and I’d let them know they didn’t deserve a 10! The good thing is that I have a relationship with the kids there. Later on a lot of them would come back to me, and say: “because of you, I’m doing this now”! I tell them: “no, it’s because of you, I didn’t make you do anything”…

 

7. DT The Artist performed in front of 10,000 people in St. Maarten with 4DH’s Steel DC and Mr. 4DH; will you be meeting up with on your coming international tour?

 

DT The Artist- For sure!! We will be going to St. Maarten on April 17 so we will be doing a couple shows there, as well as Mr. 4DH! I don’t know if you’ve had the pleasure of seeing him online yet, but he is the founder of 4DH Entertainment! 4DH Entertainment was founded in 2005…in 2009 I met Mr. 4DH, and I became a part of 4DH Entertainment! The last couple years Steel Dc was added to the roster. So, I could pretty much say that he is a label mate. After the St. Maarten tour they will be coming up here (Mr. 4DH and Steel DC, and maybe some other artists, but we’re still not sure) this will be their first time in Canada. We will be doing a two week full tour, different performances every single day of the week, and I’m trying to set something up in Niagara Falls, so I can bring them out there as well. Price was with me in St. Maarten in Dec. (2015) spoke, and performed at a school. ALLSTAR LBC Celebrity Basketball Game, and performance down there. So, he (Price) got a little bit of the St. Maarten sunshine.

 

8. How did the international tour come about, and what venue/location are you most looking excited about performing at?

 

DT The Artist- How the tour came about was: Price in the last year did “Polo City Wide Tour” that was his tour…I was not there.

 

This he (Price) asked for my help to organize, and get some of the shows set up. When we let the team in St. Maarten what was going on they were like “we got shows here, let’s put them all together”! As for myself, I was already planning on doing tour in Europe. I was going to Curacao performing for Splash Festival out there put on by MadFlower Creative Group; that’s how the international tour came about. It’s carnival time in St. Maarten, leave St. Maarten, then in May we’re here (Toronto), doing one week media tour, then we will do two weeks straight performances, then after that we fly off to Europe in June,  after June 15, 2016 we head to Curacao, then we’re back in Canada for June 21, 2016!!

 

Price Da Boss- Basically I had a tour, and a friend of mine who had an accident…he was suppose to be in the Pan Am Games; because of his injuries he wasn’t able to be a part of it! So, I decided to embark in a tour ‘cause that was sign for me that ‘nothing is promised tomorrow’!

Instead of having someone come to me saying “you know what, I like your music, I want to push you on a tour”, I put a tour together! With that being said, I got a bunch of venues together, I got some of the hottest artists in the city on the tour, but I realized after working with them that it’s not just about their name it’s about their work ethic, and being on time for things; for example, the show would be from 8 o’clock to 11, and then some of the artists that were more notable, would come at like 12 asking when they were going to perform, and the show is over right! It was just hard working with people who had an ego, but within that was a learning experience. Through doing the open mics, and through doing tours with DT, I guess it’s about finding the right people to work with. This tour is going to go together real well, because it’s not just about the hype, it’s about real work ethic you know!

 

I had an ALLSTAR performance, and DT told me that there was an opportunity to be on “Sway In The Morning”, and it was a long shot opportunity. The next morning I was kind of tired, DT told me to have to be prepared. When we went there in the morning (8am)…one my previous mentors T Rex was there, and Nisa Hott was there as well. Sway In The Morning asked if there were any Rappers in the audience. T Rex said my name, DT said my name, and Nisa said my name!! So, basically I was called up to do an interview with Sway. After, Sway was like: “we’re going to do a freestyle”. Mean while, I was tired not even thinking we’re going to make it to Sway…so I didn’t really have any bars prepared. I hit them with a nice four lines, something small! The lesson is with this artist life, you never know when opportunity is going to be there! It doesn’t matter if there is 10,000 people there or if there is five people there you have to treat every show the same ‘cause you never know who is going to be there you know!...if I would have taken DT’s advice I would have been ready for Sway, and had bars ready, but because I kind of doubted myself or the situation…so now every show I do I have extra bars ready (lol)!! 

 

9. Is there anything else you want supporters to know about you, and or your music before we wrap up the interview?

 

DT The Artist- Yes, we take our music very seriously, as I said earlier I’m into artist development, so one thing I’m always trying to press on them is how important having a team is. People look at us, and think: “DT manages Price and Price does thing for DT, and they are doing it themselves”. They don’t realize how far we’ve gotten with two of us, and then we have our peripheral team: we have a PR (Amira), we have assistant (Cherri), booking agent (Gezeta Inc.), and we have we have other artists who roll with us as well as people who are willing to come out, and hold the camera! We are willing to do overtime work, so that other people can say: “there is a benefit too if I work with you”.

 

Just understanding our work ethic, as well as, the international opportunities, sometimes we just get up, and go there, and then we will find a place to perform, and impress them so much that they pay for us to go back! I see a lot of artists in Toronto waiting on someone to pay them to go somewhere, and for me I’m like: no, I can’t do that! I just say let me go somewhere, let me spread my name, and do that. I don’t understand this mentality like: “okay I’m going to record a song, and then sit here waiting for somebody”; no, get up, go out meet people, get the interviews, and stuff! Stop acting like your better than an interview or a show, and just keep doing it until the right people find you.

 

Back to our team we have a production team now, we have 2-20 on the beat, we have “no long talking” (both Of Toronto). Down in St. Maarten, we have our 4DH team, Mr. 4DH, Steal DC, Hitter, first Lady Wits, Three Plex, Asca Band (Producer)! There’s a whole lot of us. Shout out: Dexter Speechless, Devondre Jones, Kolla Bone, DD, Asca Band on The Beat! We have all these people around us. On top of that, here in Toronto, I have my booking agent Gezeta, assistant Cherri, PR Amira, and all the other people who are constantly helping us out!

 

Price Da Boss- What he said x2! It’s not about having a team, but it’s about having a team that doing their job. Some people will just say they will do this, and say they’ll do that, but when it comes down to doing it…no! For example, some people will say they are down with holding the camera the whole night, but when it comes down to it the ‘huff and puff’ about it. You can have people that actually see the full vision, and long term goal. The reason I bring my camera is, because I’m tired of people flopping on me! I’ll just do it myself! With that being said, it’s about having a team who is actually working! With a team I was able to pick up my artistry, and work harder being an artist, and the effects have shown musically. Not to say that you can’t be your own boss, but by being your own boss you have to know that you need people around you.

 

DT The Artist- We will be interviewed on three different TV shows; it’s all about the hustle, and the grind! Stay grinding!

 

 

CONTACT, DT The Artist:

Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat/Facebook: @DTTHEARTIST

 

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/DTTHEARTIST

 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/Protegerecords

 

Booking: GEZETAINC@gmail.com

 

CONTACT, Price Da Boss:

Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Instagram/: @Pricedaboss

 

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/Pricedaboss

 

Website: www.pricedaboss.com  & www.worldwidespotlight.com

 

 

 

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The 6ix Female Cypher 3.0 Event Interviews with: RUFF GEWEL, LD, TRi SHY, & MaizyF

By: Lyndsay Brown

 

 

On March 10, 2016 “The 6ix Female Cypher Series 3.0” event was held at the Wayla Bar in Toronto. It was an all female featured event created and organized by MaizyF! MaizyF brought together the artist to the media, and other associated companies. The focus was on filming the all female cypher’s third series (3.0), and promoting the female Hip-Hop scene in Toronto; the first of its kind to ever be organized, and aired on TV not just in Toronto, but the whole of Canada!  The female Rapper’s featured on the 3.0 cypher are: LD, TRi SHY, Ruff Gewel, MaizyF, Sapphire Steamy, & Ekelle. Plus there were even more female performances throughout the night. Continuing, this event was a networking event featuring female operated companies some of whom are: MAXIMUM FM Radio segment Queenz of the Game, VESSOUL Apparel/bloggers, HOTT TV, Sunny From The 6 Vlogger. Plus, HOOKEDUPB MAG is too a Female operated company, geared towards indie music & entertainment news; this event was a great fit to get out to MaizyF’s event, find great talent, and an opportunity to network.

 

The female scene in Hip-Hop has historically been downplayed, and MaizyF female Singer/Rapper/Producer/Community Leader & HOTT TV theme/music producer started a movement to change that with events such as this one, while at the same time putting together  “The 6ix Female Cypher Series” 1.0, 2.0, and now 3.0. The entire cypher series has been edited, tapped, and aired By Nisa HOTT from HOTT TV; a TV show aired on the Roger’s network channel 10 & 63. Further, the beats for the cypher’s are original produced by MaizyF!!

 

Before the show, during the show, and after the show HOOKEDUPB met, and interviewed four of the female artists featured on the 3.0 cypher. HOOKEDUPB MAG Exclusive impromptu interviews were with: RUFF GEWEL, LD, TRi SHY, & MaizyF herself!!

 

There were several other artists that night who were either on the cypher or who came out to perform that HOOKEDUPB didn’t get a chance to interview, but definitely stood out in the crowd are: Sapphire Steamy, Mickee & Moses, and Alibi. So definitely keep an ear out for them too, in the future.

 

All four interviews are listed below (you can either click the links below to read each interview individually or read the full feature as one): 

Ruff Gewel

LD

TRi SHY

MaizyF 

 

 

More on this topic: 

"The 6ix Female Cypher Series" 2.0

HOOKEDUPB MAG Photos "The 6ix Female Cypher Series" 3.0 Event

 

 

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More on this topic: 

"The 6ix Female Cypher Series" 2.0

HOOKEDUPB MAG Photos "The 6ix Female Cypher Series" 3.0 Event

 

 

 

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Exclusive Interview with Johnny Smash, #Toronto                                     Date: Dec. 16, 2015

Interviewer: Lyndsay Brown

 

Riveting HOOKEDUPB MAG interview presents an exclusive look into Johnny Smash past, present, and future. Ask yourself this:  do you really know Johnny Smash?  HOOKEDUPB MAG & Johnny Smash got together to help clear this question up, and give a better perspective on this matter. Johnny Smash is mostly known to the underground Canadian music scene for event planning/promotion. Although, there are some other aspects that people may not know about. For instance, Johnny’s involvement in the community! During this interview Johnny Smash clears up some misconceptions or ‘gossip’ that has been lingering from the past. The most exciting part of this interview is that Johnny Smash ‘Smash Sundays’ is back & the Johnny Smash ‘Smash Bash’ is around the corner!!  Continue reading to find out the whole story:

 

Q1. > I know that you have been putting in work for the underground music scene for many years and that you are a ‘jack of all trades’ literally. First can you tell us how you got involved with the music aspect of your journeys?

 

In 1999 I was hanging out with ‘shady Characters’, I was in Chalk Farm, they asked me what I wanted to do I looked around Rexdale, I saw a lot of people excelling at music like: Red Life, Blue Scorpion, Ghetto Concept, Infinite… I decided that I’d get involved in the music industry, so my kids would have somebody to look up too. I was working as a telemarketer at that time; I didn’t want to be just a telemarketer for the rest of my life.

 

I’ve had my ups and downs in the Canadian Music Industry. I found that a lot of things in the Canadian Music Industry were shady. I’m someone who fights for the Canadian Music Industry for example: artists were buying tickets packages to be on shows. I fought against that. I felt that if you were on the show, it was because you had substance. People bought tickets. I was very angry, because I felt like the Canadian public was being "robbed". If you have a show that doesn’t have any credence, or substance what happens is when you do have a good show, people won’t show up to the show (after they have been “robbed”). 

 

I always say to them (in the Canadian Music Industry) that “the whole of dem a pirate, and the whole of dem a thief”. So, here I am now managing a couple artists, mostly in the promotion role. Before I went into the promotion role I got a big break from someone who gives a lot of people a break who is Fred E Fame. I give a lot of respect to Fred E Fame. My friends told me “you shouldn’t be an artist, you should be a host”. Fred E Fame was the first one to give me a chance to host. A lot of people don’t realize that. That can be a little bit of Canadian trivia; who first gave Johnny Smash the first opportunity to be a host… big shout to Fred E Fame!

 

I then came up with my own events. One of my first events was ‘Smash Sundays’.  Mad respect to CIM (Canadian Indie Movement), Joe Wizzy, Damion Creep Show Campbell, 2HighMedia; Creep Show Campbell is on his own now, and is an excellent person in the community, excellent Father figure, family figure, and I respect him a lot. ‘Smash Sundays’ ends up to be Toronto’s number music showcase. The event appeared in Toronto Star, got invited to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and got invited to Sudbury, Ontario.

 

 In addition to that, I created side events like ‘Smash Clash’. Now, ‘Smash Clash’ is where artists compete against each other head to head, and it’s an elimination. It’s not something that’s original, because I come from a Jamaican background we (in Jamaica) have sounds that clash, and dub plates. I decided to bring this! I just found out, in my opinion, that when I stared to do a lot of things, a lot of people started to do it too. However, a lot of artists started to complain that they weren’t getting prize money for the competition, the competition was prolonged, and there was no end…so I was very vocal for the rights of artists. What I decided to do was bring ‘Smash for Cash’ ( artists were performing, but they weren’t getting paid)…  So, I said: come perform it’s a competition, but it’s not an elimination you still get to perform”. We are supporting Canadian Music. We wanna do a showcase, and at the end of the night, we awarded somebody a cash prize, and a trophy or both.

Another, event I’m known for is ‘Smash Bash’ which is my annual birthday, the first one was a big one with Neto, CHIL Clothing. CHIL Clothing has always been my Sponsor. CHIL stands for: Canadian Hip-Hop Is Legit. I made a great video with it M Deezy from Regent Park (Toronto), did the track with CHIL, it was crazy with over 500 people at Suba.

 

Again, I felt I had my own personal issues I had to deal with. Also, the way the industry was moving I had to retreat. Then I found out that a lot of people were stealing my ideas, I had sits downs with people and found out that I’ve been taken off the project. They’re doing the show which was basically my idea; so I retreated.

 

After I retreated there was something else that was going on in the public that was in a court case, and a Canadian Rapper which I refused to name, because I refuse to give him advertising was calling my name. It got to the point where he was making serious allegations, about criminal allegations. It was a big joke, because I ended up speaking in front of the police board when he had my name plastered over the internet with these false accusations, and allegations. The point being I found out that he was doing it to other Canadian artists, and people in the underground. Nobody stood up. I was very disappointed. I started fighting against that, and saying if you don’t have Johnny Smash’s back who’s back do u have!?...

 

I see myself as being king of media, and the reason why I see myself as king of media is, because give media opportunities. I seem to be born with a ‘house shoe’.  I’m very camera hungry, and everywhere I see a camera I try to get involved. What happened was a lot of artists wanted to be interviewed. They would call Johnny Smash to do the interview, and one of my big breaks was with FUSION RADIO. Shango was a DJ that DJ’d for me at ‘Smash Sundays’, a very good friend of mine. He gave me the opportunity to do interviews on FUSION RADIO.

 

I saw a lot of people trying to imitate my moves or go around the thing, so I just kind’ a retreated back. Again, with the artists saying stuff about me I found that I needed to reinvent myself.  I needed to come back in a different way. I basically cussed off the Canadian music industry, and retreated back at the same time I built my international links!

 

I got lucky! My god-brother knew somebody by the name of Fadda Chris. Fadda Chris is very very important in my life right now because Fadda Chris is not someone who is a big superstar he’s Jamaican underground. Than you have some other underground Jamaican artists that he was able to link me with. One of those artists in particular was John Bling, ends up that John Bling organizes the dancers out in Jamaica. They were getting disrespected, so I have mad respect for John Bling. He organized something in Jamaica, and created headlines. John Bling is in a movie. Jamaican mafia movie which is basically a shotah’s movie…top rated, underground movie ever in the history of Jamaica. The movie just got released last Friday (Dec. 11, 2015). I brought John Bling to Canada, and he will be at my ‘Smash Sundays’ which I’ve re-launched again at Harlem. I also have Latty which is the creator of “HOT UP DANCE”; “HOT UP DANCE” is the hottest dance right now in Jamaica sung by a Toronto artist Razor B. If you stick to the formula you see that there will be success, because here’s a Toronto artist with a hit song in Jamaica, hit Reggae song, which is very hard for Canadian artists to do. But, Razor B has done it! In addition to that Gabbidon will be coming Gabbidon is the creator of “Gimme Way Dance”; “Gimme Way Dance”, is sung by Capleton. These are all artists on the cutting edge. They’re not Movado, they’re not Beenie Man, but they will be in my eyes! They’re going to be at my ‘Smash Sundays’ on Sunday Dec. 27, 2015.

 

Q2. > You are mostly known for event planning for the underground/indie market in the GTA and you have two events lined up: one on Dec. 27, 2015, and your ‘Annual Birthday Bash’ on January 22, 2016. What are some of the details that make the two events exciting for others to attend?

 

For the 27th you have Latty Dance, John Bling, and Gabbidon! For my ‘Smash Bash’ I always look forward to it ‘cause it is my birthday. Vertex is one of the sounds that I usually use. Vertex is considered Canada’s champion Reggae sounds and the great thing about Vertex is that they’re a studio, actually not just a sound it’s a studio, so the music just keeps pumpin’. I always gravitated to Vertex. DJ White Boy was on it, now he’s on his own. He is probably one of the best solo DJ’s in all of Toronto. It was through the connection of DJ White Boy that I first got to network with Vertex. Vertex is controlled through Breadfruit a great guy, who is always helping me out! ‘Smash Bash’, this year is going to be with Neto from CHIL Clothing. The thing with Johnny Smash and CHIL we have done so much stuff for Canadian music. I felt that a lot of stuff that he (Neto) does is not respected so I’m glad that he’s back. Some people might think that I’m on a ‘high horse’, but I think a lot of people should show homage to us. I think we have done a lot for Canadian music!

 

Q3. > Are there any specific genres you focus on for events, and how does it depend on the event success?

 

Being of Jamaican background I actually grew up in the era of Hip-Hop I can actually tell you when the message came out, and I always tell ‘em “if you can make the old man dance” you’re doing pretty good. I was there when Run DMC came to Toronto. Shout out the pioneers such as: Ron Nelson who brought Run DMC here… played on 89.1 CKLN, and shout out to all the radio stations.

 

As you know I’ve been interviewed on those stations; helped them with support when they had their fundraisers etc. I’ve appeared on 89.5 CKLN numerous times. For internet radio I had my own internet show called: ‘Run a Boat’, it was on AllStars Radio; it’s on a Hiatus right now, it will be back.

 

Q4. > I am under the impression that you do community mentoring, does that directly or indirectly related to your music relations, and how?

 

In regard to the community stuff I have to thank my mom; my mom immigrated to Canada, then we came here with my two sisters. I never had a man figure in the household my mom did it all by herself. She raised us, who are great kids. My sister graduated from Harvard with honours, my other sister works as a bookkeeper! Everyone is successful… I’m the ‘black sheep’ of the family. I’m trying to make my mark in the Canadian music industry. Because, of my mother’s determination…my mother always says: “fight fight fight”.

 

As I said before I suffer from recidivism, homelessness, substance abuse so I’ve been in the streets, and I know what it is like to be in the streets!  I want to give back to the community. Smash kids my 7 kids: Shade, Shylee, Shiloi, Taijah, KeyShawn, Andre, Elijah. They inspire me, and I love Smash kids. A lot of people always knock me because I’m always saying “fyah on abortion”; it’s something that I believe in. I don’t believe in violence, and I believe that women have a choice, but I also have a choice to be vocal about something I believe in. I always say to them that “if my mother chose not to have me, we wouldn’t have a ‘Smash Bash’ 2016 now would we”…okay!

 

Q5. > December 2015 you were at the Regent Park community Christmas Food Drive, same with Finance Minister Bill Morneau. You had an impromptu interview with him on that day; where does your passion for these kinds of impulses come from?

 

Yes, like I said I come from a very small place in Jamaica, Naggo Head a place of champions, and I come from Mount Olive, Rexdale, and Rexdale, is a place of champions! So I’m just continuing the history. I was basically born with a ‘horse shoe’ up you know where.

 

I was at a Meal Program to show the reality of the Canadian music industry, and what we go through here. A lot of people pay you peanuts, and this is what I fight against in the Canadian Music industry; we’re not rich! I was in need of the Meal Program and that’s why I was actually there. It was great that I see the Head of Finance there, and again this is something that I was more lucky with. I have a gift for gab I’m camera hungry, and I wanted to get the interview. I asked Bill Morneau about the Syrian’s, and I asked him about the Pension Plan for Ontario.

 

Q6. > It’s becoming a trend to mix urban music with politics (ie. Drake & Norm Kelly, Jay-Z & Obama), what do you think the benefits and downfalls are for the reflective public towards you as a business man?

 

I wouldn’t say to mix music with politics. I’m not one for politics. Coming from Jamaica, where politics where so volatile, and every four years it’s just ‘kill and be killed’. I was in Jamaica 1980, and it was the wickedest election. I see a lot of ups, and downs with politicians; what we call the dons of the area so I’m not one to support politics. However, I’m one to support community.  I think what every artist should too!

 

For example like Johnny Smash! Like I said before I suffered from recidivism, I’ve been shot a couple times, I advocate against violence especially guns. I think there’s a lot of ‘black on black crime’, and I think there’s a lot of crime in marginalized communities with people opposing each other. I think we’re over policed. I always tell the artists that in ‘todays day and age’ a person wants to get to know you up close, and personal! You must have some kind of social cause! I try to influence my kids in stuff like: environment, make sure they know what’s going on in the world today, in history, and to read books; I’m a very strong believer in reading.

 

When we were kids you had to be the best…my grandmother (I love her very much)… I was raised by my mother, and my Grandmother, so I always big up women. I’m a big matriarch supporter.  I believe in the strength of women, and that women are needed in various places. When I was very young I was forced to read a lot. I remember when I was like three years old reading to my grandmother while she was washing the clothes…the funny thing is I was a fast reader, faster than most! The one word I had a problem with was “a= auh” I was looking at it like it was “A” she was like “no, it’s: ‘auh’” so I got enough beatings for that (lol).

 

Q7. > Please tell us about your contribution to the MAC Committee?

 

MAC Committee is a Member’s Advocacy Committee. We fought for welfare startups- we won! We fought for shelter beds we won! We speak in front of Police Headquarters’ regarding carding; that’s something that’s close to home, because of my recidivism, and the community around me. We take issues to City Hall meetings… It’s not personal issues; it is what the community tells us. We take their issues to City Hall.

 

Since, I’m in that community, mostly you can find me at the Kensington Market location & St. Stephen’s Drop-In (I’ve been a member of it, and I also volunteer there). That’s the reason for my MAC involvement! MAC has really nothing to do with St. Stephen’s it’s for Member Advocacy Committee that was started by a friend of mine Russell from Members of Drop-In. This is truly grassroots movement not no ‘fancy- shmancy’; it’s the people actually involved in the community.

What we do is deputations; any private citizen can do deputations. Since, I am the spokesperson for MAC committee I get all the attention. This has also accelerated me into the media. I’ve had stories done on me in Toronto Star, appeared in NOW Magazine, I’ve appeared on the Network Channel, FOOD CHANNEL, MTV Canada, CFRB Radio, CityTV,  CTV, CBC, and Global Television.

 

The Global Television story was very good for my career. The video kind of went viral. It was about the Danzig Shooting, and the Danzig Shooting was the biggest shooting in the history of Toronto; they asked me comment on it. I commented on it again, saying we need mentors in the community. Coming from a small community (Rexdale) I found that all the heroes were either drug dealers or gang bangers. We looked up to them.  I felt if we had trades people or people who worked in banks, and managers we would gravitate to those people.

 

Again, I’m a father of 7. Smash kids to me are probably the most famous kids on the internet. I have 4 sons, and 3 daughters. I’m also a grandfather of 3 grandkids! I love my kids. I try to instill family values in my company, and in my image!

 

Q8. > As we wrap up the interview is there anything else you like to add?

 

Shout out to the: Smash kids the ‘whole a dem a pirate, and the whole dem thief’ (lol)!

 

“It’s me, Johnny Smash the girl dem pet, and the man dem threat”.

 

I’ll be back… I found that there’s been a space left in the Canadian music industry, so I’m here to fight for the artists, give artists an excellent platform to perform. I believe in integrity, and I believe in quality…that’s what I drive for!! 

 

 

Contact Johnny Smash:

Twitter: @johnnysmash416

IG: johnnysmash416

Facebook: Johnny Smash

 

 

 

 

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Shauna Clarke & Keith from KeepDiggin’ Productions [Interview]           Date: Oct. 1, 2015

Interviewer: Lyndsay Brown

All questions have been answered by Shauna Clarke unless otherwise stated. 

 

On Sept. 4, 2015 HOOKEDUPB MAG went to a recording studio downtown Toronto to meet with Shauna Clarke (Singer) and Keith (Founder- KeepDiggin’ Productions Inc.) for an interview. The KeepDiggin’ roster has some very talented female artists: Shauna Clarke, Christina Passion & Akua Jones who are all featured artists on the KeepDiggin’ Productions website.  I realized, and appreciate the idea that providing a glimmer of hope for female artists in Toronto that shined through during the interview with Shauna & Keith of KeepDiggin’ Productions is part of the company vision. Check out the HOOKEDUPB interview below, I think if you read carefully, and you are an up and coming musician there are some possible opportunities within.

1)     Tell us a little bit about your history with KeepDiggin’ Production Inc.’?

 

Yes sure, I’ve actually been with KeepDiggin’ for a very long time, before it was even KeepDiggin’. We have been making music for many years. I’m an R&B Singer and Song Writer. I write all of my own material. My sound is R&B, but it's also very experimental. People can expect to hear a fusion of different sounds and versatility, from my upcoming material. With a little bit of everything.

 

2)     Can you tell us a little bit about how you feel working with KeepDiggin’, and how is it beneficial to you as an artist, in comparison to doing everything independently?

 

My experience working with KeepDiggin’ has been amazing. I love KeepDiggin’ ‘cause it's like a family. We bounce ideas off of each other, and collectively work together to complete projects. Working with the KeepDiggin’ family has given me a place to freely express my creativity; which is so important! As an independent artist it’s a challenge these days to even be heard, and to be able to share music with the masses. It’s been awesome; it has truly been a blessing.

 

3)     I hear you will be featured on other artists work in the future, can you tell us a little about that?

 

Yes, I've actually worked with a few local artists. Currently we are recording new material, and I will be featured on a lot of songs within the KeepDiggin’ family; so you will be hearing a lot of me.

 

4)     Currently what are you working on?

 

Shauna Clarke: Currently I’m working on some new music, after this interview we will begin our recording sessions for the night. Look out for my song called “Awesome” it is scheduled to be released sometime next year. I’ll be sure to keep you up to date with any new music as it drops.

 

Keith: The process with distribution takes time. So we’ve gotta keep it moving, and continue to create. It’s not like music gets submitted, then it’s released and out tomorrow. Things have to go through the proper channels as well. As much as we would like to quickly release a single right away, the reality is it doesn't work that way. We have to get it done, and submit it… it’s probably going to take a few months before it’s available. We may want to even look at it from a marketing stand point, like maybe we should just let it sit in the back!

 

5)     Where will your focus be in the coming months: music videos, songs, performances?

 

Right now the main focus is really just in being here in the lab creating new material. Performances will definitely follow once these songs are released. At the moment I’m just working, and creating a lot of new music!

 

6)     We know that you have been working on a song titled “Awesome”, do you have any ideas for a music video that you can share with us? 

Well everything is still fresh, and in its early stages of us formulating concept. What I can tell you is It will definitely be a song and video that people can relate to.

 

7)     Being a Torontonian is there any annual Toronto event(s) or venues would you like to perform at as a major goal?

 

The Much Music Video Awards, and the Juno’s.

 

8)     Ok, so we are about to wrap up the interview, is there anything else you would like HOOKEDUPB readers to know?

 

Shauna Clarke: Stay tuned! There’s a lot in store. Check me and the KeepDiggin’ family out on: www.keepdigginproductions.com/

 

Keith: We’re just workin’! You know, just getting everything together! We’re literally gathering all the singles, gathering Shauna Clarke's content, along with other female artists as well (I won’t mention their names yet, but there’s three more coming after her as well). We are trying to gather up good talent. They don’t have to be known. If they have the heart, and the drive then we definitely want to work with people like that. You have to realize, that the people we’re working with aren’t going to have some super fan base or some crazy followers on a local scene. They’re just regular people, like everyday people, who are just working on their craft quietly, you know.  Eventually if someone hears it (music), it will ultimately come down to who believes in the artist, and if they believe in themselves to make it to that next step. I’m definitely offering the opportunity, but at the end of the day it’s about how far can we take it. It really depends on the artists, and depends on the company too (you know, behind the scenes).  We’re just trying to do the best that we can.

 

 

CONTACT INFO for Shauna Clarke:

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/iamshaunaclarke

IG:

https://instagram.com/iamshaunaclarke/

 

CONTACT INFO for KeepDiggin’ Productions:

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/KeepDiggin1

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/KeepDigginInc

IG:

https://instagram.com/keepdigginmedia/

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Star Dat Prince [HOOKEDUPB MAG Interview]                                         Date: June 13, 2015

Interviewer: Lyndsay Brown

 

HOOKEDUPB MAG brings to you an interview with Star Dat Prince an independent: Toronto Rapper, videographer (StarDatPrinceTV on YouTube), and now R&B artist. Star Dat Prince started his music pursuit about five years ago, and has been through many ups and downs like most underground players; he has managed to keep his drive, and let his creativity grow regardless. Not only is Star Dat Prince trying to get ahead with his own music he wants to help others by producing video footage, and studio time. Read all the details below:

 

1.            How do you feel your music has evolved since our last interview in 2011?

I feel like I’m a lot more versatile ‘cause I got into R&B too as well now and I put out my first R&B mixtape in February on valentine’s day so I’m trying to lean over to some R&B to see if I can get a little bit different back with that

  

2.            When did you discover that you wanted to expand your creativity to videography?

The last video I was supposed to actually put out before ‘ROLE THE NICKEL’  was called ‘Fifty-two bars’ I paid a guy to do, and he ran with the money so.. From then I said fuck it, and I got my own camera, and that’s it! 

 

3.            How many music videos have you made for other artists so far?

I did one for my manager:  Pricey the Boss, called ‘Nobody Has Too Know’, I did my two videos   ‘ROLL THE NICKEL’, ‘ARMAGEDDON’,  Adiegoft Ox Snap called ‘Brains On The Floor’, and I did lil’ promo video for one of my RnB songs called ‘Roller-coaster Part Two’

 

4.            How do decide what will make a good music video for a particular track?

Sometimes I listen to the track about three or four times, or ask the artist themselves what vision he has for it, then mix a little of my own creativity into it as well. If the ask for a story board then ill charge them an extra $10/15 bucks for it, but other than that, if they like the point, and shoot aspect of it I can do that! Otherwise I just mix my own creativity into theirs

 

5.            Ok let’s get back to personal music, what do you think sets you apart from everyone else in the rap game?

I kinda put a little bit more of my life into my music, and I try not to hide who I am  because I feel,  if I lie in my music  than they, and look at me and say is that what you’re really doing or is that what you’re doing to just put on a show!?  So, I’d rather be open straight up with my fans, and supporters

 

6.            In your latest music video ‘THE NICKEL’  you talk about personal challenges you face socially as a Hip Hop artist (as do other artists), why do you think these challenges  surface? 

 Uh honestly in Toronto for the music scene there’s a lot of haters like they could be doing the same thing as you but if you’re doing it better than them they gonna hate and say your garbage, or I don’t wanna do that. For example:  I had someone come, and asked me how much for a video? And I said $80, and they said, but oh look at your quality!? So I said: okay, for one: I shoot ten eighty p! For two: nobody in Toronto is shooting for $80 for one video, and $160 for three videos!! So I said okay let that slide... I have a studio package also so we’re doing $100/$150 for video, and studio time included it’s like hour studio time, and a video for the song

 

7.            What can viewers expect from Star Dat Prince regarding your music in the near future?

A lot more feelin’, instead of talking about the streets, well I might still talk about it, but I’ll talk about it in a different way, that makes people say, okay yea he did that, but, try to lead away from it, not in the same way

 

8.            Is there anything else you would like to add before we finish up this interview?

I’m basically a solo artist now! I don’t have F.C.F anymore that’s gone. It actually got taken from me over the summer… um, some guys in the West end licensed it, took the whole name, and everything!  It’s like okay cool.. So um, I’m just doing me now. I’m associated with Pricey Vision Films, and also F.C.E First Class Empire so we’re working on that as a deal, we might get on to that as an artist

 

Contact Star Da Prince at the links below:

Youtube: StarDatPrinceTV

Twitter: @stardatprince

Instagram: PHOTOANDVIDEOBYSTARDATPRINCE 

 

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