Hip Hop Interviews

Danny Brown Plots Next Moves, Calls Mac Miller ‘The Worst Guy Around’

Danny Brown has a good feeling about 2012. The Detroit rapper – who earned praise all fall long for his release, XXX, and premiered the video for its track “Monopoly” on RollingStone.com last week – discussed his plans for maintaining his win streak as well as his feelings about pal A$AP Rocky, future tourmate Childish Gambino and Pittsburgh MC Mac Miller.

What’s changed most for you since releasing XXX?

The only thing really changed to me was being recognized. Other than that, everything is the same. And that’s kinda the way I want it. I don’t wanna be like Tyler, the Creator, you know what I’m saying? I want to be acknowledged for my music in the same way, but I don’t wanna be walking out of the house and having motherfuckers on my porch and shit.

The mixtape is showing up on a lot of critics’ year-end lists.

It makes me feel like I’m right in what I’m doing. I’m grateful to be getting those types of acknowledgements when there’s other artists with million dollar budgets behind them.

But you must be getting calls from major labels at this point.

It’s been coming up a lot. But if it’s not broke, I’m not trying to fix it. I’ve seen so many artists jump from the indie to the major, and then it don’t work. If anything I’d stay on Fool’s Gold they’d distribute from a major, ‘cause I’d rather still work my core team instead of having to explain myself over and over again to somebody else. If I came this far without a major, I feel like I’m doing pretty good without them.

When will you start your next project?

I’ll probably start in January. I’m not like a studio type of person or a Lil Wayne type of guy. I like to take my time. I may record over 40 songs but don’t let nobody hear one. And I like to live life a little bit so I have things to talk about. I think everybody’s tired of the old Danny Brown stories – it’s time to hear about what’s happening now.

Do you think you’ll put it out next year?

I don’t have a timeline on my music. I want my whole project to be a complete representation of what I want to put out musically, ‘cause I’ve been rushed before. Like the Hawaiian Snow project with Tony Yayo – that was like a complete rush job. I’ve seen what can happen with that.

Lots of underground rappers end up watering down their sound to reach a bigger audience. Have you thought about how you’ll deal with that pressure?

Shit, I’m not about to tone it down. Nah, now I’m gonna go extra hard. You thought XXX was weird – oh shit! I’m about to step all the way out there now.

A$AP Rocky directed your last video, “Blunt After Blunt.” How did you guys link up?

My manager’s cool with his people. They hang out like friends. They’re probably hanging out right now. I’m a lot older than the A$AP crew, so I’m like O.G. to them. They kind of respect me. And I respect them for being like that. You’ve got people like Tyler, The Creator who don’t respect O.G.’s. They’re my real friends. Whatever they need.

When will you hit the road with Childish Gambino?

It starts in March. I’m excited about it. I’m real humbled, honored to be in this situation. He’s like a TV star to me.

His album was pretty polarizing. How did you feel about it?

I listened to it. Hey, it’s better than Mac Miller’s. That’s my response. It’s better than Mac Miller’s. He’s the worst guy around. Don’t get me started. His album cover is like, ‘Ugh, what is this?’ He’s trying to be artistic, huh?

It is pretty abstract.

If I see him, I’m just going to have to apologize to him, like, ‘Man, I just want to apologize for hating you so much. Because I’m not going to stop. You’re probably a cool guy. I don’t feel violent in any way, but I really hate you. I hate your music, man.’ It’s just bad.

Another subject of heated debate: your haircut. Will you switch it up in 2012?

I love my hair. I have no problem with it. I’m comfortable with it, so, hey. I wasn’t comfortable with those itchy, nappy braids. I was scratching them all day.

ROLLINGSTONE.COM

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Mobb Deep Interview

Mobb Deep’s latest release Black Cocaine now in stores, Prodigy sat down with Invasion Radio to discuss the project.

“I just picked the name because it sounds good,” admitted Prodigy who was unaware that “black cocaine” apparently refers to cocaine somehow altered to become untraceable. “When I was in the yard, me and my man used to talk about what you would name a black Rock ‘n Roll group? We was thrown’ around names. One name was ‘Stabbin’ Everybody.’ Another name was ‘Black Cocaine.’ So that’s just a name a threw out there.”

Prodigy also took time to reflect on the group’s 2006 release on G-Unit, Blood Money. “I think that the only problem with that album was, I think were havin’ so much fun just doing some with our people that they was on too many songs. We had Banks, Yayo, and Buck. It was a little over-saturated with the G-Unit artists.”

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Mick Boogie Interview

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Super Star DJ Interviews : DJ Beanz

Here at HipHopSpy  we occasionally Interview what we consider to be Top Flite Super Star DJs. In this Interview we have chosen to showcase DJ Beanz one of the fastest rising star DJs on the East Coast.

1. Tell our readers where you are from and how long you have been a DJ ?

I am originally from the Boston Area, I have been in the DC/MD/VA area for the passed 8 years. I’ve been a DJ for about 10 years.

2. Being a Female DJ you are held to a higher standard than your male counterparts how does this effect you and your DJ career?

Honestly, it has it’s ups and downs, but makes me work extra hard to keep up. I seperate myself from other females DJs because I consider myself a REAL DJ, a record breaker & continue to better myself & truly master the craft, I’d love to eventually be as skilled as these male DJs out there. I support ALL female DJS (if they aren’t push button DJs) Unfortunately a lot of people are drawn to me from looks before they actually check out a mix, which gets frustrating, but once they do, my talent speaks for itself. I will say it never gets old when someone comes to the booth to dap up the DJ & they see me, lol.

3. We know you release mixtapes , do you DJ any Live sets ?

Yes, I actually have been a club DJ most of my career and recently got into mixtapes and radio in the passed few years.

4. We noticed you have a coast2coast Logo on your mixtapes , why would you rep a DJ Clique that is filled with 99% low budget beginner DJs and run by a wannabe rapper who taxes Indie artists to get on their mixtapes and makes DJs post there mixtapes to datpiss ?

To be completely honest I didn’t know it was like that, and the only reason I post to Coast2Coast is because so many people asked me why I didn’t & the way I looked at it was I just wanted my tapes to be available in as many places as possible. I do hate the fact we have to post to datpiss, lol, I am NOT a fan of that site and honestly if either site revoked my posting privileges, I wouldn’t lose sleep, thats for sure.

5. How do you feel about all the Mixtape DJs that release mixtapes that are nothing more than a itunes playlist with a homemade cover ?

FUCK THEM! It’s not a mixtape as far as I’m concerned. Me and a few other DJs actually had a “DJ” take the title off his name because his “Mixtapes” were just compilations. It takes away from the DJs that have a passion for this and are trying to keep the craft & hip-hop alive. Mixtapes aren’t what they used to be, it’s a damn shame.

6. What are some of the things in Hip Hop that you think are wack ?

I think hip-hop in general is wack nowadays. People like Waka Flocka running the game with no lyrical content. The industry’s idea of what is hot now SUCKS! There is alot of talent out there and labels like Young Money over saturate the game & makes me wonder if people know what REAL music is anymore. If it weren’t for OGs like Raekwon, Ghostface and D-Block still putting out fire Hip – Hop would be dead. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of heat out there but you won’t hear it on the radio. I work with indie artists that have 10000 times more talent than these clowns people are nodding their heads to. Thats why I take pride in my mixtapes and my radio shows, I play REAL Hip Hop, you won’t hear any of that bullshit in my mixes. I’ve actually got into major arguments with people cause they say I’ll never make it if I don’t play that CRAP…well if that’s what it is, so be it….

7. Who are some of the DJs that you respect and admire for your own reasons ?

1st and foremost my favorite DJ & Mentor – DJ Ykcor. He truly keeps me motivated to master the craft. His skills are unbelievable, he keeps it so real & he drops FIRE mixtapes consistently. He may be one of the most overlooked DJs in the game, but if you listen to ONE mix you’ll be hooked. Celo (the Supa Funk Regulator) he’s truly a living legend and he is the definition of a REAL DJ, same with DJ Chubby Chub & DJ Diamond. DJs like them keep the craft alive. Of course I have my influences such as Q-Bert, Roc Raida & Grandmaster Flash

8. Do you own a pair of turntables ? Or are you a button pushing DJ ? Describe your DJ equipment that you use.

FUCK BUTTON PUSHING DJS!!! haha I own turntables. I learned on one belt drive and one direct drive technics. I prefer good old technic 1200s, that WAS my primary set. Unfortunately my set of 1200s was stolen so now I’m on my back up set which I must say have been through A LOT & are still goin strong – Stanton T60s with a 2 channel numark mixer haha don’t judge me, I make em work damnit! Next move is to get another set of 1200s with a Behringer DJX750 orrrr the Rane 68 (which I really want) I mostly stick to Shure cartridges. And I refused to use serato for a long time buuut i must say lugging crates around did get old so I use serato now.

9. DJs are very competitive by nature what are some of the things that other DJs do that piss you off when you listen to their work or watch them in a live setting ?

So many DJs are so closed minded, they will only play what’s already “hot” and are scared to break something new. Also nowadays EVERYONE wants to be/claims to be a DJ. As far as I’m concerned if you LEARN on serato or virtual DJ you’re not a DJ. The REAL DJ is a dying breed. These DJs don’t know the concept of branding yourself/your name. Id love to see more showmanship at live events as well.

10. Where do you get most of your music from ?

I get a lot of my music directly from artists and my coalitions. I belong to a couple pools that come through for me from time to time.

11. Lil Wayne Said Fuck mixtape DJs a couple years ago and ticked off most of the bigger name DJs in the world, what is your position on playing lil Waynes music after he made such a statement directed at DJs like yourself ?

When Lil Wayne said that, I said FUCK LIL WAYNE! He hasnt been in one of my mixes outside of the club for a couple years now. If it weren’t for mixtape DJs he wouldn’t be shit. Unfortunately in order to get paid in the clubs I have to play his shit (plus all the lil girls harass me the whole time) but as far as my tapes & radio shows he gets NO LOVE! Same with Gucci Mane, you want to sue mixtape sites/companies, you get NO LOVE FROM BEANZ!!!

12. Do you charge Indie artists for placement on your mixtapes ?

No I do not. I feel if it’s hot, you’re providing heat for my mixes, if the artist is on their grind and doing their job I love to help expose their talent. Now to do a whole tape WITH an artist, yes I charge to mix and host their tape.

13. What are some of your favorite major artists that you listen to ?

Jadakiss, Styles P, Sheek Louch, Red Cafe are definitely in my top

14. Who are some of your Favorite Indie artists that you listen to ?

I have love for too many Indies to name but Sean Hines (artist from the Boston area) is my favorite overall, Tese Fever ( a dope female MC that crushes any femcee in my opinion)….maaan I work with so many indies I don’t want to leave anyone out but those are my favorites right there.

15. How do you feel about major labels that send DJs music for placement on their mixtapes and mixshows and then turn around and try and sue DJs ?

It’s fucked up, DJs are who make the artist when it comes down to it and they know damn well. So many major artists wouldnt be where they are now if it weren’t for mixtape/mixshow DJs. This makes me not want to support any artists on that particular label, but its hard. This is a subject I could go on for HOURS!

16. In parting is their anything you want to tell our readers about how they can follow DJ Beanz or contact you in a personal or business way ?

Thank You for the interview and your time. You can keep up with my work at www.djbeanz.com you can find my mixtapes on www.thatcrack.com Download the official DJ Beanz app for Android by searching “Beanz” in the Android market and hit me on Twitter @HollaAtBeanZ

Thanks again, if theres anything else you need please let me know.

DJ Beanz

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Lil Wayne says Collab Album with Drake is coming up

With Lil Waynes popularity finally starting to fade away. Lil Wayne is going to release a album with the new most popular artist signed to Cashmoney records Drake.

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