Interviews

The L.A.Ment – Interview

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The L.A.Ment


Band as One: What name or alias to you go by? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed your name before?

The L.A.Ment: I Am The L.A.Ment. Pronounced “Element”; in which represents my position in hip hop: I am the element of hip hop. A producer and beat maker are the main core of any and every one of the 4 elements of hip hop. Myself as well as every producer in this industry knows how important it is to create a vibe that constitutes the world of hip hop. The LA.Ment also has L.A. in it, from where I was born and raised.

Band as One: What is your respective instrument or position as a musician?

The L.A.Ment: The instrument I use for my process is FL Studio. It’s funny cause I downloaded this program for free, and It is the easiest and fastest way for myself to make instrumentals. I know that a lot of beat makers claim that using an MPC with a higher priced program makes you a legit producer, but in my experience, those guys create an identity crisis for themselves; they can’t do them, they have to be better than the next guy. If it comes out perfect, and it sounds beyond CD quality, it doesn’t matter.

Band as One: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? Do you work with any other artists? if so, who? How did you meet?

The L.A.Ment: My instrumentals have a grimmey / street / classic feel; nothing directly straightforward, I leave it to the listener to paint their own journey through each sequence and sound I provide to there mind, a lot like a Rorschach. A major influence of mine is life, I vibe as the vibe hits me. I have an album with Born5thChild, and am currently working with some of my other long time friends. I’ve met them all from child hood to more recently. Music has created many bridges and opportunities for me.

Band as One: When did you dive into music? What inspired you to make music?

The L.A.Ment: I 1st started DJing @ 16. After a while, my mind opened, and I knew that I could get to the same talent level as the artists I am paying. After a couple years of $200/week binge on vinyl, I needed to start my journey. I started making beats on my old Casio, as i followed the BPM’s of the records that I played of my tables. I even got a notepad and broke down many types of song structures my intros, hooks, bridges. There are ALOT of different ways to arrange a beat. I still have that notepad!

The L.A.Ment

Band as One: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

The L.A.Ment: I have a personal Indie label, TEN19 Productions, which I plan on launching when i am fully established to financially set in stone, but for now, i am working with different artists, and establishing my name as a producer.

Band as One: What can you tell me about your instruments or gear? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments or styles you have now? Was it cost or was it a style / model / brand / color preference?

The L.A.Ment: You know, I’m open to anything that will create a competitive and beyond quality soundtrack that I would feel comfortable competing against someone who is a seasoned veteran. I’m not picky with my software or equipment, I’m a computer geek, so i will find any mastering, or plug in program and make it work for me. The only thing i bought was the laptop I use…so i am a pretty good saver, or a software pirate, depending on who you talk to.

Band as One: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

The L.A.Ment: I have performed at The 2nd Street Jazz Club in L.A., The Blue Cafe that once stood on Long Beach, CA, Aladdin Jr. in Pomona for Jelani Kimball, a few other small bar venues around the OC and LA. I like the internet for my music, i know its promotion more than performance, but my idea of the internet is performing international, compared to locally performing. All these venues are all my favorite my love of music got me this far. I’m actually in the process of venue hunting with my co-artists.

Band as One: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

The L.A.Ment: Every show was to be different, and never to get old. With the right chemistry, many artists that collab can make a fire show, so no song should be performed repetitively, often, it should be original and different, mainly for those fans that show up to every show, that” mainly for them, so they wont get bored of you. Make it new every time they come out.

Band as One: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

The L.A.Ment: It is a creative process. Many things are premeditated, but the core feeling and mood for music is always formed during the creative process and will fall into place and just be perfect.

Band as One: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

The L.A.Ment: You need a feeling, any feeling, one that you would talk to someone about, and translate it into music. get that perfect drum loop that u can feel matched your mood, throw in a melody that gives u the goose bumps, and once u feel those, u know that your mood is turning into music. bass lines and add ons, play a part, just like the sun or moon, its there, u know it, but its in the background supporting your surroundings. hit play, tweak a few channels and the rest will transform into music you can feel.

Band as One: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

The L.A.Ment: Spontaneous is the preference. I know planning is a must, but too much planning leads to disappointment, and that should never be welcome to a show. This is a passion, not a hob, when it becomes a job, then, its time to change it up.

Band as One: How has your music evolved since you first began making music?

The L.A.Ment: Oh man, where do I start…lets just say, I was caught up in the sounds that were available to me.. the radio was my lifeline to music, so I created what I knew…but my knowledge and appreciation for all music genres have grown and developed intensely, so i have embraced those genres and created my personal creative pallet.

Band as One: What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

The L.A.Ment: Getting people to understand the importance of music and cooperation. One person can be a perfectionist, and the other would be fine as is. Those opposing ideas don’t mix good at all. My thing was that I needed a artist that took music serious, and not just a hobby. When I was using my free time for shows and music, the other was drinking and sleeping, it didn’t work. Collabing with many artists is a better way of business and better when they WANT to be on YOUR album.

Band as One: What’s your ultimate direction for your music? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

The L.A.Ment: If it happens, it happens, its all love for the music, cant lose sight of who u r or who got you there. I am still cool with the real homies who r not the ones that just use everybody for stepping stones, REAL ARTISTS .I’m not quitting, I have decades till retirement age, and I will keep traveling that journey to the spot in which all these invested years will make it all worth while.

Band as One: What advice do you have for people who want to start making music and getting into the industry? How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a web site with sample songs or a demo CD? Albums? Videos? Etc.

The L.A.Ment

The L.A.Ment: Just be you, and be open minded to what you can create. Don’t be stuck in one category, go against the grain. Be different; those are the ones that stand out in a crowd. You can find me on Facebook, just search and “like” The L.A.Ment, ReverbNation/theLAment, Twitter.com/theLAment, MySpace.com/TEN19Pro, search The L.A.Ment on Band As One.

Band as One: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

The L.A.Ment: Everyone I Have worked with, because music connects people…Born5thChild, growing up be childhood friends, I never imagined having an album with you, Rakaa Iriscience, you are a true MC, I will never forget going to the pad and u flowing over my beat, Phil the Agony, too much phone tag, Jah-Mex, you ARE an artist, Azma Instigator, your verse was crazy, FredEx, thanks for giving me your sample to bless the album with, Jharon, good look on the studio and mixing, gotta collab on those video game scores.

Band as One – Music by Musicians

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We are in the middle of a technology revolution and everyone in the music industry is suffering from it. Something is bound to break and something is bound to change the system. For too long, the record industry has had too much power over the artists they sign. I have heard so many horror stories about artists being signed to labels and made promises that were never kept.

Band as One is about giving back a voice to musicians and giving them the means and ways of sharing their talents with the world. Amazing things can happen when people unite for a common cause and if that should be to take back what is ours, ‘So be it!’

Come join the movement at Band as One : sign up is 100% free

Music by Musicians on Band as One

Band as One Interview: Obsurd1der

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Obsurd1der – Interview

Dreams ft. Flash produced by Obsurd1der

Therapy (Filth feat. Swift Dixshun & Obsurd1der)

Therapy (Filth feat. Swift Dixshun & Obsurd1der) by obsurd1der

Band as One – What name or alias to you go by? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed your name before?

Obsurd1der – I used to go by Mr. Misc (Miscellaneous) back in the day. One day i was at the homie E-Man’s crib and started writing “Obsurd”. Since that day it kinda stuck. The more I started writing it I added 1der to the end. And there you have it. Pretty simple actually.

Band as One – What is your respective instrument or position as a musician?

Obsurd1der – My instrument of choice was the MPC, from the 1000 to the 2500. I recently starting using The Maschine by Native Instruments. That’s really the center peice. I’ll sample something and build on that. I sometimes will use a keyboard or MIDI controller for the melodies.

Band as One – What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? Do you work with any other artists? if so, who? How did you meet?

Obsurd1der – If it had to have a “genre”, of course it would be hip-hop. But me, myself, I would consider it to be originality rhyming. I just do what comes natural. My major influences beat makering wise would be Pete Rock, J Dilla, Eligh, 9th Wonder, & The RZA…MC wise I would have to say KRS-One, Rakim, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane…those were probably my favoreites back in the day. I’m 1/3 of a crew called Kindred EMC’z . I met them through the homie Z back in 94. Since then, we’ve been chillin’.

Band as One – When did you dive into music? What inspired you to make music?

Obsurd1der – I started writing in high scholl, but I started recording around1997. Listening to the Living Legends made me wanna start making my own music. I felt that they were like me because they were real undergraound and they weren’t talking about anything I couldn’t relate to. They made it seem easy.

Band as One – Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

Obsurd1der – Aeronik Productions. I haven’t tried to put out any other artists so it’s not really a label, more like a production company. I am dropping my album later thhis summer under Myndframe Ent. They deal with media in general, whether it’s design, artwork, photography, videos, websites, etc…

Band as One – What can you tell me about your instruments or gear? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments or styles you have now? Was it cost or was it a style / model / brand / color preference?

Obsurd1der – Well, I started messing with the Maschine when a friend of mine (DJ Darkside) told me about it. I was using an MPC1000 at the time. I sold my MPC1000 and a little after that I picked it up. It ran me about $600 w/the warranty…so far it hasn’t dissapointed. I record w/ Pro Tools. I recently upgraded to 9.0, and it also hasn’t disappointed.

Band as One – Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

Obsurd1der – At this time I don’t have any show lined up. But if you can go to www.obsurd1der.com to stay updated on any shows or events.

Band as One – Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

Obsurd1der – Probably My Own Home with Kindred EMC’z. I don’t play any covers or anything like that, all original material.

Band as One – Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

Obsurd1der – I write my own material. I’m a strong believer that you must be original, or rather stay true yourself. I have a wide range of topics in my rhymes. From family priented music to straight breakin’ emcees down to fragments. I’m pretty versatile when it comes to writing. Of course my topics will change over time because I will change as an indiviual.

Band as One – Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

Obsurd1der – I normally listen to music (last.fm, Pandora, old records) till I find a sample that i’m feeling at the time. After that i’ll chop it up and arrange it. Add some drums, write lyrics, record the music, mix it and add drops. Depending on the song and the feel i’ll get one of the homies to scratch something over it.

Band as One – What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

Obsurd1der – Rehearsals usually will be a week or so before a show. We’ll have a playlist of the songs and go over them for about 2-3 hours. Then go over the songs again before the show during a session.

Band as One – How has your music evolved since you first began making music?

Obsurd1der – I’ve learned different techniques, been exposed top new music and experiences. And being the type of emcee that deals with these things in my music, I would say my music has defenitly evolved from just rhymes to music on a whole.

Band as One – What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Obsurd1der – I would have to say working with/depending on other people. Alot of times when your working with other artists or producers time is an issue. Don’t get me wrong, i’m not saying that working with other artists/producers isn’t a good thing, but sometimes it can be difficult. So I started to do all angles for myself. Production, mixing, recording, engineering, oyu name it.

Band as One – What’s your ultimate direction for your music? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

Obsurd1der – The ultimate direction for my music is to get it heard by as many people as possible. Not neccesarily to get any fame or fortune, but to make some money. Enough to play with, not to live on, ya know…

Band as One – What advice do you have for people who want to start making music and getting into the industry? How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD? Albums? Videos? Etc…

Obsurd1der – My advice to people is to stay consistant. And also to learn as much as possible about being self sufficient. If you can, make your own beats and record your own music. Make your own moves.

Band as One – Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

Obsurd1der – I would like to thank God for the ability to make music, my family for the love and support, and any one who is feeling my music. And Band as One for allowing my voice to be heard. One last thing, it’s a must you support your local artist. We are the ones who have the power to shape the culture, and if the music is positive and promotes anything besides violence, be all for it…PEACE!!!! Be on the look otu for “The COmposition” which will be out late summer 2011.

Follow Obsurd1der

Band as One Musician & Artist Interview

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Interview with Kid Presentable

apathy.mp3 by Kid Presentable!!!

Band as One: What name or alias to you go by? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed your name before?

Kid Presentable: I go by the name Kid Presentable! The name is a reference or homage to “The Simpsons” Moe the bartender was a former boxer who went by ‘Kid Gorgeous’ but he lost so many fights and got beat up so many times that he eventually was known as kid moe. Along the way he was called ‘Kid Presentable’ as well as ‘Kid Gruesome.’ I figured I’m not good looking enough to be Kid Gorgeous, but not ugly enough to be Kid Gruesome so Kid Presentable was it!!!

Band as One: What is your respective instrument or position as a musician?

Kid Presentable: I am an emcee / sample based producer. I try to dabble in the art of the drum machines, but results have been mixed.

Band as One: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

Kid Presentable: I would say I am an underground hip-hop emcee. Experimental hip-hop / down-tempo producer. Musically, I have been influenced by Sole, El-P, Aesop Rock, Blue Sky Black Death, Boards of Canada, Ceshi, Blueprint, 2mex and way way more then I can write down at this time… Jedi Mind Tricks, Slug, Eyedea…the list goes on and on…

Band as One: Do you work with any other artists? if so, who? How did you meet?

Kid Presentable: I work closely with my collective “Paper Lanterns Collective” which consists of Sleeps Numb, Noblonski, The Sound Setters, HOOT!, and of course Morbidly-o-Beats. I have also worked with King Jesk, Dj Darkzide, Hephty, GreenCarpetedStairs, JMelencholy and some people to be named soon. A lot of these people I met via the soleone.org message boards who really houses an insane amount of talented. The rest I met via real life conversations.

Band as One: When did you dive into music? What inspired you to make music?

Kid Presentable: I started writing music about ten years ago but started actually producing and recording in 2006.

Band as One: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

Kid Presentable: No label per say, but more of a collective of artists. The Paper Lanterns Collective is more of a flag that we all fly . It’s a place where our artists can call home, and a place where they can expect support from other members.

Band as One: What can you tell me about your instruments or gear? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever is available? What made you choose the instruments or styles you have now? Was it cost or was it a style / model / brand / color preference?

Kid Presentable: As far as equipment goes, I am more of a software guy but would really like to get my hands on some hardware. I run a Pro Tools 7.4 set up via a Digi 002 control surface which I have been using to strictly record vocals and mix them. I was using Reason 5 for beats but have now moved to Ableton Live 8.0 For my instrumentation and beat needs. I use a Korg Mikro controller for my midi all connected to a MacG5 that is in desperate need of an upgrade, if anyone out there would like to donate to the cause….

Band as One: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

Kid Presentable: I have performed at the Pharaohs Den in Riverside, Aladdin Jr in Pomona, 2nd Street Jazz Cafe in Downtown LA, and The Rehab at Loretta’s Lounge in Fontana. Not to mention backyard gigs and in stores. I love performing and I don’t really have a favorite place to rock. I’ve rocked in front of a Gelato store in front of six people. I do have a couple of shows coming up. I will be at this spot called the Jazzhole in City of Industry on 6/6/11, Da I’ll spot in Pomona on 6/17/11 which will surely be dope. I will also be doing a show for my good friends Besatree and K Serious in Upland in July. I have a ton of things I am working on so please stay tuned.

Band as One: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

Kid Presentable: I try to rotate songs and keep my sets fresh. Any new projects I work on I try to incorporate as many songs as I can. People really seem to enjoy “Apathy” as well “Asshole” which is good because those are easy to remember.

Band as One: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

Kid Presentable: I write just about 100% of my songs. Most of them have to do with what I’m feeling at the time. Whether it be anger at BP for the oil spill or the government for their lack of oversight on the situation. Another topic I enjoy to delve into is heartbreak. A common theme that everyone has felt in their lives so I used it as a away to connect with people, because let’s face it, your not the only one who dated a heartless bitch.

Band as One: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

Kid Presentable: It all depends. Sometimes I will write a verse or verses to a beat I made or that was made for me. Other times I will create the beat around an idea or notes I jotted down earlier in the day. It varies from song to song.

Band as One: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

Kid Presentable: I rehearse about 1 hour a day two weeks before a show. It basically consists of me listening to the song over and over again and singing it in shower. I like to rehearse in the mirror with a mic as well.

Band as One: How has your music evolved since you first began making music?

Kid Presentable: I think my music has become much more structured. When I write a themed song, it doesn’t stray far from subject matter as some of my old songs tended to do.

Band as One: What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Kid Presentable: My biggest challenge has definitely been building a name for myself. It’s tough especially in Southern California, where there are a ton of very talented people and only a limited amount of shows. I am of the belief that you always have to work hard no matter the situation. I feel I am slowly starting to develop a fan base but it takes a lot of hard work and playing to empty venues to get as far as I have gotten. There is still a shit load more work to do so… No rest for the wicked!

Band as One: What’s your ultimate direction for your music? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

Kid Presentable: Not so much fame and fortune as being respected for my music. I think it is every artists dream to want to be able to pay the rent with their art and that is ultimately my goal. Once I get there I can set some tougher goals and go from there. But that’s the short term plan for now. Find a way to make this profitable enough to quit the 9-5 office job and dedicate myself to music full time.

Band as One: What advice do you have for people who want to start making music and getting into the industry?

Kid Presentable: Do it. If you have a passion for it and love making music do it. Just don’t expect to be on the cover of Pitchfork or whatever magazine you read a year or two into this. For every odd future there are 10 other cats with mad talent and skill that don’t make it. It takes sacrifice and a ton of hard work to be doing this. Another thing is respect. Respect the people that are doing what you want to be doing and listen to advice / criticisms that they might have. Chances are that you will learn something regardless of whether you enjoy the product they put out. Last thing is be professional. In your mannerisms, your presentation, everything. Don’t show up late to a gig it’s disrespectful to the venue, the promoters, your fellow artists and most importantly the fans that paid 5 bucks to get in to the show. I can go on forever about all sorts of stuff.

Band as One: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD? Albums? Videos? Etc…

Kid Presentable: My newest album is out now for free download at the collectives bandcamp page. www.paperlanternscollective.bandcamp.com It’s produced entirely by Morbidly-o-Beats and it’s an project we are very proud of. I have some miscellaneous songs on my soundcloud page at www.soundcloud.com/kid-presentable. And of course www.facebook.com/kidpresentableraps and www.twitter.com/kid_presentable for all your social network needs.

Band as One: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

Kid Presentable: My family: My brother Yoci from the The Voids, my sons Dominic and Daniel, my wifey Jackie and my moms. My DxAxF family who showed me how to rock.

Don’t forget to check out Paper Lanterns Collective page: http://paperlanterns.squarespace.com/

Sore One & Apostrophe Interview

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Sore One & Apostrophe talk about upcoming events & projects for 2010 and 2011. Check out the new albums coming too: “Emotional Investments by Sore One” and “Dustin in The Dirt by Apostrophe” and also “Grey by Influential (Sore One & Apostrophe).
Stay Tuned and get at Sore One for tickets to the shows.

Tickets: http://www.facebook.com/soreuno

Video edited by
Darkside Productionz
http://www.darksideproductionz.com
A Musical Movement 2001-2010

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Interview: Free The Robots

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During the ‘Ctrl Alt Delete’ release party (Low End Theory / March 2010), the guys from Ableton interviewed Chris Alfaro ("Free The Robots") about the Music, Life and Ableton stuff..

Free the Robots for Ableton from gregthedude on Vimeo.

VIDEO URL:
http://vimeo.com/13496646

THE CROSBY:
http://thisisthecrosby.com/

CTRL + ALT + DELETE

Free_The_Robots-Ctrl_Alt_Delete_b

Check out the new album on iTunes now:
Ctrl

Interview: Magnificent Ruffians

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So, I was just checking my emails and stumbled on this interview with “Magnificent Ruffians” and “Fat Cap Magazine” which I think was pretty eye opening. Ever since I was exposed to “Magnificent Ruffians” I knew they were talented. After reading the interview I have gained a whole new respect for the “Magnificent Ruffians” and what they are trying to do with their music.

mag-ruff-group1

I don’t want to get into too much detail because the interview does that in itself, so take a some time, read the interview… You will see a few videos and gain some insight into the Hip-Hop community and what it means to the Ruffians.

Read the Interview: Fat Cap Magazine Interview

NOTHIN NEW FT. NOA JAMES

Filth One Interview on Huskey Radio

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Filth One interview on www.huskeyradio.com on March 31, 2010 with Soporiffick. Check out Filth at: www.myspace.com/filthlove88 and Soporiffick at www.myspace.com/soproffick also, www.bandasone.com/earthtones2 and check iTunes, MySpace Music and Zune for the Earthtones 2 Album. The high quality version of this video is archived at www.huskeyradio.com. Don’t forget to see part 2.

PART 1

PART 2

Visit Filth One at: www.myspace.com/filthlove88
Visit Soporiffick at: www.myspace.com/soporiffick

7 Days and Counting

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With just about 7 days left before they hit the stage with live music from their first debut album, the tension builds. I am super bummed out that I will not be able to make it to the Space Camp Stowaway’s album release party on Friday, April 2, 2010.

spacecamp1

Today the Press Enterprise released an article for Space Camp Stowaways and their "Happy to Sever" you album. Take some time out of your busy day and read the article. This is some ground breaking music, so don’t miss out!

By VANESSA FRANKO
The Press-Enterprise

An accidental meeting between Riverside residents Jeremy Berghorst and Luke Jackson has produced one of the most interesting acts making its musical debut.

Jackson had gone to Berghorst’s studio with a friend, who then ended up leaving, but 20 minutes later the pair started forming the musical foundation that would become Space Camp Stowaways.

The Article: Read Me

official-website1 SPACE CAMP STOWAWAY SOCIAL NETWORKS

facebook1 twitter1 myspace1

JROZ1 Interview: Wackoe TV

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If you haven’t already heard of Jroz1 from hearing about the “Earthtones 2” project and all the previous foot work she has done over the years, here is your chance. Wackoe from Wackoe TV interviews Jroz1 about her new album, what the game means to her, new producers she is working with and also a live and direct performance from Wackoe TV’s studio. Check out the interview to learn more about Jroz1 and also, don’t forget to check out Wackoe’s website at http://www.wackoetv.com for more videos and media.

WACKOE TV: JROZ ONE INTERVIEW

Also, take the time to watch Jroz1’s and DJ Ethos feat. YG music video which is a Los Angeles / Moscow collaboration.

FOCUS – JROZ ONE & DJ EHTOS FT. YG

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