Now I know that the flood that devestated the state of Iowa was also a major tradegy by itself but I must admit I was somewhat angry when they compared it to the disaster that took place in New Orleans. I am aware that they are similar events but the major difference that I see is that the people in Iowa were immediately overloaded with help and aid.
I have learned that the United States government is one step closer in collecting data on people on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The government will look at private information such as: credit card transactions, internet browsing habits, and travel history. They claim that this will be one step closer of getting rid of terrorism but it sounds like an excuse to spy on people.
The Thunderkatz is a group straight out of Atlanta that is trying to explode on the music scene. They have accomplished the first step by getting signed onto Irv Gotti's The Inc record label. The group which consists of, O80, Ginger, Jus Jon, Mel, Juno, and Benjjive is trying to add a new spin on today's hip and rock music. Member O80 gave me the opportunity to ask him what makes the T. Katz different from anybody else.
Descibe The Thunderkatz for me.
DH: Simply said The Thunderkatz, now The T.Katz due to the powers that be, is the future. When I started The Thunderkatz I wanted it to be a hybernation of music that I loved and listened to. At that time it was rock, hiphop, and pop, shit like that. Now my musical taste has changed a little bit and so has The Thunderkatz. The movement is to take different mentalities swirling them together rather than "hybrid" music. Me being a song writer and Ginger being an ill song writer we just let composition speak to us and say, alright what type of kids are we trying to reach with this one. One joint might be for the hipster kat, the other joint might be for the younger more impressionable kid, and another just might be something selfish and completely for ourselves. So rather then the movement being hybrid music it's morphed into a soundtrack of music for peoples lives.
How did the group form?
DH: The group didn't really form it grew and it wasn't really created it was birthed. Basically friends that did music seperetely decided to do it together. Out of that song writers mentality a really ill band formed that is a whole other force and intity itself.
You were a production assistant so what made you want to step from thebackground to into the studio?
DH: I basicly grew up. Almost instantly after being told what to do I realized I was terrible at taking orders and was more like Carnage Mellon than Bently Fansworth (not a dis at bently cuz he's dope he just had the band on his show from g'z to gents.)
What was your backup plan in case this music thing didn't go the way you wanted?
DH: Well I kinda always worked in the music business so my back up plan was working in the business in some other capacity. But my manager BJ called me hot dog man because I had a hot dog and smoothie spot in union new jersey while I was saving up to move to atlanta. The place was owned by my pops and my aunt.
What makes the group any different from other artists we read aboutand never hear from again?
DH: Well you don't really read about us much cuz T. Katz is a buzz word so kind of having no success yet is dope cuz you only have up to go. I know I didn't answer the question right, but what is right anyway and why does it sound the same as write and have a completely different meaning? Now that's wrong!
Why are The Thunderkatz "on the verge?"
DH: T. Katz are on the verge of shooting a music video for our single called "Anything". Why? Cuz our pedal is stuck to the floor even with at a red light my instick is to floor. I instill that in the rest of my band members.
Some people may remember Ray Lavender from the catchy song, "My Girl's Gotta Girlfriend." Now the Atlanta native is gearing up to release his newest album which features the single, "Stay."
Underground artist Tame One is set to release his new album, "Da Ol Jersey Bastard," on June 29th, which features a guest appreance by Sean Price. His new single is "Catch Me" featurine Del.
Team Blackout, which consits of Reggie, Joey Simmmons, and Zach. Their new single, "Lights Down Low." is produced by Rockwilder and will be featured on their debut album, "Lights Out" on Aug. 19th.
When I first learned of Mickey Factz I thought that he was another New York rapper that was using clothes and money as a way to break into the industry. After reading more about him I realized that I was wrong. Mickey Factz is actually a emcee with a message. He gave me the opportunity to ask him about his image, and why he is "on the verge."
Who is Mickey Factz?
MF: Mickey Factz is the embodiment of Hip Hop in the world. The sound of 2016 and the reason your ear drum was created.
On your Myspace page you say that you can move New York hip-hop forward, how would you say you are accomplishing that?
MF: I'm doing a damn good job by releasing great music weekly. I'm preparing my Ep and Album. Not to mention I'm creating a culture within the realm of music. That is assisting me big time as well. It's deeper than lyrics and rhythm. It's lifestyle and culture.
You have a lot of acclaim surrounding you right now from the media, do you look at that as a good or bad thing?
MF: Its an excellent thing! They know what's about to come forth when it comes to music. I'm creating a mass hysteria via online, television, performing and very soon radio. Press can never be bad.
For little kids growing up that are looking at music as a outlet how would you say that they can relate to you?
MF: I'm what they wanna be when they grow up. I talk about things that affect people my age, younger and older. Its about connecting with the listener. By any means neccesary.
How was it like working with Lauryn Hill?
MF: Amazing. That's the only word that can be used.
What is the best advice you have received so far?
MF: No matter who tries to kill your dreams, you keep going to sleep and living them - LL Cool J You are known for releasing songs weekly, how many songs do you record on a regular basis?
MF: As many as possible before the engineer gets tired. I have toooooooo many timeless, classic songs, that will never die.
Who would you say you look up to, or are you in a class by yourself?
MF: My style is like resource room, I'm in a class by myself baby. But my inspirations are Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z and myself.
Why are you "On the verge?"
MF: I'm on the verge cause really I'm the best at what I do at the present time. I'm bringing dignity and respect to the forefront of Hip Hop once again.
What is up next for you?
MF: More music, more videos, more hits, more supras, more shows, more interview. Everything that a superstar in the making is supposed to receive. Guggenheim.
Mickey Factz feat. the Cool Kids, "Rockin N Rollin"
I recently went and seen the lovely Chrisette Michele in concert at the House of Blues.
A lot of people know her from the collabs that she has done with Nas and Jay-Z.
The 25 year old songstress grew up in Long Island, New York and is currently signed to Def Jam Records. Her new album is due out in September, but you can pick up her current album, I Am, which is out now.
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