In this Interview, The Carolina Inquirer sits down with rising rap sensation Ike Ellis to discuss his forthcoming album Cornbread (due June 12 2012), his opinions on the music scene in The Carolina and why he's now known as The King of the Carolina!
The Carolina Inquirer: What makes you "The King of the Carolinas"?
Ike Ellis: I am glad you ask me this question. Now
it is my belief that as Black men in America, we were stripped from our
heritage, culture, identities during slavery. Throughout history we
have been taught to be inferior, mediocre, second class citizens. The
mentality has been inbreed-ed within our culture to be less which in
actuality we are extraordinary individuals. We were kings in Africa. We
had everything, as if we were royalty. Many times I am misunderstood, as
if I am an arrogant person who thinks I rule the Carolinas. Wrong
answer, I am a confident individual who refuse to look at myself less
than the Black king we were mean to be. I just happen to be from North
Carolina. If I was in New York, Florida, or Arizona, I still wouldn’t
consider myself less than a King in my mind. Every black man in America
is in some shape or form decedents from the kings who are transported
thru the Atlanta slave trade. I think, therefor I am, bottom-line.
Who are some of the artists here in The Carolinas that you have worked with?
I haveworked
with numerous artists in some type of way, whether it be at an event,
but musically or composed songs with I would say, Broadway Miller, Young Niters,Elevator Jay, Ricky Ruckus, Paradox, Lava Izzle, Picasso, bobby Bugatti , just to name a few.Back in 2010 composed a song called the “Carolina conglomerate” that was crazy.
Who are some of the artists here in The Carolinas that you respect, that you haven't worked with yet?
Umm
I respect every artist in the Carolinas that's true to this Carolina
grind. The truth is [that] we are limited when it comes to the resources or
access to the industry, which makes us have to work just that much
harder. I support the
grind whenever approached on a business aspect of this music but, artist
I would like to work with some of the R & B artists, Hugg E Bear to make a
hit song.
Who are some Carolina based artists that you would like to work with eventually?
Whoever willing to make that music for the love of it, I will work with from the Carolinas.
As for producers... who are some of the beat makers here in The Carolinas that you've worked with?
Focus, B squared, Brad M, Streetz mentor
Who are some of the Carolina based producers that you would like to work with in the future?
See what Manifest got for me.
Can we ever expect to hear an Ike Ellis/ 9thWonder collaboration?
It would an honor for that to happen.
What about up and coming Carolina based beat maker J-Coleman?He
has been making a lot of noise on youtube and twitter with some of the
various instrumental she's produced, would you ever consider working
with him?http://www.youtube.com/jcolemanbeats
Yea I would work with him!
What about another North Carolina based producer by the name of Olatunji Mason?He's
a member of the group Blaq Planet that currently has a single with
Shabba Ranks and KrumbSnatcha titled "So Much Trouble"... you can listen
to it here....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HajCC3ZSxes&feature=plcp
Yea I got a few concepts with that make some powerful music that way.
Now
I know this question has come up a lot in various interviews from
Carolina based artists, but in your opinion why do you think that North
and South Carolina have been over looked, and never really made a huge
impact in the music industry?
There are a few reasons. There
is no dedicated market for the Carolina artist to establish underground
so the commercial music industry doesn’t respect our grind. The numbers
is the only thing that matter when it comes to the music industry. Who
we know sold 100,000 copies independently? Question, where can a consumer go to buy the music of a Carolina artist? This is large market, but broken into pieces. The music industry see money that can be made, and we have not made any money.The
radio, the music industry, needs to see numbers. The artists have to
have their stuff together to generate the money, so the music industry
would not need to come here and give a deal, but wish we would break
some of that bread with the music industry. The control comes with the
influential figures that can make the decisions. It’s a bigger picture
than the artist, the promoter, the DJ, and the radio. Its nothing for a rapper to come from another state and get major spins on a radio power house?There are promoters who take advantage of the artist constantly with false promises, fake contests, and bias opinions.
What advice would you give up and coming artists based here in the Carolinas?
Focus
on the business aspect of making music, understanding what makes the
money, generate the money by understanding your target market or the
people that is going to spend money. Always try to Network with people
who can make a difference in your career. Stay
far away from false profits, and dream takers. The object is to get
paid, not get hustled by some fake promoter. Break bread with other
artist, build your circuit for everybody to eat, not just yourself. Make
music your target market is going to feel.Be
true to yourself as an artist, as am individual. Invest in yourself, if
you believe in yourself. Don’t invest in somebody else nightmares. Keep
grinding in all the markets not just your home town. You are not doing
nothing until you hit five cities hard with your product.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself with a certified business generating income for my family to be straight.
The Coast 2 Coast DJs are brining their Industry Mixer & Talent Showcase to Charlotte, NC on Thurs., April 12th and this is your chance to come meet & network with real music industry professionals who can actually help take your career to the next level. Come meet the #1 record breaker in the south DJ BIGGA RANKIN, mixtape legend and record industry tastemaker DJ CHUCK T, and multi-platinum producers THE DEADBEATZ. Bring your mixtape, single, EP, etc. and perform for some of best in the business or simply come and network.
Recently Olatunji Mason (of the African group Blaq Planet) got up with rising North Carolina Boom Bap beatmaker J-Coleman to collaborate on a few tracks for the forthcoming Blaq Planet mixtape. Check out how the beat session went by clicking the embedded video link above.
The North Carolina based Africa hip hop group Blaq Planet hooked up with Shabba Ranks and KrumbSnatcha for the first single from the forthcoming Blaq Planet Mixtape. The song is titled “So Much Trouble” and you can download it here at this link http://www.mediafire.com/?xtvafazp3bux6qv
The "Lord And Savior Of Southern Mixtapes" DJ Chuck T has had a career filled with twists and turns but after 8 years in the game DJ Chuck T has OFFICIALLY moved 1,000,000 mixtapes. YES....WE SAID ONE MILLION MIXTAPES!! To commemorate this awesome achievement and career milestone DJ Chuck T is have his official "Platinum In The Hood" bash April 8th, 2012 (Easter Sunday) in Charleston, SC AND EVEERYONE IS INVITED! With a special performance by the hottest new artist in the south CASH OUT and the #1 Record Breaker In The South DJ BIGGA RANKIN' as the host you know the CAMERAS WILL BE OUT! NOW THAT'S CASHIN' OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Atlanta, Georgia based rapper/ producer Mr. Boom Boom Bang recently hooked up with North Carolina stationed Internet Marketing company The Giant Blast to promote the music video for his single "Fasure", and since hooking up with the company, using it's large e-mail distribution list to gain exposure for the single the official music video has reached over 100,000 + views in just a few short months! You can check out the music video here at the embedded link below.
Check out the remix to Mr. Boom Boom Bang's popular single "Fasure" by clicking the embedded video link above. Although Mr. Boom Boom Bang is an Atlanta, Georgia based recording artist, this artist has hooked up with a North Carolina based promotion, marketing and PR firm to assist with his music. If you would like more information on this artist just go to this link and check out his official blog at http://www.boomboombangblog.blogspot.com
Just when you thought winter was over DJ CHUCK T IS BACK ON THE SCENE FREEZING THE COMPETETION IN THEIR PLACE! The self-proclaimed "Lord And Savior Of Southern Mixtapes" is switching up the game this week and instead of dropping a slew of mixtapes HE'S DROPPING 4 BRAND NEW MUSIC VIDEO MIXTAPES! Prepare for a visual overload of the newest and hottest Hip-Hop and R&B videos! Dont sleep on these brand new titles. If you've never taken a chance on video mixtapes then now is the time to do it!
Also on deck in the newFRENCH MONTANA & MEEK MILL MIXTAPE FROM WIZ HOFFA & DJ TRIGGA!
FOR ALL WHOLESALE INFO CALL 843-568-0036 OR E-MAIL DJCHUCKT@AOL.COM
DJ Chuck T Presents
Down South Slangin' Videos Vol. 13
(2 DVD SET)
DVD 1
1. Got One - 2 Chainz
2. OJ - Young Jeezy Ft. Fabolous & Jadakiss
3. Stay Schemin' - Rick Ross Ft. Drake & French Montana
4. Mirror - Lil Wayne Ft. Bruno Mars
5. Feeling I Got - Future
6. Quiet - Gucci Mane
7. Stay Smokin' - Lil Hype Ft. I-Peezy
8. Boss'd up - B-$tacks
10. Aint No Way Around It - DJ Drama Ft. Future, Young Jeezy & Big Boi
11. Be Great - Ace Hood
12. You Dont Hear Me Though - French Montana Ft. Ace Hood
13. Four - Alley Boy Ft. Young Jeezy
14. Chicken Room - Gucci Mane Ft. Rocko
15. Got Dem Racks - Yo Gotti
16. Hey Hey Hey - Young Dro
17. R.I.P - Slim Dunkin' Ft. Waka Flocka, Alley Boy & Trouble
18. We In Dis Bitch - Webbie
19. Smoke & Chill - Revenue
20. Thuggin' - Freddie Gibbs Ft. Madlib
21. Rack City -Tyga
22. We Live - 1017 Frenchie Ft. Zoe Balla & Dudus Deezy
**Sexxplict R&B Videos**
23.Rihanna - You Da One
24. Dance For You - Beyonce
25. Mr. Wrong - Mary J. Blige
DVD Disc 2
1. SupaFreak - Young Jeezy Ft. 2 Chainz
2. Spend It (Remix) - 2 Chainz Ft. T.I.
3. Magic (Remix) - Future Ft. T.I.
4. Harder - Yo Gotti Ft. Rick Ross
5. House Party - Meek Mill Ft. Young Chris
6. Supid Hoe - Nicki Minaj
7. Marilyn Monroe - Brianna Perry
8. Face Card - Gucci Mane
9. Double Up - Lil Hype Ft. Marc Law
10. I Get Money - Nino Ft. Marly Mar
11. Shot Caller - French Montana Ft. Rick Ross & P. Diddy
12. Strange Clouds (Remix) - B.O.B Ft. Young Jeezy & T.I.
13. Sometimes - Gucci Mane Ft. Future
14. Whip It - Country C
15 My People - Future
16. Realest Livin' - Ace Hood Ft.Rick Ross
17. American Gangsta - Warhead and Ahmad
18. Im On - Trae Tha Truth Ft. Wiz Khalifa, MDMA, Big Boi & Lupe Fiasco
19. Single - Yo Gotti
20. All Day - Longbread Skinny
21. I Ball, I Stunt - Scrilla Ft. Young Jeezy
22. Who Does That - Cash P
*Sexxplicit R&B Videos*
23. Party - Beyonce Ft. J. Cole
24. Strip Tease - Verse Simonds
25. Give Me All Your Luvin - Madonna Ft. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A
DJ Chuck T Presents
Down South Slangin' Videos Vol. 14
1. Niggas In Paris - Jay-Z & Kanye West
2. Shot Caller (Official Remix Video) - French Montana Ft. Rick Ross & P. Diddy
3. Chain Music - Wale
4. High Definition - Rick Ross
5. In Love With A White Girl - Gucci Mane Ft. Yo Gotti
6. Space Cadet - Future
7. I Can't Wait - Rocko
8. Dreamer - Ace Hood
9. Say It To My Face - Ludacris Ft. Meek Mill
10. Okay With Me - Gucci Mane Ft. 2 Chainz
11. Oops My Bad - Young Dro
12. Body Bag - Lil Scrappy
13. Stereo Type - Waka Flocka Flame
14. Lil Freak - Stuey Rock Ft. Juicy J & Slim Dunkin'
15. Blame It On Me - Cash P.
16. Me & Young - King Carter
17. Yella Diamonds - Rick Ross
18. How Bout That - B.O.B Ft. Trae Tha Truth & Future
19. Gucci Mane - Show Me
20. Sativa - Wiz Khalifa Ft. Rick Ross & Currency
21. Jealousy - Elevator Jay
22. Right Now - DJ Holiday Ft. Gucci Mane, Shawty Lo & Alley Boy
23. Everything's A Go - Waka Flocka Flame Ft. French Montana
24. MMG Untouchable - Rick Ross
25. Criminal - Maino
DJ Chuck T Presents
GROUND BREAKERS MUSIC GRP
2 CHAINZ & FUTURE - 2 OF A KIND (DVD)
1. Aint No Way Around It (Original) - Future Ft. DJ Drama
2. Got One - 2 Chainz Ft. DJ Drama
3. Gone To the Moon - Future
4. Spend It - 2 Chainz
5. Magic - Future Ft. T.I.
6. Pimp C Back - 2 Chainz
7. Pimps - 2 Chainz Ft. Bun-B & Big K.R.I.T
8. Role Model - 2 Chainz Ft. Dolla Boy
9. Sometimes - Future Ft. Gucci Mane
10. No Matter What - Future
11. Runnin' Thru A Check - Future
12. Riot - 2 Chainz
13. Cowboy - 2 Chainz
14. Feelin' You - 2 Chainz
15. 4 My People - Future
16. Top - Future Ft. Scooter
17. Tony Montana - Future
18. Gas-O-Lean - 2 Chainz
19. Aint No Way Around It (Remix) - Future Ft. DJ Drama, Young Jeezy & Big Boi
20. SupaFreak - Young Jeezy Ft. 2 Chainz
21. Racks - YC Ft. Future
22. Money Makin' Mission - 2 Chainz
23. Much More - Future
24. Zip and A Double Cup - Juicy J Ft. Future
25. Stevie Wonder - Gucci Mane Ft. Future
DJ Chuck T Presents
GROUND BREAKERS MUSIC GRP
RICK ROSS & MAYBACH MUSIC - MAYBACK MOTION PICTURE
1. Yellow Diamonds - Rick Ross
2. Stay Schemin' - Rick Ross Ft. Drake & French Montana
3. House Party - Meek Mill Ft. Young Chris
4. Bait - Wale
5. Im A Boss - Meek Mill Ft. Rick Ross
6. Work - Meek Mill Ft. Rick Ross
7. Dont Panic - Meek Mill Ft. Rick Ross
8. That Way - Wale Ft. Jeremih
9. Shot Caller - French Montana Ft. Rick Ross & P. Diddy
10. Big Bank - Rick Ross Ft. Pill & Meek Mill
11. Tats On My Arm - Wale Ft. Rick Ross
12. 600 Benz - Wale Ft. Rick Ross
13. Made Men - Rick Ross Ft. Drake
14. Devil In A Dress - Rick Ross
15. Play Your Part - Rick Ross Ft. Wale & Meek Mill
16. Finals - Rick Ross Ft. Meek Mill & Wale
17. Perfectionist - Meek Mill Ft. Rick Ross
18. Big Bank - Pill Ft. Meek Mill & Torch
19. Choppa Down - French Montana Ft. Rick Ross & Wiz Khalifa
20. You Dont Hear Me - French Montana Ft. Ace Hood
21. Mask On - Gun Play
22. Say Hello To Forever - Masspike Miles
23. Bogota - Gunplay
24. Ashes To Ashes - Rick Ross
25. 9 Piece - Rick Ross
WIZ HOFFA & DJ TRIGGA PRESENT
MEEK MILL & FRENCH MONTANA
"NEW JACK CITY"
Meek Mill1. You Don't Know Bout It (Feat. Fabolous)
2. Bag Of Money (Feat. Rick Ross & Wale)
3. The World is Ours (Feat. Rick Ross, Pharell & Stalley)
4. Tupac Back (Feat. Rick Ross)
5. Body Work (Feat. Juicy J)
6. Work (Feat. Rick Ross)
7. The Finals (Feat. Rick Ross & Gunplay)
8. I'm About Cream (Feat. Maino)
9. I'mma Boss (Feat. Rick Ross & Lil Wayne Remix)
10. House Party
11.YMCMB MMG (Feat. Corey Gunz)
12.Scared Money (Feat. N.O.R.E.)
13.Lean Wit It
14.No Church In The Wild Freestyle (Feat. Rick Ross)
15.Rack City Remix (Feat. Tyga & T.I.)
16.The Motto Freestyle (Feat. Wale)
French Montana
17. Tony Montana (Freestyle)
18. Married to the Streets (Feat. Akon)
19. Tunnel Vision (Feat. Chinx Drugz)
20. Back to the Wall (Feat. Chinx Drugz)
21. Stylin' On You (Feat. Chinx Drugz)
22. Champion (Feat. DJ Suss One, Jadakiss, Lloyd Banks)
23. Smellin' Like Money (Feat. Geolani Grandz) www.lifeisgrandz.com
24. In for Da Kill
25. Straight Cash (Feat. Gucci Mane)
26.Stay Schemin' (Feat. Rick Ross & Drake)
27.Just Me (Feat. Coke Boyz)
28.Shot Caller
29.Henny & Nuevo (Feat. GI The General)
30.Let It Go Remix (Feat. Red Cafe, Diddy & 2Chainz)
31.You Don't Hear Me Tho (Feat. Ace Hood)
32.BONUS - Meek Mill Feat. Rick Ross - Errday
This is the final part of The Carolina Inquirer's interview with the beatmaker Mel (AKA Lova J.) In this part Mel talks about how artists can get in touch with him for beats, and he talks about how Internet promotion, marketing company and e-mail blast service The Giant Blast helped boost his career and get him in the right direction.
This is Part Two (of 3) of the Carolina Inquirer interview with beatmaker/ songwriter and singer Mel (aka Lova J.). In this part of the interview Mel talks about the events that lead to him being signed as an in house producer to record label and digital distribution company T.P.O.F. Records. He also gives advice to up and coming producers on what avenues to take to get noticed by the labels, and which social networking sites are the best for drawing in more clients. Mel also talks about the single "If I Only Had One Wish" that he released under his R&B singer alias Lova J.
This is a Carolina Inquirer exclusive one on one interview with Orangeburg, South Carolina based beatmaker/ singer/ songwriter Mel AKA Lova J. Mel recently signed a deal with Independent Record Label and Digital Distribution Company T.P.O.F. (The Price of Freedom) Records. In this interview Mel talks about his beats, the music and entertainment scene down in Orangeburg, SC, gives beatmaking tips for producers that use Fruity Loops software, getting inspiration from 3 6 Mafia, wanting to work with Busta Rhymes, and more!
If you would like to contact Mel for some beats, or want more information on this artist/ songwriter/ producer just e-mail us at TheCarolinaInquirer@yahoo.com
