BONUS: FLAVOR Magazine Ausgabe #40 English Interviews

OR V A L F S

USAUF N W BINO IE TERV LISCH! ENG

JESSE BOYKINS III

THE ART OF BEING YOU

PLAY-N-SKILLZ

SOUNDWAVES TRANSFORM

STEVE LOBEL

YOU CAN’T CHEAT THE GAME

ARROW BENJAMIN

THE STRAIGHT ARROW

JAMES WADE

MEDICATED & MOTIVATED

KRAYZIE BONE

REUNION PART II

B.O.B UND DIE NO GENRE - TOUR

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B.O.B

AND THE NO GENRE TOUR

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n 2008 XXL released the freshman of the year with names such as Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, Corey Gunz & Wale. The list of artist though very talented have only seemed to get marginal efforts despite big strategic partnerships. B.o.B however seemed to be name from that class of freshman that has truly broken through the “strange clouds” and beyond “Airplanes” of his peers. We were able to catch up on the “No Genre” tour with B.o.B on his last dates. B.o.B being no rookie to the music business and after 5 Grammy nominations you get a feeling he is on his way to the next level. The next “Level” being that he has “been there and done that”. Without loosing himself in the journey Bobby Ray has seemed to returned to a sense of his best beginnings in his music. He has experimented with sounds of all Genres and is on a homecoming with his artistic persona. He had stopped to kick it with us on whats new and fresh in the world of Bobby Ray.

So whats new in the world of BOBBY RAY? Are we calling you that or do you go by B.o.B? “You know I’m always B.o.B aka. Bobby Ray aka. AbuDabi Bobby. You know I got a bunch.”

Whats up on the music tip bro?

“You know I just put out a song with Trey Songz called ‘Not for long’, it’s picking up for me and other than that, I’m on tour. We also just shot a video for ‘Not for long’ just a minute ago. I’m finishing up this run with ‘Kevin Gates’ right now, just working.”

I want to ask you, looking back at 2008 with you as freshman of the year on that famous XXL cover with those names, you have seemed to have a different type of success. Did you see yourself pulling away from

those names into the mind of pop audiences?

“Oh wow. I never really calculated it like that, you know this is before the huge pop success. I just like to hit all genres and when I say pop, I don’t mean pop music but just popular music. I seem to have a niche for that.

Those are the songs that spread my name and brand out there.”

Doing any road dates in Europe for this run?

“I always put together something for Europe. I wouldn’t say it was last year but the year before, I came through Europe and knocked out some dates for the UK. I will be touring in Australia with Lupe Fiasco and Nelly for 2015 so far, so yeah.”

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» The only thing I

want to do again is make a great record but I don’t want to make the same record again.

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Okay, the “No Genre tour“ is wrapping up. Whats the next level for your new projects and your sound now? Where would you say that you are with it all?

“I would say it’s back. I’m really on my Bobby Ray shit right now. I’m on the adventures of Bobby Ray type of vibe.”

Well, is it that you went back to production from the past or a particular formula?

“Nah, it’s really no formula. The first run never had a formula. I don’t really have a formula or set a formula. I mean everything has a formula somewhat but I‘m not big at

duplicating a process or a formula. It’s not special then when it’s done like that. The only thing I want to do again is make a great record but I don’t want to make the same record again, feel me? But I can compare where I am right now in my music like to “The adventures of Bobby Ray” cause the sound is more like my first album.”

You seem to stay in the mix. How did you and Ty$ link up on Paranoid?

“It’s really like me and Ty worked on Head Band, that hook on there, thats Ty$, thats him singing in the background doing the ‘Oh Ohhhh’.

That’s him. We thought it would be cool for him to sing the hook but I

ended up rapping it instead. I met him then and we been working ever since.”

Lets take a moment to speak on lyrics a bit. When Kendrick Lamar released his song “Control” everyone jumped on the beat and jacked it.

Your version of it was real melodic and kind of different from the others. Where did you get your idea for that one?

“It was inspired by all the popular flows. I want to give everyone the flows they knew all in one, but everyone didn’t pick on that one. It’s sometimes like a lot of inside jokes.

You know?”

Whats the motivation after the success?

“Ugh... It always changes man. I will always be motivated to make all types of music, I feel like it just changes everyday. Inspiration can be different.

Whats next then? What are we going to see next?

“I just feel like I want to give something to the world that I have not given yet.”

Biggest milestone in your career?

“Probably the release of ‘The Adventures of Bobby Ray’ and all the

work and free music I gave out, all the songs I was saving. April 27th 2010 that was my biggest milestone in this game thus far. I will return to that.”

Any shout outs?

“Just want to shout all my fans that’s been listening to me since ‘Cloud Nine’, ‘Who the fuck is B.o.B’ all the mixtape lovers since my start. Keep on the look out for me. I just want to say don‘t drink and drive Just ‘smoke and fly’.”

Interview: Swabie crocket Pictures: Courtesy Atlantic records

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Arrow Benjamin

“ THE STRAIGHT ARROW“

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he British Isles have been famous for producing some of the most progressive sounds of modern music. Though a microcosm in the sense of geographic size, iconic Pop culture movements have risen from this melting pot. The mix of natives of it’s commonwealth residents have forged one of the more perfect environments for the expression of music. In specific “Arrows” town London has spawned a distinctive originality amongst music history. Arrow being a product of this environment brings together all the great attributes of his peers and those who have preceded him. Enter the world of Arrow Benjamin. A solo artist on a quest to bring his self described sound of #LiveVynl to the light.

“My music is like a stadium with no walls, it’s the tallest tower speaker, with the biggest speaker possible. It’s Genre free music that I create. The music I like is Northern soul, funk, Afro beat like Fela, music from Ray Charles, David Bowie.. I like music. Period. Not just one type of sound. I like sounds from era‘s. That’s sometimes how I classify it.”

How did you become the lone Arrow?

“I was in a band situation I partially created, but my heart was not in it. I felt there was like a calling to say more with my music. The sound I have now Is live and electronic, but its soul as in from the ‘soul’. This music allows me to take more

responsibility for my words.”

The name Arrow Benjamin, how did you come to that as your name?

“I‘ve tried to name myself before in the past. I‘m a songwriter and many know me as that. As a singer songwriter. It was easy to create for other people and that can be easier than creating for yourself. I realized I had found my lane and it was carved out by me ‘The Arrow’ so Benjamin happened to be my dads name. The name also means son of my right hand. All together the name in short means two things: a legacy and a weapon of love.”

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Where would you fit in only to give a reference? They say get in where you fit in not as if you have to but if those who are reading this needed a description, fill me in.

“I would say music that can be played on the radio but not experienced on the radio and if this is a genre or something one would like to put in a genre, it would be world music from ‘my world’” (lol) And your world is?

“Right now in London England. And from my world there is so much diversity here. It‘s a real melting pot of culture and for me it’s music that like my influences, extends over races, traditions and cultures by unifying with love.”

Musically some may not know of your credentials for one you co-wrote „Kryptonite“ by Rhymez x James Arthur which was released this year.

“Thats funny. Am I going to start talking about myself?

Feels vain .. but for the folks in Flavor Land why not. Well then I‘ve worked with Labrinth, Carl Mcintosh of Loose Ends and Artful Dodger. I actually need a brush up on who I worked with.”

You‘ve had an extensive career. What advice do you have for upcoming artist looking to find their way forward?

“Well if anything I hope to be some kind of beacon with music or a light bearer, but not idolized. I don‘t need a large portion of myself to feel like I‘m going ahead. I think everything has a time and a place.”

Are you currently seeking a situation at the majors? Are we allowed to talk about that?

“Yes, yeah sure we can speak on it. I think majors have major infrastructure. If I want to share with people they have the platform that can aid what I‘m doing. However with us keeping the creative control we don‘t have to dilute the work we are doing. Now that being said, something is sure to be in the works as far as collaborations with some majors in the future. “ Whats coming up new on the music tip for you?

Wow.. Thats pretty good.

“Well right now I‘m making music that says I will not live on a hard drive on my computer but it will live in the public spaces of the world. That‘s what I‘m currently doing with my music. I can say first quarter of the year please look out for my EP. A tune named ‘Broken Boats’ will be the first single off that effort.”

“Want a few more?” (lol)

So will we see any live dates?

No.. Let’s think about those names for a moment. Wow..

“Yes, we‘re planning some things now. What would be ideal is performances in some large city‘s around the world that are well known for music. There will be some announced dates and some unannounced performances.

We will have sort of pop up shows and of course other performances will be at venues. Maybe we will have some live performances in the street for the people.”

“Very broad. I‘m a lover of electronic music just as much as I am a lover of live music, saying that, understand I don‘t stick my nose up or down at any of it. Good EDM with melodies and rhythms is as good to me as a 10 piece band.

I‘m a lover of high energy music period. I use to write this thing down. ‘Gen-re’ and it stood for ‘Generation re-birth’.

I think we have to introduce that to the people with this article.”

I think we just did.. (smiles) “It is ‘Gen-re’ thats what Genre my music is in ... Gen-re (Generation Rebirth)”

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Thanks for you time Arrow, speak soon and hope to hear some great sounds coming from you.

“God willing yes and thank you...”

Interview: Swabie Crocket Pictures: Daniel Pires - danielpires.co.uk Styled By: Romantique Rags Vintage Clothing By: Cenci Cenci.co.uk

“My music is like a stadium with no walls, it’s the tallest tower speaker, with the biggest speaker possible.”

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Steve Lobel “YOU CAN’T CHEAT THE GAME”

What is the biggest difference you see in developing these artist now as in compared to the past?

“I would say the difference is marketing dollars. We had marketing dollars to spend. The visuals were 100,000 dollars plus. We would buy 30 second slots on Bet, Mtv, magazine ads in so many publications and so on and so forth. We had marketing dollars and promotion items, from cassette samplers and giveaways, billboards, vinyl, t-shirts to POP and fliers. Now, fast forward no ones getting any. So everyone’s trying to cheat the game. Very rarely do you see promo tours, very rarely do you see commercials running on BET and MTV, very rarely will you see the 100,00 dollar video. The funding and the tools are different. I like using the old school method mixed with the new school method. I like being out there touching the people and then use the net. Now it seems some folks want to cheat the game and just push a button but that’s not how you do it.

Back in the day for instance, with Fat Joe. We used to go drive around in a van go state to state and promote up at college radio. We couldn‘t even get on main stream radio. We use to go retail store to retail store because there were so many of them. We would stop at the barbershops, the schools, the malls, the clubs, and give out vinyl and product and try to break a record. All they want to do now is

social media and a powerful radio program. They don‘t go on promo runs now. They just wait for the record to blow up, then get on the road and sell merch. I personally feel like they don‘t even develop artist at the majors anymore.”

Brand-wise, who would you say got involved with the culture early and are still? Who got that right?

“Brands that I feel got it right? I would say #1 Adidas, Coca Cola, and Hennessy. There were always a few down with a bunch of clothing lines.

Tommy, Phat Farm, Polo and I would say Starter, and Walker Wear are coming back, not many clothing lines but brands.”

» We had

marketing dollars to spend. The visuals were 100,000 dollars plus.

«

Would you say touring is more popular now or when the promo game was robust?

“Touring now is the only way for an artist to make money. I had this conversation with Mac 10. I had this conversation with 50 Cent. The artist use to be able to sell millions of records and reap benefits. Now no one is selling records anymore so you have to tour. The older guys are working harder now which makes no sense and the new guys are just working period because they have to. New artist now must give away so much music for free. You have a artist like Curren$y, Troy Ave, Nipsey Hustle, they just got to give away their music FLAVOR MAGAZINE

» I stay relevant by being around people that are smarter than me.

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and hit the road state to state with a great booking agent. In the 80-90’s the groups on tour were ONLY the hottest groups, now everyone must tour. You can be the hottest artist in the world now and no one will know because it’s swamped. Take a look at all these tours going on right now.

You have ‘Made in America’ tour by Jay Z, ICP has a tour, Common has a festival he started, you have the Mid Fest started by Run DMC, Rock da bells, so many. Touring is the only way for these guys to make money and gives you the opportunity to perform live in front of your artist and crowd. If you are a real artist you will stay sign autographs and take pictures after the show. I even remember all the rock tours like Van Halen and those bands, it’s what they did at that time too.”

You mentioned tools, what else besides the net is used today? It seems back in the day it was a bit more guerrilla. Now what is it that breaks artists a movie deal?

“I love these questions... Well I mentioned the samplers we use to give away back in the day, now the best tool you can have is the quality of music. Strong music is the best thing you can have as a marketing tool.”

If a person was planning to have an imprint started in this day and age what would be the top three things as an administrator would you say they should arm themselves with?

“Well if you are going to be an imprint the first thing you may want to do is trademark your name to make sure no one has it. Second, a lawyer on your team, then coming up with a dope logo. You should make sure the product is quality. You need as many eyeballs as possible, and partner yourself with others that are smarter than you. Build quality over quantity.”

Where do you go from here with your career and what’s next?

“Well, I was blessed to be with JMJ and Run DMC. I was always running around with them. When I was on SONY/Relativity working

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with everyone from Mac 10 to 8Ball MJG, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Sean Kingston, Ty Dolla$, Mustard... YG’s and discovering Nipsey out west. You mentioned Chris Lighty? If you don‘t know him? `Hip Hop don‘t know you`. Steve Rifkin and these guys are legendary. Many don‘t know Soulja Boy was managed by Chis Lighty. I learned a lot form them. Russell is a mentor and I watched him. I’ve been blessed. I‘m just trying to stay relevant. I’m a dinosaur but I‘m fossil fuel. I preach loyalty and integrity.

I’m doing television now. It’s called ‘Live with Steve Lobel’. It’s through Blunt Media Network and we released Soulja Boy Part 1 and Part 2. I’ve been a baller. It’s not about that. I’ve had J.Cole, DJ Mustard, DJ Skee, Diggy Simmons, and Old school artists and all. I’m first putting out things the younger folks attract to. It’s all about the eyeballs. I‘m also putting out a book called ‘The coach lasts longer than the player’. It’s hard copy also. I am doing a lot of music, and speaking on panels. I have my ‘We Working’ clothing brand and ‘Hip-hop Don‘t Know You’. I also have a 11 year old DJ I‘m working with. I’m developing some TV also, I’m in a lot.”

How do you stay relevant and fresh?

“I stay new by staying with the youth. I have an 11 year old DJ in development. I don‘t know whats hot anymore. No one knows. I know how to stay relevant by being around people that are smarter than me. I put myself in the right place at the right time. I do a lot of consulting.”

Any shout outs?

“First of all I want to say shout out to Flavor magazine for having me. And to anyone out there doing positive things, anyone who wants to listen and learn. Shout out to Bone Thugs.

Shout to all the artist I‘ve worked with. Shout out to Kenny Mustafa Robinson, shout out to Outlawz for keeping Pacs name alive and thank you everyone who supports Steve Lobel and helps keep me positive.

God is good. I’m not competitive I’m just consistent.”

Interview: Swabie Crocket Pictures: Jeff Pliskin

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Jesse Boykins III “THE ART OF BEING YOU“

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t seems some wear their emotions on the “outside”, others seem to have a more layered emotions not necessarily hidden but more benign. This energy is what Jesse Boykins III emits. His radiant soft toned approach is to his great benefit. He projects his energy in a place where understanding comparison and sensibility reign. His talent has compassion his demeanor. Jesse has seem to weave his “true” persona into his music. We sat down with him to discuss the new sounds on his current project “Love Apparatus” and what he would consider a point of accomplishment going into 2015.

I asked Jesse to begin slow with us and give his beginnings.

“I was born in Chicago and lived in Jamaica until I was about 8 years old, then I moved to Miami and at the age 17, I moved to New York. In New York I went to the new school of art and thus began my music career.”

Whats up with your name? I wondered was it a moniker or a real name. This is entertainment right?

“I just feel best doing me. Being myself is not a character or a role I‘m playing. I am the grandson of my Grandfather as I am the Jr. of my father. I did not grow up with my dad so I really don‘t know too much more about it. It’s just who we are. It’s who I am, Jesse. Basically like Bob Marley or Stevie Wonder, one of those guys for the most part.”

Out of those artist you just mentioned, which one if you had to choose would be the one CD and artist you would get locked in a dungeon with forever?

“I don’t think I would choose. Yeah..”

Where are you with sound on this new project “Love Apparatus”? I know you have evolved.

“Its a combination of things. It’s about being able to confront things, like yourself. Sonically it’s a lot of the experience of what I‘ve had with live sounds on the come up and the other part comes from my love of EDM music and traveling. I have expanded my sound by experiencing other places and things. It’s an evolution.”

Is there a game plan to your build with these releases?

Is it that you’re seeking a major partnership or is there no plan and you‘re riding the wave?

“There’s always a plan as far as being independent or major. It’s about reaching to the platform or audience I‘m trying to get to. It’s more about which vehicle suits the purpose best, as far as the industry thing goes it’s about continuing to communicate artistic truth. If I meet a major that is willing to help me do that, then cool.”

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Which cut off “Love Apparatus” would you say is your favorite?

Where would you like to be at the end of this run with your music?

“I go through Phases, it’s like what I’m connected with at the moment. Right now I really like a song “Really free”, songs like the “Wonder Years”. When I listen to them I really connect to the rhythm and why I wrote the songs.”

“I would liked to be acknowledged by my peers and I know allot of folks signed to majors and they have a machine behind them but the quality of sound is lack luster. The quality of the music means the most to me overall. I’d like to be in a creative space where I could dig deeper into my next creative lane.”

You also have some brand partnerships correct? Like Bergdoff Goodman. How did that roll out?

“The Bergdoff Goodman campaign is done every fall and it’s called the Goodman. What I did was sit down with a bunch of folks and directors from the company and they video taped me doing a questionnaire. I answered honestly, they liked what I said and it began, the same pretty much with the Timberland thing. I feel what I release of me in visual is distinctive and brands like people making statements. This is what I do with all my work from the music to the visuals. All of this happened around the release of my album so it all worked out.”

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You mean staying relevant?

“Well, It‘s not about being relevant. I feel like me being who I am and making the music I make, I stay in the culture. I remain relevant because I am apart of this culture. I move with whats relevant. I could see if I kept up by watching other videos and chasing the popular culture of the moment, but I stay in creation mode. Being relevant isn‘t the issue.”

After all the releases this far and the touring and the experiences, business or otherwise, what is the anchor of all lessons in your career?

“I feel like the most important thing I learned is having to scale your art and make a living out of that. Express yourself. Artist carry so much weight in this day and age its all instant gratification. They are after the shiny things that don‘t really matter. The most important thing is to express through living your lifestyle. Know your worth and voice yourself. I learned the more that you’re honest with yourself the more you attract others because they see truth in your lifestyle. It’s hard sometimes because outside influences are outstanding, but we try.”

Any shout outs?

“I would to say thank you to you. I appreciate outlets like this.”

» There is

always a plan as far as being independent or major. «

Interview: Swabie crocket FLAVOR MAGAZINE

Play-N-Skillz » SOUNDWAVES TRANSFORM «

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he evolution of all things exists in the Hip Hop world today as in any other. Barriers are being broken, walls are coming down. This revolution, driven by a cross mixture of sound banks, has provided an alternative lane for producers who have felt they have reached their ceiling in their original worlds of hip hop. There has been an emergence of this sound coming from all angles; Pitbull, Florida and Lil’ Jon have all taken this lead.

Now to join them in the quest to stretch the sound barrier, original to hip hop Play-N-Skillz are back to turn it all the way up with their new single and new sound.

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So you guys have not put records out with you rapping on them in some time. What made you step back on the scene with this one?

the scenes - sonically a genius - taking care of everything else. We try and write in different corners and then come together.

“Well, we haven’t been putting out records and artists for some time. We wanted to re-brand and take a global approach. Some sold, some didn‘t. Folks don‘t know, artists take some time to figure out their sound. We started dj’ing and it really influenced us to make a record that could catch all over the globe. Sonically we wanted to bring a whole different approach.”

You work with your brother so who takes the lead on this one?

There was a situation during the re-brand stage when we put out a lot of EDM trap remixes; a lot of the popular songs on SoundCloud and we serviced DJs with the remixes. Diplo and folks like that were playing our remixes in their sets. So we put out this record ‘Literally I can’t’. It is high tempo, but it breaks down to hard core 808s in the verses. We actually did that together, and we put in some hella work to get it to sound exactly the way we wanted.

This particular record was mixed 100 times maybe. It sounds different from the original totally.”

“We stay out of each others way, we have rules. (lol) One of us seems to be more outgoing. But my bro is behind

This new approach to your sound does it come with a full album behind this single?

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“With this industry and what’s going on it’s a singles’ game.

As long as the record’s going big, we are going to tour it out. We put it out through party line records which is Red Foo’s label. We put him on the record also. We did this record independently, but it’s still good. We also got a record with Pitbull that we are putting out. We have a record with French Montana coming up, a collaboration with Ty$ and it’s all meshed in with EDM and hip hop sounds.”

Whats is it that has Hip Hop artists and producers reaching out to this new wave of sounds? With people like Pitbull, Flo Rida who have taken the lead, and Lil Jon who you worked with as well?

“No particular reason. I think it’s society. It’s just hip hop as a whole, all the way down to relationships. I think it’s cool for all types of people to be in the same room. Black people, white people all in the same room. It think that’s okay, right?

So on the same note with artists from different genres getting together. I went to a Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert last night and it was more white folks than anything. I think we’re accepting the fact we can all get along. If you‘re a really good DJ, you have to be able to spin all types of genres of

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music. Even at like Ultra Music Festival, I hear Biggie‘s ‘Juicy’ drop. That’s not supposed to happen. (lol) But thats what we were doing at EDM festivals. I was breaking Wocka Flocka records.”

Where would you guys like to stand after this next single and run is over? Where are we going?

“I love the stuff that guys like Diplo and Skrillex do. I would love to tour like those dudes and do some touring globally.

We’re just rebranding ourselves, but we’re the same.”

Any last Words?

“I want to thank everyone who support us since day one and don‘t be afraid of change. And that’s where it’s at. Everyone please check out the very controversial funny, collaborative video we did with two of the biggest artists out: Red Foo and Lil’ Jon. And thank you guys, for sure. Thanks for having us.”

Interview: Swabie Crocket

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Krayzie Bone REUNION PART II

Peace Krayzie. Layzie Bone has filled us in some info here and I wanted to pick up where he left off a bit, about coming together and touring and all.

“Well I would like to say the media has their twist on the things like the group broke up and such but that never FLAVOR MAGAZINE

really happened. Of course we all need time away from each other but you know it’s real. It’s like we all allow each other time and space and in life we all had different trials and tribulations, but coming together is mandatory. Now it’s a coming together for a celebration of us solidifying 20 years in game. This next album is about a 20yr legacy.

Picture: Lyv Bien-Aime

“It’s a coming together for a celebration of us solidifying 20 years in the game.”

How big is it that Lebron is coming back to Cleveland?

“I know it will generate a lot of revenue to the city. That‘s why people were upset when he left. I think with him coming back he has a lot of friends that like to watch him play. It will help the businesses there. It will give Cleveland a certain look.”

The boys from Cleveland going worldwide for the first time. Where are you scheduled in the next month for the states?

“We are doing Texas & Ohio, mostly the south and midwest. We are taking a break in December and starting off in Brazil. We got offers from 15-20 nations, this will be huge.”

How do you maintain the formula and the sound after 20 years?

I would say by maintaining the original love for the music, we never let the money take over the passion of the music.

I could say today, if I never made another dollar off music, I would still do music. It’s why these dudes come and go.

‘They ain’t in it ‘“ Did you guys move away from Cleveland?

“I‘ve lived in Miami and L.A. but I always kept a spot in Cleveland. I was in L.A. most of the time so that’s where the biz was. We were signed to Eazy-E so we were in L.A. all the time, feel me? I always kept my ears and eyes in Cleveland and now that’s now sort of what going on now.

I have accumulated the knowledge of the game now, it’s time to go back to Cleveland. We’re getting ready to open a clothing store there and with Lebron coming back, we’re trying to get involved with all things. We want to give Ohio a chance to shine.”

“You know how you create something and never forget that feeling when you originally started creating? That’s what it is. Even when cats try and duplicate it, others say ‘yo, that sounds like Bone’. Not only have we managed to go forward but we have influenced others. For example Drake and Wiz have admitted to being influenced by our sound.”

What would you want folks to check out asap before the next material drops?

“I would say check out a song a called ‘Everything’s 100’ but we’re working on releasing a new single in the next few weeks, no title yet but there will be an announcement on social media about it.”

One question I always wanted to ask you, it’s about 19931994 hip hop. Music was very different then. For you guys to come out singing during that time was brave.

“How did the style come about? We use to know each FLAVOR MAGAZINE

Please give a shout out as we wrap this up.

“Shout out to all the fans that have been supporting us for 2o yrs, #1 and the whole Bone Thugs-N-Harmony family period. Love ya’ll.”

Interview: Swabie Crocket

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Picture: Dhark Knight Media

others lyrics. One person would ad lib the other persons end, so that just came about over time. Folks said we sounded like we were harmonizing. They would hear us singing on the street and be like: ‘You’ll are broke millionaires keep singing.’ Sure enough soon as Eazy-E heard us he signed us. He saw our vision ahead of time.”

James Wade

MEDICATED & MOTIVATED James Wade has the vibe of typical cali kid upon sitting down with him, but if you look a little deeper and speak to him what you find is one of the most diverse people upcoming on the creative side of music. His cross marketing with rolling paper company “Smokers Choice” along side his “friends” who many would consider celebrities have put him into a unique position. As an artist Wade has been on a journey that has take him from the dark into the light, exposing the fun, colorful side of a man on a quest to share happiness and positivity. This is the colorful side of his persona. James Wade is on quest and he is “Medicated and Motivated.

James we somewhat know about you being from the west and all, but you‘re kind of a nomad out west.

It’s like you rep Cali but no specific place?

“It’s Like Tupac he kind of didn‘t have a specific spot he totally repped. I Like New York, Baltimore, and he was all those places. My parents met in L.A. but I was born in Oklahoma, but then I didn’t really grow up there and was kind of shuffled around from place to place. We kind of just lived out a car from city to city with my mom and sister cause my parents had broken up when I was really young. We lived out motels and stuff like that from place to place.”

James Wade explained to us his years after childhood in to his teenage years and early 20‘s.

“When I turned 18 I kind of began to call L.A. my home because I moved out there, it continued as if I was in younger years. You know I had to move around to also promote my music and stuff like that always, movies and all that. They say a body in motion tends to stay in motion. I just stay in motion. It’s now like a natural cycle of things for me to travel.”

Nice. On to your music. “Medicated and motivated is the Campaign”.

It’s so colorful its so fresh, break it down.

“Yes sir. Well initially the birth of medicated and motivated came from the death of my older sister a few years ago and it was outlet for the pain I was Initially going through. I was going through a dark mentality, some melancholy stuff. People seemed to be attracted to that vibe at that time, so I took that sound on the road and around the world.

I got around good on social media with that stuff. Then I realized later that the music was a healing process for me where I was able to go from the darkness into the light and now it’s the light. It’s about being happy without having a preset notion on what happiness is. Even the colors in my videos send off good vibes.

The media tries to tell you what happiness is but we don‘t believe

»

This is no constructed thing. It’s all respect.

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that. We know what is real. From day one when ‘Medicated and Motivated’ was created I had a network of relationships. I set it off with Snoop. I had My boy EDI Mean (Outlawz), Dead Prez, Big Rube, and Cavia Aka Cavi, but they did it for favors no paper.

They did it out of love for me. It’s crazy family that I had, like Scarface told me the packaging was so original and it was dope. That’s all I needed to hear, because I want to let ya’ll know, I don‘t pay for no features. Cats do it for the love, all out of respect. This is no constructed thing. It’s all respect.

It was all boom. It was all recorded at Bad Azz studios. I’m doing a video

down in Atlanta later this week, flying in to get it in.”

Which one? Which Film?

“You know ‘Snow on tha bluff’?”

Yeah, Part 2?

“Yeah I’m doing 3 movies at once, so look out for this work. I’m going down to Atlanta for the next week and a half bro, so you know.”

So what should we look out for next, being that you‘re lined up bro?

“Well I‘m currently about to promote the new single for hard enough so we‘re about to get the pushing on that now. The joint is produced by Organized Noize, as you know bro they started the whole Dungeon family/Outkast, Cee-lo Green, Goodie Mob, and Future. ‘A gang of marijuana’ which is a song I did., also look out for that. Damn fam on the run right now so lets link up in a bit.”

Bet James! Thank you.

Interview: Swabie Crocket Pics: Jeff Pliskin

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