Interview with BIG DADDY KANE

I had the incredible opportunity to interview THE Big Daddy Kane yesterday. While I'm going to wait for HipHopCanada to post it, I can leak this much - his favourite memory of Canada is sleeping on a Toronto bench?!

....Wait for it.

My Interview with JOE BUDDEN

(Personal note - Joe Budden is dope to converse with)

JOE BUDDEN BY TARA MULDOON

Joe Budden is an MC that has built a growing fan base off of his ability to be refreshingly honest. I had tried a few different connects to lock down an interview with him and by the time it happened, I was nervous he'd be sick of discussing his current movements and controversy. However, I was pleasantly surprised when he was one of the nicest and friendliest artists I have interviewed to date.It is refreshing that an artist with his trials and tribulations still focuses on positive in his craft and what he knows is a long career for him. Budden recently dropped the highly acclaimed mixtape Halfway House (which features Canadian producer Pro-Logic) and is currently on tour across Canada. He is amped about his album Padded Room due February 2009 and the "alleged" supergroup Slaughterhouse.

Ladies and gentle, Mr. Budden:

HipHopCanada: Peace Mr. Budden, before we get into this, let's ease the readers. Padded Room is still confirmed for February 2009, right? No push backs?

Joe Budden: [Laughing] Yes. Yes it is.

HipHopCanada: Okay. Can you update us on Slaughterhouse?

Joe Budden: The alleged group?

HipHopCanada: [Laughing] Yes.

Joe Budden: Well, I heard that allegedly there is this supergroup that consists of myself, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Royce da 5'9".

HipHopCanada: Have you allegedly heard that there is an album coming out from this supergroup?

Joe Budden: Allegedly this is what I have heard. You know, the whole concept behind the track and group was really to take it back to a Lyricist Lounge vibe. No one is doing that anymore, no one openly competes on tracks anymore. The track was to fill a void and allegedly, this is what the rumoured supergroup would fill, too.

HipHopCanada: Got it. What is your favourite track from Halfway House?

Joe Budden: That's difficult. Truthfully, the album is incredible front to back but I think my favourite is "Under The Sun". No, probably "Sidetracks" or maybe "Anything Goes". Actually, all three. Yeah, all three.

HipHopCanada: What can we expect from Padded Room?

Joe Budden: Its bananas; trust that. It's my favourite album to date. It's also very dark, my darkest to date. Halfway House is my happy music.

HipHopCanada: When is Mood Musik 4 dropping?

Joe Budden: I’ve been starting and stopping that tape for a while. I can’t even tell you how many times I do that. I go hard; I can’t rush Mood Musik 4!

HipHopCanada: What is the track with The Game like?

Joe Budden: Buy it and find out! [Laughing].

HipHopCanada: Do you listen to your first album?

Joe Budden: Yes, I love it.

HipHopCanada: Even "Pump It Up"?

Joe Budden: [Laughing] Yes.

HipHopCanada: What's your favourite remix you've done?

Joe Budden: Whoa. You're going in. I’d say the “Pump It Up” remix.

HipHopCanada: That doesn’t count.

Joe Budden: [Laughing] But it is my favourite.

HipHopCanada: “Who” obviously had the bloggers going nuts. Did you receive any backlash for that?

Joe Budden: Nope, none. Actually, I think that’s why other artists started fucking with me more.

HipHopCanada: Why was “Touch and Go” the first single?

Joe Budden: You don't like it?

HipHopCanada: It's different.

Joe Budden: We wanted an up-tempo big first single. I’m not sure if that’s going to be on my album or not yet. I like that track! The video was fun to shoot. Most video shoots are boring and hard work, this one was actually fun.

HipHopCanada: [Laughing] It looked like it. You've been very open with showing your girl off, especially online. While she's stunning, you don't feel weird about that?

Joe Budden: Nah. We've been together forever . . . she's not some new chick I'm showing off. She needs me and I need her. She handles crazy me.

HipHopCanada: You seem to be particular about who you work with. How many people do you have on your business team?

Joe Budden: A good team is key. You need your publicist, accountant, manager, lawyer. I have all of that.

HipHopCanada: I've seen you rock this killer pink and grey Jay's hat. That's not a question, but more props than anything [Laughing].

Joe Budden: [Laughing] I love that hat.

HipHopCanada: You have worked with Canadians like Moss and Pro-Logic. Do you follow Canadian hip-hop?

Joe Budden: Yes.

HipHopCanada: Who do you listen to?

Joe Budden: I mean, I don't know any names. I'm on the internet all day checking out music. I check all these sites; if it's hot then it's hot no matter where it's from.

HipHopCanada: Do you feel you're underrated?

Joe Budden: Yes. That's what I'm supposed to say, right? Well, maybe underrated isn't the right word. Maybe not recognized enough? That's not even right. Maybe not commercial enough?

HipHopCanada: You have a large underground fan base.

Joe Budden: Yeah. Well, I don't know if it's underground as much as it is people who just like realistic music.

HipHopCanada: Are you different in real life than your music portrays?

Joe Budden: I'm so much happier. I think fans would be surprised to know this. That's probably why I am so happy; because I'm so aggressive and depressed in my music.

HipHopCanada: Do you have any favourite Canadian tour memories?

Joe Budden: No comment. I'm with my girl right now, you can't ask that [Laughing].

HipHopCanada: What's your favourite Canadian city?

Joe Budden: I hate to say this because I'm sure it's what everyone says but fuck it . . . I love Toronto. I probably love it the most because that's where I've been the most but that's my spot to go to.

HipHopCanada: What can fans expect from this tour?

Joe Budden: Energy, man. I give the crowd what they want.

HipHopCanada: Will you be performing anything from Halfway House?

Joe Budden: If that's what the crowd wants. I mean, if they start shouting out that's what they want, I’ve got to give them that.

HipHopCanada: Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

Joe Budden: Drink! Besides that . . . nah. I used to get nervous when I was younger but not anymore, now I drink and have a good time with the people.

HipHopCanada: How old were you when you first performed?

Joe Budden: Hmmm. 17, can't remember where though. I was crazy nervous.

HipHopCanada: What are you listening to these days?

Joe Budden: Easy question. Mood Musik 1, 2, 3 . . . Um, Halfway House and what I have of Padded Room.

HipHopCanada: [Laughing] I'm not printing that.

Joe Budden: Okay, okay. I'm actually on some eighties music vibe. Eighties rock! I listen to myself and eighties music. No hip-hop, no rap. Rock!

HipHopCanada: Rock music. Got it! [Laughing] Now I have some reader questions for you. Ready?

Joe Budden: Let's do it.

HipHopCanada: "Calm Down" is the type of track that changes a listener’s life. Can you speak on that?

Joe Budden: Honestly, it's those comments that keep me in music. I frame listener comments and letters that let me know I've made an impact, that's what matters. "Calm Down" is also my favourite track I've ever done. True story and I'm glad it touches people. Even if it helped just one.

HipHopCanada: Dope. Is the “Triangle Offense” still alive?

Joe Budden: Nah. I mean . . . maybe one day, but not now.

HipHopCanada: Who is Killa BH?

Joe Budden: [Laughing] That’s my nigga. He’s a friend of mine, had to put him on the mixtape. There will be more of him.

HipHopCanada: Dope. Alright, I've done a really good job of not asking about the hundreds of beefs you're involved in.

Joe Budden: [Laughing] I'm involved in beefs?

HipHopCanada: So to make up for it, what can you let readers know about you that may surprise them?

Joe Budden: I'm actually really happy. Maybe it's the bi-polar in me but I'm really happy. I even want to make friends with those people from my past.

HipHopCanada: Even Jay-Z?

Joe Budden: [Laughing] Sure, I love Jay. You'd probably get a different answer tomorrow though.

Tara's's note: I caught up with Joe Budden again at his concert where he filled me in that while they are excited about the future of Slaughterhouse; contractual issues are preventing him from speaking about it on record.Editor's note: For more information on Joe Budden stay tuned to http://www.joebuddentv.com/ -- jumping off on January 1st, 2009.

My Interview with RICHIE SOSA

My HipHopCanada.com Interview with Richie Sosa

"And every so often, an artist comes along that changes hip-hop"-
Jeff Chang, Can't Stop, Won't Stop

Toronto, ON - Richia Sosa is the first to let you know he's got "it", but also the first to tell you he's still building his empire. Lyrically talented but also business-minded, he first came onto the hip-hop scene dropping mixtape verses and guest appearances. He now has a house-hold name in Canadian urban music and is expanding- in a big way. Richie Sosa (Real Ignorant Curb Hustling In Effect Son Of a Street Animal). first sat down with HipHopCanada two years ago [click here to check that article]. Check out how far he has come and where he's going. Also, be sure to look for the question regarding Richie Sosa's upcoming collaborative release with HipHopCanada's new label, HipHopCanada Digital.

HipHopCanada: The first time HHC caught up with you, two years ago, you were building a name for yourself. That has obviously changed quite a bit . . . update us!

Richie Sosa: I've been on the grind, getting situated with the right tools. I've been working hard to be larger than life, working on that game plan which is piecing itself together. Even before the last interview, "I Bang" was done -- that track is over three years old, imagine what I've got stored now. I'm trying to motivate everyone coming up and hyped for my own projects; be it mixtapes (Banned From America, Sample Me) or an upcoming debut album which I'm always working on.

HipHopCanada: Stolen From Africa did an interview with you during the Stylus Awards where you commented on how DJs made you who you are. How has the mixtape game influenced your career?

Richie Sosa: DJs have definitely helped to positively impact my career. You see, no one really cares about how good you are. At the end of the day it's about business savvy and connections.. Take Kardinal for example, I've been listening to him for almost 15 years and he's only now busting out on an international scope? People started to catch on with me when the Big Mike or the DJ Drama mixtapes came out. Society is so superficial, sure some of my fans were there from day one but in the case of popular culture, especially when you're dealing with the masses, they usually don't support you until you have been co-signed by someone of influence/power. So, with that being said, it's important for me to acknowledge the DJs who supported me since day one: Asiatic, John J, P Plus, DJ Ritz, Ill Kills. It all starts with the DJ.

HipHopCanada: "I Bang" had international support, including on SHADE 45 and Hot 97. Was that the pre-meditated or did the track blow up off the strength of it being a banger?

Richie Sosa: It was both, you know? An artist always hopes for the utmost amount of support off the jump. In the case of "I Bang" we pushed that record as hard as we could. It's funny, 'cause the first version we put out featuring Knoxx Hoffa received very little response. But, the second I put an American on it, people took notice and supported the record. And as a Canadian, I feel that, that's the sad part.

HipHopCanada: As a Toronto hip-hop artist respected across the country, what do you feel separates you from the rest?

Richie Sosa: The main thing that separates me from the rest is quality and consistency. Those are two elements of my work ethic that I really pride myself on. There's a lot of people who are satisfied putting out the bare minimum, or the expected status quo . . . but not me. When I put out a record every element of it is going to be at the best possible quality and so will every record that follows it. I'm a perfectionist and I try to surround myself with individuals who strive to do the best. That’s why I love HipHopCanada forum posters - they are so critical and it keeps me motivated.

HipHopCanada: You've been working a lot with Remo da Rapstar. How did you connect with him?

Richie Sosa: Well, Remo was working with Zale on some things and he connected us. From there we both clicked on a musical and business minded level. We both respected each other's music and we knew that us working together would help us both cross over into markets (countries) we were previously not as prominent in.

HipHopCanada: Dope. In 2006, you said Canada had yet to enter its own Golden Era. Do you feel we're on the verge of getting close?

Richie Sosa: Canada is definitely on its way. It's a small pace but people don't want to work. No one wants to pay and support. When Kardi's album dropped everyone in the country should have supported, even if you're not a fan. That was a big opportunity for urban Canada to prove to the world and ourselves that we can succeed when put on a bigger pedestal. Problem in Canada, actually in the industry itself, is that we have a me first mentality; people on the whole don't value and respect music or the grind anymore. When everyone and their mom stops wanting to be a rapper and decides to support things will change drastically for the better.

HipHopCanada: [Laughing] So true. Who are you feeling out of Canada right now?

Richie Sosa: Anyone working hard. It's not easy in this city and people are pushing hard. I'm feeling everybody - Luu Breeze, Mayhem, Drake, Famous, PB, everyone . . .

HipHopCanada: What's in your CD player right?

Richie Sosa: THAT JEEZY. I still buy CD's . . . I recently went on a rampage and bought everything. But that Jeezy album is dope.

HipHopCanada: What's your favourite track to date that you've done?

Richie Sosa: "Sick In The Head Part 2" definitely. It's produced by Big Pops.

HipHopCanada: Anything you've learned in this biz you wish someone would have of let you know?

Richie Sosa: Definitely, knowledge is power. Music, as in any business endeavour is about knowing your target demographic as well as the consuming environment. Right now, blogs and the Internet hustle are a major component of the industry. I've learned that it's all about applying what you do know while keeping an open mind to what you don't know.

HipHopCanada: How can you be reached?

Richie Sosa: Get at me! Ineedsosa@gmail.com or hit up the MySpace - www.MySpace.com/RichieSosa.

HipHopCanada: One last question, how did the upcoming digital project that you and HHC Digital are releasing next month come about? Shameless plug!

Richie Sosa: I have had a good relationship with HipHopCanada.com since day 1. They have a firm belief in my work ethic and my music. So it was only right that they contacted me to be involved with their union with Koch.

HipHopCanada: We'll definitely have more information on this release available soon. Thank you for your time, Richie Sosa. Do you have any shout-outs?

Richie Sosa: Thanks to HHC. Shout-out to CMC, Soundsmith, MegaMan, Boi-1da, Zale, Esco, Dragz, everyone at Diamond Factory Studios, TrunkHustlers, Remo, All City, every DJ and radio station (local and abroad). And finally, EVERYONE supporting, peace to the Gods. Also make sure you download Banned From America!Editor's note: For more information on Richie Sosa, check out http://www.myspace.com/richiesosa. Also, in case anyone is interested, this is HipHopCanada's 500th published interview!

RA The Rugged Man- Politics

One of the things I spoke about in our interview was politics.

He hates Obama and thinks the country will go to shit if he gets in. While it'll officially be posted on HipHopCanada in the next few days, here is a quote:


"RA: McCain is the fighter and the American Hero going against the billion dollar Obama campaign. He's not that glitz and glamour, he's a do-er. To any Americans reading this: You don't have to vote Obama because of hip-hop or because you don't want Bush again. McCain is not like Bush- that's not real. "

?uestlove!

"Tara is runnin' T.O"

-?uestlove
http://www.zshare.net/audio/20476807f463403f/