Interviews
Chanel: Turning Fantasy Into Reality
Rob Dyrdek’s “Fantasy Factory†has proven to be a seamless transition from its highly popular predecessor, “Rob & Big.†Preparing for the premiere of its third season, one of the better aspects of the show has been its ability to help mold careers of Chris “Drama Beats†Pfaff and Chanel West Coast. After recently catching up with Chanel, the “rapping receptionist†spoke on her drive to become a respected MC in a genre and culture that may not be so accepting, how the murders of two close friends continue to inspire her to record music, a 20 minute freestyle with Travis Barker no one will ever see, her official mixtape and other things. (Keep reading…)
Statlanta“” class=”www.karencivil.com/2010/03/31/stat-quo-the-long-road-to-statlanta/” rel=”bookmark”>Stat Quo: The Long Road To Statlanta
Patience is a virtue. Time is of the essence.
Two completely different cliches, but two describing the progression of Stanley “Stat Quo†Benton. Since signing with Aftermath nearly a decade ago, Quo’s debut album, Statlanta, has been ready for liberation. However, due to the inner workings that are the politics of the industry, the album has yet to hit shelves. That’s not to say the ATLien hasn’t found success in his own right. In a recent interview with Stat, he candidly spoke about the album, SXSW, the possibility of seeing Detox before 2012, his new label situation with Sha Money XL, March Madness and even about new track he has which is slated to feature Lauryn Hill. Yes, that Lauryn Hill. (Keep reading…)
Hip Hop’s Youngest Old Soul” class=”www.karencivil.com/2010/03/22/diggy-simmons-hip-hops-youngest-old-soul/” rel=”bookmark”>Diggy Simmons: Hip Hop’s Youngest Old Soul
Aside from the Jacksons, there aren’t many families in music who have had more of an impact on pop culture than the Simmons clan. Russell is one of the founders of Def Jam, a timeless and storied institution in music industry history. His brother, Joseph (known to the world as Rev. Run), is a member of iconic trio, Run DMC, and the inspiration behind the hit television show “Run’s House.†Seemingly next up to bat is Run’s son and Russell’s nephew, Diggy. Since releasing his debut mixtape, The First Flight, last November, the praises and accolades have been coming hand over fist.
We recently had the chance to chop it up with the MC/fashion-fiend where he spoke candidly on a handful of topics such: the show’s impact on his music career, the negative comments regarding his older brother JoJo, his feelings towards Lil Twist and Bow Wow, the stigma about “child rappers†and what he personally feels he needs to improve on. (Keep reading…)
Stevie Boi Talks SB Shades
A skillfully articulate fashion trendsetter, Stevie Boi is a true artist and the world is his canvas. With a unique flare for style and the ability to turn ordinary shades into one of a kind masterpiece, Stevie Boi is quickly becoming one of the most sought after tastemaker in the industry. He is currently a stylist for hip hop recording artists such as Angel Lola Luv, also known as Lola Monroe, a former video model turned rapper and Young B. Recently, I sat down for a private chat with Stevie Boi and was given a glimpse into the mind and life of a true entrepreneur. We discussed everything from how his shade line began as well as his current and upcoming projects.Read rest of story…
Drama Beats: “The Come Up”
Chris “Drama†Pfaff is quite the impressive chess player. Figuratively, not literally. Following his high school graduation, Chris was forced with one of life’s most intricate scenarios. Many in his position chose higher education, while others chose the military and a large portion matriculated immediately into the work force. For the young man who grew up attending the same house parties as LeBron James in Akron, Ohio, (his parents even took James’ senior photos) he ultimately chose the “family business.â€
For those unfamiliar with Drama’s past, he is the cousin of Rob Drydek, star of the highly successful MTV reality show, “Rob & Big.†Pfaff’s role on the show served as the younger cousin who moved to Los Angeles in hopes of achieving dreams of breaking into the music industry. In the process, being subjected to the seemingly senseless and comedic tasks of his cousin and Christopher “Big Black†Boykin were all apart of the on-air hazing process. According to Pfaff, to Rob and Big’s credit, everything he was forced to do was “100% real†and was never once given scripts, call sheets or season plans. Read rest of story…