Last night we caught up with iconic model, actress, and activist Jenny McCarthy at the 5th Annual 'Rescue Our Angels' silent auction at Rockit Bar & Grill in Chicago. Jenny is a strong promoter of autism awareness, as president of GenerationRescue.org, where you can contribute to help families with children with autism spectrum disorders. She has some nice words to say about how she got involved and how you can get involved by donating at GenerationRescue.org.
Our interview takes a more light-hearted turn as B96's Julian On Da Radio asks about her dating life, which she says has been "hilarious" and "horrendous" this past year. Now it looks like it's taking a turn towards awesome as McCarthy confirmed she is dating Bears All-Pro Linebacker, Brian Urlacher. Looks like we'll be seeing the Chicago native more often around the hometown, at least when her busy schedule allows her to be here when she's not filming new TV shows like Love In The Wild and Surprise with Jenny McCarthy on NBC, and, that's not all - her own Jenny McCarthy Show debuting on VH1 later this year. Julian also gets the quick low-down on the shows, amidst more of their fun back and forth, stemming from McCarthy immediately realizing she talked with Julian on the radio just a couple days prior, hah!
So without further adieu, check out our fun new interview with Jenny McCarthy above. Plus, be sure to get more information and donate if you can to children with autism that need our support - it all can be done at GenerationRescue.org.
Last week, Khaled M. returned to Chicago and paid a visit to Gowhere Hip Hop Headquarters to catch up with us, preview some new projects, and of course, share what he's been up to for our newest interview for you all to see above! He sits down with Jen DeLeon and shares with us some chilling experiences while he was overseas in Libya, where his father was born, and amongst the many who have been fighting for freedom while even facing certain death. Khaled's story will be amongst the many shared in a dope new, MTV Diary-esque series called 'Sing Freedom' and you can catch him in a powerful preview below.
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Also in the interview, Khaled fills us in on what to expect on his upcoming EP, which includes collaborations with a new singer on our radar Tarik Adams, whom he was recording with in Chicago and we met at the HQ as well. He's got some dope tunes in his own right so no doubt, these two are going to come up with something fresh. Finally, Khaled also has some good words on waking up and simply appreciating life and his blessings. We also have some fun in this one as you can see from Khaled and Jen's discussion and some of the b-roll of all of us in the office. As we expected, Khaled has a lot of big looks coming on top of being featured on the likes of CNN and RollingStone. We got the early preview and we'll be the first to keep you in the loop when Khaled releases some new music, but for now, get to know his story even more in our new interview above!
We at Gowhere Hip Hop are about growing together as one. A chief goal of our company is to promote talented up and coming artists to our wide, national and international audience. And as that is inclusive of artists and talent from anywhere, we see that just in our hometown of Chicago, there are countless amounts of people of different styles, cultures, and perspectives that deserve to be heard. As we continue to grow with GWHH, and as a Chicago music scene overall, we wanted to also take a step back and reflect about how the scene has changed immensely in just the past few years - and communicate that to you all, whether you can experience this first hand in the Chi or looking from the outside in. With this in mind, we linked up earlier this month with Briahna Gatlin & Swank PR at Gowhere Hip Hop Headquarters for a client/media junket. Swank PR represents a variety of artists, VIPs, industry professionals, and tastemakers in Chicago, and just in their clientele alone, they are a big presence in the city. While not everyone in the scene is directly speaking above, the people that were in the office that day and featured in the video above provide a vast perspective and sound representation of much of the city. So in addition to growing our own relationships with one another and connecting people for the first time, we also decided to spread some awareness, reflection, and knowledge on the Chicago music scene with this video.
Watch and hear from Chicago artists, industry professionals, tastemakers, and our own members of #TeamGowhere about how the Chicago music scene has changed, the unity that has developed, and how the momentum is only going to keep building as we all continue to unite and grow. In just the last few years, a Chicago music scene that has long been segregated and known for its 'hater' reputation has made great strides in shedding that stigma and becoming more unified. There is a powerful movement bubbling here and we're in the midst of an exciting journey of Chicago's evolving music scene becoming the next powerhouse city of the music industry!
"Chicago is one city. We shall work as one people for our common good and our common goals."
- Harold Washington
#Motivation. There is more to be done. Let's go, Chicago!
There are few producers in hip hop that one may utter is better than DJ Premier. Like seriously. One half of legendary group Gangstarr, Premo has gracefully managed to stay relevant and create fresh grooves in a young man's game for decades. Last month, before DJ Premier's show at The Shrine, I had the pleasure (yes, I bum-rushed his set lol) to interview arguably hip hop's greatest producer of all-time. Of course the show was packed and there were fans from all eras paying homage to the scratching legend.
DJ Premier speaks on his new project with Bumpy Knuckles 'Kolexxion', why Kanye West is a boss, and the dualities in hip hop between "new school," and true school.
Here's an excerpt of my conversation with Premo about 'Ye:
"Kanye's has taken things to a whole "nother level. And he's a challenger. That's what I am. I took challenges and risks of being different. Kanye has decided to be different and some people hate on him, some people call him weird. I'm weird. When you're weird, that means you're not like everybody else. That's why Ye has grown from a nobody to every model chick wants to get with him...everything because he has made his path of showing that he can be a leader in the game. Not everybody is built to be a boss. I wasn't built to be one either, but I am a boss now. And I carry myself as one. Bosses deal with bosses on a whole different level and Ye is a boss."
- DJ Premier
Sidenote: I didn't really bum-rush, Preem. I mean, I guess I kinda did. There was slight haste involved lol. I just hate doing interviews after shows. Entertainers are usually drunk and high at that point or occupied with said groupies. Who would want to interrupt that? The fact that some drunken interviews are sometimes cool is an entirely different post. Much propers to DJ Premier for kicking knowledge. Go cop his new LP with Bumpy!
Last week, I witnessed perhaps the top concert to date to hit the Chi in 2012. Talib Kweli, accompanied by his live band, headlined a packed house at The Shrine as he spit verses new and old, classics and covers, and even an incredible a capella that we give you a taste of above - just before launching into our latest exclusive interview!
And ladies and gents, this interview is an instant classic. After the show, Talib Kweli sat down with our own Jeff Baraka, while we were also joined by the special surprise guest Kweli brought on stage during his encore - none other than true Chicago playa emcee, GLC. What you see above is a raw, reflective conversation between the three, where first, Kweli realized and articulated on the spot, the similarities between his hometown of Brooklyn and our hometown of Chicago. He had these powerful words to say about the City of Wind:
On Brooklyn & Chicago similarities:
"Well to be honest with you, I didn't even really notice that there was such a similarity between Brooklyn and Chicago until you said it. With me, Chicago is.. a hub. It's a mecca. It's like a shining light in the middle of the country. It's a place where a lot of people came who didn't have access to the coasts. And came, and was able to make their dreams come true."
But that's not all. Of course, we needed some words on a Black Star album and Kweli kills any and all rumors, while leaving the door open to the possibility we all want.
On a new Black Star album:
"We had been puttin' out Black Star songs on the website blackstarhub. We been workin' on music. We don't have an album together yet."
Finally, Kweli describes the 'Super MC' and in the process talks about the art, skills, and business of hip hop. Baraka then brings in GLC as he and Kweli share laughs about an awesome story of a tour stop back in '03 overseas where GLC was NOT having any bootleggers. Hah! On the music tip, GLC also reveals an artist who embraces 'The Ism' lately and one that we can expect a collab with in the future (Hint: From Pittsburgh, first name rhymes with Biz). Lookin'. Forward. To that!
Shoutout to everyone involved for makin' this one memorable night. To Talib Kweli & GLC for the excellent show, the time afterwards, and all the Gowhere love. To the good people at The Shrine for hosting yet another high-energy concert (Groove Series with Jean Grae up next this Thursday!). To the #TeamGowhere fam below for creating one of our most raw and entertaining interviews to date. It's simply a must-see! Watch and enjoy above.
Are you wondering how that B.o.B / Taylor Swift collab "Both Of Us" came about? Or maybe, which of the many A-list stars that will be appearing on Strange Clouds was B.o.B most excited to work with? And what artist he hasn't yet worked with that he would like to? At the young age of 23, B.o.B is prime to see his star shine even brighter come May 1st when Strange Clouds hits stores everywhere. In addition to answering those questions above, B.o.B also provides a glimpse at what else lies ahead - including an upcoming collab with adidas at the Olympics, digging deeper into music (likely the rock route, as told in "Ray Bands"), and even movies. Watch above for those answers and more as B.o.B talks with the always funny and entertaining Julian On Da Radio (of B96) for GWHH!
And to catch you up on all things B.o.B, hit the 'PREVIOUSLY' links below our last sit-down with B.o.B from SXSW last March, in case you missed it. He talks more about Strange Clouds, including the deepest record he wrote for the album, working with T.I., and more. Plus, he and Jen DeLeon created a handshake last month... did he remember it earlier this week at the adidas Originals store in Chicago? Hah, also catch that, amidst all sorts of good fun and info, in the new interview above.
We're proud to present our newest interview, taking place at GWHQ, with Toothpick Clique leader, 0.5 of The Cool Kids, and a fast-rising solo artist as most recently evidenced by last week's Premier Politics 1.5 - Sir Michael Rocks! We broke down the interview into three main parts: music, fashion, and... animals as Mikey sits down with our newest correspondent: Palita.
First, the music. SMR is excited to share some of the features appearing on his next solo project. Among them? How about Mac Miller, Casey Veggies, and Jeremih? That's just a few, in addition to some of the usual suspects, and some surprises to be revealed when the time is proper. Lookin' forward to this.
Then get to know Mikey beyond the music. He speaks on his alignment in the fashion game and spits some truth about the industry after his experience within it. Plus, did you know Sir Michael Rocks owns a marmoset?! Yup, at one point Mikey wanted to become a zoologist, and the animal lover talks all about the animals he wants to own in the future. Lastly, #TeamGowhere has been reppin' the 'Buss Down Dance' well since the tail end of 2011 after "Cell Dope". I mean, we really break it out in celebratory fashion all the time. So it's only right that Sir Michael Rocks teaches us the proper way to buss down! That fun video from the office is intermixed in the interview so press play and enjoy this fun look at Sir Michael Rocks above!
It's always dope having good conversations with good people, especially when it's Queensbridge very own Prodigy and Havoc of Mobb Deep. I've been bumping Mobb for a very long time. What questions do you ask legendary rap royalty? Just have a seat and don't move for awhile. Be on the lookout for exclusive "Day In The Life" footage with Mobb Deep coming soon.
Big shouts to my UK bros over at R&R for the crispy digital shots and much love to Jay for helping set up the logistics and what not. Groove!
What lies above is a highlight recap of what went down that night. Performance footage from all of the acts above mixed in a smooth flowing fashion with many of the interviews we got from the evening including Drea Oppan talking with the living legend MC Hammer, Blu, Elle Varner, Maya, and even New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz who taught Jen DeLeon how to do his signature touchdown salsa dance, hah! Watch above, you'll be entertained from beginning to end! Then check out our previous SXSW footage and some pictures below. More videos to come throughout the week!
Earlier this month, Stalley made his way into GWHQ for another GWHH-hosted media junket, while in town for a headlining set later that night. Up above, watch and enjoy a fun, entertaining, and informative one-on-one chat with another new correspondent for #TeamGowhere - joining his partner on the B96 morning show J Niice as well, Julian On Da Radio!
Right off the bat, Julian's sense of humor lightens the mood as the two go on to discuss Stalley's writing and recording process, the very first time meeting Rick Ross and then joining MMG, the upcoming Savage Journey Of The American Dream, what artists he would like to work with (namely Nas & Andre 3000), and what artists he listens to (hint: it's more than who you would think). Oh, and of course, Julian had to ask him about the beard. Watch and enjoy this in-depth chat that will seem like it went by fast given the fun they have while at GWHQ (it's always a fun time at GWHQ!). Be on the lookout for more from MMG's rising star with Savage Journey To The American Dream dropping next week and also be sure to hit the jump for more photos from the evening at the office!
