On the 14th stop of his 25 city nationwide tour, Logic and his Visionary Music Group rolled into the Windy City for another sold out show at Reggie's Rock Club late last week. Hosting the evening was B96's very own Julian On The Radio who was able to catch up with Logic right before jumping on stage and give us this fun, yet informative interview for GWHH. Touching on interesting topics such as his alter-ego, "Young Sinatra", and his "Rattpack" and "Bobby Soxer" members, Logic also talked about some of his inspirations for his music as well as the meaning and substance behind his records. And if your a fan of Logic and listen to his music, than you'll know that what he says in this interview is right on point. But after some of the typical cliche questions, as expected for you new Logic fans, Julian and Logic chop it up about Logic's "Mac Miller" reference, and whereabouts for the famous Gumby suit. They also go in about Logic's job history and list of artist he wants to work with in the future. Just under 8 minutes of some "real" answers from Maryland's fast up and comer.
Now all these Q&A's are great, but I want you (the viewer) to see pass just that and take notice of the person that makes Logic Logic. Look at the way he carries himself and how humble he is in his answers. Notice how much he's smiling and how much fun he's having during this interview. Trust me, it's not a coincidence that he just so happens to have some of the most loyal fans in the industry. And all those characters I quickly mentioned are easily reflected and heard in his music. So if your not on the Logic fan bus just yet, I suggest you wise up and get on, because it's getting crowded fast. And you can bet your ass I'm riding shotgun. P.S. Dope shirt Logic!
Cam Be and I did a follow around with NBA Guard, C.J. Watson in his hometown of Las Vegas.
This exclusive documentary tells the story of Watson's journey to the NBA, while also highlighting his personal life such as family, friends and growing up in a church environment.
Watson is known as "Quiet Storm," but don't be fooled by the nickname. He has an amazing story and personality to match, making this documentary a must-see.
After riding two hours south down I-94 in the scorching heat, Young Focus and Arcane, better known as Cranberry Show, finally arrived at the Gowhere Hip Hop Headquarters to kick start a fun afternoon and to let us get to know them better. The duo from Milwaukee took time to chat it up with Gowhere's Jen DeLeon about the where abouts in which they formed Cranberry Show, their favorite all-time performances, and the reason they call themselves the Cranberry Show. (Hint: the "Show" was necessarily added due to their wild and crazy stage presence).
Also, Young Focus and Arcane discuss what they like to do when away from the music scene as well as their tight longtime friendship. Some pretty funny guys I must add. So with distractions like Mortal Kombat and mini-golf in our way, we were still able to get this fun, yet informative interview done. I recommend taking the time out and getting to know the Cranberry Show.
Upon announcing his addition to the SUH conglomerate, The Boy Illinois stopped in at Gowhere HQ where he and our very own Stan Perry talked about the past, present, and future. In the video above you'll catch Illi touch base on his upcoming project The Memoirs of Gilbert Gaston, which he titled after his grandfather, his family, Chicago blogs, connecting with MTV's Sway, as well as his upcoming college tour and much more. Be sure to tune in above and support one of the illest up and comers in the game right now. #YER
TIBS NOTE: Be sure to watch the interview to also get a glimpse of the hilarious Stan Perry, who starts a beatbox at the end - to which Illi nicely freestyles over, hah!
What a wonderful event thrown by Donovan McNabb! In order to support the care of diabetes, he and a bunch of celebrity atheletes came together and played softball. Sgt. Tibs and I got to catch a few words with Donovan McNabb, Larry Fitzgerald (All-Pro Wide Receiver for the Arizona Cardinals), rapper Rhymefest, Willie Taylor (Day26 singer), Bobby Simmons (Los Angeles Clippers), Swin Cash (WNBA All-Star for the Chicago Sky) and Comedian Deon Cole. Now that's a home run! Enjoy this interview with a few of your favorite athletes and artists. Also, help support diabetes and Donovan McNabb's Fund at donovanmcnabb.com!
Earlier today, Maks G and I slid by L210 for the Kendrick Lamar listening party sponsored by Nike. I had a great time, ate mad snacks, and got an early sneak peek of K. Dot's new LP. Did I mention Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City is awesome? I would've taken a picture of my fellow Chi tastemakers who couldn't stop nodding their head, but Kendrick made us all put our phones on the table before he started the listening set. I didn't blame the brother. The album is filled with insightful bars and raw production with innate levels of turn up.
After the listening party ended, I got up with Kendrick Lamar once again to talk about life after Section 80, TDE, Lady Gaga, and Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City - his Interscope label debut.
He also mentioned "Dying of Thirst", produced by Skye Hutch is a record off the album people are going to check for. Considering his chemistry with Skye, I'm going to go ahead and co-sign that. October 2nd it's going to go up. Groove!
What an exciting day when Mic Terror from Treated Crew comes thru Gowhere Hip Hop Headquarters! During Mic Terror's visit, we went to 7-Eleven for free slurpies, played basketball, and talked about his favorite video games. During my sit down with Mic Terror, we talked about “Treated” hats that you see a few semi-popular artists such as Kanye and Jay-Z wearing (just kidding about the semi-popular part), his upcoming works and his favorite parts about them, the crew’s upcoming album and his birthday present that I need to start saving up for. Also after watching this video, you’ll learn more about what Mic Terror needs on an island to be content. Check out this entertaining interview with one of the most down to earth people on this planet and don’t forget to keep a look out for his solo works and Treated Crew's upcoming album. Also, Mic Terror will be featured on MTV2's Sucker Free Chicago on July 15th so keep a look out for that. Enjoy friends!
Anybody out there lookin' for a fresh rapper/producer duo, look no further than Honors English & Needlz. It was English's first time in the Chi last week and he and his Grammy award winning partner in crime good music stopped through the HQ, where I got the chance to talk with 'em about the new project, State Of The Art, collaborating with like-minded lyrical cats like Lupe Fiasco (the Needlz-produced "Tilted" was actually the first Lupe song I heard and then it was a wrap), and even how they started making music together in the first place. Believe it or not, Needlz actually gave the thumbs down on first listen to Honors English. But watch above and find out how that thumbs down turned into a thumbs up and into a deeply lyrical must-have for hip hop heads in State Of The Art. And hey, I'm outta retirement and behind the mic for the first time since 2010, hah!
In addition to the interview, Honors & Needlz played a lot of us in the office this very well-produced documentary below that you should peep to follow along on some of the hard-hitting lyrics on State Of The Art - it's lyric video style mixed with interviews with the two. And of course, download the tape for FREE at thehonorssociety.com if you haven't yet already. "Anybody Go Hard", "Flying High" f/ Lupe Fiasco & TL Cross, and "Second Chances" f/ Karina Pasian are three all-caps *TIBS FAVS.™ to look out for. Enjoy!
"So it was kind of a blessing the fact that 1st & 15th didn't work for me. I actually saw my death."
- Gemstones
In part two of my interview series with Gemstones, the artist formerly known as Gemini drops some real lines. No rap. Real rap. This piece is probably one of my favorites because the content is so honest and heavy. I enjoy the funny, entertaining conversations, but the fruitful dialogue I have with artists are probably my most fulfilling I have as a correspondent. As a writer, I equally appreciate the candid quotes and soundbites I encounter on a daily basis covering artists. This Gowhere exclusive with Demarco Castle sheds much light on his spiritual side and I think you'll enjoy. Testimony swag. Don't dumb it down. Get in tune with my new interview groove featuring Gemstones. Be on the lookout for Pt. 3: Elephant In The Room!
"I was actually lost. Before I found God, I was lost. I used to go home at night, I would be afraid to go to sleep. I actually thought I was going to die in my sleep. That's what the people didn't see... For a whole year, I didn't even come outside. I lost so much weight, I was sick. Then I got in my world, I found light, I found comfort, I found my wife, I found joy, I found peace... I found God, and I found peace in that, man."
- Gemstones
"You want to leave somethin' behind. And what I knew I didn't want to leave behind... I didn't want to leave behind records like 'Buss Down', I didn't want to leave behind records like 'Shoot 'Em Up In The Club'. I didn't want to be dead and gone and the only thing I would see left of me is a picture of me with a gallon of Hennessy in my hand. I want to be remembered as a stand up dude. Giving, loving, caring. I want to be remembered... I want to be remembered."
- Gemstones
