You may have seen them from some of our previous posts, but in case you haven't - here is your chance to find out everything about them both musically and personally.
Check out the interview where I get the inside scoop of what brought them to the decision of becoming a hip hop duo, what to expect from their upcoming project, which includes Retro 1, and what makes them different from the other artists in Chicago.
Following music discussions, I took the interview to a different route, where we talked about what they like and dislike about their city, and what hobbies they enjoy doing outside of creating music.
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.
For the better part of two decades, Sway Calloway has been a staple of MTV News. The living legend journalist, radio host, and executive producer was someone we caught up with down in Austin for SXSW as well! He was a perfect fit to be interviewed by our own Drea Oppan as he is one of her main inspirations. Drea asked Sway about what exactly keeps him going and the always stoic Sway had some good things to say. To add to the entertainment, fast-rising artists XV & Dee-1 naturally joined in on the interview. The impromptu convos resulted in some info on their upcoming projects and a video game challenge from XV issued to Sway, hah! Watch and enjoy this one above with a special shoutout going out to our new friends at Invisual Media for the super fresh editing.
Gowhere NY was in attendance at the Cameo gallery for a great show from the incredibly lyrical Homeboy Sandman, presented by his label Stones Throw. After his lively performance, we stepped outside with Homeboy Sand for a much informative interview. He told us about an overseas tour coming up in May and talked about his new EP Chimera, available on iTunes here. So check out the interview above for all the details and some bonus show footage from the night.
Who out there would turn down a listening party, turned performance, from a Grammy-nominated R&B singer who's still doin' it big in 2012? Well, we didn't turn down such an opp earlier this week as Tank made his way to Chicago to promote the upcoming album, This Is How I Feel. Above, get a glimpse of what went down with some performance footage mixed in with our all-new interview as Tank talked with one of our fresh faces at Gowhere - Palita.
Tank took the exclusive fans and tastemakers in attendance at the Funky Buddha on a journey from his first album through to This Is How I Feel as he simply sat down at a piano and performed hit song after hit song from throughout his career. He then previewed a few of the upcoming singles off the album, of which Palita got the low down on in the interview shortly thereafter. Among them is "Complications" featuring T.I. & Kris Stephens as Tank talked about the upcoming video and "Lonely" featuring Chris Brown. And in addition to some words on the album, Tank also filled us in on his workout regimen and overall way of life to maintain his R&B icon status as he is about to release his fifth album on May 8th.
Check it all out and more in the freshly edited video from our newest #TeamGowhere member: Jessica Nowak! Plus, hit the jump for some fun pics with Tank as he was all love towards not only us, but all of the fans who got their own special photo with him after the performance. Shoutout to Tank and once again, This Is How I Feel. May 8th.
A couple weeks ago, I attended the Slum Village concert held at The Double Door in Wicker Park.
An artist that caught my attention, was the opening act, Aerias, a Chicago hip-hop artist who was given an opportunity of a lifetime.
I sat down with Aerias following his performance where we discussed not just about his music career, but also his personal life. I don't want to spill all the details of his interesting story, so check out the interview and find out how he landed the concert, his inspirations as well as what keeps him going as he follows his dreams.
Oh, and while you're at it - check out the trailer to a documentary of Aerias, which is directed, filmed, and edited by: NBRHD Productions.
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.
Check out my latest interview with MichaelCameron and take in the beautiful visuals from the University of Maryland campus! Listen to our discussion on his latest projects, where he is currently at as an artist, and what it's like being an artist and student.
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!
I got a chance to chill with Shanell of Young Money after her performance at The Hard Rock Hotel in Austin Texas during SXSW. I finally had someone from Young Money in my chair so you know I had to ask what was up with YMCMB signing a bunch of new artists (Limp Bizkit, Mystikal, Bow Wow)... her answer will surprise you!!
Find out what Shanell said about her relationship with Nicki Minaj and her new single with Wayne and Drake. Shanell recently dropped a new promo video for her new mixtape Nobody's B*tch, also check out what she says was the thought process behind it.
