Artist Spotlight: T’trotta of the Merc Boyz

In this week’s artist spotlight, I had a chance to sit down with up and coming rapper T’Trotta. He is most known famously for the Merc Boyz (Big Hurt and T’trotta) smash hit “One O’clock”  and his solo single “I Feel So Good”.  T’trotta has dropped numerous of singles and mixtapes with his other half, Big Hurt. On January 1, 2011, T’trotta made his solo debut with the alias titled mixtape “Key 2 Da Streetz”.  T’trotta is expected to drop his second solo project in February entitled Campaign Musik and his album entitled “Key 2 Da Streetz - Da Lock-Up.” Check out the interview below!

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RS: Tell the people a little bit about who you are and where you from.

Trotta: Well you know Im T’trotta, also known as “Key 2 Da Streetz (K2DS)”. I am a Southern artist associated with Lil T601 and his Hustle Hard Campaign enterprise. I was born in Clarksdale, MS, then later moved to Greenwood, MS at the age of 17.

RS: Clarksdale, MS, that’s straight down 61, home of the blues and artists like Rick Ross and actor Morgan Freeman. That’s whats up. How did you earn the alias “Key 2 Da Streetz” or K2DS?

Trotta: “Key 2 Da Streetz” was a name that was given to me by a fellow Hustle Hard affiliate meaning if the streetz are on lock then, I got the key. I liked and decided to use it.

RS: What is  #CampaignMusik and Hustle Hard Campaign?

Trotta: “Campaign Musik” is the name of my second solo mixtape. I named it “Campaign Musik” because for one, it originated from the company, Hustle Hard Campaign; and two “Campaign”  is like your election, your promotion. The things you do to put you on the top. The “Hustle Hard” part speaks for itself.

RS:  When and how did you become interested in rap music?

Trotta: I was always into music and free-styling, but I recorded my first track in 2003 called “Shake Something” with da Dirty South Sluggers.  We got that song circulating around the town, the people started listening and that’s how we got started.

RS: I remember that track Shake Something, it was a southern club banger! Didn’t realize you was in the mix dawg.  What do you think it will take to put Mississippi on the Map as a competitor for hip hop artists or do you feel Mississippi is properly represented?

Trotta: No. I feel that it is not nearly enough unity in this state. I also feel that the only way for this state to compete with the “big dawgs” is to form unity.

RS: Do you think hip hop is headed in the right direction?

Trotta: No!

RS: Who are your musical influences?

Trotta: (laughs) Lil T601

RS: Let me get back to your style of music specifically. What separates your style of rap from other rappers and makes your music unique?

Trotta: Because I’m unique, and I rap about me, u feel me?! I created my own style based on me and my everyday life.

RS: If you could work with an artist right now, who would it be and why?

Trotta: I would work with anybody serious, independent or mainstream. This is what I do and if you serious, let’s get it.

RS: Tell me Trotta, where can your music be purchased or downloaded?

Trotta:  You can download my music is off www.hustlehardcampaign.com but you can find me on other sites such as datpiff, Itunes, etc.



RS: How can people interested in your music reach you? (facebook, twitter, youtube, reverbnation, websites)

Trotta:  You can follow me on twitter @T_trotta, look me up at Facebook.com/Ttrotta   Subscribe to me on youtube at  Youtube.com/mercboyz43 http://www.datpiff.com/profile/mercboyz43, http://www.hustlehardcampaign.com/, Or by email, TtrottaHHC@gmail.com

RS: Do you have any upcoming album releases, mixtapes or events coming up?

Trotta:  Yea, I got that “Campaign Musik” mixtape scheduled to drop in February and my album “Key 2 Da Streetz - Da Lock Up”  dropping late 2012.

RS: Trotta I wanna thank you for taking time out of your schedule to do this interview with me. Man, best of luck in the music game and we look forward to hearing more from you. Do you have any shoutouts u want to make?

Trotta: Yea, shoutouts out to  Hustle Hard Campaign man. Shoutouts to all the artists gringind and campaigning to be on the top. Shoutouts to the whole "Sipp" (Mississippi) my nigga! #Campaign

Video Premier: Nicki Minaj: Super Bass

It seems Nicki is back at it again. I am not sure this is hip-hop or Pop-Hop but whatever it is, I am sure the #teenyboppers will claim it is the best in music since Do the Stanky leg. Per Bossip, check the video below.

RIP Nate Dogg: Hip Hop Legend

One of rap's most lauded male hook singers, Long Beach, California native Nate Dogg (born Nathaniel Hale) died on Tuesday at the age of 41 after several years of health problems.
With his deep, melodic voice and smooth soul rumble, Dogg was one of the key elements in the rise of the West Coast G-Funk sound pioneered by Death Row Records in the early 1990s. Though overshadowed by such peers as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Warren G, Nate was a critical participant in a number of major left-coast gangsta hits, including G's "Regulate" and Dre's iconic solo debut, 1992's The Chronic.
Hale's death was first reported by the Long Beach Press Telegram, which noted that his family announced his death on Tuesday. The cause of death was not announced at press time, but Hale had struggled with serious health issues recently, including suffering a massive stroke in 2007 that left him partially paralyzed and another the following year. A spokesperson for the singer could not be reached for comment at press time for further details on his passing.
Nate was a four-time Grammy nominee, earning his first nod in 1995 for the legendary Warren G collaboration "Regulate," followed by another in 2001 for providing a hook to the Dre and Snoop tune "The Next Episode." He earned his third notice in 2002 for singing on Ludacris' "Area Codes" and another in 2007 for his work on Eminem's "Shake That.

"We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb" tweeted Snoop. "One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit ... I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan. ... All doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!"
"R.I.P. TO MY HOMEBOY NATE DOGG DPGC DOGG POUND GANGSTA 4 LIFE," tweeted Daz.
"There is a certain void in hip hop's heart that can never be filled. Glad we got to make history together. RT @SnoopDogg: RIP NATE DOGG," tweeted Ludacris.

Read More From the Source

RIP Nate Dogg. I will always remember you from Regulators as a child growing up. You truly had a voice that was recognizable in the hip hop game. We need more artists with your style. You will be missed brother.
 

LEAKED: Chris Brown's LOOK AT ME NOW VIDEO:

Seems today that Chris is having a bit of a LEAK problem. First they leaked his album photo, followed by a nude photo, and now his unofficial video for LOOK AT ME NOW. It makes me wonder if he is actually behind all this leaking. You know, the stars have figured out if they can cause a big enough controversy before an album or video release, it normally equates with bigger sales. At any rate, please enjoy the unofficial copy of LOOK AT ME NOW

source 

NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: MARC AVERY - SCHOOL'S OUT: THE MIXTAPE

This week I decided to focus in on up and coming artists in the music business. The artist for this week is Marc Avery. Marc's latest release is SCHOOL'S OUT: THE MIXTAPE.

RS:  So tell me a little about yourself?
MA: Well, im 25 years old and reppin the Westside of Chicago, IL. Many of you may remember me as J. Swagg.  I am graduate of Rust College in Holly Springs, MS and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. (BLUUU PHIIII!!!)

RS: Why did you change my name?
MA: Well I think that J. Swagg was cool but it put me in one lane, it sounds like the name of an artist that would only do dance tracks. Dance tracks are cool but they aren't my thing. Marc is short for Marcellus (my middle name) and Avery is my grandmother's last name (she passed away years ago).

RS: Sorry to hear that. Now I can definitely appreciate your name Marc Avery. Being a young artist yourself, who are your musical influences?
MA:  My musical R&B influences are Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder (the greatest), Babyface, Prince, Michael Jackson, Ryan Leslie and Robin Thicke (on some new shit). My other influences are Queen, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Hall and Oates many others but its too many to name. I also like jazz, artists like Kirk Whalum.

RS: I see you have a versatile taste in music. Since we are on the subject, what is your take on new school hip-hop versus old school hip-hop?

MA: I think that hip hop is hip hop. I do think that the whole "point" of hip hop has changed though. Whereas back in the day when hip hop began those other cats had more "influential" and "political" lyrics in their music. Nowadays its less of that on a mainstream level. We have MORE party music today but dont get it twisted they had plenty party music back in the day. Its really the same thing just more and less of certain ingredients.

RS: Interesting and you definitely right about the party music today versus political points in the past.  So what makes your music "UNIQUE?"
MA: I think what makes my music unique is the lyrics. I take time to try to say things in a way that most people would not say it and the same goes for the overall topic of a song. I also understand that comparisons to Drake may or may not come across and if they do im fine with that. But i do think it is a difference because I sing more than I rap, I am a singer first and a rapper second. He has his lane and I have mine. Besides singers rapped before Drake came along, if anything it should be a comparison to Bobby Brown lol.

RS: How can people interested in your music keep up with you?
MA:Well as I said earlier you can keep an eye on Youtube to see videos or hear music. Those who want to follow me on twitter: @marc_avery and I have a fan page on facebook for Marc Avery. For booking just contact marcaverymusic@gmail.com .


RS: Thank you for your time Marc and I look forward to seeing you go BIG. We need some versatility in the music industry. Last question, where can your music be downloaded?
MA: Fans and those interested in my music can visit http://www.datpiff.com/Marc-Avery-Schools-Out-The-Mixtape.205712.html and get a FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD! You can also visit www.youtube.com and and search my name MARC AVERY or the song.  Please pass the word.

 

Why the Glorification of Thug life in Hip-hop music contributes to lack of respect in the Black Community?

-Romaro Spivey

After work the other day I was watching BET’s 106 and Park and the number 3 video came on which was Welcome to my hood by Dj Khaled. Normally, I would just turn but this time I decided to listen to the lyrics and watch the video. Although I found the beat to be catching I found the lyrics to be so negatively influential.  Here we have a song that is glorifying the “HOOD” as being something good because it is the hot spot, the place where N*ggas rob, cable is stole, and half of the people on papers (probation for some criminal activity).  Here are few lyrics from the song:

(part of Plies’ verse): If you aint from the hood, bitch, than stop impersonating us
And tell congress when you see 'em I'm stealin' cable
And leave the D-Boys alone 'cause they motivate us
And why is the half of my whole hood on papers
Some are on house arrest, some are on child support
Some of 'em did they bit, the other half waiting to go to court
Mr Landlord we gon bust your ass with an eviction note
Better have the police with you dog, if you came to repo

(part of Ric Ross’ verse) I got possession of a federal offence
I'm talking pressure in my criminal intent
So wear ya vest's and I'm still gon' stunt
Like it aint no tomorrow, f-ck ya house note n-gga
Blow that bitch on a bottle

I understand that this is America and we are entitled to freedom of speech; however, in a day and time when so many of our young Black men are being raised without fathers and more by the music and the streets, words like these become implanted in their heads as the “Thing to do” and so the cycle continues.  My question is, why do we glorify thug behavior? Why is it viewed as a norm to go against the law rather than respect it? Where is the respect for culture and self in the Black community as far as hip-hop today goes? Share your thoughts.

Romaro Spivey

Lyrics courtesy: http://www.metrolyrics.com/welcome-to-my-hood-lyrics-dj-khaled.html

Image: tulsapolice.org