Nefarious!: Time to Shine [WFSL Interview]

So now you've heard of Nefarious!, heard his songs, and gotten to know him a little better. But there's still so much you don't know about the kid. He's talented, intelligent, and definitely has a bright future. Hell, he's been featured on more than 4 sites this week! Keep an eye on the name, you'll definitely hear a lot of it soon. Here's my chance to let you learn more about my boy Nef. Check it out!

Beatwize: What's good Nefarious! Let's start with a quick bio of you..
Nefarious!: My name is Nefarious! from Hayward, California. I'm 18 years old and one of many Bay Area beat makers representing the new generation of producers. I enjoy long walks on the beach and...

Beatwize: Lmao, yea good place to stop. Tell us about you're newest album "More Than Music" and what went behind it? (inspirations, people etc.)
Nefarious!: I was inspired to make More Than Music by people that dont understand that music is very serious to some of us. Especially beats to me. Someone who isn't a producer might see a beat as just a beat and wonder where the rapping is, and others appreciate it for what it is. So this album was for those people.

Beatwize: It seems that it has given you some great exposure, you've been getting features left and right. How does it feel to get this sudden rise in recognition?
Nefarious!: It feels good, like people are finally getting onto my shit. If no one hears your music it doesn't matter if it sounds good or not because you are just another tree falling in the forrest. Before I knew how much blogs make a difference I used to drop everything just on MySpace, but making connections with blogs and shit increased the download numbers drastically.

Beatwize: You run with a crew by the name of "Cosmic Souls Collective". How did you guys meet and how did this group come together?
Nefarious!: We basically met on the internet, know:juander sent me songs to post on my site The Soul Dojo and I liked it. Me and Juno Complex go way back to when I was still making beats on FL Studio, and Time Travel is just dope... Actually it probably didn't even go down like that. But somehow we just all decided to make a production collective.

Beatwize: Are you guys in constant competition or do you guys just appreciate each others music and success as a group?
Nefarious!: We all help promote each others music and respect what we make. I guess we all are in competition because no one wants to have the weakest beat on the beat tape or myspace or whatever. We all keep each other in check because with everyone trying to outdo each other, we will all improve.

Beatwize: Who do you like to work with at the moment? Who would you like to work with in the future?
Nefarious!: I like working with Amor Jones because our styles go great together. That dude be beggin me for beats callin me crying and shit *laughs*. In the future I'd like to work with more producers and maybe some already-established emcees.

Beatwize: You seem to have a very long catalogue. What beat that you've made is you're favorite?
Nefarious!: Man, I have a new favorite beat of mine every day. Right now it would probably be Take My Love which was also the single for More Than Music.

Beatwize: What new projects are you helping out with? It seems a lot of people are looking for that Nefarious! seal nowadays.
Nefarious!: Right now I will be dropping a project with Kris Kasanova hosted by MTRoots thanks to KNOWxONE from ManifestTheRhyme.com Hallway Jay at illRoots.com. I also am going to have production on Amor Jones's next 2 projects, and my album The Soul Dojo that seems like it will never be finished.

Beatwize: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Nefarious!: Hopefully making a living with music. I'd be happier just getting by with a job I love than be rich and bored and shit. Taking a big chance with music right now. Ain't no Plan-B on some Tanya Morgan shit.
Beatwize: You've mentioned in the past that you used to rap? What made you stop? Will you be coming back to it anytime soon?
Nefarious!: I stopped because I wasn't really good (laughs). I took up producing full time and got better at producing than I was rapping. I do plan on making a come back, but don't expect to hear anything too soon.

Beatwize: Who's you're favorite producer? Why?
Nefarious!: J Dilla would be my favorite producer because he has made beats that are just IMPOSSIBLE to remake. I could remake a Pete Rock or 9th Wonder beat with ease, not saying they aren't dope. But listen to the sample to A Tribe Called Quest's "Find A Way" or Black Star's "Little Brother" and see what I'm talking about. Madlib is my favorite producer alive because he also composes if you are familiar with Yesterday's New Quintet. Shit's dope.

Beatwize: Thanks for your time and looking forward to more work from you!
Nefarious!: No problem man. New music soon! Be on the look out!

CJ the Genesis: The Beginning [WFSL Interview]

CJ the Genesis is many things, a lot of them self-proclaimed. Not to say that the things he says aren't true, what he says is what he does. He's an intelligent, focused, hard-working individual who has nothing but a bright future. I usually wouldn't sugar-coat the background, but it's kind of hard not to. It didn't even feel like I was speaking with someone so young. Mature for his age, true to his roots, and eyes on the prize - Genesis can be described as all these and more. WFSL (http://beatwizemusic.blogspot.com) is proud to present another artist that makes the future of hip-hop a hell of a lot brighter.

Beatwize: Watup CJ! Before we start, hit us up with a quick introduction of yourself..
CJ the Genesis: What up Beatwize! Umm..To make a long intro short, I'm an up and coming artist out of the DMV who's trying to bring something new to the game! I rap, produce, a little singing here and there, and I'm very versatile. Thats about it, haha.

Beatwize: Versatile is right - you're 4 mixtapes in now. Do you feel like you've accomplished as much as you think you would have or did you expect more at this point in time?
CJ the Genesis: Honestly, I never thought that I'd have 4 mixtapes out within a year. Maybe 2 and a progressive third, but not 4! And you know, maybe its just my impatience but I did kinda expect more going for me at this point, but things are different now, so I'm trying to adjust for lack of a better word.

Beatwize: Good to hear you're ahead of schedule. You seem to like to switch things up a bit and try different things, so you obviously have numerous inspirations while writing. What are they and where do you inherit them?
CJ the Genesis: Good question! Well, I only really write about what I know and go through, and although its a cliche answer its true. The only time you'll hear me making a song about something that has nothing to do with me is when I'm telling a story, but I grab general inspirations from anything, whether its a TV show, video games, something my parents talked about, something dumb my dogs did outside lol ANYWHERE.

Beatwize: That imagination really shows in the tracks. Being an 18-year-old rapper who's getting decent fanbase must be something you're proud of. What do you expect for yourself in the next few years?
CJ the Genesis: Ahh being labeled 18 is gonna take some getting used to cause my birthday was on Sunday haha but within the next few years I expect to be doing some bigger shows and actually getting paid for it! I also wanna do more mixtapes of course, and then actually put out an album and work with people and all kinds of cool stuff like that. Im about to be a freshman in college (I actually move out tomorrow lol) and I wont be recording on campus, but I'm still going to produce and get my name out there more as a producer. Hopefully some opportunities (and money haha) open up during that time period.

Beatwize: Now, 'Genesis' means 'begining'. I'm assuming your name suggests the start of something?
CJ the Genesis: You know, you're actually the first one to just pick it up off the bat. Yes it does mean that. I am the 'Genesis' to a new era in hip hop. Stop comparing me people lol

Beatwize: That name struck me from the first time I heard it, so I had to find out, haha. What artists do you love to work with? What artists do you hope to work with in the future?
CJ the Genesis: I love to work with anybody with a creative mind. There are only a few specifics in mind such as M-Trey, Criss Chords, Kevin Abstract, The Rezon, Vulcan Vocab who share the same mindstate I have with this music. If I have a track with those 5, its gonna be good. No questions. As far as the future is concerned, I'd love to work with people I meet on campus this year (who are good haha) and some of the dream artists Id love to work with are people like Kanye, Nas, Common, Jay-Z, a lot of those people. But you know, I'm liking this new class of artists too and out of them I'd love to work with Mickey Factz, Asher, Cudi, Curren$y, XV, J. Cole, Big Sean and etcetera etcetera etcetera haha The list goes on with them.

Beatwize: A lot of good names on that list. Tell us what's currently on CJ's playlist.
CJ the Genesis: Pshhhhh...that XV "Everybody's Nobody", Big Sean's "U Know Big Sean Vol. 2" Pac Div "Church League Champions", Kanye's "Late Registration" SLAUGHTERHOUSE of course, and lately Ive been listening to some more Crystal Castles than I usually do haha More electro and techno stuff in general. I NEED that new Calvin Harris CD in my life ASAP lol

Beatwize: Again, great names. You just recently dropped "Yea...I'm A Nerd" and are already hard at work on your next EP. What switch-up can we expect on this project?
CJ the Genesis: Well, this EP is gonna be called, "EuPhoria" and what Im gonna do on that is make songs that make people feel good and euphoric in general. That was my main goal on "Yea, I'm A Nerd" because nostalgia brings a GREAT feeling to people. Artists these days make too many of these emo and depressing songs, and they dont really do too much good for their listeners (at times) Granted, Ive made my share of depressing songs, but whenever I do, I try to give it a better outlook, such as my song "Start Of Something New" which will be on the EP as well. Anyways, this will be happy music in general, and I'm sure that everyone that listens to it will get a good feeling out of it. I promise you that.

Beatwize: Interesting; any other projects other than yours that you'll be participating in?
CJ the Genesis: Me and a friend and producer 5th Element are working on a project titled, "Open Mic" which will comes out Lord knows when. I wouldve been done by now and it would've came out in September, but I had to get ready for that big move. Besides that, I'm only gonna be a production credit on artist's mixtapes. Not so many features without a mic on campus. Im gonna write like crazy up there and record when I get the time, but for now, its only production.

Beatwize: I'm definitely excited for all of that. Thanks for coming in! It was nice speaking with you.
CJ the Genesis: Haha anytime Beatwize!!!

SLik d: Dreams of Success [WFSL Interview]

So for the past few days on WFSL (http://beatwizemusic.blogspot.com), the readers have gotten to know SLik d's music and background pretty well. I'm sure a lot of you really like his style and are looking forward to his tape dropping tomorrow. But there's much more to SLik than the music. He's a young guy reaching for his dreams; someone who sees the struggle and takes it as enjoyment. A striving artist who won't stop until his dreams are fullfilled. In the music, D seems like a pretty cool dude; outside of the music he's pretty much the same. But enough of me talking, see what he is for yourself..

Beatwize: Hey, what's good SLik? Let's start off by introducing yourself to the readers..
SLik d: What up yo, I go by SLik d and I was born in Long Beach,then moved to Carson, California; then out to Las Vegas, Nevada were I now live. I been doing spittin' and beatboxin' since I was a little kid but started taking it really serious once I won my first freestyle battle freshman year at Carson High. Im a fan of the marijuana and proud of it.I think my music shows it a lot. Haha. But besides that, I'm just a guy with a lot of thoughts.

Beatwize: You've been working hard on that "Summer Vibes" tape. How does it feel to be finally done? What can we expect?
SLik d: It feels good to finally put out something for people to listen to. I think of of so many projects and start them but dont finish them, like most people do. But I was extra determined this time because im not a fan of procrastination. The tape is short and sweet so what I'm expecting are reactions to want more. Like eating half of a burger, haha.

Beatwize: Word, I can feel that. What were your main inspirations during the making of the mixtape?
SLik d: Summer man...everyone had memories during summer at least once. And I tryed to mention some of my moments within song.

Beatwize: Who helped you in the making of the tape? Are we going to see any guest appearances on it?
SLik d: Yes..There are plenty of features on this tape. Almost every track now that i think about it. Haha. I did that because during summer your not alone chillin, you're with homies and friends that create the good times with you.So I let my homies hop on the tape to make it even more legit.
Beatwize: That's an interesting concept. Who would you like to work with in the future - reality and dreams? Who is your favorite artist to work with currently?
SLik d: Seeing that I got a vision of what I want my next project to be, I would really like to work with new people. Elaquent is a main one, Bagir is my homie and he always throws heat my way. Many others but thats who im thinking of now. Oh and I cant forget Kanye, I know he has a beat thats perfect for me in his vault. I just need to reach out to him and find it. I really like working with my main man Nefarious! just because we have a good history together from when I started recording and if I ever find something wrong with the track, he will fix it with no problem making the track even more how I visioned it, making him a producer fasho creating a hit song (Ex:Summer Heat).

Beatwize: Where does your name come from?
SLik d: My name was made very randomly, haha. I was in San Pedro a few years back making dance videos to Chris Brown "Run It" and recording tracks with a computer eye camera with my nephew and a friend. When it came time to save the recordings, I needed a nickname. So we sat there untill "Slick D" was created and from there on I told myself I will make this name famous.

Beatwize: What made you want to pursue music professionally? And what made you fall into hip-hop?
SLik d: I really wanted to do this professionally when I realized its a possibility and there is money that can come my way for just making good music. I dont know about you, but I want to grow up to wake up and have fun everyday as my life long job. Then I can die happy like everyone else who is living their goals. And I fell into hip hop when I moved out here to Vegas and a homie of mine now added me on MySpace. At the time i had no tracks out and I was listening to his music everyday thinking this could be me on the remix. Soon after I stumbled across more artists on his top and found Audio Ink. I downloaded "The Madbhonism Vol.1" and after that i told myself this where I belong. But it doesnt stop me from going into different genres. I'm a guy of good music that appreciates most art forms.

Beatwize: You're still pretty young, do you think that holds you back from the industry a bit more or is it just a small obstacle in the bigger picture?
SLik d: Funny thing is im turning 18 on the 14th and people still say i look 16. Haha. It doesnt phase me at all. If Bow Wow can do it then why in the world cant I. If anything age shouldnt matter now because im out of high school basically becoming a man. So I should be viewed as one,or at least a young man. Music is timeless, so dont trip about my age.

Beatwize: Good to hear you don't let it phase you. Any other projects you'll be working on? As in a main role or guest role?
SLik d: As of now, I have no projects going on; but I got a view of what i want my next project to be. I would speak about it but I like to do it first then let people know about it so I'm not letting anyone down. Actions over words, man. But I do want to feature on a lot of tracks for now while I'm still in the zone. But these people have to be of a equal or greater value of me. Not sayin I wont collab with people who just started, but I would just have to see if they want it as much as me first. I'm trying to be on everyones Ipods and Zunes so hopefully people understand my reasons.

Beatwize: What can we expect from SLik d in the next few years? What are your goals for the future?
SLik d: Album. Full tracks of nothing but slikity goodness. Pressed and released by a strong label or supporter. More shows. And hopefully my own blogspot and short clips in HD. I like to make little movies. They inspire me so i might as well give back to the people.

Beatwize: Thanks and good luck to you in the future. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from you soon enough!
SLik d: Thanks, Beatwize! Good look on the interview and everyone reading this make sure to check out other posts on this page. Good shit. Lets make it happen. Haha!

Two Crown King: A New Sound [WFSL Interview]

It's always nice to find a new group that you love to listen to. It's even that much better when they come to you! If you've been following WFSL (beatwizemusic.blogspot.com) for a while, you've heard this name come up a few times. Two Crown King is a two-man rapping & singing duo from London, Ontario, Canada. After going back and forth with emails for the past few weeks, me and the band got to speak to each other about their development, inspirations, and much more! They seem to be a down-to-Earth, fun-loving crew who love music and literally live for it. A great Q&A if I do say so myself. Check it out!

Beatwize: Hey guys, it's good to finally have you on the blog. To start off, tell our readers a little about yourselves.
Two Crown King: We met at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario while studying Music Industry Arts. Sean originally hails from the most radio active city in Canada. Dick is from Baden-Baden, Germany which, apparently in english means "heaven on earth". Ok, not really, but man it's a nice place.

Beatwize: Cool stuff. You guys seem to be working very hard on your debut. How's that going?
Two Crown King: The album is coming along well. We're working very closely with our producer Dan Weston. This is our first time working with him and we could not be happier. The record is being recorded guerilla style in our basement, completely independently. This gives us the freedom to create when the time is right without financial pressure or time constraints. The album is still untitled and we are actively accepting suggestions.

Beatwize: For sure, your sound is definitely something new, or at least very rare. How did this whole idea of rapper and soul-singer along with a rock-ish theme come about? Were there any other artists that gave you inspiration in the process?
Two Crown King: Sean started fronting bands at 13, playing in blues bars and other dives. Dick started writing songs in high school after his friends (who did way too many drugs) couldn't remember the good times they were having. This actually led to his love for storytelling. After meeting in college we ended up sharing stages together. Eventually, we made the decision to write together full time. Both of us pull from a wide range of influences such as; Brother Ali, Raphael Saadiq, the Band, Phish, Atmosphere, Rise Against, Amy Winehouse and Talking Heads. Our biggest influence on the album would have to be Dan Weston though. He has such a great focus when he creates. For him it has to be real, organic and drenched in soul.

Beatwize: It’s everyone’s dream to do what they love for a living. What made you want to pursue music professionally?
Sean: Ha! You think it was a choice? I've tried to leave this horrible mistress many times, but she won't let me.
Dick: It wasn't so much a choice as it was a last resort. After I realized the Redskins would never draft me, I immediately decided that I needed to learn another skill. Sean already knew how to sing and I'm not good looking enough to just stand there.

Beatwize: Being from Canada can sometimes be a hurdle to get into the industry. Why do you think it's so tough to get recognition, even in our own country?
Dick: I disagree. It's easier now, more than ever. New media outlets such as social networking sites and music blogs allow new acts to reach thousands of new listeners over night. The hurdle isn't necessarily being from Canada as much as it is being an independent group looking for major exposure.
Sean: Times have definitely changed. I remember spending hours back in the day cold calling labels, mailing out press kits and driving for hours to play some in some hole just for the opportunity to reach a few new ears. Thank god for modern conveniences.

Beatwize: I guess that’s true, Canadian hip-hop really has been booming lately. So, what fellow Canadian artists are you currently feeling?
Dick: Shad, Okay City, Hey! Ocean, Billy Talent, Alexisonfire.
Sean: There are a lot these days. K-Os for sure. Sweet Thing. I miss Big Sugar, and my all time favorite...the Band.

Beatwize: Looks pretty similar to my list! Any artists you guys dream of working with in the future?
Sean: Norman Cook, David Byrne, Brother Ali, Atmosphere.
Dick: Hannah Montana

Beatwize: Haha, I’m sure, Adam. Will we be seeing any collaborations on the album at all?
Two Crown King: We're working on one but we don't wanna jinx it. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Beatwize: So have you guys been locked up in the studio working on that album or are you guys doing shows? If so, where at?
Two Crown King: Actually, we have yet to play a show as Two Crown King. We're excited for some upcoming dates and have recently put together some of the dirtiest musicians to back us up. Believe it, the live show will be bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S, right Gwen?

Beatwize: Let me know when you're reaching Toronto! Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sean: Five Junos deep, completely covered in gold wearing and velvet capes.
Dick: Hannah Montana

Beatwize: Lmao, glad to see you guys agree on things! Anything else you'd like to say?
Two Crown King: In case our last threat fell upon deaf ears: Billy Mitchell, beware. It's time to bring the tough kids to justice!

Beatwize: Thanks and good luck!
Two Crown King: Semper fi.

Check out they're music in the following places:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TwoCrownKing
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/twocrownking
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TwoCrownKing

D-Sisive: Joker with a Mic [WFSL Interview]

D-Sisive is a hip-hop artist from Toronto, Canada. If you haven't noticed yet, he is currently WhatFeelingsSoundLike (WFSL-beatwizemusic.blogspot.com) Artist of the Week. To fit the week's theme, I got to ask him a couple questions. I already knew this was going to end up different than most interviews. Not only was I right, but I was glad to get something more than the usual, generic answers one would usually hear. This dude D is definitely something different, not only in his music, but also in his personality. He's the type of guy you'd chill with at a bar, have a beer or two and just have a good time talking. And to top it all off, he's a great artist with a very bright future. Here it is - Joker with a Mic: An Interview with D-Sisive..

Beatwize: Hey, what's good D? It's good to finally have you on the blog. To start off, let's get a quick bio of you for the readers.
D-Sisive: Go to http://www.myspace.com/dsisive and read the boring, drawn out bio. Haha.

Beatwize: What got you into hip-hop music?
D-Sisive: A Nightmare on Elm Street. My obsession with Freddy Krueger led to my obsession with anything related to the film. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's Nightmare on my Street being one of them. A glow in the dark t-shirt being another. I bought He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper for that song only. Until then, the only music I owned was Aerosmith: Toys in the Attic and the La Bamba soundtrack on cassette. I no longer wanted to be Richie Valens. Will Smith was it. 19 years later, my new sitcom is finally in production.

Beatwize: Wow, that's definitely something different. "Let the Children Die" came out earlier this year, one of my personal favorites. What can current and future fans expect from you next?
D-Sisive: Jonestown. November 18/09.

Beatwize: Who and what are your greatest inspirations as an artist?
D-Sisive: Who? Argar & Joan-Anne Christoff. Kalpna Patel. David Bowie. Lou Reed. Rufus Wainwright. David Lynch. Brian Wilson. Crispin Glover. Randy 'Macho Man' Savage. And the list goes on...What? Sewers. Boa Staffs. Turtles. Headband-FaceMasks. Sai's. Nunchucks. Swords. Red. Yellow. Blue. Purple. Pizza. And the list goes on...

Beatwize: That's..interesting. You've worked with numerous Canadian hip-hop artists, some much more known than others. Who do you think was the most enjoyable to work with?
D-Sisive: Muneshine and The Arkeologists. The Arkeologists are responsible for waking me out of my hibernation. If krates never leaked Kneecaps, none of this would have happened. Muneshine is an amazing Rapper-Producer. Our chemistry is insanity. We knock out songs like nothing. Written-Produced-Mixed-Mastered-Marketed-Released-Billboard top 100 all in one day. Last night Muneshine and I were eating macaroons and watching the Jack Nicholson film, Wolf. The macaroons looked like dog shit. When bitten, the coconut made them look like white dog shit. Mune said 'if dog shit tasted like this, I'd eat dog shit all day, son.' That was pretty amazing.


Beatwize: Which artists would you want to work with in the near future?
D-Sisive: Jason Schwartzman. He's an incredible talent. I'm obsessed with his music right now. Andre 3000. Tom waits. DangerMouse. Grafh. There's quite a few.

Beatwize: What artists do you dream to work with?
D-Sisive: David Bowie. As far as I'm concerned, he's the be all end all. The king.

Beatwize:Who is your favorite artist at current, and why?
D-Sisive: Coconut Records. Jason Schwartzman's project. I just recently found out he made music and I love it. Also, the new DangerMouse and Sparklehorse project Dark Night of the Soul with David Lynch. Everything about that project is brilliant.

Beatwize: Are you currently working on any projects?
D-Sisive: I'm always working on new projects. Building my Prince Vault. I'm also focusing on getting the world to listen to Let The Children Die. It's my baby. He's going to be a boxer someday. I can tell by this picture of him with his hands up. Isn't he cute? He's going to be in next months Sears' catalogue.

Beatwize: Anything else you would like to say to the fans?
D-Sisive: Thank you for being a friend. Travelled down the road and back again. Your heart is true. You're a pal and a confidant. And if you threw a party, invited everyone you knew. You would see the biggest gift would be from me. And the card attached would say...Thank you for being a friend.

Beatwize: Lmao..thank you so much for your time.
D-Sisive: No, thank you...For being a friend.

Evidence Interview at RTB

Wale on iHipHop

Words from iHipHop: iHipHop had the opportunity to sit down with freshman phenom, Wale, last week in Chicago. The rapper discussed how his direct line of communication with Jay-Z has given him a leg up in business type situations. He also cited Jay’s advice as allowing him to maintain a certain amount of normalcy in the fast paced hip-hop world. Wale delves into the rapid evolution of the DC hip hop scene, and what the fans can expect from his debut album on Alido/Interscope “Attention Deficit”.

Saigon XXL Interview

Saigon talks about his record label and the upcoming album.

Shad: Passion for Music [WFSL Interview]

Canadian artist, Shad, was recently on his "Warped" tour, where he went to numerous cities across North America to promote the US release of his second album "The Old Prince". He is currently WhatFeelingsSoundLike (WFSL-beatwizemusic.blogspot.com) Artist of the Week. In light of this I, Beatwize, had the honor to have a chat with him.

Beatwize: Hey, Shad! Good to have you here. To start off, tell us a little about yourself.
Shad: Whattup! I'm a hip hop artist from London, Ontario. I've been fortunate enough to make 2 albums so far: When This is Over which came out in 2005 and The Old Prince in 2007.

Beatwize: You just finished the Warped Tour; how did that go?

Shad: It was a great experience and a great opportunity for us. Big shout to everyone who helped us out along the way!

Beatwize: For sure, I was so disappointed when I had to miss your Toronto show. What's your favorite city to perform in?
Shad: There's some towns in Canada - Guelph, Victoria, Peterborough; always a blast. So far San Fran and Hartford were a lot of fun too.

Beatwize: It must have been a struggle to strive in hip-hop music in a city like London, Ontario. How did you overcome these struggles?
Shad: I wouldn't really call it a struggle. Ever since I started out, the people in my hometown have been behind me which has been great. At the end of the day, getting to do something you enjoy and something that matters to you is such a blessing that you dont think too much about whatever challenges might be around.

Beatwize: Real talk. Your album "The Old Prince" has been acclaimed by pretty much everyone and it's one of my personal favorites as well. What were your inspirations during the making of this album?
Shad: Thanks man - I appreciate that. My main inspiration for that album was/is the daily struggle to be a certain kind of person. A more honest, more compassionate person. That's what the Old Prince is a metaphor for - spending your life in search of that 'quality of character' for lack of a better term.

Beatwize: You definitely did a good job of showing that on the album. It released in USA just a little while back (June 30th). That's a big gap between the Canadian release (October 2007). Does this mean we won't be seeing new Shad tracks for a while?
Shad: I plan on recording again when I get back from tour. Definitely itching to put some new ideas down!

Beatwize: That's great news! In 'I Don't Really Like To' you say "I'm down with that pirate stee..pirate me". Do you think piracy has a positive impact on lesser-known artists? Do you think it's particularly important for Canadian musicians?
Shad: I never thought about that connection. Maybe because we don't sell a lot of albums up here in Canada anyways, we dont care as much! I think overall I'm just looking to get my music out there to as many as might enjoy it.

Beatwize: Are there any Canadian artists you feel have paved the way for you?
Shad: I think theres been canadian hip hop artists going back to Maestro Fresh Wes that opened up Canadian audiences to hip hop music. More recently guys like k-os and Kardinal have been exposing the world to Canadian hip hop. Artists in the indie rock scene too that have changed the global perception of Canadian music recently - arcade fire, broken social scene, etc...

Beatwize: Any Canadian artists you've been wanting to work with?
Shad: Lots. I dont do too many collaborations - mostly just 'cause they're annoying to coordinate - but theres lots of Canadian artists that I love listening to: k-os, Feist, Chad Vangaalen, Shaun Boothe, City and Colour, just to name a few.

Beatwize: I personally would love to hear a Shad/k-os collaboration, and I'm sure most of yours and his fans would too! How about outside of Canada? What artists do you look up to and what artists would like to/would have liked to have worked with?
Shad: I respect Lupe Fiasco's music a lot. Mr J Mederios put out a great album a little while ago too many to name!

Beatwize: Lupe is definitely one of the best out. My favorite tracks from you are probably 'Exile' and 'Voice Like an Angel'. What song of yours do you personally think is your best?
Shad: Thanks! Angel is definitely one that took some time for me to pin down. Off the last album, thats probably the deepest one for me. Tough question...I'd probably go with Angel though 'cause I worked pretty hard on that one.

Beatwize: Anything else you would like to say?
Shad: Thanks for the time and the support! Peace!

You can grab both his albums on iTunes and a music store near you!

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