Tag: Write-Ups

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Interview: WESTLYFE

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What It Sound Like?

We got another special for our fans tonight. It's been a while since RAN had an interview. We're due for one and we got it. A veteran in the  game with over 15 years on his fingertips. Grinding in Los Angeles, CA was not easy, though WESTLYFE has worked with greats from California.

RAN: WESTLYFE, I know you have a new beat tape in stores and we will cover that. Before we go there, I want the audience to know some of the heavyweights you have worked with.

WESTLYFE: I've worked with crooked I, Layzie Bone, Brotha Lynch Hung, Glasses Malone, MC Eiht... and many more.

RAN:That's deep track record. All names that I respect, our fans do too. I remember Caps Get Peeled by Eiht Hype, Creepin On A Come Up Layzie Bone to L Burna days. Brotha Lynch Hung is Hip Hop royalty. And you got Glasses Malone one of the early break through underground cats before the bubble. Not every day a producer could easily meet, let alone work with such artists.

 

  • Layzie Bone
  • DJ Pooh
  • Glasses Malone
  • Botha Lynch Hung
  • MC Eiht
  • King Crooked I
  • Big Tray Deee
  • Kid Frost & Young Trav

 

WESTLYFE: I also worked with BG Knocc Out, Bad Azz, Big Trey Deee, and Kid Frost.

RAN: This is dope, I grew up listening to these cats. I never got into East vs West. I knew it was bait by oppressors. So, I probably heard songs you produced at some point. Who would you say is most memorable, and something they did you never expected?

 

WESTLYFE: Man 2Pac was most memorable artist... and going to Death Row was least expected.

RAN: He left a lasting impression on this world. You're a living legend, yourself. Your production sound is healthy brother. It's all quality, and you engulf that low rider music. Outside the music, what influences your beats?

WESTLYFE: My fam, my wife, and kids. My daughter is really into music, so I like to take her and show her the right way. I had nobody to give me direction in the music game.

RAN: I love to hear that. I have a little son, he already likes variety. It's cool to see a toddler going in to Boom Bap. I try to lead him right, also. Is your daughter you mentioned the oldest?

WESTLYFE: She's the youngest and she tries to rap.

RAN: Learning already, give her a discount on some beats. About your new album, I could hear some bangers on those tracks! Now, musically who influenced you?

WESTLYFE: Of Course Dr Dre... Lol, but other than him, DJ Quik, Sir Jin, DJ Pooh, Crazy Toons, Ant Banks, Johnny J...

RAN: Wow bro, you brought me back. My cousin had joints from Ant Banks. Quik and Pooh are more known to the mainstream, but Ant Banks is another kind of gem. I'm glad when names like these get brought up. I hear you also worked with Spice 1, Yukmouth, and Kurupt. This list is insane!

WESTLYFE: I got traxx with them... but I didn't mention, because I don't think they got released.

RAN: Well, we gotta have an inclusive Rhyme All Night listen session, soon. What do you like to use when your creating?

WESTLYFE: I use Propellerheads Reason software for beat making.

RAN: We had Reason in our studio, before. Quality program to work with. I think Reason is kinda young. What did you use before?

WESTLYFE: Akai MPC 2000, Triton keyboard, and Roland vs Multi-track. Then I got Reason 2.5 and still use it till this day. I'm On version 10 now.

RAN: How does new products compare to what you used before?

WESTLYFE:  Man, before no computer. Keyboard and drum machines had tiny a__ screens. Recording on real or dots, or multi-tracks when they first came out was a hassle. Now with computers and software you can connect to a 60 inch screen. Then, cut, paste, slice, copy, and edit everything. It's just really easy now.

RAN: Yo, people really used to work off them tiny screens haha. Big difference now. You've seen a lot.How do you think social media affects the music? If you put the new tape out back in the day, what would be the difference?

WESTLYFE: I did put a beat tape out back in the day, and I put it on CD, because there was no social media in the early 2000's. I left the beat tape CD at certain Studios, and with certain artists, that's how I hooked up with some industry artists. And now it's all social media uploaded to a site and it's on.

RAN: Right,  the CD game was serious. Today, we see it coming back with physicals being bought everyday. You left that CD with right people, for sure. Glad you said that. Myself and readers would like to know how you made those links?

WESTLYFE: My boy Young Trav hooked me up with a lot of the West Coast OG's. Just being in the studio, and making beats for them was a major learning experience. I grew up listening to a majority of them, and working with them has been a humbling experience.

 

RAN: Indeed, I know life ain't been easy, but dreams came true for you. You got Bay Area elements in your tunes, Mac Dre would be proud. Any shout outs or artists you want to work with?

WESTLYFE: S/O to my wife for backing me up all these years... this music lifestyle can put a toll on a relationship. I would love to work with Ice Cube, Dr Dre, and the one artist I would want to work with over anybody would be Scarface.

RAN: Peace to the Queen holding your corner down. That's a blessing.Peace to Young Trav, too for being a real friend. I honestly don't see a reason why those artists wouldn't work with you. I also don't feel Cube and Face are brought up enough in best writer, best rapper convos. To be continued, I guess. I do want the fans to go download your new beat tape, V1. Thanks for choppin game with us. Blessings for Yeshua!

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All Is Fair – Jamal Gasol x Illah Dutch

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What It Sound Like?

You know I'm excited about this new pack of Piff! This  one is a treat for the eyes, as well. From the hit album,  True Stories, we get to see Jamal Gasol in action. He chose a  pivotal  song to  release as a video, wise  selection.  The unforgettable  background from Illah  Dutch. Treatment  is done by NBU TV.  I feel the web series approach taken by the team.

With that said, you will want to know what happens in  the mini story.  Jamal put his  life  between  the  margins. All lines you could feel, many  cases are direct situations. He treats  his  videographers like his  producers. Gasol  mixes  up  the flavor  getting different  results. The dark, grim streets where the villains dwell.

Peep some shots from the back blocks. Viewers catch a short glimpse of the activity in the Dirty Waters. The symphonic vibe with minor vocals laying in the track create a serenade. On target for story telling. You know you're doing right when Paka adds your video. That's right, more than one major source to play it.

Get your infused popcorn and have one rolled up on stand by, it's a movie. I can't thank the supporters enough. Keep sharing the content. Blessings from the Most High! 

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Being.In.Gods. Vision – Big V

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What It Sound Like?

Got some new work for you! Ever been to Kinston, North  Carolina? Well, it's  time to go take another trip.  That also means new artist, listen to Big  V.  He's a  rugged, grassroots head  of the  culture.  Here is an emcee that gets it.  Content,  personality, bars, plus different things being done  on  each song. Compliments to that has to be Shawn Finesse. Handcrafted a film-style score with emotional samples.  

The first tune, Happy is self explanatory. An  accomplishment chant  from an  artist  overcoming adversity. Someone comfortable in his own  skin. I like  the  flow  of Nathan, a joint  about  independence. Often people will complain or critique  what you're doing. They never are the ones outside with  you. They have no intention of helping you.  That is a song for those people.

Making this even more of a complete body of work,  Color Blind is a true love song. Or should I say, real love? V  verbally introduces you to his  number one lady. All is calm before the Rain. A tune of joyous expressions concluded by sensitive childhood connection. Similar to MJ not making varsity, Big mentions a previous upset with his craft in Achievements.

The EP goes out 90's style, vicious bars rail the funky track. A one verse had tapper, F Ya Playlist. The album title also stands as the artist's complete name. I dig the spiritual vibe carried throughout this piece. Readers should get their hands on it at your favorite platform.  Thank you for constantly supporting. Jah bless!

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Fascade – MindFrame x General Back Pain

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What It Sound Like?

Got a slapper for you! Most of the submissions I receive  are right up my alley. Our crowd does all the filtering, it   seems. Remember  that  android of a  producer,  MindFrame?  Well, he hasn't punched out yet. While I'm  posting this,  I'm sure he  has more   lined up. The left  region IKINGman taps in with him for the slaughter. General Back Pain perfect candidate for this psychotic sound by the horns.

Everything he says is sick, this time he does it over an ill break. I admire the simple, strong chorus. No difficult syllables, nothing confusing. His point easily gets across with power statements. GBP reminds you of your boy from around the way, though verses are accented with upper class.

Continually, the underground makes bi-coastal moves without forced politics. It's organic how these smokers come together. Fascade is a tune to throw in the list of spins. No problems accessing it, available via all platforms. Do follow these hard working artists, share this, instead of random folly.

Thanks for the love from all supporters. There's nothing like the core riding with you! Got more on the way. Blessings from Yahweh!  

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My Life In Black & White – Mr Cooper x Drum N’ Skillz

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What It Sound Like?

You know t's about that time. Not for the homies, not for the stu. Time  to lay wifey down, accordingly. I think a message went  out to the  universe I was going typing about something smoother tonight. The ladies been more friendly to me. All jokes aside, this Trap N B wave has my spirit up. So, let's hear from the man that helped coin the sound, Mr Cooper.

 This EP is mini is compact with love. For the music, the subject of each tune, including  the reciprocal energy it sends out. Co-creator of the TNB production is DRUM N' SKILLZ, fellow West Palm Beach, FL native. He handles each percussive harmony. Not only do they vary from the generic radio songs, they also differ from one another.

All  I Want Is U has to make you think about that somebody. Coop is soulful as a ballad, his feature, TJ Valentine brings the youthful tone. The song becomes a ride in itself with a up and down tempo mixture. I Love Your Dress is an intimate treat for the ladies. It compliments who she is, what she does to maintain.

By any chance conversation is still going, those two should have shorty asking, "Who's that ."  If not, here's the deal closer. A song that has broke radio, as well as clubs. No Mercy could be played for more occasions than with your lover. The chorus and beat have a motivational effect for sports. Shows artistic character in the multi-dimensional artist. Let's not forget why we came, though. 

This is the new version of what we used to call slow jams. Bring back that feeling of  earning the company of that special lady. Lustful joints are played all over the place, this project puts love back in the music.

 Coop has a special guest appearance February 11th at Play House mondays. Another big event hosted by DJ Epps. Ming Lee celebrates her birthday, plus a cameo from Alce F the vibes are flowing though  the next morning. Get your copy of the album at any  platform and  come party .  Thanks  for  tuning in, God bless!

 

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