Algee Smith (@itsalgee) Talks New Single, New EP and Love For Music

Algee Smith is a newcomer to be on the look out for. He has been seen on TV and will soon be gracing the big screen but his first love is music.  Algee is both a singer and rapper and he does each with a precision and execution that is bound to make the industry take notice. As he prepares to release his first EP, The Art Of Attraction, he took a few minutes to talk to us to let us know who he is, why the world should take notice and what we can expect from him musically.

 

For those people who do not know you, please tell our readers who you are.

What’s going on everyone my name is Algee Smith! I’m a Rapper, Singer, Songwriting, & Actor. I’ve been on Disney’s “Let it Shine”, Nickelodeons “How to Rock”, and Lifetimes “Army Wives”. I have a single out on iTunes right now by the name of “She Say” which you all should definitely go grab! And a new single called “Look” that we just released.

Listen to “Look” here:

Your career began with acting. Was acting your first love or have you always been a musician first?

I actually began with music first which most people don’t know; but when it comes to being known on an international scale, acting definitely led the way. However music was always my first love!

How were you first exposed to music?

My dad (and main producer) actually exposed me to the music scene. From taking me to the studio with him whenever he’d go to work on a major artist’s record, to putting me behind the mic at a young age.

Do you remember the first time you performed? Where was it and what was it for?

Wow (laughs) I actually do remember! The first time I performed was at a church event. I was about 10 years old and I was scared out of my mind (laughs). I kept my head down the whole time and was mumbling the words. I guess you can say I’ve came a long way

Tell us about “The Art Of Attraction.” What can we expect from it sonically?

“The Art of Attraction”. Lets see where do we start? This project is something I’m extremely proud of. It’s my first actual body of work that I can say was put together exactly the way I wanted it to be. It’s an EP but it feels like it should be an album. Sonically it’s very refreshing. You have hip hop, r&b, a little feel of house, just all around refreshing; but it also makes sense.

What is your recording process like?

Recording process. Now this is a question I used to always want to ask my favorite artist, and honestly, I can say that it just depends. Although 9 times out of 10 I need to hear the music loud before I can even think of a melody or any lyrics. I’ve gotten to the point now to where it feels uncomfortable to write on paper. I have to feel the music, and then I can start writing in my head; which then leads me to the mic.

Watch Algee take on T.I.’s “I’m Back:

 

When you are in the studio, how do you know a record is made for you?

I can tell a record is made for me when I can feel it. When the melody and the lyrics come like they were already pre-written for me to sing or rap. To me those are the best ones! Or as my partner Tmah would say, “that’s one of them boys!” 

Who are some artists you would like to work with in the future?

Definitely Jay Z, Beyoncé, Drake, Nas, Q-Tip, Andre 3000, & Chris Brown. That’s just to name a few.

What do you want the world to know about you and your music?

This is probably one of my favorite questions that I’ve been asked! I first and foremost want people to know that I love Jesus! I wouldn’t be anything without him. I want people to know that I’m just like them! I’ve just been blessed with a gift that’ll allow me to make a large impact! My music is clean and fun! Sometimes it’s going to make you want to turn up, and other times it’s going to make you want to cry. I always refer to it as refreshing. 

How can everyone keep in touch with you?

You can follow me on Twitter  @itsalgee or reach out to me on my website http://www.algeesmith.com

Fresh Artist to Watch: Barak The Rapper (@Baracktherapper) (Interview)

Rap is diverse. It is that diversity that makes rap music one of the most unique art forms out. Barak The Rapper is one of the contributors to the diversity. The LA rapper is making major noise with singles with his first project Skyscraper.  Talented and with an ear for atypical beats, Barak’s music is reflective of his life and the world as he sees it. He keeps it honest, and is not pretending to be a ‘hard dude from the hood.’ What is most refreshing about Barak is that his music is lyrically sound and inspiring at the same time. We took a few minutes to talk to him and find out what’s next for him.

For readers that do not know you, please tell our readers who you are?

I am a 24 year old hip hop artist originally from Tel Aviv, Israel but Los Angeles, Cali raised, since I was 9. I live and breathe Cali, it is my home and I want to be able to, in the future, be one of the first people you think of when you think of Cali. As an artist I have been recording in professional studios since I was 14, so quite some time now. I have done shows at venues such as the Key Club, El Rey Theatre, Whiskey A Go Go as well as a few Cal State Campuses.  I have released a mixtape and an EP over the past couple of years and am currently working on my next project, “Skyscrapers”.

As a new artist, being from Cali is very exciting right now. Who are your favorite West Coast artists?

Of all time I’d have to go with Tupac. Currently, or at least over the last few years it has been Game, I’m a pretty big fan of his and always have been. He’s definitely one artist I’d love to get a chance to work with in the future.

Watch “Be Someone” here:

 Tell us about your first exposure to music.

First exposure…As a kid it would have to be Israeli music which I’m honestly not a big fan of nowadays. Although as far as instrumentals go, there’s definitely some sounds that can be incorporated in Hip Hop that would sound really good. As far as first exposure in America, I’d have to say the ‘Marshall Mathers LP’ by Eminem, it’s kind of hard to believe that the ‘MMLP2’ is about to drop this week, it’s been long overdue.

When did you start writing original music?

The first song lyrics I ever wrote were written when I was 11 or maybe 12. I wish I still had some of those lyrics just to see where I was at that age but unfortunately with all the moving I did as a kid I have no records of any lyrics from that time.

Do you remember the first time you went on stage? Where and what was it?

The first time I went on stage was at the Knitting factory in Hollywood. I think I was 17 at the time.

Listen to Barak’s new single “When I Grow Up”

Who are your musical influences in hip hop?

A lot of Eminem, Tupac and Nas from a lyrical standpoint. As far as overall sound I pick some stuff up from Kanye West, TI, Drake and a bit of J. Cole.

Your project is titled “Skyscraper.” Tell us the meaning behind that.

Well Skyscrapers to me represent city life, my life. They represent the view from the trains I used to take and the view from my car window when I’m on the freeway. They are immense, powerful representations of what mankind can do. We have been building skyscrapers throughout history, whether it be the pyramids or the Eiffel tower in a way they are all representations of what we can all accomplish.

Musically, who are you listening to write now?

I’ve had Nothing Was The Same by Drake in my car for the past couple of weeks, really digging that album. I like the tracks Eminem has released thus far from the MMLP2. Im always listening to old Lupe on my iPod as well as Kanye West’s older stuff. One of the new artists that has really impressed me though has been Macklemore, he’s definitely found his niche. On a side note and this one might surprise you but one of my favorite albums this year has been Mechanical Bull by Kings of Leon.

Check out ‘Take A Bow’ here:

Who are some of your dream collaborations?

I’d say: Rappers: Em, Kanye, Jay Z, Drake, J. Cole, Nas; Singers: Usher, Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Rihanna and Adele.

What are your goals for your music?

Short term goals are to get a tour going for 2014 as well as getting some good reactions to the Skyscrapers album and further spreading the word about my music and building up my fan base.

Long term goals would be to release multiple albums and build my brand up to the point where I can tour globally.

Fresh Interview: Singer/Songwriter Jermaine Crawford (@Jermzcrawford) Talks to SA2Fresh

Jermaine Crawford is no stranger to the spotlight. At the tender age of 12 he was playing “Dukie” on the legendary TV show, “The Wire.” While he made huge headway on the the TV show, his first love has always been music. Now at the age of 21, Jermaine is more than ready to show people who he is an an a musician, an artist and a man. We caught up with Jermaine who was gracious enough to answer a few questions about his craft, his beginnings and his new project. The project may be called Underdog (which is available on datpiff NOW) but he is not an artist you should underestimate.

For readers that do not know you, please tell our readers who you are?

My name is Jermaine Crawford, I’m a singer/actor born in Prince George’s County, Maryland. A lot of people are familiar with my work from The Wire on HBO, however it’s time to show the world a completely different side of me.

Most people who do know you remember you from “The Wire,” how did you transition into singing?

Well honestly I was a singer first. My dad was a deacon in our church growing up. He was also the leader of praise of worship, he’s a phenomenal singer. I definitely got my gift of song from my father. It’s through music that I fell in love with acting. I began doing musical theatre around 6 or 7 years old. In musical theatre, if you didn’t sing dance and act, you probably didn’t get casted. So I learned at a young age how to flip the script.

Tell us about your first exposure to music.

My first exposure to music would definitely be my experiences growing up in church; performing on stage, dancing in the church aisles, harassing the band players to let me hop on the drums or the keys. Keep in mind I was 4 – lol

When did you start writing original music?

I began writing my own original music around 3 or 4 years ago. I’ve always written poetry growing up because it was such a great way to express myself. I didn’t have many friends growing up so I would always write. It wasn’t until about 4 years ago that I began honing the actually skill of writing and producing records.

Do you remember the first time you went on stage? Where and what was it?

I honestly was way too young to remember my first time on stage, but I’m told it was pretty cool lol. I do remember my first solo performance outside of the church choir. I performed at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C. I performed the song “Who’s Lovin’ You” by the Jackson 5. That will always be one of the greatest moments of my life because it was then that my addiction for performance was ignited.

Talk about your first single “Janet.” What was the inspiration behind that?

Well of course Janet Jackson lol. But more specifically her phenomenal production that I’ve been inspired by over the years. My favorite producers are Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, so my single Janet was a tribute, an ode to the style of music they created and that I love. Of course there was some personal influence regarding a woman I just couldn’t get over but whatever I’m 21. Sh*t will always happen, it’s just my job to write about it. *laughs*

Explain the title of your EP “Underdog.”

I named my first project Underdog because I believe it was the closest thing to a self-titled project as possible. I feel so looked over at times. I know that I have a gift that can impact music. I believe God placed a serious gift inside of me. Sometimes in you’re the only one who will see or get the vision. This project is for anyone who feels similar. Anyone who is fighting for their dreams, anyone who feels misunderstood. This one is for the go getters, the loners, the cool kids. You see: there is an underdog inside every single one of us.

Musically, who are you listening to write now?

I listen to anything that’s substantial. Specifically: Drake, Kendrick, Kanye, Jay-Z, TGT. Recently I’ve been playing a lot of Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston for some odd reason, I’m just in a ballad kind of mood these days lol

Given that most people do know you as an actor, what do you want people to know about you musically?

I want people to know that “I am here”. I want people to know that I’m next.

What are your goals for your music?

My goals for my music are to impact and change the entire world.

@jackthriller Interviews @SeanKingston for @Thisis50 [Video]

Thisis50 & Young Jack Thriller recently spoke with Sean Kingston for an exclusive interview!

In part 1 of the interview, Sean Kingston talks about the “Back 2 Life” album, having open heart surgery because of the Jet Ski accident, The recent incident with Trav and 50 Cent & much more!

Fresh Interviews: @Nelly_Mo Speaks On Street Cred, Staying Relevant, & Relationship Status

Nelly comes and chops it up on Sway In The Morning to discuss his street cred, staying relevant in the music industry, and his relationship status.

@MacMiller vs. @DJWhooKid at Shade 45’s Whoolywood Shuffle

Mac Miller hits Whoolywood Shuffle at Shade 45 to discuss Kanye’s paparazzi problems, tongue kissing Ariana Grande, working/touring with Action Bronson, and much more.

Fresh Interviews: XXL Interview With Young Scooter

Atlanta MC Young Scooter is currently serving time in DeKalb County Jail on charges of probation violation. The Southern up-and-comer was arrested—after being pulled over while driving with a suspended driver’s license—on Monday, April 8 for violating the terms of his probation, but that hasn’t stopped him from releasing new music. With 50 days left in his bid, XXL got the opportunity to talk to Scooter over the phone about his writing process while in jail, being cellmates with Gucci Mane and what to expect from his upcoming From The Cell Block To Your Block mixtape.—Emmanuel C.M. (@ECM_LP)

XXL: First off, how are you right now? How’s your mind state?
Young Scooter: I’m ready to get out and get back to my fans. Get ready to do what I need to do.

What’s your day-to-day like?
Really just be writing, and watching TV. There really ain’t too much to do. [Laughs] [I’m] not writing a lot, because I don’t write when I’m on the street, I just go in the booth. I don’t write. So the writing is really new to me, I’ve really just been putting it together like that. From time to time I write, but really I’ve just been doing a lot of thinking.

Got it. So since you’ve been locked up, Chief Keef has signed to Brick Squad. Did you have any part in that?
Yeah, Gucci told me that he and Keef were putting something together, but Chief Keef, that’s my brother. I’ve talked to him since I’ve been in. He know what’s up.

Music-wise, what can fans expect when you come out?
More good music for the streets and more inspirational music. More of the same way, just uptempo. A lot of energy with my music, just turn it up a notch.

Did you write From The Cell Block To Your Block before you went in?
Yeah I had a lot of songs before I came in. Yeah. Actually, I’m releasing it before I get out. I’m releasing the mixtape August 26th, and it’s crazy. It’s like 16 songs on there. Just for my fans, like I’ve got a lot of music, even the music I recorded before I came in. I got 2 albums already recorded, mixtapes, everything. It’s crazy.

Gucci was your reportedly your bunkmate at one point. What did you two talk about?
We just really talking about how we don’t need to be in this situation, how we really have got to do better. We’ve got a lot of fans, a lot of people depending on us, mainly our family and kids. For being a rapper, we’ve got a lot of fans, and they don’t want to see us incarcerated. And both of us being in the same cell that was like kind of crazy.

How do you stay up-to-date with information now? Do people come visit and give you updates or is it through TV?
Nah just my team. I’ve got a team, my Black Migo team, they’re doing what they need to do for me. Like Keisha, Sean.

So, you’re out in 50 days. Name a couple things that you can’t wait to do as soon as you’re a free man.
I can’t wait to see my kids, get back to doing what I’m doing. I can’t wait to keep counting some money. I can’t wait to get back to my fans and just to the studio really. I can’t wait get back and smoke some herbs. [Laughs]

Twitter is still going crazy for you with the #FreeScooter movement. Do you think, after you get out, being incarcerated is going to put you on another level?
Yeah I think it would. I don’t got no music that will make me fail. Like I said, my music is for the struggle, and people who are trying to get some money. I’m not trying to make no slow music. Not saying slow music, because that’s not bad. I’m just trying to say the type of music I’m making is money making. Count music.

What have you learned in the rap game since you’ve started?
Well in the rap game I learned that you’ve gotta—it’s all about talent, you can’t just rush into it because it takes years to get hot. Not even years, it’s really about a song, or nobody just going to buy into your music if you’re just saying anything. So it’s got to be the right time and the right song. You’ve really got to make a name for yourself to keep going and just don’t give up. You’ve got to keep going.

 

Source: XXL Mag

Fresh Looks: Jay Z’s Picasso Baby Trailer

Jay Z is only on to bigger and better things. Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film which Hov shot at the Pace Gallery in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood a couple of weeks ago will debut this Friday, August 2 at 11PM on HBO. Just before that, he will appear on Real Time with Bill Maher for an interview at 10PM.

Video: Timbaland Opens Up On Travyon Martin Case

Celebrities are reacting to the Travyon Martin Case. Some battles we just can not fight as humans. It is only right to leave it in God’s hands. He works in mysterious ways. Travyon Martin is the Emmett Till of a new generation. Where is the CHANGE??!!

 

Fresh Sounds: Future Announces New Single “Honest”

Future discusses his upcoming album “Future Hendrix” and new single “Honest,” with    plus his collaborations with Ciara, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira.

 

Will you be listening?