DJ R-Tistic is back on WestCoastStyles with a dope mix that will take you back to the golden year of 1995! When this covid shit is over, I encourage you to holler at him for your parties and events. DJ R-Tistic is a very respected DJ on the West who will give you nothing but the best.
IG: @djrtistic
Pomona native Focus, is an upcoming independent artist. With hopes of introducing the world to the ATM lifestyle.
” Originally I was being funny with this track. But once I saw the response, I figured it was time for a video. I’m from Pomona, Ca so you know we have a certain lingo. But really I wanted to do something fun with this video. Let me also say this, I think if the IE comes together we can really make some noise and bring some attention.”
IG: Bussit_open_4acrip
The Compton OG Rodney O. chopped it up with The Big Brother Jake Podcast. He talked about his past records, his influence on the Miami Bass Sound and discovering The 2 Live Crew, his falling out with Joe Cooley and an upcoming collaboration with DJ Quik.
It’s time to howl at the Moon! Latin heavyweight Annimeanz has a new protege’ by the name of Wulf Man, a young talented Latino from the Inland Empire and this kid can flow! Inspired by great East Coast emcees and under the direction of a great lyrical mentor in Annimeanz , this Westside kid is ready to make a splash in the industry. It’s time to make room for some Latinos because we are coming and won’t be looked over or ignored. Check out this new track by Wulf Man featuring Infinite TGM called “Rich Right Now” …..Exclusive premier!
Kam is a legend. He may not be considered one in some parts of the country but on the West Coast and especially Watts, dude is a legend. I have had the privilege of working with Kam throughout my entire career and you have to love and respect his dedication to uplifting Black people even if you don’t agree with everything the NOI teaches. Kam or West Coast Kam as he calls himself as to not be confused with Cam’ron on the East Coast, is back with a powerful new video with a powerful message called “Moment in Time.”
Los Angeles native Dominic Deas is an up and coming talent emerging on the hip hop scene. Having seen and lived enough for a man twice his age, Dominic Deas raps captivate, affect and overwhelm his listeners. The music video A.I.N (All I Need) is from the recently released Adjusting album, which you can listen to on Apple Music.
"I’m a black man. I’m a creative that knows where he came from and won't forget that my history is being made as I live. I understand my past and I’m fed up with the mistreatment & injustice that has been given to me and my people. So I don't fight only for myself, I fight for the future. Generations upon generations have fought and begged for the same equality and change, so let’s be that change."
Take me out to the ballgame! The DJ who works the Dodgers games and plays music at the stadium (including the at-bat entrance for each Dodgers player) is part of the WestCoastStyles family and he dropped a West Coast mix just for us! Check out the homie DJ Severe in the mix.
Diamond Lane just isn’t Problem! They have a young talent over there named Airplane James and this young man is ready to fly! Now Diamond Lane doesn’t have a large roster as they are pretty selective with signing artists so you know James has got the skills! Check out this new video “EZ Call”.
Inglewood is poppin’ right now with talent. This song here by Smitty OG called “Why You Frontin” is hot! This beat is some radio shit right here and there is no reason why DJ’s shouldn’t be playing this (a censored version, at least).
Our own Nick Hamilton chopped it up with Edidon better known as Edi Mean of the 2Pac-led group, The Outlawz. In this exclusive special, the two discuss everything from the civil rights protests to a new 10 series documentary that The Outlawz are making on the Biggie and Pac relationship from their eyes. Were the two trying to reconcile before Pac’s death? That’s what it seems Edi is alluding to in this interview.
Other places may think that website exclusive’s are dead but I’m going to keep on dropping them until I am because that’s what I do. This is a track from my brother Mykestro, a talent who I have worked with for years. This brother is special because when he’s not working and providing for his daughters including precious little London who is fighting heart illnesses, he’s still recording music and took the time to bless us with new tracks. Support the brother! Take a listen to “Don’t Be Late”…
Millticket Ent. artist Tove hails from the San Bernardino area in California and this is a fly new song called “Soak My Drip”. It’s the kind of new R&B that you hear on the radio these days and I thought it was pretty good considering this is the first time I have heard his music. Take a listen!
Get right in 2020 with this new hit from LiL CHiZ and Beezy Montana featuring 147 Slim and Cv$h. This is the track that’s going to make you think about your year and the people that have been there and the people that have changed up on you. Loyalty, dedication, and consistency are the things you should have in a brother. It don’t matter if this man is your brother by blood, by connection, or from the street. It don’t matter where this brotherhood was formed all that matter is that you remain your brother’s keeper. Don’t change up, switch up, or choose up! We are our brother’s keepers! We look out for each other so other’s don’t have to.
The Compton phenom strikes again! Straight off the heels of his dope remix to “Don’t Be Mad At Me” featuring Snoop Dogg and Freddie Gibbs, Problem is back with a new heater this time featuring Jay Rock of TDE and Jack Harlow of Atlantic Records. It’s been quite a Summer for the Coffe and Kush rapper.
West Coast product Ty Dolla $ign just released the video to his new single “Expensive” featuring Nicki Minaj. The song and video is about being with women who have expensive tastes. I guess that’s how Ty likes ’em? Oh well, it’s a snappy song and we support Ty so go ahead and check out the new vid.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Akil since my WestCoastRydaz days when I was introduced to him through a mutual associate and he’s always been a stand up and solid guy. His group, The Jurassic 5 puts on one of the best live performances you will ever see in your life as I have seen even the cameramen that stand at the front of the stage put their cameras aside and start dancing.Truly one of the most underrated groups on the West Coast and one that stays true to the spirit of hip-hop. We caught up with Akil to talk about his experience as a member of the group and his future plans. Jurassic 5 fans will be happy to know that there is a new EP coming at the end of the year! Enjoy the interview.
The sports world is on hold (at least in the NBA) as athletes are protesting on behalf of another unarmed Black man being shot and killed by police, but the WCS staff did gather to round up the Cali sports world up until 8/23/20 so please keep that in mind as you listen. Even though it’s not on th spot, Nick and Jake provide excellent evaluations of the teams – talk show worthy! I, Styles, just tagged along for the ride as our two resident experienced sportscasters did their thing. Watch and listen!
There are two ways to get featured in the comedy section on westcoaststyles.com. you either have to consistently kill crowds with original material or make me laugh out loud. This week’s feature comedian has done both.
Sam Ridley has been crushing west coast stages for 9 years now. If you haven’t seen him perform, you’re cheating yourself. This man is FUNNY!!! Influenced by comedy greats such as Robin Harris, Eddie Murphy, and his personal G.O.A.T. Martin Lawrence, his style pays respect while the jokes are all his and authentic. His love for funny came from his dad who also loved making people laugh. He co-hosts The Illegal Opinions podcast and along with Marcus Palmer provides “unpopular” takes on societal issues. If you aren’t a fan of traditional pods, this is probably the one for you. It’s available to audio stream on all major platforms as well as video on YouTube.
As with every stand up comedian, Covid-19 has derailed live shows And like the rest of us, he can’t wait to get back in front of a live audience. Soon his calendar will be stage heavy again, but until then you can catch his podcast and become part of his ever growing fan base. You can also follow him on the usual social media outlets; @samridleycomedy or @illegalopinionspodcast on IG and Twitter. His fan pages are Sam Ridley lll Entertainment and Illegal Opinions Podcast on Facebook.
“Don’t let anybody stop you” – Sam Ridley
Bakersfield is in the house! When we mean covering all of Cali, we mean it. This isn’t just an L.a.area thing. Today we bring you Riddy K, a Bakersfield native who made a dope ass song in “Take It To The Grave”. The beat is tight, lyrics and flow are on point, and there really is no reason why you shouldn’t press play on the song. I really want to hear more from this cat and I’m glad that taent from that area is reaching out. It’s long overdue that someone from Central Cali gets put on. Take a listen!
La Politica is a new song by Latino Hip-Hop veterans Spanish Fly featuring Annimeanz that tackles the difficulties of hood politics and the drama that comes with it. On this Ese Daz produced track, Annimeanz puts himself in the late great Nipsey Hussle’s shoes on his fateful final day on earth. Although it’s a quick verse, it’s a unique perspective to use for a song especially the “I heard Stevie Wonder sang at the wake” line. Take a listen to La Politica below.
How Ice-T Pulling “Cop Killer” Was Still a Win for Free Speech
By Shad Reed
These are unprecedented times. We are amid a global pandemic that has taken the lives of over 170,000 Americans. Another civil rights movement is underway with Generation Z at the helm. And the upcoming presidential election has made damn near everything a partisan issue, hence dividing this country to a degree unseen since the 1860s. Furthermore, technology has provided us with a 24-7-365 news cycle updated by the second. And, despite making over 20,000 false or misleading claims, the sitting president, Donald Trump, and his current administration insist that any opposition is “fake news.” And while the First Amendment protects his Twitter rants and outbursts towards the press, he still can not punish free speech simply because he doesn’t like it. But that hasn’t stopped him from trying.
After CNN was repeatedly critical of Trump, he went as far as pledging to block the merger between CNN’s parent company (Time Warner) and AT&T. The government denied it was an act of retaliation, but a judge found the government’s reasoning lacked “economic evidence of any kind.” Additionally, one would be remiss to overlook how he threatened to withhold aid to the U.S. Postal Service unless Amazon increased prices. Amazon’s connection to the press is that it and The Washington Post have the same owner, Mr. Jeff Bezos. And like CNN, The Post has not held back in pointing out the president’s shortcomings. It’s another childish act on Trump’s part aimed at those who insist he is held accountable for his actions. Last but not least, President Trump has even withdrawn press credentials from individual reporters for asking specific questions.
President Donald Trump’s attack on the press poses a threat to democracy. And one reason so many people still dare to confront the current leader of the free world, despite all the control he yields, is because others have fought the powers that be before them. One such individual is Ice motherfuckin’ T.
Born Tracey Marrow, Ice-T rose to fame in the late ’80s with raps about the harsh realities of street life before the subgenre of “gangsta rap” officially existed. Ice’s first album, released in 1987, Rhyme Pays, was still gritty enough though to be the first album ever to be stickered with a parental warning about lyrical content. The following year he released his sophomore set, Power, and garnered attention for the album cover, which depicts a woman in a scantily-clad bathing suit holding a shotgun. And while some felt that perpetuated stereotypes of the gangsta lifestyle, it served as the perfect bait-and-switch. The glitz and glamour of the album artwork, along with the video for the album single, “High Rollers,” may have initially seemed appealing, but the message at the end of it all is: play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
And these cautionary tales were not ones coming from a place preachiness, but instead the first-hand experience. After being orphaned at a young age, Ice got sent from New Jersey to California, and after exposure to street life from friends at Crenshaw High, he became a pimp and a jewel thief in the years that followed. However, after getting into a car accident in 1985 and having no visitors at the hospital, he decided to change his ways. Ice once said, “I didn’t have nobody show up at that hospital because not being a nice guy, people weren’t looking for me. They were like, ‘Well, we’re glad he’s not around. Wherever he is, he’s not here.’ And I didn’t want to die like that.”
By 1989, Tipper Gore formed the Parents Music Resource Center (P.M.R.C.) and their infamous “filthy fifteen” list of rock songs with content they deemed objectionable, and the 2 Live Crew faced obscenity charges, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation sent N.W.A. a letter. The government’s interference in art was in full effect. And in response to these Orwellian actions, Ice pulled no punches on his third album by calling Mrs. Gore out by name. “Yo, Tip, what’s the matter? You ain’t gettin’ no dick? / You’re bitchin’ about rock’n’roll, that’s censorship, dumb bitch / The Constitution says we all got a right to speak / Say what we want Tip, your argument is weak.”
Ice-T’s raps reflected what he saw in his community, and so in addition to the crime, poverty, and drug use, he also pointed out that police brutality was going unchecked. While initially dismissed by the masses as shock value, Ice’s message failed to initiate the unaware. But by the early 90s, Ice’s claims had more credibility than ever. On March 3, 1991, motorist Rodney King was beaten by L.A.P.D. officers, with the incident captured on film and broadcast television stations across the country for a year. The four officers charged for excessive force and assault were found not guilty. As a result of the bullshit verdict, riots in Los Angeles followed for days, which lasted from April 29 (the day of the acquittals) to May 4, 1992.
By this time, Ice had expanded his musical resume by forming an all-black heavy metal band called Body Count. The group initially consisted of Ice on vocals, Ernie C on lead guitar, D-Roc the executioner on rhythm guitar, Beatmaster V on drums, Mooseman on bass, Sean E Sean on the sampler, and Sean Mac as a hype man. And they made their debut on Ice’s fourth LP, Original Gangster. The spoken intro to Body Count’s eponymous track has Ice responding to criticism of him embracing rock music by saying, “I feel sorry for anybody who only listens to one type of music.” Not unlike his rap records, Ice’s rock songs were aggressive and an uncompromising depiction of life as he saw it. And shortly after the Los Angeles riots, a Dallas police newsletter accused him of encouraging violence against police and called for a boycott because of a Body Count song called “Cop Killer” from their official first album about someone taking revenge on a cop for murder. The news spread like wildfire, and by June, “Cop Killer” was a significant talking point in the presidential election set for that November. Both the then president and vice president, George H.W. Bush and Dan Quayle respectively, publicly expressed their disdain.
The hypocrisy of this record’s criticism is astonishing. That very same year, Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, a film where someone kills a crooked sheriff in the end, was released to unanimous acclaim and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. And Eric Clapton’s cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 and is currently in the Grammy Hall of Fame. With virtually the same subject as Body Count’s “Cop Killer,” it begs the questions: What’s the difference? Why was one acceptable and the other one not? (Ahem! Race.). Plus, revenge in the name of justice was nothing new, either. The further you think about it, the more ridiculous it becomes.
Nevertheless, the attacks and criticism of “Cop Killer” were unrelenting and Time Warner, the parent company of Body Count’s record label, Sire, under Warner Bros, C.E.O. Gerald Levin even so far as to write a letter to The Wall Street Journal defending the song and an artist’s freedom to make it. “Is it our responsibility to limit the views of artists, writers, journalists, musicians, and filmmakers so that they don’t offend corporate executives or society?” Levin wrote. “Or does the media’s very existence and the democracy they are a part of, depend on a willingness not just to tolerate creative freedom but also to encourage it, even when the viewpoints expressed run counter to the norms of our mainstream culture?”
The opposition was still a force to be reckoned with, though. This strength was undoubtedly evident at a five-hour Time Warner shareholder meeting in July ’92. More than twenty people asked that they pull the record, including actor Charlton Heston and police officers wounded in the line of duty. A group of protestors had gathered outside too. And when Ice happened to drive by, a photographer captured him, flipping the bird to the sight of it all. Eventually, Ice finally decided to take the song off the album when Time Warner was unable to make a decision.
One might think that Ice-T didn’t come out on top. On the contrary, he once stated, ” I don’t want to be a martyr. I don’t want them to destroy my life at the hands of the First Amendment. ‘Okay, he stood up for free speech, he’s through.’ You know what? If we pull the record, I can still say, ‘Fuck the police,’ and we can keep it going.” Lose the battle, win the war. If “Cop Killer” stayed on the Body Count album, Ice-T would have got one over on the P.M.R.C. and all similar watchdog groups. A good feeling, but he still would have been at the mercy of Time Warner and their shareholders. None of whom would be willing to endure another round of controversy after the storm “Cop Killer” created with something new if it were to come up. And to avoid just that, Home Invasion, his next solo rap album got heavily scrutinized by Warner Bros. executives because Ice still had a target on his back from all the feathers he’d just ruffled with Body Count. He offered to leave the company since they were more harmful than helpful to him, as demonstrated by suits going over every one of his rhymes with a fine-toothed comb in fear of what was going to be said next. He has stated in the past that he and Warner Bros. became liabilities to each other.
Ice-T and Warner Bros. did finally split, and Ice has been releasing his music without a major label ever since with the freedom to express himself truly. Because of that, he can still fight the good fight on his terms. And he has never stopped fighting, whether it be for truth, justice, equality, or freedom. I don’t think he ever will. Respect due. So thank God “Cop Killer” didn’t kill his career almost 30 years ago. Because if it did, many might not have had the courage to speak up about controversial issues in the many years that followed. And the world would’ve never gotten to hear socially relevant rock from Body Count like, among many others, “No Lives Matter,” “Bum Rush,” and “Point the Finger.”
Donald Trump epitomizes the worst facets of “the Man,” so voices and music questioning, infiltrating, and challenging the system is more relevant than ever. Hundreds of millions of lives depend on it.
——
About the author: Shad Reed is a veteran journalist and album reviewer who has written articles for various outlets including Allhiphop.com.
Shout out to my man Big Wy. He’s always put me on to the dope new names at the start of their careers from YG to Joe Moses …hell, even Jay Rock and the birth of TDE. The A&R prowess of the veteran has brought Chev from Inglewood to my attention and this new video and song is pretty damn fly. Not much is known about this artist as this shit is straight from the streets but he did inform me that he is working on a project called Spur of the Moment. I definitely want to hear more. Warch and listen to Tapped In.
DeathbyRomy is a singer from LA that’s been building a buzz thanks to singles like “Problems” and “Kiss Me Goodbye,” as well as her 2018 album Monsters. Today, in addition to the podcast Kinda Neat releasing a long-form hour long conversation with her, they’ve also released a video of DeathbyRomy performing a reworked acoustic version of her new single “Fiending For A Lover,” that’s a KN exclusive. Go check out the performance, and you can also listen to her episode of Kinda Neat on any platform you listen to podcasts on. It’s a little different but this is an artist that blends various styles and is a California product on the verge of breaking out.
Following the release of his latest album, “King’s Disease,” Nas has teamed up with TIDAL to release an exclusive playlist, “No Rap In My Playlist” – a nod to the album’s first track, “King’s Disease.”
Dubbed by the multi-platinum selling artist’ as “Some old school vibes to vibe to,” the 21-track playlist features artists such as Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, Chaka Khan, Barry White and more.
BIG CHIZ WEST COAST STYLES PRESENTS: FLAMERS OF THE WEEK
EACH WEEK A PLAYLIST OF THE HOTTEST WEST COAST SONGS WILL BE FEATURED.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO FLAME THE CITY UP?
You can’t do a Part 2 of WestCoastRydaz without the man who made it pop -Kurupt Young Gotti! That’s right, before Kurupt came aboard and started feeding us with exclusives, we were just a cool little website. Once Kurupt joined our movement our stock hit the roof and things began to open up for us. Even after I left WCR, Kurupt and I maintained and resumed our friendship and I have probably interviewed him over 15 times since for various publications – I stopped counting after I hit the teen numbers. With this new site it’s only right that Gotti be the one to set off the WCS movement and he gives us some great new information. New Dogg Pound music? An Exclusive feature on the track of a West Coast icon? Watch the video and find out!
Fresh off releasing his latest album It Is What It Is on Brainfeeder, musician Thundercat has released the remix to his fan-favorite single “Dragonball Durag,” adding features from Oakland’s own Guapdad 4000 and St. Louis’ own Smino. This is a remix that’ll most certainly have your wave power levels over 9,000, check it out below and on all streaming platforms.
She is from Virginia but she she has made her way to the West Coast! Backed by E.Mills and his Millticket Ent. comopany, Kiara Simone is ready to make her presence known in the rap game as she combines real rap skills with the pretty girl look. Check out her latest offering, the Pretty Girl Commandments”, as she rocks over the Biggie classic. This is also an exclusive premier! Listen below.
E-A-Ski came through and dropped off the trailer for the “False Idols”, which features Sauce Money.
The veteran producer is hard at work on the Artist/Producer EP. E-A Ski keeps putting it down for the west coast!
For the first time ever, Cellblock Records is available digitally and on all streaming platforms!
Cellblock Records was an Oakland, CA-based record label in the mid-90’s which boasted a collection of high-powered artists like Bad N-Fluenz (Rappin’ Ron & Ant Diddley Dog), Mr. ILL, FM Blue and others. The label had deep connections with Too Short’s imprint Dangerous Music as the artists and producers off the labels often collaborated on songs like “Oakland Style” with FM Blue and “Get In Where You Fit In” featuring Rappin’ Ron & Ant Diddley Dog which can be found on Too Short’s 1993 album Get In Where You Fit In album.
Ant Banks, who produced much of Too Short and Dangerous Music’s catalog through the 90’s, also featured the Bad N-Fluenz click on his 1994 album “The Big Badass” on the song “Pimp Style Gangstas”. The iconic producer also contributed to their Cellblock debut Bad N-Fluenz with songs like “The Bomb”, “All Rapped Up”, “You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet”, and “Maniac Mind”.
Too Short recently released some Cellblock’s catalog in a Greatest Hits format with songs like the original version of “I Can’t Turn Back” featuring 2Pac & Spice 1, “Flossn” by Father Dom, “Deep Shit” by Bad N-Fluenz, “Crooked” with FM Blue, and “Am I Dreaming” from the late MC Breed. The collection also features production from Ant Banks, Black Jack, Tone Capone, and Terry T to name a few.
Los Angeles Based Lyricist Annimeanz joined The Big Brother Jake Podcast to discuss life growing up in Cudahy, California where he took on a life of gang banging, who his musical influences were and his upcoming project, “Crack Rock Bounce.”
Young Oakland prodigy K1ngSam delivers the visual to his breakout Spotify Smash with over 2 Million Streams. This video looks super clean and a great storyline. K1ngSam is someone to watch coming out of the Bay Area.
Hailing from Inglewood, CA, Rucci’s a rapper that’s been making waves recently with such projects as Tako’s Son and the I’m Still Me EP. Fresh off the recent singles “Check Me Out” with Haiti Babii and “The One” with BlueBucksClan, check out the video for his new single “Killa,” which is available now on all streaming platforms.
MC Eiht Announces New Album ‘Lessons’
New Single “Honcho” Featuring Conway The Machine & DJ Premier Now Available!
‘Lessons’ Features Collaborations With DJ Premier, Conway The Machine, Dave East, Havoc, Talib Kweli, B-Real & Kurupt
‘Lessons’ Will Be Released On 9-18-2020
GEAH!!
For two decades MC Eiht has been one of hip-hop’s most recognizable voices in hip-hop; and undisputedly one of Compton’s finest originators and emcees. A straight menace, MC Eiht burst onto the scene with Compton’s Most Wanted Music To Driveby. Released just months after the LA Riots, Music To Driveby was a manifesto for the nihilism, frustration and anger that permeated the region and is universally hailed as a Gangsta Rap classic. Similarly, Eiht also contributed vital components and compositions to genre-defining movies, offering the chilling “Growin’ Up In The Hood” to Boyz N The Hood and following up Music To Driveby with a star turn as A-Wax in Menace 2 Society, which included his stand-out contribution (“Streiht Up Menace”) to the movie’s soundtrack. Though accredited as MC Eiht featuring Compton’s Most Wanted, Eiht took on a more singular role with We Come Strapped, which was certified Gold and peaked at #1 on the Billboard charts and his sophomore solo project Death Threatz which debuted at #3 on the Billboard Charts. Eiht has always remained active; including a handful of EP releases, his scene-stealing appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City (“m.A.A.d City”), and a recent CMW reunion project, Gangsta Bizness, (2019) with Tha Chill that was over a decade in the making. Today, Eiht officially announced his new forthcoming album, Lessons, which will be released on 9-18-20. Lessons features collaborations with DJ Premier, Conway The Machine, Dave East, Havoc, Talib Kweli, B-Real and Kurupt among others. Along with the new album announcement, Eiht also released a new single, “Honcho,” which features Conway The Machine and DJ Premier. The last time Eiht linked up with Preemo was on Which Way Iz West, the legends collaborative album from 2017. “I’ve always had a strong connection with the east coast and its artists. Premier and I have such a great and natural relationship. I appreciate that I can always hit Preem to chop it up, get a beat or a mix” Eiht commented on his relationship with DJ Premier. “I have been following the Griselda movement for a while now and Conway has always had my ear. I reached out to him for “Honcho” and it was automatic.” “Eiht called me and said he had a song that needed scratches on it, and that Conway had spit a verse. I was like maaaaan, send that shit” exclaimed DJ Premier. “Eiht and I have been friends since 1989, so it’s nothing when we reach out to each other. Conway is a machine. So street and lyrically skilled with his wordplay.” “It was an absolute honor to work with the legend. Eiht is one of my all-time favorite emcees, so it was a no-brainer to connect wit the big homie on “Honcho.” Conway stated. “Preemo coming on the cuts is nothing short of legendary. I had to be a part of this joint!” “Lessons represents my journey. The things I’ve learned, experienced and been taught over the course of my journey from street influences to music influences and combining those different elements” Eiht explained. Lessons is an audio-biography of my two-decade run in Hip-Hop, it’s authentic and west coast.” Eiht recently discussed some of those Lessons with No Jumpers Adam 22 for an expansive interview about his legendary career, fatherhood, Compton and much more, which you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4etQiXO8iQI MC Eiht’s Lessons will be released on 9-18-20. Stream MC Eiht Feat. Conway The Machine & DJ Premier “Honcho”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOEriIHojkQ Purchase & Stream MC Eiht feat Conway The Machine & DJ Premier “Honcho” at your preferred DSP: https://cmdshft.ffm.to/honcho Tracklisting & Credits For MC Eiht’s Lessons: 1.) “Get Money Man” Feat. B-Real 2.) “That’s Perfect” 3.) “Honcho” Feat. Conway The Machine & DJ Premier 4.) “Bluu Wave” 5.) “Can’t Nobody” Feat. Kokane 6.) “Ambition” 7.) “U Know” 8.) “Lessons” 9.) “That 83” Feat. Tha Chill 10.) “U Not Me” 11.) “Courted In” Feat. Dave East & Tha Chill 12.) “Things We Go Through” Feat. Cherell 13.) “Past Mistakes” Feat. Talib Kweli 14.” “I Got U” 15.) “What U Really On” 16.) “Magic” Feat. Noble (of The Outlawz) & Tha Chill 17.) “On The Real” Feat. Yukmouth & Tha Chill 18.) “Stand Up” Feat. Mitchy Slick & Tha Chill 19.) “Neighborhood Looks” Feat. Havoc & Kurupt 20.) “We Got” For More Information on MC Eiht: https://twitter.com/eiht0eiht https://www.instagram.com/eiht0eiht/ https://www.facebook.com/eiht.compton Conway The Machine: https://twitter.com/WHOISCONWAY https://www.instagram.com/whoisconway/ DJ Premier https://twitter.com/realdjpremier https://www.instagram.com/djpremier/ https://www.facebook.com/DJPremierOfficial/
Don Dubb
What’s your name ? How can people find you ?
iAmBillyDee
Yeah, I go by the name iamBillyDee. And people can find me @yougottalovebillydee
Don Dubb
So, you know I’ve been tapped and watching your grind for minute. I’ve always liked your creativity. You always had a different vibe. Like you really don’t follow trends too much but, when you did something that everybody else was doing you kind of put your own flavor on it and you made it yours. I view that as exceptional talent. What inspires your music? Why do you do music? How’d you get started?
iAmBillyDee
I started very young. Being surrounded by the music in my family. Musicians in my family. Family friends who are musicians is just music all around me. I think I was just born into it and slowly it just began to manifest itself in my life. More and more I started off acting, so I’ve always been a part of entertainment but around the age of 8. I wrote my first rap, and so it’s been on since then. And then you know as time progressed. I got into my teen years music kind of took over from the acting, and took the forefront of my focus and my passion and energies led me to this day.
Don Dubb
I also remember you were rapping, you’re doing something a little different now. Talk to me about the transition and whats the direction of our vision, for what you’re doing now?
iAmBillyDee
Well, I think this time around, with this album I have a called Abundance is actually a rap album. My my initial plan was to go with an album called Hunger for Love which is like you said it’s more of a transition from rapping into R&B. The more soulful sounds more experimental type stuff, but you know with everything that took place in the year 2020 in this country we live in of America. A lot of things I couldn’t ignore, and didn’t feel like Hunger for Love would be the best message to bring for this time. So I decided, I wanted to go with a more classic approach to a rap album. I’m someone who’s highly influenced by L.L. Cool J. And so when I think of a real rap album I think of L.L. Cool J. I’m a West Coast guy and I love West Coast music but I’m just talking about when you look at a album as the epitome of a rap album you want to think about L.L. Cool J. So I took that into my mind and I put together a whole new project. After the corona pandemic came about and after the untimely death and killing of George Floyd and, Brianna Taylor and just the culmination of all of those police brutality deaths. Colliding with the uprisings and protests, that were taking place around the country. You know that drove me back into the studio to come up with something bigger and better and more fitting for this this period. So what I have is a blended scene on this album. Like I said, it is a rap album but, I’m speaking to this this very very specific moment a history that we live in.
Don Dubb
Dope, I like that. You seem very very versatile. How do you think people perceive your talent ? Would you think they want to consider you a rapper or, Just like all around talent ? Kind of give you a little bit everything.
iAmBillyDee
I think I want to be viewed as an all around talent, that could do anything. I do think that some people are more comfortable with viewing me from a certain, you know standpoint. Some people want to see me as just a singer. Some people want to see me as just a rapper. And then there’s a good number of people who are open to embrace all of the things that I bring to the table, as far as you know my my presentation goes and in the genre of music. So you know, I think there are people who are open to the full play, and then there’s some people who just want to know one portion, and I’m cool with that. You know I have fun breaking the two apart putting them together. This album Abundance, it’s going to be next level. I’m really trying to knock it out of the park, so you know the closer I get to releasing it, I keep going back and fourth. I got a rap record, and I’ve got a singing record, and I’m going back and forth and I really wanted to keep this album rap. But you know I’m saying, I’m seeing some serious stuff creeping in. I want to display it all. There will be times when I separate the two and only focus on rap or only focus on the R&B just for fun. I think there’s some people that want that, and I’m cool with that.
Don Dubb
Dope. Speaking of creating an album, would you like to collaborate with anyone, And if so who, And why ?
iAmBillyDee
Yeah well, I’m glad you brought that up on this album Abundance. I actually started going down my checklist of people I wanted to collaborate with. So I started with a collaboration with EDI Mean of the Outlaws. He’s been a real good friend to me, and has really come to come alongside me. He’s been there with me as far as his influence as far as his involvement with my crew (Illegal Productions) #illp. He’ll be collaborating with us working on some really dope music and get a little bit of insight from him and some game. And so that’s been a real blessing, so I definitely had to get him on a record. I got him on a real special record, I got him on a track with Fatboy known all over the Internet and all over social media and was definitely an Internet sensation. All three of us on this record I got on this album called Top Down. And so, there’s this one collaboration that, I’ve been working on for a very long time and it’s not quite done yet, but I’m close. Almost don’t even want to say. But there’s still more surprises coming for this album, there’s going to be a feature on here from a legendary Artist, that’s known from the legendary West Coast hip hop scene from the 90s, G funk era, and this artist is somebody I’ve always wanted to work with super dope with the bars. And once I have the vocals, then I can release the name. I’ve had the conversations and things are in motion, but I can’t wait though. Like I said, I want to work with all the greats! I’ll be honest, I love all of the new artists, I love what they’re doing and I want to work with them as well. But my first desire if I had it my way. I want to work with the legendary artists. In a real way, I want to work with people who make great music.
Don Dubb
Yeah I actually appreciate that perspective man. Hip hop is actually the only genre that tries to put a date and time stamp on creatives, and people who have broken down barriers and created lanes for artist to continue to do what they do. Couple more questions here, If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to the next musical generation, what would it be ?
iAmBillyDee
One nugget there’s so much, one nugget…… Figure out if you really want to do this. I say that, because I think some artists like the idea of doing music and the small possibility that they could make it big. But I don’t think that, a lot of young artists have really said to themselves, or had their moment where it’s like I’m in this for life. I think a lot of them look at it, as one of the possible things that they could do. But I just think that this music thing isn’t made for people who are not willing to give it there all. It’s going to demand from me! it’s never gonna leave me. If you’re truly in it, it’s never going to leave you alone. So here’s the nugget! This is the nugget, I got it!
Remove the idea that you can quit. That you can consider whether or not you should quit. Understand, you can’t quit if this is for you. You will not be able to ever quit.
Don Dubb
So, like there is no B plan.
iAmBillyDee
Yeah, there is no Plan B. This thing that will haunt you, and if even if you don’t do it, it will haunt you until you until you surrender.
Don Dubb
That’s perfect! this has been great, and I appreciate your time. I know you working on an album and you’re busy guy but your dropping a video. Can you talk to us about that, I know it’s a part of the album that we just discussed but just talk to us a little bit about this new single ?
iAmBillyDee
Definitely the single is called “Poppin” and I wanted to release this single first, off of the album Abundance because it does deliver that very message. It’s basically a message of hope. It’s saying here I am. I’ve got everything I need, I’m the source, I’m popping, I’m the one, I’m the source, from which all this poppin and shit is coming from. It’s a declaration, a mantra, it’s motivation, it’s something that you can say to yourself in the mirror. If you go into a job interview you want to stop in a restroom real quick. Get yourself together before you go, and you look yourself in the mirror and say, I’m poppin. Or you go look in the mirror and say I get it poppin, and then go get it poppin in a job interview, or on a job, or playing sports, or if you are performing, whatever it is that you want to do. You do it at the highest level and why not because you poppin you know, Future said, You do what you want when you poppin.
Don Dubb
I dig it! iAmBillyDee out of West Covina. We appreciate your time we’re looking forward to the new music. We gonna keep listening, keep doing your thing. Man, salute bro.
iAmBillyDee
Yes sir. You know, I got to get it right, got to get it right I’m from Covina. There’s a difference from West Covina, and Covina.
Don Dubb
I feel like, you have to clear it up. What is the difference ?
iAmBillyDee
You know, it’s love from both cities, but really I kind of always claim Covina and I do that because everybody just knows West Covina. I claim the city of Covina. You know that’s that’s me.
Don Dubb
Dig it. I appreciate you clearing that up. Thank you.
Los Angeles artist Wallet Green is a part of Millticket Entertainment owned by E. Mills who is heavily involved in the fashion and model world. If you check their Instagrams these dudes are around so many fly chicks that I sent Mills a message letting him know that I need to start hanging around them. But music is also one of their ventures and they have a nice little roster of talented artists spearheaded by the veteran Wallet Green. Take a listen to this new exclusive WesCoasStyles premiere of his latest work called “Up There”.
Neb Luv of the Five Footaz sat down with Big Brother Jake, Host of The Big Brother Jake Podcast and she discussed how she got into the rap game, being discovered by Warren G and her memorable studio session with the legendary Rick James. She also went on to tell us of her upcoming projects in the works and what her dream collaboration would be.
Born Noah Coogler, White Dave’s latest track, “Grizzly,” is an ‘80’s inspired single about keeping an aggressive grind approach to life.
Coogler is brother to the award-winning director Ryan Coogler, who has featured his sibling’s hits on the soundtracks to his films like Creed and Black Panther. Black Dave’s fans also span Hollywood, and include Michael B. Jordan and Daniel Kaluuya.
Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Noah Coogler?
White Dave: I’ve always been interested in music since I was a kid. I was surrounded by it. My mom sang and played instruments. Her father played instruments as well. I come from a musically inclined family, and a family that also loves music so…the love for music came at a very young age, and I started creating my own music when I was relatively young. We had this keyboard when I was like 7 or 8, and I used to f*ck around with that. Just make music, make beats, all that cool stuff, man. So it started young, I started really young.
Now you’re from Richmond, CA, correct? So growing up in the ‘City of Pride and Purpose,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest influences?
WD: Yeah. My biggest influence for sure is Kanye (West). I think that’s a generational thing. Being that I was born in the ‘90’s, but also (The) College Dropout came out when I was in 8th grade so it has this place for me…but I’ll say Kanye, Pharrell, E-40. Guys who’ve proven that they can last in the industry, but also continue to redefine themselves and adapt to the times.
At what point in time, specifically, did you even opt to pursue music on a professional basis?
WD: In college while I was at Sacramento State. That was about 2012 I’d say. I got a couple placements, and I made more money off placements than I would’ve made with a 4 year degree in Sociology. It was a more lucrative opportunity for me, and I decided to jump on it. I’m actually very close to graduating; it would take me a year because I have a 2 part class I would have to take. In college, I realized that I could support myself, pay my bills, save and stack up via the music. So that’s what I’ve been doing.
Of course your brother is famed movie director Ryan Coogler — So how big of an impact has he had on you choosing to pursue a career in the entertainment field?
WD: Man, honestly everything just lined up. Sometimes sh*t works out in a completely unexpected way. I never thought the music would get me this far or be my main source of income, so really the pieces just fell into place. I’m in a position where I’m following the dream my brother helped me achieve in the first place. I’ve always envisioned myself as an artist that would just create the music and live outside of the limelight. I’m not really big on attention like that, but I’m learning as I grow in this industry that it’s part of the gig. I didn’t grow up wanting to be in entertainment. I actually grew up wanting to be a teacher. So being in this entertainment industry is a blessing nonetheless. Like I really enjoy it. It’s cool. Definitely a curveball. I didn’t expect my life to end up like this.
That relationship has also afforded you rare opportunity to appear on some high profile projects; for example the soundtracks to both Creed and Black Panther — How exactly did it feel working on these popular endeavors?
WD: Honestly it was cool because they reached for some content and I was able to provide it. There’s two types of ways that I’ve gone about getting placements. First is when people reach out and say, “hey, we are collecting sounds or developing sounds for the album or the soundtrack” or whatever, and they will ask you to just send your music. Other times people will sit you down and say, “we need you to create this or create that.” For both of those projects, they asked me to send stuff in and they rocked with the content that I sent. I was fortunate, super super lucky and very blessed.
Where does your – very unique might I add – moniker originally derive from?
WD: Ah man…well long story short, people used to always get on me about how proper I talked and you know as a kid, I guess, it sticks with you. It never really made me feel bad. It did make me question how people viewed me, you know what I mean? What I realized is when u talk “proper” people view you a specific way and they treat you as such. They try to downplay your blackness. I never had any identity issues, but it definitely would bug me that people would give me a hard time. I spent Kindergarten through 8th grade mostly in private school. The foundation that I got in school and the foundation I got at home resulted in me having a blended (background). Basically people used to call me Carlton, Oreo, sh*t like that. White boy, all that bullsh*t. My older brother actually gave me the rap name. I went through a lot of rap names when I was younger, but my older brother gave me “White Dave” as a rap name. That was back in like 2011 something like that, 2010 maybe. It stuck. Big bro has been so instrumental in getting my career to this point, supporting me with the music, and encouraging me to continue at it. So I only felt it was right to let big bro give me my rap name.
That said, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
WD: I like to think of it as luxury casual raps, if you will. You know…I don’t rap about Lamborghinis and sh*t like that l, because I’m not gettin’ it like that. I got lifestyle raps. Smokin’, chillin’ with women, chillin’ with your homies. Ambitious raps. Reflective raps. I make a lot of music about looking at myself as a person. The older I get the more I have a clear definition of who I am, who I’m turning into, and who I’m becoming. I guess you can call it “coming of age raps.” I’ve been making music and rapping for so long, I’m seeing my story arc develop as I continue. It’s very flexible I guess you can say. You can’t point to one song and say “Ah yeah, this is White Dave,” because I also have a song that resides on the opposite end of the spectrum that also applies to me. So, I would say flexible. That’s why I’m so enamored with Kanye and Pharrell, and guys like Flo Rida and Pitbull. People you can’t pinpoint exactly what their sound is. Is it rap? Is it Pop? Is it fusion? Is it electronic? Is it R&B? Is it rock? That’s what I love. Just being able to be very fluid and flexible.
Your recently unleashed new single is entitled “Grizzly” — Tell me about this particular composition; how did it come to fruition?
WD: So…sometimes I’ll sit down with a blank canvas and say to myself that I’m going to create something from scratch today.”Grizzly” came together because I wanted to make something ‘80’s inspired. I’ve been listening to more hip ‘80’s music, and I wanted to make something you could dance to, you could pop to. Some sh*t Run-DMC would support. Some sh*t n*ggas would be playing on their boombox if they were on the subway, break dancing and sh*t. I wanted to make something ‘80’s driven, so I queued up some 808 sounds. I got hella plug ins that will give me this kind of vintage, kind of ‘80’s type sound, and I just started tooling around. The way that I produce is in patterns. I’ve made songs with lush chords, piano, symphonies and sh*t like that, but I think in rhythms and patterns. The bassline and the drums were the first thing to come. Them thangs was very groovy, very ‘80’s, and I was like, “yeah yeah these go crazy. I gotta get these poppin’!” Then I added the little synth. Then, I was like this sounds like ‘80’s music. I did that and I queued it up. My writing style has changed and developed over the years. I do a lot of rough rapping and recording before I start writing it out. Which is the opposite of how I’ve done it most of my career. For most of my career, I was a write first guy. These days I’ve been doing a lot of rapping first, going back and writing and then going back and rapping again. I made the beat, queued it up, threw it into Pro Tools and figured out how I wanted to rap on it first. Wrote the verses out. The hook, I just press record. It took me about 15 minutes to come up with the hook, but I wanted to do something simple and easy because the focus of the song is really just the groove of it, the whole vibe of it. I didn’t write the hook down. I had it on loop record and just letting it run. It came together and it was perfect. People like it, people rockin’ to it, people dancing to it and that’s all I really wanted. I sat down and said I want to make some ‘80’s sh*t and it came together.
Although “Grizzly” doesn’t appear on it, earlier this year you dropped an album, In Living Color — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?
WD: I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Pleasantville? It’s a tight ass movie that we got the concept from. One of the things that my management team and I had talked about was how unique I am as an artist, and how I provide my own color palette when I’m working. What I liked about ILC was it’s unique approach and refreshing sound that people haven’t heard from me yet. I feel like as an artist I provide a lot of pazazz and color. I bring a certain type of flair and energy. I thought that title, that cover and the message, lined up perfectly with what I’m trying to represent. And it worked out. My baby bro helped me come up with the concept, and we just ran with it. It’s also paying homage to ‘90’s culture. In Living Color was a huge, huge, huge deal in the ‘90’s, and a birth of a lot of stars in Hollywood. Just paying homage.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
WD: Feel it, relate to it and enjoy the message. Dissect it and analyze it. Rinse and repeat. I just want people to enjoy it. It’ll move some people. It’ll make some people want to boogie. It’ll make some people want to be in their feelings. Whatever the music provides, I want it to do that. It can be therapeutic. All that cool sh*t. I used to say I make music for people. I used to say I make music for the fans, so they can enjoy it. What I’ve realized is that I actually make the music for myself because it’s therapy. It’s what keeps my heart pumping. It keeps my head clear. It keeps me on this earth. It’s super valuable when people relate to it because it lets me know I’m not the only one going through what I’m going through, or thinking about what I’m thinking about. If people can listen to the music and take something away from it that’s beautiful, but you can also just listen to it and slap. Music doesn’t have to always move you. Sometimes it can be some sh*t that sounds good, and that’s cool, too.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
WD: The list goes on forever honestly, but I got a few people on there. I don’t want to take up too much time. Nina Simone is on there. Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross. Britney Spears is on that list, believe or not. ‘Ye of course, Pharrell. I would love to do a record with Pac. That sh*t would be shhhhhh, c’mon! Who wouldn’t want to do a record with Pac? Yeah, man, the list goes on. It’s a lot of OG cats that I really want to make music with. Like Nina Simone. I got hip to her relatively later in life. I knew who she was, but I didn’t have immediate access to her music growing up. Though I do now, and her music just moves me. She is probably top of the list. Bob Marley is up there, too.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
WD: I would love to do something unique. I would love to do something…maybe like an outdoor concert in the desert. Well I’m sure that’s been done before, but just something unique. Venues are great, don’t get me wrong, but one of the dopest shows I ever went to was Childish Gambino’s ‘Pharos’ concert that he threw in Joshua Tree. He set up a big ass dome in the middle of the desert, and that sh*t was tight as f*ck. Like it was amazing. That’s along the lines of something I’d like to do. An iconic arena, sure Madison Square Garden absolutely! That sh*t would be spectacular. Also do something crazy. Like do a show on a private island or a show on a big ass cruise ship. Just do something to spice it up.
In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?
WD: Just my lightheartedness, man. Like I don’t take myself too serious, and I have fun with my job. My music is super sustainable. Women, weed, ambition. Can’t beat that! Priorities and focus changes over the years, but that’s some sh*t that everybody can relate to. Everybody can relate to love. Everybody can relate to wanting to achieve something. Everybody can relate to a coping skill. Tree is my coping mechanism. Everybody can relate to these things, and I think that’s where I’m sustainable. You look at Snoop. Snoop’s brand is sustainable. He’s been Snoop Dogg for 30 years and it’s perfect. That’s the type of grind I’m trying to get on. N*ggas like Snoop, Currency, Wiz. You got younger artists in the game that are continuing that in terms of n*ggas like Larry June. These guys have brands and music that is super sustainable. It will last them a lifetime. That’s the type of lane I’m trying to be in.
Do you have any other outside / additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
WD: Hell yeah! I want to be the GM of a professional team, or help design some of these sports video games coming out.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
WD: Biggest career moment definitely was when I worked with Ludwig Göransson on Season of the Rich. He’s probably the most accomplished person I’ve worked with. He listens to the music, has given me feedback, and has always provided me with ways to get better. That’s what I love. I think that’s probably the “highlight.” I’ve had music on video games, TV and movies…that sh*t is cool, but working with other artists that are going to push me to be better is my favorite thing in the whole entire world.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
WD: Producing, singing, writing. I’ve been doing more writing lately. In terms of music, film and TV. I would love to do some collabs. I don’t know if I’m much of a clothing and shoe designer, but I would love to do some collabs. I have amazing ideas that I would love to work on with some up and coming brands. I want to get into sunglasses. I think sunglasses are something that needs to be enhanced. I feel like people are doing it, but I feel like I have some ideas that could really take it to the next level. Just involved with anything that forces me to be creative. I’m a rapper, producer, engineer and all that cool sh*t, but I’m a creator as a whole. I like creating sh*t so anything that allows me to be creative, sign me up for it!
As for the immediate, what’s next for White Dave?
WD: Right now, just staying mentally sane. Making sure I keep my eye on my mental state. The quarantine has been heavy for a lot of folks, and I’ve been keeping my eye on that. I think the biggest thing is staying focused, staying driven, and keeping an eye on how I feel mentally. I have been doing great. I’ve been staying busy. The immediate next move is keeping my mental space clear because we have no idea how long we will be in this sh*t. So that’s my biggest focus right now.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
WD: Nah, but I do want to give a shout out to my management team: D’Lo, Coog, baby bro Keenan. Give a shout out to my producers; Boom, Kev H, Kyle Betty, Sammy J, Kizaru, Kenwood, YP on the Beat, SNDTRK. It’s so many people that have helped me on this journey and contributed. Tori Nicks, Lauryn Newson, Ian Kelly, Triflin’, Legendvry. Yeah, I guess I’m doing shoutouts and sh*t now. All that cool sh*t.
Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
WD: Be kind. Be kind and love each other, man. I’m all about love. I know it’s hard. It’s looking dark and looking dim, but we move with love. We move and we grow with love. I appreciate y’all taking the time.
Connect w/White Dave Online:
source https://westcoaststyles.com/meet-black-panther-soundtrack-artist-white-dave/
Pomona native Lj Savvy has been crafting a sound a bit different from what is popular today. The multi-talented musician, engineer, artist...
