The Original West Coast Rydaz is back as WestCoastStyles.com. Covering all aspects of West Coast Culture through the eyes of the original West Coast Rydaz curators.
Marin Big Bags is a young female artist from the camp of Inglewood legend and music business veteran Big WY. This classy young female Boss is making some Boss-moves with her recent video “In Thw City” Featuring Compton standout Azjah and Big WY himself. The medical student who just started her career is out to take her rap business as far as it can go – and she has the talent to do it. Learn more about this young artist in this exclusive WCS spotlight.
Jazzy D is a veteran manager and businessman within the West Coast Hip Hop industry for years. In this special interview, Jazzy breaks down basic things an independent artist and his management team should know such as name trademarks, copyrights, music licensing, mechanical royalties and more.
HomeGrownRadio is a really great platform for Los Angeles and Southern California artists on the rise. For years Chuck Dizzle and his partner DJ HED (a recent guest on our site CLICK HEREhttps://westcoaststyles.com/interviews/2020/09/l-as-real-92-3-dj-hed-exclusive-interview-great-advice-for-artists/) have looked out for artists and given a platform to them on their website, radio show and over the big time air waves. Tap in and learn more about this great network. We did experience some technical difficulties unfortunately but bare with it.
Ahead of the October 15th release of his new solo album, Good News, Asha Imuno of the LA-based collective Raised By The Internet dropped the new video for his single “CAVIAR,” featuring fellow RBTI member Gidi, directed by Lucas Chemotti. This is a laid back update on a classic West Coast aesthetic, both in sound and in the video, and a slick addition to the catalogue of one of the more prolific collectives to come out of the West Coast in recent times. “CAVIAR” is also available to stream on all streaming platforms.
J-Nice, our newest staff member, had a nice little chat with J David the owner of Los Angeles based Carnival Food Truck who also recently launched the “Everything Creative” music label. Our beautiful new host talks to J David about why he is getting into the music business and more …
One of L.A.’s top new faces Bino Rideaux makes a power move in bringing in Young Thug for the remix of his single “Mismatch” … This is how you help make a name for yourself outside of the region.
In this latest West Coast Styles interview, Shad “Southpaw” Reed chops it up with legendary lyricist, Big Mike. And throughout their discussion, they cover everything from Mike working at Olive Garden before breaking into the rap game to his upcoming album, Finish the Job. The man has been in Hip-Hop for almost thirty years, so he has a lot to say. And it would be in everyone’s best interest to listen because his talents have taken him on a journey that few have been privy to experience. Thankfully, he was willing to share some of what he has learned.
We are always down for a new TDE release! Reason has released a new song and music video called “Sauce” featuring another great young talent in Vince Staples. Sober parts in the video. check it out.
This new song and video is fire! New comer Marin Money Bags is pretty impressive on this new track “In The City”. While most female rappers are flashing their skin for attention, Marin shows off her style and Boss moves with some tight flows. Hot new West Coast talent Azjah from Compton kills it on the hook while the homie Big WY brings that hard veteran street flow and presence.
Carson, California based Singer Tenelle has performed all over the world, bringing her style of sultry Island Style singing mixed with R & B to the masses. She’s taking it back to the hood with her new joint “Ice Cream” and enlisted RYN and Sione Toki to bring those summer vibes to the people. Let us know your thoughts on Tenelle in the comment section.
Oakland artist Laney Keyz has relocated to Los Angeles and signed a deal with Nontra Records. The young artist is ready to make his mark in the game and he is off to a good start with this new singlr “Colorful Shit” featuring Lil Yachty. The song is already receiving a lot of attention with Yachty’s assist. Stay tuned for more from Laney Keyz.
There is talent in these LA streets an today we bring you “Mudd Walking” by newcomers Ray Macc and AshBashThaRapper and this is some heat! Shout out to the homie Big Wy for the assist.
We have more West Coast heat from Compton rapper YG called Out on Bai. This track is off his upcoming album My Life 4Hunnid coming on October 2nd. Let us know what you think of Out on Bail in the comments section!
Sactown’s own Mozzy is back with new visuals for his Never Lackin’ song off of his Occupational Hazard album. Let us know what you think in the comments!
We have new music from RJmrLA & Steelz featuring TeeCee4800 called I Hope from the album Let Me Talk My Shit. Let us know what you think in the comment section!
Los Angeles rapper Guapocassh recently spent 7 years incarcerated in federal prison. Upon his release, he is dropping visuals for his new song First Day Out. Let us know what you think of the song and video in the comment section!
Klack, klack, klack, klack! The San Diego legend Mitchy Slick checks in with Styles and Big Chiz for an epic interview! He talks about elevating the streets and his work with the late Nipsey Hussle. Mitchy also responds to Jayo Felony, who just recently told us in an exclusive interview that he wanted to drop a joint project with his former rival. If that ever happens, you can say that all started on WestCoastStyles. Real talk. The OG also talks about his new movie Baby Gangsta that is now available on Vimeo. This really is a fantastic interview that you have to watch.
We are back with more new music from Los Angeles rapper Yung Pacino. Today he is releasing visuals for his latest track Perfect Timing. Let us know what you think of the song and video in the comment section!
This is dope. D Smoke, who we recently featured on our site (click here), has teamed up with the VANS shoe company to release the Sidestripe Sessions where Smoke performs over live instruments. The song he performs is “No Commas” off of the Black Habits album. You gotta check it!
Chris “The Glove” Taylor has been a part some of hip-hop’s biggest moments from making “Reckless” with Ice-T for the movie Breakin’ to producing with Dr. Dre on The Chronic, DoggyStyle, The Firm, Aftermath Presents, and Chronic 2001. We discuss the making of Stranded On Death Row, What’s My Name, Phone Tap, XXPlosive, and California Love (yes, that was him on the keys). He is also producing new stuff for Dre in which he opens up a little about. Fans of music making and Producers themselves will love this one.
What a shot by Anthony Davis! The Lakers pulled off a close victory in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals and Styles and Big Brother Jake check in to discuss it.
In this new West Coast Styles interview, Shad “Southpaw” Reed talks with Hip-Hop legend, Erotic-D. For a nearly hour-long conversation, D discusses, among other things, The D.O.C., working with Dr. Dre and Suge Knight, writing hit records, and his new album, King Shit, and why it is as timely as ever.
DG:Now let’s hop right into your latest single / video “DJ’s & MC’s” — Tell me about this particular track? How did it come to fruition?
EP: “DJ’s and MC’s ” is about me listening to Hip Hop for the first time, and what it meant to me. When O-Love first let me hear the track, it gave me that type of a vibe. It’s basically a salute to the times when we all loved Hip Hop, when we all could trust Hip Hop, when Hip Hop was more about the love of the art as opposed to being just a business. The song is kind of like a timeline that starts with me as a kid, all the way up until now ;and the title is a shout out to Rodney O & Joe Cooley. They had a song called “DJ’s and MC’s” that I used to like.
DG:Of course “DJ’s & MC’s” comes courtesy of your new solo collection Like It’s Supposed To Be — First things first, why such a lengthy delay between projects?
EP: The delay between projects came because I started recording music under a new name; Lee Majors…not Dru Down’s cousin. For the people who were not following Lee Majors it seems like a delay but it actually wasn’t, I just was playing ball in a different league. I’ve been doing Gospel Rap at high schools, prisons, churches and black parties. The music that I recorded under Lee Majors is not like Extra Prolific. My flow is different, my style is different ,my beats are different and my message is different. So it wasn’t actually a delay, it’s just I was doing something else…but I’ve actually been rapping the whole time.
DG:How does Like It’s Supposed To Be either differ and / or compare to previous bodies of work?
EP:Like It’s Supposed To Be is a more lyrical album then Like It Should Be. It’s more consciously aware, it’s clean with no profanity and it has principles that you can take with you to help you with life. It’s more than entertainment, and it’s weightier than my other projects. This new album shows me not only growing as an emcee, but, more importantly, it shows me growing as a person.
DG:For those not already in the know…following your stint with Hieroglyphics, you shed not only the Hiero collective but as previously mentioned even the name Extra Prolific for the then newly established stage name Lee Majors — Talk to me about this entire transition of your career…
EP: I was actually working on an EP call The Missing Link, and I was going to put it out under Extra Prolific…then someone in the studio said, ” we’re going to call you Lee Majors on this project, ” and it just kind of stuck from there. Then in 2001, I became a follower of Christ. So after about six months of studying in the Word, I kept Lee Majors and I started recording gospel raps.
DG:And speaking of Hiero — What all exactly caused y’all to part ways? What was the rift even about?
EP: I don’t really get into it too much, but in general I betrayed my best friend. I regret that I did (that). Today I think that having character is much more important than having a personality or even talent, but back then I was young and dumb and I made a regrettable decision like every man has. You wish you could take things back, but that’s not how it works. The only thing you can do is move forward, and make amends as much as possible.
DG:Switching gears here, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so you as an individual, either changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into music?
EP: The industry has changed for the worst, because anything goes! You can kill people, you can be a thug wearing a dress, you can promote prescription pills and all types of drugs, you can say almost anything and nobody even blinks. But there was a time when Hip Hop had a soul. We have songs like “Self Destruction,” Why Is That?” “We’re All in the Same Gang.” But today, it seems like we make music as though it won’t affect the way people think and act, and that’s just not true. I’m proud of Hip Hop for becoming a billion dollar industry, but at the same time what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul? As for me, I’ve changed…obviously being a follower of Christ, I have new morals, a new code I live by and a new foundation that I stand on.
DG:Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
EP: I attribute my longevity to coming out in the Golden Era for one…for two, to being authentic and, three, to great fans.
DG:What do you want people to get from your music?
EP: I want people to get encouragement from my music. I want people to get wisdom from my music. I want people to see the unseen things in my music. The things that really matter. I want people to understand, but you can follow God and still keep the same personality; it’s your character that’s going to change. People often say, “don’t blame the music,” as though the music has no influence on impressionable minds, but we’ve all been influenced by Hip Hop. And if I’m going to influence someone through my music, I want to influence them to go in the right direction and not the wrong direction. If music is going to be part of what influences them to go in a certain direction, I want people to get out of my music that it helped me to go in the right direction. I want to show how cool it is to do the right thing.
DG:Is there a hidden meaning / message in any of your music?
EP: Yes, “Under Water” is about living under the protection of God, “Game Room” is about the game of life (and) “Let’s Ride” is not just about cars, it’s about riding through life. But, yeah, they’re hidden messages all over, and some not so hidden.
DG:As a songwriter, where do you actually draw inspiration from?
EP: I usually draw inspiration from the music; the production. When I hear a beat that inspires me, then I’m inspired to write something. I also get inspired by nostalgia. Thinking back to those days when I would just go to the store and grab a rapper’s tape that I didn’t know, but I grabbed it anyway because there were so few rappers at the time. I make music for those times, because those times really inspired me when I was a kid.
DG:Please explain your overall creative process…
EP: I usually hear the beat first, and then the hook pops into my head…and then I write my bars around the hook and the concept. The track usually tells me what I should talk about, and once I get the message or the concept I start writing from there.
DG:Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
EP: Yes, I preach sometimes…I have my own telecommunications business. I’m writing a book. I have an EP out with my wife, Lee Majors and Regina Chavon, and it’s called Beautiful Life. I also rap with a brother named J White, and we have a album out, J White and Lee Majors, The Good Life. So I have a lot of things that I’m doing, but what’s most important is me being a great father and a great husband. It doesn’t matter how well I rap if I’m not good to the people God has blessed me with.
DG:What has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?
EP: My greatest achievement used to be the two movie soundtracks that I’m on; A Low Down Dirty Shame and Die Hard with a Vengeance, but now my greatest achievement is my new album Like It’s Supposed To Be because it’s a contribution to Hip Hop that has eternal value, which means much more than a platinum plaque that will one day be dust.
DG:What’s an average day like for you?
EP: I wake up, thank God I’m alive, kiss my wife, get my three sons ready for school, go to work, come back and try to be the best father and husband that I can be.
DG:Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
EP: I’m always gracious to fans because not only am I an artist, I’m a fan myself. I remember when I was a kid, one of the groups that inspired me was Whodini…one day I got a phone call from them, and they told me how much they liked my project. So I know what it’s like to come in contact with people who’ve inspired you, so I always want to be good to the people who I have influenced because at the end of the day people are just people and no one needs to be put on the pedestal…but GOD HIMSELF!
DG:What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? Why?
EP: My favorite part is an idea being created in my head, and then ultimately being in people’s cars and being appreciated. My least favorite is the politics. Sometimes you’ll have a rapper who’s not very good at rapping at all, but they have a lot of followers. And other times you have rappers who are great at what they do, and yet they’ll be overlooked.
DG:What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
EP: Make music from the heart. Don’t try to be like someone else just because they have a lot of people following them. Don’t compromise your artistic integrity. And, don’t be afraid to do the right thing. Anybody can make a bubblegum Pop hit overnight and later be forgotten about, but a fanbase is grown organically when the artist is consistent, authentic and excellent.
DG:It’s coming up on the 26th anniversary of your heralded debut, Like It Should Be — What are some of your fondest most unforgettable memories / anecdotes during the creation of this now classic LP?
EP:Like It Should Be; I made it in a way that would sound good to Hip Hop heads, and to those who really weren’t into Hip Hop that much. Although I was in Hieroglyphics, I wasn’t trying to do things exactly like everyone else. I was trying to blend the street side with the Hip Hop side. Kind of like OutKast did or Tha Alkaholiks did or the Luniz did. At the time some people thought I wasn’t complex enough and some people didn’t like the album initially, but over time people started to see the vision and the album aged very well. It’s very slept on, but I like it that way because the most precious jewels are always rare and hard to find.
DG:In your heart of hearts, do you ever foresee a Hiero reunion happening; whether it be on stage and / or wax?
EP: I don’t know. You know “reconciliation” is always the highest goal to aim towards…but it’s not always possible. I still talk to some of the guys, and some of the guys I don’t talk to. At the end of the day music is secondary…what’s most important is being a peacemaker, restoring relationships, if at all possible, and being a man of integrity. On my side l, I’m always open for reconciliation…but I can only speak for myself.
DG:And, lastly, what’s next for Extra Prolific?
EP: Man, I wanna be behind the scenes helping my sons, helping my wife. I see a lot of rappers, and they get older and they hold onto the mic as though that’s all they have in life…and I don’t see it that way. I believe at some point even the greatest of all-time, Michael Jordan, takes off his uniform and he puts on a tie, because he realizes there’s a new season in life. That doesn’t make him any less of a player, that just makes him cognizant of his world and the world around him. So I don’t want to be rapping forever, even though I see a lot of OGs do it. I want to grow…I still think it’s a young man sport, and it’s not the only thing that most rappers know how to do but I think people are scared and don’t know how NOT to rap. But I’m more interested in the studying of God’s word, and the teaching of it.
DG: Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?
EP: Just the greats that are on my new album…it starts off with Masta Ace speaking, which is someone that I looked up to. Myka 9 is on the album. Chuck D is on the bonus track talkin’ and Swelly Swell. Shout out to Pete Spray, O-Love, Scott Thrill, DJ Fresh and Joe Gamble, for the production.
DG:Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
EP: Yes, don’t waste your time chasing riches because even if you were to finally get rich you’ll soon find out the riches don’t satisfy you.”Get rich or die trying” is stupid advice! True riches is knowing GOD and being content, and allowing HIM to add to your life as HE sees fit. You’ve never seen a U-Haul on the back of a hearse, and that’s because you can’t take it with you. God bless. You can reach me on Instagram: @Dleemajors. Peace
The man now known as Mutah Beale was once known to the world and to the hip-hop audience as Napoleon of the Outlawz, the crew that ran with the late great Tupac Shakur. I enjoy these conversations with members of the Outlawz because aside from family, they knew Tupac better than anyone else. Now a Muslim living in Saudi Arabia, Mutah reflects on his former career and life with the iconic rapper that gave him his rap name. We are also joined by PR rep David House and Sulaiman Jenkins, the author of the biographical new book Life is Raw about the life of Mutah/Napoleon which is on sale now on Amazon.
Inglewood native Bumpy Barz just dropped this new joint that features San Fernando Valley Battle Rap legend B Dot the God and they have a lot to say t that orange turd who is currently in office. This is my opinion but hopefully in a little over a month we can put someone new in. Take a listen as these two borrow from the late great 2Pac.
After a decade-plus hiatus away from the ring, South Central rapper Jag made his return to battle rap to take on the legendary Brooklyn battler and host of the My Expert Opinion podcast, Math Hoffa, as the main event of Rare Breed Entertainment’s closed room event, Mask On, in Atlanta, GA. This was an extremely intense and heated battle that you can watch below, that’s sure to be the center of a lot of controversy in the world of battle rap. RBE also recently announced that Jag will be headlining once again on their platform, as he takes on former DipSet affiliate 40 Cal, at Mask On 2, on October 10th. You’ll see that, Bigg K vs. Big T, O-Red vs. A. Ward, Head Ice vs. Rosenberg Raw, Chef Trez vs. Bankhead and a 1SK battle when you order the VOD at RareBreedEnt.com, available to watch the day after the event takes place.
The Phenom is back! I have been calling Problem “The Phenom” since the start of his career because that is what he is. The guy can do it all: rap, produce, engineer, song write, arrange, sing …I wouldn’t be surprised if he made the transition to TV and film. Last night he released his new project via Rostrum Records “Coffee and Kush 2” and it’s a hot yet mature album from the Compton legend. The album is on all digital platforms but you can listen here via SoundCloud. Guests include Snoop Dogg, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Rock and Jack Harlow. Diamond Lane!
Big Mike of the Geto Boys is prepping the release of his new album, Finish The Job, for September 2020.
The Former Geto Boys alum has announced the release of his upcoming album Finish The Job, with the 13-track project featuring tracks including “Mercy On Me,” “Everythang Iz Everythang” and album single “Finish The Job.” Additional cuts include “Pay Homage” and “Blazing.”
Big Mike, who left the Geto Boys in the early ‘90s, was originally a member of The Convicts with Mr. 3-2 before being recruited by J. Prince and Rap-A-Lot Records to join Scarface and Bushwick Bill in the Geto Boys after the departure of Willie D. Thanks to the incredible performances he put in on songs like “Crooked Officer”, “Murder After Midnight” and several other tracks, Big Mike began a successful solo career and released a trilogy of highly-celebrated efforts starting with 1994’s Somethin’ Serious, and including 1997’s Still Standing and 1999’s Hard to Hit, respectively.
Check out Big Mike’s Finish The Job tracklist below:
The Check In
Finish The Job
Roll Out (Ft. Yazid Sola & Ricky Latt)
Preciate Cha (Ft. Yazid Sola & Choclett P)
Blazing (Ft. Jay South)
Mud On My Jeans (ft. Chuey “Thunderfoot” Black)
Armor IND (ft. Cuzn Lucky, Yazid Sola, and Jimi Starr)
Payday LA is the brainchild of veteran artist El Prez that allows rising artists from Los Angeles to showcase their skills live on a stage. Before covid, they held live packed shows but during the pandemic they have moved the showcase to a digital experience. Their last showcase was held on September 5th and was headlined by Airplane James (one of our recently featured artists). With the backing of the RedBull Academy and longtime West Coast advocates HomeGrownRadio, Paydat LA will be bringing another showcase shortly. Check out this recap and stay tuned for more.
South Central Los Angeles rapper Donny Loc is back with a new project called Underrated. The 10 track album is a follow up to the 2Skandoulous project from 2019. Is Donny Loc one of the leaders of the new LA Hip Hop scene? Let us know in the comment section.
Legendary Dallas, TX producer/rapper Erotic D, who has worked with several of the most iconic figures in music including Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., MC Breed, Eazy-E, Suge Knight, Snoop Dogg and others, is gearing up to release his latest project King Shiton October 31, 2020.
In preparation for the upcoming King Shit album, Erotic D has just dropped the “Golden Chopper II” single. Go here to check out the new music!
Pomona Drey links up with One a Phoenix’s hardest working artist YOG WESTWOOD. On the cinematic “On Me”. Along with hook-master and South Phoenix native SOUTHWEST and Arizona’s own AZFRYDAY. produced by RADONONTHEBEAT. The video was shot by FATBELLYFILMZ and edited by DEREZ.
Pomona Drey has been a constant in West Coast Hip Hop, truly shinning during his time with the Pomona City Movement. Pomona Drey continued to grind with singles like “Great” and “Ottoman”. You can find Pomona Drey on IG @PomonaDrey
Hip-Hop’s reigning king of media, Charlamagne The God, and iHeart Media, the #1 Radio & Podcast company in the world, have just completed a joint venture deal with The Digital Soapbox Network to launch their runaway hit podcast show called “The Gangster Chronicles”.
“The Gangster Chronicles” was the brainchild of a young man from Cleveland Ohio by the name of Mr. Norman “Bigg” Steele. His vision was to launch a raw, street-edged podcast that would speak directly to the youth in Hip-Hop and address issues involving gangs and their effect on rap music. Included in those discussions were the reasons behind the carnage associated with rap music, and how the lyrics on most of the hit Rap tracks being released promote gang membership and drug dealing.
Norman Steele joined with veteran entertainment industry executive Stan Sheppard two years ago, and together they plotted a course to take the show to new heights and the company’s success in the Hip-Hop community has been absolutely incredible.
“The Gangster Chronicles” success was a result of hard work and determination. Within the last six months the owners of the show have been approached by several major media companies to discuss joint venture deals, but Norman Steele and Stan Sheppard felt that the best way to move forward was to partner up with Charlamagne The God and iHeart Media.
Stan Sheppard, who is the General Manager/Sr. Business Advisor for the corporation, states that, “the decision to join forces with Charlamagne The God and iHeart wasn’t a difficult decision at all. The terms of the deal were all Norman and I could have asked for and having the opportunity to work with Charlamagne and iHeart Media was just too good to turn down.”
The two companies are making plans to launch a world tour for “The Gangster Chronicles” and to assist in the development of a high-end clothing line as well as a cable television show carrying the same name.
Be on the lookout for the worldwide launch of “The Gangster Chronicles” via iHeart Media and the Charlamagne The God/Black Effect Network.
Jamal Coleman is one of the most talented artists to come out of the I.E. Remember when Prophet P used to wreck cyphers and drop fire singles? Well now, not only is he doing standup, he’s doing it WELL!!!
11 years in, and consistently makinem laugh by the hundreds every night. Only someone extremely talented could make the transition from music to comedy look easy, and Jamal did exactly that. Drawin inspiration feom a diverse list including Bill Hicks, Damon Wayans, George Carlin, Robin Harris, Lenny Bruce, and Richard Pryor, it’s easy to see how he covers a wide range of topics and makes them FUNNY!!!
After bouncing back from illness in 2018, he’s been winning comedy competitions and performing at legendary venues. Then the RoRo hit, effectively derailing live shows. As the country recovers from this pandemic, so is standup comedy. Jamal will be at a venue near you soon. Trust.
Btw, he also instructs 1 on 1 and group rap classes. By the sound of some of the new “music” coming out, a few of y’all need to get at him. Jus sayin…
Ladies and Gentlemen, this one is for the record books. Producer and musician extraordinaire Terrace Martin checks in with Styles and Shad Reed of WestCoastStyles.com for this one of a kind exclusive interview that goes deep into his history and details his meetings with Quincy Jones, Diddy, Jay Leno, Herbie Hancock, President Barack Obama and Sir Paul McCartney. We also go into his work with Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, the Loyalty lawsuit and so much more!
Over the last few years, we’ve seen an uptick in hip-hop music from areas outside of South Central Los Angeles. Today, we have a new music video from West LA Rapper Boss Mac’n West called Truth. Let us know your thoughts on Boss Mac’n West in the comment section.
Ashanti Major may by eye candy, but this vicious MC isn’t here to play push over. She’s been grinding through the Inland Empire for about 8 years now. One of the main constants with this emerging artist is her ability to deliver witty rhyme schemes. You can find Ashanti Major on Instagram @ashantimajor. Also check out her YouTube she has plenty of fresh content!
Legendary Dallas, TX producer/rapper Erotic D, who has worked with several of the most iconic figures in music including, but not limited to, Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., MC Breed, Eazy-E, Suge Knight, Snoop Dogg and others, is gearing up to release his latest project King Shit on October 31, 2020. You’ve heard his production on The D.O.C.’s underground cult-classic Helter Skelter, as well as his 2003 release Deuce; and on MC Breed’s Flatline album.
With an extensive track record of production and writing credits with so many music industry heavyweights like Snoop Dogg,R&B icon Adina Howard, Funk pioneer George Clinton and several others, Erotic D is stepping to the forefront, once again, to show the world his extraordinary skills behind the boards, as well as his commanding microphone presence.
With a decorated history spanning over 30 years, Erotic D has been a part of projects that have sold more than 20 million records. The producer is plotting for his next release in a big way.
King Shit drops on October 31, 2020 and is set to feature Sean “Barney Rubble” Thomas, who you might recognize from his work with Death Row Records during the label’s peak, as well as Flowman, PoloWorld, R. Nezz, and EvryDay Tony.
Check out Erotic D’s King Shit cover art and tracklist below.
1. King Shit (ft. Flowman)
2. What It Means
3. I AM
4. Golden Chopper II
5. Run It Up (ft. Prince Creek, PoloWorld, Flowman)
6. Ok GO!
7. Gladiators
8. Many Ask
9. Street’s Ain’t Gold (ft. Flowman & R. Nezz)
10. They Keep Lying (ft. Sean “Barney Rubble” Thomas)
The West Coast and Hip-Hop as a whole lost a legend when Nate Dogg passed away in 2011 but as much as it was a loss for us it was a bigger loss for his son. 9 years after his father’s death, Nhale (a double entendre for his real name and inhaling smoke) is on a mission to complete what he feels is unfinished business for his Pops. In this exclusive interview we go over growing up as the son of Nate, why he got into music and what’s on his horizons. After the interview, check out his music below. He sounds just like his Dad!
San Diego legend and West Coast veteran Jayo Felony is in a better place these days. When I first linked up with him in 2004, Jayo was in the midst of a beef with Daz Dillinger and not too long afterwards, Mitchy Slick from his own city. Now the Daz beef was industry but the beef with Mitchy was industry AND gang related – not good. But through the course of the years, Jayo has grown and these days he is more aligned with preserving Black life instead of taking it. That doesn’t mean he has gotten soft on the mic as h is still a savage, as his real name James Savage suggests. With a new outlook on life and a career boost from Xzibit, Jayo Felony is ready to rock the world again.
We have some new faces on WestCoastStyles. Today we reach to the underground of the South Central Los Angeles scene and bring you this new one by L.A. natives Swifty Blue, MrKeepItHood and Rich Rabbit called “Pole On Me”. These are some new cats who have a nice following in their area. Stay tuned for more.
Watts rapper Stix is doing a lot for his community through th ThinkWatts program by donating food and other goods to the needy in his area. But for the Greater Los Angeles, Stix is now teaming with the Los Angeles Rams who are now playing at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, to unify Angelinos with the team’s new anthem “It Takes All Of Us”. It’s good to see Stix get his shine after all these years in the game.
Since 2008, Canadian battle rap league King Of The Dot has been one of the most successful battle rap leagues in the world, and after establishing their West Coast division in the US in 2012, they’ve been home to some of the most notable battlers and battles of the modern era. Last week, KOTD announced a partnership with streaming platform Twitch to broadcast the Grand Prix 2020 every Sunday starting September 20th on Twitch.tv/KingOfTheDot, where 32 battlers from 4 divisions across the United States would battle in a weekly tournament with the winner getting $50,000, the largest cash prize payout in battle rap history. This would be the first time since 2012 that KOTD has hosted this legendary tournament series, and it also marks the first time it’s been hosted outside of Canada.
For the first division roster announcement, KOTD announced the West division roster, featuring both legendary and buzzworthy names out of Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
This division includes former KOTD champion Dizaster, former KOTD champion The Saurus, Caustic, RX, Madflex, Aktive, Saynt and Frak. Matches within the division are still to be announced before the first stream on September 20th, but for now, you can check the trailer below for highlights from the battlers repping the West Coast. The rosters for the North, East and South divisions will be announced soon as well, and considering the caliber of names in the West division alone, the KOTD Grand Prix 2020 is shaping up to be the most star studded tournament in modern battle rap history.
Coolwadda from the West Coast group Chico & Coolwadda (High Come Down) has been shooting a series of small videos called “We Just Be On The Porch” where he smokes a blunt and reflects on different groups. For this episode he touches on the career of the legendary Chris “The Glove” Taylor and their friendship throughout the years.
Influenced by the fast life of Los Angeles he took the wild drive of obtaining success and recognition at an early age. Yung Pacino an athlete with FAST FOOTWORK, AIM, and ACCURACY, made him a true leader both on, and off the field.
A young hustler in disguise, Yung Pacino took a reflection of the successful movie, Scarface, and applied another skill, this time making money, meeting the supply, and demands of selling, and dealing. Not truly understanding the consequences of his actions, the direction of the fast life came to a sudden halt.
EMOTIONS, FRUSTRATION, and ANGER allowed him to connect to his hidden talent of music that was inherited from his uncle, “THE LEGENDARY JELLY ROLL MORTON” (FAMOUS JAZZ MUSICIAN). Understanding that the genre of their music is different, but never the less knowing it’s the same art of expressing his feelings. Utilizing his craft of the drug world, he replaced the narcotics with DOMINATING HOOKS and FORMULATED VERSES. But yet still meeting the street’s demand. His music signifies the trails, and tribulations of his journey of life.
Today we have visuals for the song “Don’t Play”, let us know what you think in the comments!
We released the audio track to this song a couple of weeks ago and now here is the video! Virginia to California artist Kiara Simone of MillTicket Entertainment gives the visuals to her Biggie Smalls borrowed song “Pretty Girl CommandmentsT … Comments to the right welcomed.
Bakersfield, CA rapper has a message for his fellow White folks when it comes to understanding the struggles that Blacks and Hispanics face in America and not only that but of struggling White people as well – and his message is clear: We need to support each other instead of hating one another. All of those holding on to racism need to watch this video….for real. Comments to the right are welcomed.
In a one of a kind WestCoastStyles exclusive, Staff member Nick Hamilton and myself got the opportunity to chat it up with Hip-Hop’s newest sensation D Smoke! As the whole world knows, the Inglewood, CA native was the winner of the Netflix rap contest Rhythm & Flow with judges Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and T.I. Since winning, D Smoke has set the world on fire as he showed his contest win was no fluke or joke – this guy has skills! But not only that but he has an amzing history as well coming from a music rich family and being a former school teacher. We talk about this with and more including his bilingual rapping style, community work and new music on the way! Feel free to leave a comment to the right on our new comment section.
Grammy Award-winning producer Ayo has shattered new records with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion on their chart-topping release “WAP”. The track racked up 93 million streams in the United States in the week after its release on Aug. 7, 2020 — the most ever recorded for an opening seven-day period, according to Nielsen Music, which propelled the song straight to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
As part of the production duo Ayo n Keyz, he’s worked with a steady list of music industry heavyweights including Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, J Balvin, Bryson Tiller, and Chris Brown to name a small few. Their fourth Grammy nomination turned into a win in 2019, when Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy took the award for Best Rap Album, thanks to their production on fan-favorite “Bickenhead.”
In this Conversation With Chad interview, Ayo sits down with Chad Kiser and discusses his chart-breaking success reaching new heights with the release “WAP” and he gives us his reaction to the Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion collaboration record, producing Ayo N Keyz break-through record “Let’s Talk” with Omarion and Rick Ross, working with Chris Brown, and how his pastor parents feel about “WAP”.
CK: Tell me about making Cardi B’s “WAP” record and how the whole concept came together, and utilizing Frank Ski’s “Whores in This House”.
Ayo: I’m from the South and Keyz is from New York, but Keyz moved to the South. Frank Ski’s “Whores in This House” is one of those records you hear at every party and club along with songs like “Tootsie Roll”, 69 Boyz, Trina, and Ying Yang Twins. When we go to the clubs, we of course enjoy ourselves, but at the same time we’re studying the music and what people groove to, and looking for other records to flip like what we’ve done in the past with Wiz Khalifa’s “Something New”, YBN’s “Fuck It Up” was a sample as well.
We knew Cardi B was working, so we went through our list of samples we had. I thought we were going to be pushing it with this one, but it was worth it. Thankfully, we got a call back from Craig Kallman, the Chairman over at Atlantic Records. He said he loved the record and wanted us to make three or four options for them to pick from. Next thing we know, the song was out!
CK: Did you have Cardi B specifically in mind when you made this track?
Ayo: Absolutely. It’s crazy because we were thinking Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, or City Girls. We thought one of them would take it. To have two out of three on the record is insane.
CK: Was everybody in the studio working on the record?
Ayo: We weren’t able to actually be in the studio with them, especially during Covid, but we were definitely able to keep that contact with the label and the team via e-mail and Google Meet working on the instrumental. When it comes to working with Cardi B it’s like working with the Secret Service. Everything is so closed, nothing slips through the cracks.
CK: When you first heard the “WAP” record, what were your thoughts on the finished product?
Ayo: We knew what the instrumental sounded like, but not the song itself. We were watching the countdown on YouTube just like the rest of the world. When it dropped, I was in shock between the video and the lyrics. Part of me thought the industry was going to try and shut this whole thing down just because of how explicit it is, but then social media began to show you how much women, in particular, loved the song. I believe with the music that if the women love it, the men will follow.
But I was in shock, I didn’t know how to take it. The first thing I did was call my parents because my parents are both pastors. I was like, “Mom and Dad, I have this song that just came out, it’s going to be a gracious moment, but don’t EVER listen to the song. I don’t care who tells you to, don’t ever listen to it.”
CK: With your parents being pastors, and you being in music and having to produce songs like “WAP”, does that conflict with your upbringing?
Ayo: I knew I wanted to do music, but I didn’t know how to go about telling my parents. My dad is one of those people that I’ve always looked to for approval. I remember when I finally told him he was like, “Look, there’s nothing to be worried about. You’re not the one writing these lyrics, you have a job and your job is to make the music. As dark of a place that the industry can be, just make sure that you’re that light, so when people see you they see that light and are motivated to be closer to that light.” He’s a supportive man.
CK: The record racked up 93 million streams in the United States in the week after its release on Aug. 7 — the most ever recorded for an opening seven-day period. Were you surprised by the popularity of the song?
Ayo: It’s crazy, and it’s all just now starting to hit me. The support was overwhelming. To see how much was happening on social media like how many Tik Tok’s, how many views, how many posts are being made, and on the other side we’re getting the likes, the comments, the phone calls, and the e-mails. It was just so much that I started to have anxiety for the first week. I didn’t know how to process it. But now I see that this is how it was supposed to be, to where it’s even reaching a political level. People saying, “Oh, well Cardi B is a Democrat and this is the music she’s making, but I get it because they feel threatened by the influence that she has. For her to be so strongly motivated and opinionated about her political views, it’s a much needed reminder of not only the power our culture and hip-hop has, but to also witness a woman who literally came from nothing and is able to have a voice like that to where you have CNN reporters pulling up to people talking about it is motivation.
CK: “WAP” isn’t the first time you guys worked with Cardi B. The song “Bickenhead” from the now 3x Platinum Invasion of Privacy album turned Ayo N Keyz into Grammy Award-winning producers. How did you initially connect with Cardi B?
Ayo: We were initially just working on music. We have a close relationship with Atlantic Records, as well as a mutual friend who helped put it all together. Super Nes brought the sample to jump start the whole vibe, so shout out to him as well!
CK: Other than “WAP”, are there any other upcoming songs you’re working on with Cardi B?
Ayo: We’ll see! It’s like I said, it’s like working with the Secret Service over there. When y’all find out is when I’ll find out!
CK: Let’s go back a little bit. The big breakthrough for Ayo n Keyz came through the Omarion and Rick Ross record “Let’s Talk”. Tell me how this record set things off for you and how you connected with Omarion and Ross.
Ayo: That moment is a moment that really helped to solidify us in believing that we are moving in our purpose. That was me and Keyz first record together after starting our company, and it hadn’t even been a year yet. For us, we believe in studying the people you want to be like. The producers that are really talked about are building with different songwriters and not just shopping beats, but shopping whole ideas. We partnered with this dope artist/songwriter named Chris Echols, who wrote “Let’s Talk”. At the time I working with Spiff, who was the A&R for all of Ross’ stuff and who’s also from my hometown of Orlando, Florida. He really looked out and wanted to do everything he could to put the city on, and that’s really how it happened. Spiff was able to get Omarion on it, which ended up being Omarion’s debut song on MMG, too. It was just a big moment, man.
CK: Working with Chris Brown must have been interesting, but tell us about working on the records “To My Bed”, Covered You” from the 2x Platinum Heart Break on a Full Moon album, and “Proof” from the Royalty album respectively.
Ayo: Chris is one of those people who can do anything. Everyone has that one friend that can do anything and everything, and there’s very few people like that. Chris is one of those people. He’s an amazing singer, an amazing rapper, an amazing artist, an amazing dancer, and an amazing performer. We have a saying: find the small fish, while fishing for the big fish. He was one of the big artists that we thought would help make our careers better and give us a real name in the industry. But to have the opportunity to just keep coming back and be able to submit records again to work with Chris is a blessing because in this industry a lot of times you’re able to get lucky to land one song with an artists, but then never hear from them again.
CK: Working with such a vast array of artists and musical genres, what’s your approach when producing a Chris Brown vs a Cardi B, for instance?
Ayo: For us, I feel that’s true to who we are as Ayo n Keyz. I never wanted to be a one lane person, and I’m going to express myself in as many ways as I can. I don’t want to be just a producer. When it comes to music, it’s the same thing. We may be known for a “WAP” record, but you can go back and look at our discography and see what we’ve done. For instance, our last Grammy nomination was a dance record with Skrillex. Don’t put yourself in a box, push yourself to the limits and challenge yourself because there’s so many artists out here. That’s really our take on it, man. To be great at producing, they always say, “Don’t make what’s now, make what’s next.” It’s like “WAP”, it feels like a great urban record, but if you listen to the production it doesn’t sound like anything else.
CK: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be, and why?
Ayo: Pharrell. He’s not only an artist, but an amazing songwriter, and an amazing producer as well. He pushes himself outside of the box. He has his own clothing brand, his own books, he’s a designer with Chanel. Seeing somebody who looks like me, and showing me that it doesn’t stop at just being a producer. Even if we don’t work together, I’d love to just sit down and talk.
CK: With all of the great success you’ve achieved thus far, what’s next for Ayo n Keyz?
Ayo: We’re focusing on developing new talent. We have our company UpperClassmen Music Group. It’s not only signing people, but also protecting people from going through some of the battles and situations that we had to go through in finding our way through this industry. UCMG has some amazing songwriters and producers. We have artists as well like Asia Graves, we’re working with a new artists named Summer Cory, who’s going to be amazing. We’re helping athletes like Aaron Gordon with their music careers, and we’re definitely working on something super special with some athletes that will coming out in a month or two.
Legendary Dallas, TX producer/rapper Erotic D, who has worked with several of the most iconic figures in music including Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., MC Breed, Eazy-E, Suge Knight, Snoop Dogg and others, is gearing up to release his latest project 
