Interview with GeniusTee

Where are you from? 

My name is GeniusTee, I am from Louisville Kentucky 

How long have you been doing what you’re doing and how did you get started in the first place? 

At the age of 4 I got a lot of exposure to music around my older siblings and my father. They all influenced music from the concepts of Tu Pac and alternative rap. I got started at 5 when I recorded a song about things I liked. I rapped about Sonic the Hedgehog and that’s when my family said I may have potential. I am self-taught so I don’t like to hype myself. I decided I wanted to tell people that I know what losing a friend and breaking your favorite toy was like, or how fun it is to skateboard on hills. 

  

Who were the first influences on your music and style? 

My biggest influences in my childhood were Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Lil John, Lil Wayne, John Legend, Papa Roach, Limp Bizkit, Avril Lavigne, Owl City and Taylor Swift. Other influences include Ice Cube and Mc Eiht. However, the ones who helped me figure out what I was going for were The Weekend, Post Malone, Lil Peep, and Juice Wrld and Baby Metal. 

  

In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why? 

Most successful and influential to my genre of music has to be between Juice Wrld  Peep and Pouya. Although in success to making it reality it all goes to Juice Wrld, the influence is all crashed to Peep as he lived the stereotype that I avoided being as a kid. I could say as a kid of my background and life, I have some scary similarities to Peep that I didn’t truly realize until someone told me to listen to him before he died. I ignored him and eventually caught on to them. I never knew Peep as a man so I will just pick up what I thought he dropped and carry it on. But this time it's my message. I guess Im the next Avatar. 

  

What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most? 

The aspect that encourages me the most is that I have the ability to win and fail. Ill be satisfied with the idea of challenge while producing something unique and different. I know that learning life through production may have some questions I needed answers to 15 years ago. I love the idea of creating and explaining something that makes someone dance. But sometimes failing to learn could channel negative energy and cause me to be discouraged, like more questions I have to ask. It could be my voice can be damaged, I could forget how to rap. I lose my thoughts when I don’t see progression. 

  

Which ingredient do you think is most essential in making your sound and style the way it is? 

The word ingredient is really hard to swallow because I change my music style to be similar to sounds, I’m hearing while I maintain my emotion toward the track of music. I have slow songs and fast ones. Trap beats and Guitars can define my ingredients as they define me. Trap beats usually associate with EDM, Hip Hop, and everything else surrounding AA culture. I can relate because I heard hip hop everywhere that I stayed as a little kid. It became a norm and defined our taste at home. Guitars are the biggest side of me, I loved listening to hard rock on the radio as a child and when I was about 7 I started my love for metal. I played guitar hero constantly as a kid and stayed updated to every new band up until I was 15. I always wanted to keep mixing hip hop and rock together and then specialize them with emotion. 

What single are you currently pushing and what will you be dropping next? 

 I am currently pushing My entire soul into pieces of music that reflect my moods, and reality. I am dropping my next new song called “High and Dyin” It’s a song about a part of myself that I thought would never make. The purpose of the song is to let people know, Yeah everyone knows someone on drugs but do you know how they feel? Im hoping that people who don’t talk about their feelings listen to this and realize that its real and you’re not alone, you can hear the damage in the air. I was only 14. 

  

What can fans expect from you in the future and where can they stay up to date on your movement? 

 I want fans who listen to all the cool alternative artists to expect me to push both emotional content and rap rock content. I want my fans to know I came from house jumping to, garbage can life, to being a walking jukebox. I love music and I want to make many different song types to share my experiences with everybody. Follow my Personal IG page, and Spam Collection Page 

@offiicial.Genius_tee and @Tokage_tee 

 

Interview with poet Darrell Herbert (The "Artivist")

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine recently sat down with rising poet, songwriter and Blacktopian poet Darrell Herbert to discuss his poetic masterpieces, humanitarian work, and more in this in depth exclusive interview!  Step into the mind of this superb writer, poet and master of the English language.  

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Hey Darrell Herbert, how are you?  You ready for this interview?

Darrell Herbert: I am fine.  I am ready for my interview.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  You call yourself an "Artivist", for those that may not know, what exactly is an "Artivist"?

Darrell Herbert: For those that may not know, what exactly is an Artivist is, it is an artist who combines their artistic expression with acts of activism. 

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  What are some of the causes that you take up and believe in fighting for?

Darrell Herbert: Some of the causes that I take up and believe in fighting for are gender roles, diseases, and homelessness. These causes, among many others, have really made me more of an aggressive writer, especially when I read about it, or hear about it through multiple media outlets. 

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Do you also take part in volunteering your time and services to charity or participate in humanitarian work?

Darrell Herbert: I actually do take part in volunteering my time and services to charity, and participate in humanitarian work.  I have volunteered my time by reading my poetry special needs children, or the ill.  I volunteered at the Presbyterian Nursing Home by hosting bingo night.  I volunteered at the Sauquoit School District by helping move boxes of food for families in need.  I volunteered at NY Mills Elementary school by handing out Valentines Day cards and candy to a kindergarten class. I have also volunteered in an artist collective called Live from Underground by volunteering at community events including food drives, fundraising, and children activities. I donated money to a charity that ensures more educational opportunities for unprivileged youths. My participation in humanitarian work include Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk­, Kidney Walk, Heart & Run Walk, Relay For Life, March for Babies Walk, Walk To End Alzheimer's, and The Revolutionary Challenge Summer Project. 

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  What are some of the changes you would like to see in America, or in the world?

Darrell Herbert: Some of the changes I would like to see in America have to deal with censorship, and this crazy unrealistic body image.  I hate that someone is excluded from a certain group just because they do not look the part.  Nobody should feel isolated from another group of people just for the simple fact that they are too skinny, or are overweight. 

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Now, getting on to the subject of your poetry, how does writing poetry make you feel?

Darrell Herbert: Well, that all depends on what I am feeling at that particular moment. Writing when I am at my most vulnerable state of mind gives me more of an inspiration to piss people off with what I write about. Making people uncomfortable is how I want them to feel. I say this because so many subjects are translated in music videos and the media, and we are so used to it.  I have to be the one to break that cycle.  Pushing buttons also pushes the envelope.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  What are some of the topics and subjects you usually write about?

Darrell Herbert:  The topics and subjects that I usually write about deal with relationships, isolation, depression, suicide, addiction, bullying, self-harm, racism, resentment, feelings of indifference to others, insecurities, among many others. 

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Where can the readers find some of your material?    

Darrell Herbert: Readers can find my material in "Best Teen Writing of 2014," by Hannah Jones, Writers- Black Artists Connected Blog, Yellow Chair Review, Poetic Treasures Magazine, Section 8 Magazine, Blacktopia: Black Utopia Society Blog, Woman of P.O.W.E.R. blog, Media Blast Press, as well as in HangTime Magazine and The Lemonade Stand Magazine.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Have you considered writing a book of poetry, or some type of project showcasing your true talents and gifts?

Darrell Herbert: I actually have considered writing a book of poetry, or some type of project showcasing my true talents and gifts.  This was actually brought to my attention when a friend of mine suggested that I write a book about my life.  There's a lot that I can go into, but, you be the judge of that. 

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  You also write songs too, who are some of the artists that you've worked with so far?

Darrell Herbert: I have worked with artists such as B.R.E, James Brown, SIRR, and there are others. 

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  How would you describe yourself as a songwriter?

Darrell Herbert: I would have to describe myself as a person with zero filter, and I understand the beauty in simplicity.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  What's the difference between writing poems and writing lyrics?

Darrell Herbert:  For me, writing poetry is about being more blunt and in your face.  Whereas writing song lyrics allows me to release more of my vulnerable side.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Who are some of your favorite recording artists from any genre of music?

Darrell Herbert: Some of my favorite recording artists are Rosangelica Lopez, Wombman, The Tree Lady, Angeline Sol, Last Dinosaurs, Animal Collective, Panda Bear, Sol Stones, Darrell Herbert, Bob Marley, Janis Joplin, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Michael Jackson, Jim Morrison, Alexisonfire, Paramore, Egypt Central, From Autumn To Ashes, My Chemical Romance, Nonpoint, and Kurt Cobain, just to name a few. 

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Is there anything else in this interview that you would like to plug or mention?

Darrell Herbert: I can by found on Facebook at Darrell Herbert. My Facebook page is Darrell Herbert. I can be found on Instagram at tales_life. My Tumblr is darrellherbert, and my Vimeo is Darrell Herbert.

Interview with Lil' Ronny MothaF (Talks about Worst Rappers, Top Celebrities he Would F*ck and MORE!)

Some Guy Named Jay of Southeast Hip Hop conducts a video interview with Texas based recording artist Lil' Ronny MothaF.  In the video he talks about his new EP, single "Up In The Air", top celebrity females he would smash if given the opportunity and more!  The interview is funny and very entertaining.... check it out below.  

Full Interview




Video Drop from Lil' Ronny


 


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Artists, if you would like to have your music featured in more blogs and websites such as this one, The Media Blast, Hip Hop Connections, CW Music, and more.... then e-mail SoutheastHipHopMag@yahoo.com for more information.  




Lil' Hines "A Few" 
Listen Here:  https://soundcloud.com/smtracks/lil-hines-lilhines-a-few-prod-by-sm-tracks-ke

Interview with Syn'Zere

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine recently sat down with rising hip hop recording artist Syn'Zere to discuss his music, his current mixtape Reflections hosted by DJ YaBoyEarl, his inspirations, his past, present and future and more!  Check out the interview and step into the world of the young, talented recording artist known as Syn'Zere.  

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  How are you Syn'Zere?

Syn'Zere:  I'm fine! Thank you for having me!

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Why do you call yourself Syn'Zere?

Syn'Zere:  I call myself Syn’Zere because of the sincerity I have for everything.  Whether its from the love I have in my heart or my passion in what I do.  I believe that whatever an individual decides to do then they should do it with their hearts in it.  Syn’Zere was the perfect name for an artist such as myself because you can see the pictures I paint and the stories I tell with such sincerity in them.  I chose to spell it differently because as I tried to research the name I saw they’re so many artist who spell their names exactly like I was so my manager Darrold Johnson and I decided to place a “Y” instead of an “I” and a “Z” instead of a “C” to make the name stand out from everyone else’s.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:   What inspired you to start making music?

Syn'Zere:  Honestly I grew tired of hearing the same thing on the radio. Hip hop isn’t like it was back in the 90’s and the early 00’s. Music just doesn’t have meaning anymore.  Everyone I listen to, even local artist only talk about gang banging, having sexual relations with women, money, and the amount of drugs they sell and do. I got tired of hearing it so I decided to make something with meaning in it.  Have of the so called “rappers” today don’t even have “bars”, they only have a nice ass beat and lyrics that don’t even make sense, they just sound good. What most artist don’t know is that most of their listeners follow their footsteps.  I’m tired of seeing young die from getting shot and I’m tired of losing young people to the drug game. God is not blessing the trap if people are dying in it. I make music about the streets but I’m not in the streets. I tell stories that make people think about what actually goes on in the world or right outside their front doors, I don’t just make a bunch of words up and throw them together and call it good music. I’m an Artist not a rapper. Yes I am an entertainer and yes I feed the people but I would rather feed the minds then bleed the mind of knowledge they should be aware of and embracing.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  How long have you been rhyming?

Syn'Zere:  I have been making music since I was 11 years old. I recorded my first song at 12 years old on Jay Z’s “DOA”.  I always loved music and I have always had a passion for it.  Around the time I was 16 or 17 my older brother Kendall actually influenced me to expand my craft and I began listening to artist like Nas, J Cole, Ice Cube, and hell even 50 cents first album. Music is a passion that runs deep with me because it’s a release of my feelings. Whether its happiness, anger, etc. music are what feelings sound like.  My heart goes into my music, it always has and it always will.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:   Who are some of your influences artistically?

Syn'Zere:  My top 5 music influences in order would be:

1. J Cole
2. Nas
3. Ace hood
4. Lyfe Jennings
5. Kendrick Lamar
   
   
   All of these artist inspired me from the way they tell stories about the hood, politics, vices, etc.  The way you can close your eyes and see their stories and every word they say.  To me that is inspiring because I want to be able to tell a story just like them and have someone see my story with their eyes closed too.
   
   
   
   

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: How would you describe yourself as an artist?

Syn'Zere:  I describe myself as a story teller more than anything. I’m honest and truthful, I would rather the fans not listen to me for being truthful than for me to fake and be someone I am not.  I’m the truth, love me or hate me I won’t change.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  You have a mixtape out called Reflections, could you tell the viewers a little bit about that project?

Syn'Zere:  “Relfections” is my first project ever and in my personal opinion it is the hardest mixtape out because it is different from everyone else’s.  The tape talks about the things that go on in the world around us that we ignore. I speak on the way the industry is letting in artist that don’t speak about anything, guys being insecure and cheating on women, myself being cheated on and being the cheater, getting heartbroken, and more.  The project is 18 tracks of straight fire story telling.  There are no features on it at all, it’s all me.  The project is amazing and will forever be a classic, I advise all of the readers and followers to go listen and see for yourself then judge it on your own.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  How did you hook up with DJ YaBoyEarl?

Syn'Zere:  I heard about Earl from him hosting Kevin Gates mixtape and of course Earl is from Baton Rouge, LA. I was on Instagram one day and I saw his page and I hit him up and asked him to do it for me and he agreed. He gave me a game plan and showed me how to promote my own self. Honestly he’s one of the coolest down to earth individuals I have ever met. He basically gave me the game and showed me how to brand myself.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  What are your plans for the rest of 2016?

Syn'Zere:  I’m actually setting up a tour where I will be headlining in 10 different cities.  The tour so far is being set for Fall 2018. I will most likely have another tape out by then because I am in the process of working on something better than my last project if that’s even possible.  Also I will be on the cover of Hype World Magazine in the month of May so be on the lookout for that. Of course I will always have singles dropping but my main focus in 2016 is continuing to brand myself and get my name more attention than it has.  My follow crowd as of 2016 is relatively big but I’m always trying to reach out and touch more individuals.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Syn'Zere:  In the next 5 years I will be the talk of the south. I am greatness I the making and so is the music.  I can’t predict the future, but my hustle and my grind will never stop so I expect nothing less than greatness for the next couple of years.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: What has been one of the worst experiences you've faced as an artist and how did you learn or bounce back from it?

Syn'Zere:  One of the worst experiences I have faced as an artist had to be when I learned to make a single.  I literally have so many bars that it was very difficult for me to create a single for the radio. It actually surprised me because the fact that I can make 18 tracks but can’t create a single was beyond me but I got through it with the help and motivation of my manager Darrold Johnson.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Could you name 2 of the biggest highlights in your career so far?

Syn'Zere:  The 2 biggest highlights of my career would be the fact that I’m on a magazine cover!  I was like man I must really be making big moves. The second would have to be the fact that I worked with Dj YaBoyEarl who is one of the most well-known Dj’s who broke Kevin Gates and Lil Snupe.  Just the fact that I have this man’s number and I can call and text him was a really great experience for me. The fact that he hosted my mixtape was a feeling of accomplishment, I felt like I was making major progress and I was going somewhere.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:   Is there anything we haven't covered that you would like the readers to know about you?

Syn'Zere:  I’m extremely transparent to my fan base. I have nothing to hide when it comes down to my music or myself because I believe like Kevin Gates said “ my fans are my extended family”, if it wasn’t for these individuals listening to me and telling people about my music I would still be a nobody.  To God and my fans I appreciate you.

Southeast Hip Hop Magazine:  Is there anything you would like to plug?  Any shout outs?

Syn'Zere:  Shout out to my manager and my second father Darrold Johnson who mixed and produced my mixtape, Dj YaBoyEarl for hosting and believing in me, all of the individuals who share and support my music and my movement. It’s truly because of you and your support that motivates me to keep making good music.

Listen to more music and get more updates from Syn'Zere at these direct link.

Artist Card

http://artistecard.com/Synzere

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/iamsynzere/

SoundCoud

https://soundcloud.com/synzere45

Audiomack

http://www.audiomack.com/album/synzere/reflections-hosted-by-dj-yaboyearl-1