When you talk about humble artists, ToneTrump is one of the most humble I've talked to. Just following him on twitter and watching as he interacts and responds to his fans is priceless. He has his own style. From his tats to his music he's continuously sharing his story.
Mocca: You come from a city rich with music, culture and style. Philadelphia, PA. What influence did that have on your style?
TT: Philadelphia had a lot of influence on my style. Most of the artists that inspired me come from my city and I make sure I always pay homage to them because with out them, there is no me.
Mocca: When you were in High School you wanted to be a basketball player. When did you know that wasn't what you were destined for? When did you realize that Hip-Hop was your calling?
TT: My hoop dreams went away after I was kicked out of high school, so I knew then that I had to switch up my hustle. I was born with a love for Hip-Hop, so I've been around music all my life.
Read More...
I like to give an intro before each column, but this time I will let you read about DJ from his own words. This guy is more than just a melody. Enjoy, I did.
Mocca: You're originally from Virginia? What part?
JButtah: I was Born in Virginia Beach VA and moved to Herndon Va where I reside now.
Mocca: At what age did you get into music? How did you get started?
JButtah: I got into music as a toddler. My Dad brought me my first drum set when I was 5 years old. I then discovered that I had rhythm. I would always drum to songs that I heard on the radio or make up my own drum beats. Also the best thing that my parents did for me was put me in a recreational marching band as a kid. I was the youngest drummer in the band and could not fit the regular size marching snare so they bought me a fisher price one. I can remember banging a hole in it because I did not want to use the drumsticks that came with it. I wanted to use the drum sticks that the older kids used. That's pretty much how I got my start with music.
Read More...
I met WordSpit at the Hip Hop Cultural Center in Harlem. From the first sight, his appearance exuded Hip Hop. As I spoke with him, his attitude, stance, tone, and body language took me back to the early 90's when Hip Hop was just different, point blank. I wanted to do the Wop. His lyrics were powerful, fun, casually complex, Hip Hop with a side of neo-soul. I asked WordSpit some questions I know is on ya mind. Enjoy!
Mocca: WordSpit. Let's start with a little bit about where you're from.
WS: I'm from East New York, Brooklyn. Growing up in ENY was aggressive. I'm not going to sit and say it was super hard, but just like any ghetto across the universe you're going to have your ups and downs. Hell, this is where I found my first love. I had so many great days living here. I was also exposed to the streets and its many broken promises. I was exposed to gang life and the hustle. Still amongst killers and hardships love is vital to life and everyone in the community really looked out for each other.
Mocca: Are you an only child? What affect positive or negative did that have on your creativity?
WS: Nah, I'm not an only child. I have another sibling from my mother, while on my father side there's a whole tribe of us, six to be exact. I don't think that really affected my creativity. Since young I was always finding creative ways to express myself drawing, rapping, singing...etc it was just in me.
Read More...
