Discover Top Posts Tagged with #kbimean

Artist: DJ Revolution /feat. KB iMean

Title: Man or Machine (produced by DJ Revolution)

Album: King Of The Decks (2008)

#DJ Revolution #turntablism #KBimean #KB iMean #hip hop #scratch #rap #boom bap #underground #electro #robot

EYES UP Artist: KB iMean

Here's a little interview we did on rapper, KB iMean, who performs this Thursday at EYES UP.

1. You're originally from New York. How does the LA rap environment compare to that of Queens? Well, LA is a bit more flashy/gangsta and Queens is more gritty...In NYC, you have people that work at UPS with no intentions on becoming a full fledged rapper, but will hop in a cypher and rip a nigga to shreds. LA is more laid back, there is more preparation that goes into things. Setting up a movement, promoting, establishing a brand...Because LA (Hollywood) is the home of entertainment and success is a process. Out in Queens they just want to rap. You have to remember, when they started doing this in the late 70's, nobody knew that this art form was going to stick. They just did it for fun... Both coasts lack that at times. 2. You've done a solo project called "More to Life" and then grouped up with Styliztik Jones under Malcolm & Martin for "Life Doesn't Frighten Me". Is one more rewarding than the other? Being blessed to do any type of music that people recognize and praise is always rewarding...I would say that there was less pressure doing Malcolm & Martin because of DJ Revolution. He is such a musical and all around sound mastermind. That it made it easier. It was such a great collective of ideas that worked for the message that we were trying to get across. On the other hand, being solo is like being a single father. No matter what advice people give you, the child that you raise will be a direct result of his/her upbringing. And you always want what's best for your child (musically). The accolades and criticism fall on no one else shoulders but your own. 3. Not only are you an artist, but also part owner of a multimedia/entertainment company called Everybody's Rival. Can you give us a little background on ER? Do you believe it's important for an artist to be involved in business at the same time? ER is a company founded by myself and DJ Spintelect (Talib Kweli's DJ). It is a media umbrella that bridges the gap between all things that we are entertained by and are a part of. From video interviews, artist spotlights, events, mixtapes, and clothing...It is very important for the artist to be involved in business, especially business involving their own brand. That's the difference between just being a rapper and branding yourself as an artist. All of the artists we look up to are ICONs which include way more than just rapping. It's about showing the youth that you can do something remarkable with your life...Even if you may not have finished high school or people give up on you. The sky is the limit. 4. How was your latest single "Wake Up" received? What have you been working on since that release?

"Wake Up" has done very well and has especially been well received with my brothers throughout the music industry. When you release music independently via selective blogs and word of mouth, it sometimes doesn't catch the flame that you want it to. But as long as the core rolls with it, I'm good! Up next we have the video dropping 4th of July week. I have also been hard at work on my second LP "Hold That Thought" but before that drops I have a couple of EP's in the works. One with Gold Chain Music producer Master Kraftsman and another with good friend and Malcolm & Martin producer, DJ Revolution. Nothing but in the lab cooking up them GRITS (Gritty.Rugged.Informative.True.Shit). 5. What inspires you? I'm inspired everyday by the grind and the memory of my father. I always want to wake up and be better than I was yesterday. Do things so that my present and future aren't the same as my past. And with that, make my father proud, as if he still stood here by my side today. Be great, teach, and leave a legacy.

#kbimean #kb imean #malcolm & martin #dj revolution #everybody's rival #eyes up #thursday