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A Winnipeg battle rapper on the come up! An interview with SKEPTYK ILL! ILL.

WPGHipHop: So you're one of the more respected battle rappers on the scene. When did battle rapping start for you? How long have you been doing it? Skeptyk Ill: I had my first live battle in June 2012. It was against Sheldo from Saskatoon, but I've been battling at parties for quite sometime now. Online as well. I remember I was pretty young when I started on forums, all in all I would say 10+ years when you add all three to the mix. WPGHipHop: you can feel the confidence you have when you're on the spot at the events. Are you 2 for 2 in terms of battlegrounds and also the more recent KOTD events? Skeptyk Ill: All together I'm 4-0 on a 1+ win streak, I had three battles in Winnipeg, and one battle in Regina. Between two different leagues and three different divisions. 306/204 Battlegrounds & KOTD Champions Tour. All have been a great experience for me. Met a lot of people I grew up watching, and people I have just met that are super chill. WPGHipHop: Who all have you gone up against in the circuit? Skeptyk Kill: In order: Sheldo, G.O.B.S, Kode and finally my latest Ruckus45 WPGHipHop: Kode and Ruckus45 are both beasts! A rematch between either of the two would mean a lot of hype for battlegrounds would you agree? Skeptyk Ill: I would totally agree with that notion, hell, I would pay to come see them battle each other. Kode really surprised me in his battle with Peerless, as you can tell in the video. I was laughing hysterically. Ruckus45, I watch a lot of his freestyle battles as I was growing up. So to have battled him was a huge honor. He is definitely the most lyrical cat I have ever battled. So props to both of them and what they have done for the Winnipeg battle scene. WPGHipHop: So what was it like battling in front of the KOTD cameras recently? Skeptyk Ill: Man, it was almost surreal, standing next Organik and Gully. I was like dayyum, I've been watching these guys for 8 years, I watched the first ever KOTD tournament when Bartone battled OBO or some shit like that. It was extremely intense, I honestly think I was more nervous than my first ever battle. WPGHipHop: We were there and under the circumstances of those nerves you did a great job. Not including your own, which battle did you feel was the best that night. Skeptyk Ill: Ohhhhh man, that is a straight toss up for me, between Peerless Vs Kode & NonStop Vs Script-One. Because both battles I was reacting to a lot of bars. But I would have to say NonStop Vs Script-One on the pure fact, Script brought a better performance than Peerless did. Not taking anything away from anyone, because both battles were insane. WPGHipHop: Can you tell us about your mind before a battle and what you go through in your head before you step up on stage? Skeptyk Ill: I never really think of the battle too much, I usually meet up with a close homie of mine and smash beers. (Shout outs to my homie Mikey) -- I usually just try to get the bar in my head, and once they are there, I try to stay relaxed so I'm not over thinking and breaking the focus I have built up already. Pretty much get the bars stuck and fire them off. WPGHipHop: Would you say the level of focus that's required is one of the harder parts about battle rapping or is there an aspect of it the average person might not realize such as writing lyrics or how you're spitting them? Skeptyk Ill: Yeah there are tons of factors, writing the lyrics to have relevant impact against your opponent. Also the fear factor, which is the choking, stuttering and shit when you are spitting. The presence factor, not getting the bars out properly. Tons of shit that could make you down fall any battle, it really all depends on the person, and how determined they for this battle shit. WPGHipHop: That's a great way to put it. Have you ever choked? Could imagine it being one of the worst feelings of life if it were to happen. Skeptyk Ill: I have never forgotten my lyrics, but my third round against G.O.B.S in Regina, I had a major slip up, but was able to recover and still get the dub. Like I said, the fear factor, just being in another city, the away team kinda thing. Also in my battle with Kode, I had one to many beers and stuttered, I was also stabbed two weeks prior to that battle. So to fully answer your question, yes/no.. More of a slip up and a quick recovery. WPGHipHop: The quick recovery part of it is very important as well just simply because if you do mess up it's important you get back on your feet quickly before you finish the round empty handed. So speaking of a quick recovery...to be stabbed and than battling with in two weeks time...are you wolverine? Skeptyk Ill: Bahahaha, I wish, that would be bad ass, but no not at all. Just very determined with this battle shit, you can't even imagine the time I spent waiting for something like this to come to Winnipeg. Now that's it's finally here, I want to be first row paving the way with it. This is local history waiting to happen and I want to leave my mark. WPGHipHop: Where do you see yourself in 5 years battle rapping? Skeptyk Ill: Honestly, I feel like I accomplished so much already with it, but I wanna see myself main channel KOTD, Don't Flop, Flip Top. Pretty much getting paid to do what I love, and getting to travel and see the world. WPGHipHop: Who or what are some of your current influences when it comes to writing your rhymes? Skeptyk Ill: When it comes to battles? Shit, I like using current events, random bars and funny humor at times. So I get a lot of influence from different type of battlers, some of my favorite Dumbfoundead. One of the funniest ever, Johnny Storm had some pretty random but heavy bars, and Tantrum, dude is so aggressive and direct with his bars. WPGHipHop: You are very aggressive sounding while performing. (Similar to a wolverine) is that a lot like who you are when you're not battling? Skeptyk Ill: No not at all, I'm naturally loud but I'm super chill. Super friendly more less, but doesn't mean I'm a push over. Just a real dude, who knows when actions and called for and not called for. WPGHipHop: You seem pretty chill to us man. Do you have any battles coming up? And is there anyone you'd like to shout out before we finish up? Skeptyk Ill: Ummm I have been in talks about battling Non-Stop, and rematching with Kode. But yeah, totally! I'd like to shout out everyone in the battle scene and the local hip hop scene, and all my peeps from around the world. Thanks for having me WPGHipHop! WPGHipHop: Thank you Skeptyk Ill!

A man behind the scenes! We interview Denis Ankrah of FinalPhase Productions

WPGHipHop: So what do you call yourself in terms of what you do? Videographer? Film Maker? etc. Denis: I like to call myself a "Videographer that utilizes cinematography techniques to tell a story". So I guess that would be considered "filmmaker" haha. WPGHipHop: Well put! We've seen some of your work. It's obvious it's more than a hobby for you. You do have a name for your production right? Denis: Ya it's Final Phase Productions! WPGHipHop: So you've turned it into a business for yourself and from the looks of things its going pretty well! Who are some of the artists you've worked with so far? Denis: I've recently worked with local hip hop artists Dip, Termanill, and Element Gee so far. I've done some work with other artists as well WPGHipHop: What's it like incorporating film into what these artists are coming to you with musically? How do you usually approach it? Denis: Well it's funny music is a lot like film. The beat, the timing, the lyrics, it's a form of expression. So when I hear a track I envision what the artist is trying to get across to the audience. Of course there is always the technical parts that come in play but that's part of the process. Storyboarding is a very important part of that process WPGHipHop: So what does story boarding involve than? Denis: It involves the mapping out of how the video will look, as well as technical stuff, like what equipment to use for what scene. WPGHipHop: Assuming that helps to make every video different from the last. Have you started with music videos or have you done anything else in the past? Denis: I started off by wanting to create documentary films, but I needed money to fund them. So I decided to do wedding videos because that paid well. Then that lead to music videos, funny enough. I definitely found my passion in music videos. WPGHipHop: So how do you go about finding locations? Are you always scouting? And how do you choose them? Denis: Ya, I'm always compositing a shot with my eyes whether I'm driving, walking, etc... Choosing a location always depends on the track WPGHipHop: How do you choose the location based on the track? Denis: Well for example I did a video for an R&B artist and the song was about dating. So we came up with three locations where people would normally go on a date... A restaurant, a mall, and a parking lot. I guess people don't date in parking lots but you get the idea. Then you have the abstract videos and just want a dope atmosphere to go with the rhythm. WPGHipHop: We're not well versed in the video side of things. Would you say you have your own style when it comes to making videos? Or is there a common formula? Denis: I was definitely influenced by mentors I've looked up to and learned from, but I am definitely developing my own style. WPGHipHop: Who is it that influences you? Denis: You sort of find your own way on the path of perfection. Directors like Rex Arrow, Lil X, Peter Jackson. Cinematographers like Mark Erwin etc...These guys are masters at what they do and I have mad respect for them. WPGHipHop: What's the most recent video you worked on? Denis: I'm working on a project with an artist by the name of Junglist Carbine. I'm going to be shooting a video for him soon. Just finishing up the story boarding. WPGHipHop: Is this a hip hop artist? Denis: Yeah, he does Hip Hop and Reggae. WPGHipHop: So do you plan on getting In touch with any other local acts or have you done any recent local work? Denis: A rapper by the name of Authentik contacted me the other day inquiring on some video work. Dip and I plan on doing another video for his up coming album "For The People". Ya man just a lot of projects coming up, I feel blessed. WPGHipHop: Sounds like you're taking over the scene video wise. We haven't seen any others surface like you are. What kind of camera are you using? Denis: Right now I'm using a Canon T3i and a Sony V1u but I think it's time to upgrade. WPGHipHop: What programs do you use for editing? Denis: I use Final Cut Pro and After Effects mostly WPGHipHop: So we gotta ask. What's your favorite music video from a videographers point of view? Denis: Ah man that's a tough one. I'd have to say either "Playin Yourself" by Jeru Da Damaja or "Drop" by Pharcyde. WPGHipHop: We'll have to check that out. For artists who might be interested in working with you...do you have a flat rate or does it depend on the task at hand? Denis: Well, cost of production all depends on how many days of shooting, equipment used, and editing. I usually break down the numbers after the second initial meeting WPGHipHop: That sounds like a good idea. By the way, how are you making connections in Barbados? That sounds pretty random to someone who doesn't know you! Denis: It's funny I was shooting a live performance for Tiffany Ponce and Junglist approached out of no where asking me if I did music videos. And now we are in the works. WPGHipHop: That's cool. Do you meet a lot of artists filming live shows like that? Denis: No, mostly going to shows and talking to people. WPGHipHop: Networking at its finest. Do you have a website for yourself or any links we can post? Denis: Ya my website is www.finalphaseproductions.com. If you search Dip - "grown man" it's the latest hip hop video I did. WPGHipHop: Perfect, feel free to keep us updated on any videos you do! We'll do our best to get it out there! Thanks for the interview Denis! Denis: Sounds good! Thank you for your time WPGHipHop: Thank you! Check out the most Recent video Denis put together for an artist known as Dip shot and filmed right here in Winnipeg. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D3ITNU5WSo And the Final Phase Website www.finalphaseproductions.com

One of the South Side Kings is in the building! An Interview with AYAR.

WPGHipHop: So tell us a bit about your music. Where is it rooted? What got you started?

AYAR: I was definitely the first kid that started rapping in my school. I was twelve years old at the time so I wasn't influenced by a friend or anything like that. My big brother definitely got me into the recording aspect. He bought a little $10 webcam mic that we would record with using a little Kleenex as a pop filter. Recording music felt great, so I just kept with it. It's my therapy forreal

WPGHipHop: What part of the city do you represent. Your team is The Southside Kings right?

AYAR: Keeno and I call ourselves the South Side Kings, but to be real we represent for the whole city man. It doesn't matter because were getting love from every side of it. Right now, were the kings in the South and were trying to be the kings of Canada. But ya, we definitely gotta represent for the Southside, that's our place right now. It'll always be SSK wherever were at, cant forget where you started right?

WPGHipHop: You and Keeno are obviously a team. We noticed you're usually in charge of the hooks. Is that you’re strong point?

AYAR: Keeno and I are a problem when we work on a track together man, straight up. That's why we had to make this tape. As for hooks, they seem to just come to me man. I'll sleep and dream about a hook. If I hear a beat I like it's a wrap. I don't know what it is, it might be from all the Max B tapes man. But Keeno, that’s my dude man forreal. Never met someone who works so hard musically. Shit, works so hard period. Our progression has been crazy and were only starting. I gotta stay in my lane for now as far as verses go because you know how Keeno goes off on those.

WPGHipHop: He does, how did Keeno and yourself get together?

AYAR: Well I came across Keeno’s music online one day when I was just checkin out some local music. I saw his video “HNIC” because it was shot by a director I knew. I liked it. It was different and didn't sound like everything else coming out the city. It had that real rap sound, real bars and no filler. I knew that our styles would match perfectly on a track. So to make it simple. I hit him up for this "Tryna Blow" track we did. After I recorded the hook, that was the first collab we ever made. When that came out the reaction was absolutely ridiculous. I got so much love for that hook, I didn't even know what to think at the time. People kept asking me when are you guys making another song? So I called up Keeno and we talked about forming a group. If we fast forward, here we are about 20 tracks and 5 videos later about to release our first mixtape titled “South Side Kings”. The love, the buzz, the views man its crazy, but we definitely aren’t settling yet.

WPGHipHop: Sounds like you’ve been busy! What was the last video you guys put up?

AYAR: That would be “We Buzzin”. The hook pretty much sums up how we feel towards the hate. “Now that we buzzin, we on fire, now I'm like fuck em they don't like us, oh, oh we on fire, oh oh we on fire”…

WPGHipHop: You were saying when we first spoke you were in Baltimore recently. Were you there for anything musical or was it more of a family trip?

AYAR: Yeah I was in Baltimore for a week and a half. We were actually there for a funeral man. It’s still unbelievable. My uncle was murdered while working overnight July 21st. Two losers came in and tried to rob the place at gun-point. They ended up setting the shop on fire after they locked him in the basement. They say everything happens for a reason, all I can do is pray man.

RIP Ali

I try to not think about it too much because I go crazy like that but it really is hard. One of those situations you never expect you or your loved ones to be in, you know what I mean? Imma make my uncle proud though, I know he’s looking down on me now smiling. Ill take this pain and put it into my music, so another kid anywhere in the world who’s going through dealing with the same thing can turn the speakers up and not feel alone. Know that there’s someone out there going through the same!

WPGHipHop: Sorry to hear about that. Its always tough when you lose family. A lot of times you see it motivate too though. Silver lining. Where do you find your inspiration?

AYAR: I get my inspiration from many places man, God, Music, My family, The Struggle…

WPGHipHop: Who are some of your biggest influences?

AYAR: My number one influence would have to be Michael Jackson, musically as well as just as far as being a good person goes. My other big influences are 50 cent, Tupac, Max B and Kanye

WPGHipHop: Some legends!! We see the scene in Winnipeg grow and change everyday. Do you have an opinion on the direction and the state of hip hop.

AYAR: As far as local music goes, honestly its polluted, I'll put it like that. There's nothing wrong with kids wanting to be like their idols. Singing, rapping or whatever. But we need more doctors, more lawyers, you know what I mean? The chances of making a living off music in this day and age are very slim! I’m not trying to crush any dreams but I’m saying when I started rapping 5 years ago (even though I was twelve) people took me more seriously when I told them I was a rapper. Compared to now, when I’m 17 and I tell them I’m a hip hop artist. They just smile and nod their heads. As for the direction of rap, with dudes like J. Cole, Drake, and Kendrick on top I feel it's in the right direction. What's happened to rap is, there's so many rappers it's not like where you could keep up with whats going on. Now with social media and everything everyone wants to be the next big dude and they have that platform.

WPGHipHop: That’s true. There are a lot more popping up. What separates your team from the other dudes tryin to kill it?

AYAR: The quality man, the quality. We’re progressing at a steady rate, and people are catching on quickly. They’re trying to kill it, we are killin it. You have to be willing to invest in your craft. We’re doing that. You have to have a good image. We got that. You have to see this as a business, not a hobby. I’m not saying you have to water down your content or anything like that, but money makes the world go round, if you want a clean video, work, stack up and get it. Shine brighter than the rest. That’s IF you truly believe in yourself.

WPGHipHop: So, who out of the artists in Winnipeg would you say are thinking this way or the ones who “are killin it” as well?

AYAR: Lyrical Militant is doing his thing, Young Kidd is doing his thing, Quick Cash is doin his thing, ROZ is doing is thing, Teddy T is doin his thing, Brooklyn is doing his thing, Charlie Fettah is doing his thing, Jon - C is doin his thing… those are the only names I can drop off the top of my head. Puttin on for our city for sure. There's a lot of quality music coming out of Winnipeg and a lot of nice artists in Canada. But back to what I was saying, we get less attention due to the “artists” doing this as a hobby.

WPGHipHop: So you’re saying Winnipeg is a cesspool. But what if all these artists truly believe in themselves like you believe in yourself. Wouldn't that mean every artist is part of the problem?

AYAR: Not at all, there is a difference between believing in yourself, and actually doing things to prove it. The ones who aren't, are the problem. If you’re not willing to give up something to get that new mic so you can have a good sound, and you'd rather spend 100 dollars on shoes or something...What does that show?

WPGHipHop: There are many ways to look at it! Totally agree with making sacrifices. That’s the root of hip hop. There’s sacrifice everywhere when it comes to trying to be heard. So be it that you’re 17 that must mean you’re still in high school. How do you balance both music and school?

AYAR: For sure. I’m in my last year of high school this year. I’ll tell you it’s not easy, at all. There’s days where I'm feeling inspired to write or record but I'll have so much homework to do, so Ill record after I get home and I wont sleep that night or study or get whatever assignments I have done. It’s hard and it doesnt always workout as nicely as I would want it to.

WPGHipHop: For some kids the school thing is tough as it is! Do you see support from your peers?

AYAR: I do man I do and I really appreciate it.

WPGHipHop: Do you have any material being release soon? Or any material you’ve recently released that you’d like people to see?

AYAR: "Money Right" is a big track we put out out this summer and then the tape we dropped on the 22nd this month. Got a lot of new shit on there. Every track on the tape is mixed and mastered by the homie HeartBeatz from Germany and a bunch of the tracks were produced by him too. Dudes crazy with it.

WPGHipHop: Goin global!! When’s the next show?

AYAR: Yessir! Planning a big show this October! We'll hit y’all up when we got more info on it

WPGHipHop: Perfect. What’s the name of the tape you dropped on the 22nd?

AYAR: The mixtape is called “South Side Kings”. We've got features from Kobe, Young Kidd, Shane Stone, Quick Cash and Lyrical Militant. Big tape man.

WPGHipHop: Alright any last shout outs?

AYAR: Shouts to all the supporters man, its love, SSK sweaters comin this fall! And of course WPG Hip Hop for this interview, yall doin a great job for WPG HIP HOP!

WPGHipHop: Thanks for the interview Ayar! Keep us posted with any releases and shows!

Make sure you check out the South Side Kings Mixtape on Datpiff at http://www.datpiff.com/-South-Side-Kings-mixtape.523867.html

Big news from the always movin' DJ Disspare!

WPGHipHop: So, you're the second person we've interviewed that we would consider a veteran in the scene in Winnipeg. How long have you been doing your thing? DJ Disspare: I started as a DJ at the age of 10, still doing it 26 years later. WPGHipHop: So that marks 1987 as your starting point. How was it as a 10 year old spinning? DJ Disspare: Great, my dad and uncle were DJing back then. They let me spin parties and gave me a set of Sony tables, speakers, and an amp. At that time I gave up toys and picked up records. WPGHipHop: It's always a good thing when you get an early start like that. Could be a reason why you have your hands in so many projects! Would you say you've been behind almost every recognizable act in Winnipeg so far? DJ Disspare: Yes, you can say that. It's been a long run. I've worked with The Freak Show Family, Hard Edge Posse, TCP, Shady Acres, Shades of Black, Dead Indians, Frustration, back in the day we had a DJ crew called the Aftermath Crew, Moonshine/Murk dot, Mood Ruff, Fam Tyte, Unity Sound Crew, The Higher Ups and more in Peg City. WPGHipHop: There's gotta be a list of acts from outside the city as well? DJ Disspare: Of course. OX aka Louie Rankin, Struck Zilla, Twin, Gett Down, Tre Nyce, Jetlag Joey, JB GCP, Rampage (from The Flipmode Squad & Island Def Jam), DOC ICE from (Whodini/U.T.F.O), Edley "Shine" Payne (Born Jamericans), Saint Michael & G - Terra (Emperor), DJ Young Mase, Kemo, DJ Smallz ("Southern Smoke"). WPGHipHop: And the list goes on! Now that we've established how established you are. What are you currently holding down right now. We see your name attached to a couple different organizations. DJ Disspare: I'm an official DJ for ...Case Closed Ent, Rokcstone, BYB, Jagga Moments, Legendl Mixtapes, COAST 2 COAST MIXTAPE DJ, ICE CREAM MIXTAPES, THAT CRACK, NERVE DJ MIXTAPES, & DATPIFF DJ, I have my own label called STREETKILLAZ ENT. We have a radio show on www.nexradioonline.com on fridays at 8pm Winnipeg time. WPGHipHop: Unbelievable dude. What's your main focus? DJ Disspare: Mixtapes, radio, and promo for my Streetkillaz, Case Closed Ent, Legendl Mixtapes, Rokcstone, BYB, and the Jagga Moments team. WPGHipHop: So StreetKillaz is a label you can call your own. Can you tell us a bit about it? DJ Disspare: Streetkillaz is a life changing project. It started back in 2004 to help promo artists and give them more play/exposure around the world. We have our own radio show, our own app, and a mixtape and promo team. We're around the world and its a family! WPGHipHop: Its a legitimate label though? Do you have signed artists under its wing or is it more of a promotional company? DJ Disspare: Yes it is a legitimate label! We're doing a lot of promo with mixtapes and radio putting on shows and more. We'll be launching the artist real soon when the web site drops. WPGHipHop: So, right now you're in the process of putting together a mixtape for the artists in Manitoba? What are you calling it? DJ Disspare: We're calling it "THIS IS MANITOBA"! WPGHipHop: Couldn't be more clear with what it represents. Can you give us an idea of whose going to be on it? Or are you keeping that a secret for the time being? DJ Disspare: It will be an eye opener of artists that are humble and love putting out great music. There will be music from Fam Tyte, Unity Sound Crew, The Higher Ups, Don Rhoden, and more. WPGHipHop: How does an artist get in on it? Are there still spots open? DJ Disspare: Yes there is and it's 15$ a slot. Artists can send the track info to [email protected]. This mixtape will be featured at LegendMixtapes.com and posted on DatPiff. This is 50.COM COAST 2 COAST Mixtape DJ, ICE CREAM Mixtapes, That Crack, and NERVE DJs Mixtapes. WPGHipHop: That sounds like a deal. Are you also one of the heads behind this HipHopolooza that's happening? DJ Disspare: Yes, I am. My Streetkillaz team and Jan Remer have joined up to put this event on. It'll have 20 Artists performing and competing LIVE...3 DJs spinning the hottest Top 40 | Hip-Hop & Dancehall... 1 Special Guest will join us at midnight...4 artists that are competing in the free-style rap battle will have a chance to win a FREE pair of shoes! from Ednoc, CIROC and more as sponsors. It's on Friday, August 30th at Stereo Nightclub! People will have a chance to cast their votes live on our 360 degree video polls in order to nominate local Winnipeg artists to rise to the top! WPGHipHop: So is it based on crowd response? The more votes casted during the show the better? DJ Disspare: Votes will help, but there will also be judges. WPGHipHo: That sounds great, looking forward to seeing who that special guest is. DJ Disspare: Haha, Same here! WPGHipHop: Are you hosting any events coming up other than the HipHopolooza? DJ Disspare: I just opened for TECH N9NE on August 21. Next I'll be DJing for Unity Sound Crew at the Mad Child Lawn Mower Man Tour. Thats happening on Wednesday Sept.4th. I'll also be in the Red Bull Thre3Style battle on Sept.18! WPGHipHop: The Tech N9ne show was legendary! Whats you're favorite venue in the city to spin at? Do you have any regular nights around the city at any clubs? DJ Disspare: Republic was mad fun. I had a lot of great times there but I'll have to say the Die Machine back in the day. I had a sick Wednesday hip hop night there! At this moment I'm not playing at any clubs... WPGHipHop: We heard republic is shutting down soon! It's been a long run for that place. DJ DIsspare: Yes, it was over 4 years! WPGHipHop: Have you ever gotten behind the mic? Or have you been DJing from the beginning? DJ Disspare: Yes i have! I was in three rap groups back in the day. Shady Acres, Battle Ship & Frustration. I was also in some freestyle battles. WPGHipHop: When we interviewed DJ Benz a while back he mentioned you guys put in work together. We didn't elaborate. What kind of work did the two of you do? DJ Disspare: We were in a group called Shady Acres. Benz & Dialog rapped and I was the DJ. Sometimes I rapped, Benz pushed that side out me. Been friends for over 20 years. WPGHipHop: When did the group go their separate ways? DJ Disspare: Back in the late 90's but the group is still fam. WPGHipHop: That's good to hear! Any last words before we wrap up the interview? DJ Disspare: Make sure everyone comes out to support me at the Red Bull Thre3Style battle Sept.18th! Download my app!! WPGHipHop: Thanks a lot for the interview DJ Disspare. DJ Disspare: Thank you!

Make sure you check out HipHopalooza August 30th at Stereo Nightclub! Also, pick up a copy of THIS IS MANITOBA when its out and about. Check out DJ Disspare at these links! http://djdisspar1.wix.com/djdisspare https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dj-Disspare/101010141952 http://nervedjsmixtapes.com/member/DJDISSPARE.htm http://www.mixcloud.com/djdisspare/ http://coast2coastmixtapes.com/DJSite/djs/djdetail.aspx?djid=31561

An interview with one of Winnipeg's young newcomers - Phre$h Prince!

WPGHipHop: So how long have you been putting out tracks?

Phre$h: A little over a year now. I just got behind the mic January of last year.

WPGHipHop: So you’re a newcomer on the scene. How does it feel steppin’ up to the mic? Is the scene welcoming towards new artists?

Phre$h: It’s natural to be behind the mic for me. I started off writing poetry in grade 8, so everything just flows. A lot of people have been supportive so far with my music, but at the start no one was really listening to my stuff. I’ve been progressing as an artist and I’ve noticed my audience is starting to grow and more people are willing to help get me to where I need to be. The scene has been pretty welcoming so far. I’ve been getting love from a few blogs and even a few established artists.

WPGHipHop: You’re one of the younger artists on the scene as well. How old are you?

Phre$h: I’m 17 years old.

WPGHipHop: So you were 16 when you started. What made you want to pick up the mic?

Phre$h: I don’t know, I’ve always been into hip hop culture and art as a whole. I’ve grown up seeing people I look up to do it. one day I started thinking “If they can do it, it’s not impossible” and from there I’ve just been doing what I do best, and that's making art.

WPGHipHop: So you were saying you’ve been recognized by established artists and blogs. Can you name some of these?

Phre$h: For blogs, I’ve been on NorthStarHipHop, Astral Media, VladTV, and was recently verified on Rap Genius. As far as artists go, Billy Danze and a few local Winnipeg artists like Rawg, and The Hype

WPGHipHop: How exactly did people like Billy Danze show you recognition?

Phre$h: Well, right now I’m a part of Raps United Nations which he runs, I’ve done a few shows with them throughout the year also.

WPGHipHop: We were unaware R.U.N was still happening!

Phre$h: Yeah, it’s still going. It hasn’t been active lately but I’ve been told to expect some big things coming in the future.

WPGHipHop: We also know that you made the top 50 Sizzurp Songs on VladTV with your track Sippin’ Lean. Did you write that track with that goal in mind or did it happen afterwards?

Phre$h: When I wrote Sippin’ Lean getting on that list was the last thing I had in mind! My only goal in writing that song was to put out something different that people in Winnipeg don’t hear often. I wanted to show that H-Town type style and that’s what I did.

WPGHipHop: Have you released any full projects? Or have you just been releasing singles?

Phre$h: No full projects yet, just a few songs and remixes here and there. My EP is in the works right now and should be coming out late 2013 or early 2014. I just want to grab the attention of listener’s before I put out a full project so they can get familiar with my style of rap.

WPGHipHop: That’s a good plan. Sometimes the best way to do that is to perfect your performance as well. Do you have any shows coming up?

Phre$h: No shows planned right now, just trying to focus mainly on recording for the moment.

WPGHipHop: Did you wanna throw some shout outs in here for your team before we wrap up the interview?

Phre$h: Shout out Haptizy, the homies Domo Williams, Jay Rivas, Beezy and everyone else who supports the movement! S/O Renee Batson too.

WPGHipHop: Any links to your music you wanna get out there as well?

Phre$h: Yeah subscribe to my youtube channel for my latest releases. http://m.youtube.com/channel/UCuVVMZQCEEYuLwZoHRjvNrA and follow me on twitter @JayvaunGabriel for updates on music releases and shows.

WPGHipHop: Perfect! Thanks a lot for the interview Phre$h Prince!

An Interview with Trey Stackz - Winnipegs go to Beatbox MC

WPGHipHop: In your mind how do you describe yourself as an MC? What are your strengths when song writing? Trey Stackz: In my mind I feel I’m never as good as I can be. There’s always room for improvement. My strengths are consistency. I flow like water, structured with multi’s. Also, breath control is the most important thing before recording. WPGHipHop: You're lyrically on point too! How long have you been an MC and when did it start for you? Trey Stackz: I started back in 2007 when my cousin passed away. I was learning guitar, he was rapping. Once he passed, me and some of my family thought it’d be cool to learn to freestyle in memory of him. As time went on, I was the only one who started taking it seriously. Now I just feel that I have a mission to fulfill. For both of us. WPGHipHop: So that’s when you started rapping and it's a great cause for doing so…But we know you also beatbox. Is that a more recent project of yours? Trey Stackz: Oh no, beatboxing has been a part of my life for 11 years now. It’s always just been a side hobby. Something I do to pass the time. I always get put on the spot, so I’ve been practicing a little more then usual. WPGHipHop: Guess being put on the spot kind of comes with the territory. Not to mention you’re one of the only beatboxers involved in the scene. Now, we know you’re part of Kushtal records. Are you an artist on their roster or do you play a part behind the scenes as well? Trey Stackz: When Kushtal first started, we had an original deal for me to buy in after the first big show (Daz&Kurupt), while Vaughan & Aaron were taking care of everything. I noticed how time consuming running the show could be. I figured I may as well just stick to rapping. As of right this second, Kushtal is home for me, but I have no legal binding documents that state I am a signed artist under Kushtal Records. WPGHipHop: It’s always good to keep your options open. It must feel good being a part of something that’s helping to bring bigger things to the city. No? Trey Stackz: Definitely. Kushtal is my family! We all make sure to look out for each other. We help, just as much as every other artist who put on for Winnipeg! WPGHipHop: So speaking of bringing bigger things to Winnipeg. How was the KOTD experience for you? Trey Stackz: It was the first time Ive seen almost every rapper in Winnipeg, get together for the common interest of hip hop. I met Scott Jackson, a very humble person/amazing Beatboxer. He brought me up for a quick session, it was a great experience. The battles though, the battles were definitely the sport of the evening. Each and every MC brought some serious game! WPGHipHop: We were there! We can’t say we saw every artist. But there were definitely a few. You and Jackson on stage was inspirational. What artists have you been working with the most in the last while? Trey Stackz: Just Unity Soundcrew artists: Vaughan James, Cryptic Verses, Yung J, and the homies Nonstop, Fatal, and Definit from Sertifyde. WPGHipHop: Do you see any other artists outside of your circle that you feel put on for Winnipeg? Trey Stackz: I have respect for every artist in the Winnipeg scene who put on. My vision is Unity. If everyone’s working to put Winnipeg on the map, someone will do it eventually, but if we work together, I’m sure we can accomplish much more. WPGHipHop: 100% agree with the views your team talk about. Do you have any projects coming out soon? Trey Stackz: We have a project coming out, a little different than how other groups would drop albums, but we’ll be releasing information about that in August. WPGHipHop: Perfect. Hopefully you keep us posted. We’re looking forward to that. Your team is big on the Battleaxe movement. What does it mean to be a Battleaxe Warrior? Trey Stackz: It’s truly an honor. There’s so much talent and respect within the family, so many good people. It’s the most positive thing I literally could have involved myself with. Madchild created something brilliant and I’m just glad I have the chance to be a part of it. WPGHipHop: What are some of the values instilled in Bax War? Trey Stackz: I’ve noticed respect within the family is the biggest value I can think of, in my opinion. I mean the code of conduct only applies to the members of Battleaxe, but if everyone applied even some aspects of it to their day to day life, we would definitely be living in a better place right now. WPGHipHop: So there is a Madchild show happening on Sept. 4 (Also the last night for Republic Nightclub). Is your team part of that be it that you’re Battleaxe? Trey Stackz: Our only part is we’re on the card to open. We have tickets available for the show, but that’s as far as it goes. WPGHipHop: That’s great. Congrats! For the people that haven’t heard what you’re doing do you have a link(s) to any of your music online? Trey Stackz: Www.Soundcloud.com/TreyStackz and soon to be more Unity Soundcrew dropping in September! Keep a look out. WPGHipHop: Thanks a lot for the interview Stackz! We see you and your team doing great things. Keep us posted on any projects released or shows in the future so we can let people know. Trey Stackz: Thank you for the interview! Can’t wait to see the future work you guys will do! Also, check out this track featuring the Kushtal Crew! "Shots Fired". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlK3CEEGHX0

This weeks Friday Feature is a music video by a Winnipeg artist called Termanill. Local production by Final Phase Productions! This is straight off of Termanills most recent tape "The Intermission". Find it here...http://www.datpiff.com/Termanill-The-Intermission-mixtape.480551.html

DJ Benz Kenobi gives us a perspective on Hip Hop in Winnipeg

WPGHipHop: So How long have you been doing your thing on the scene in WPG? DJ Benz: I used to cypher with dinosaurs. I was breaking in like the 3rd grade in 1984 but started battling crews at this underage club called FlipSide back in like 1989. I started writing shortly after that and made my first track using an 8track cassette recorder with Gruff the Druid and a homie from school who played bass. That was probably around 1990. Then around 91-92 I was rhyming every week on DJ bunny's public access TV show "Spot light" which was the biggest avenue of getting heard we had back in the day. WPGHipHop: So basically, before a majority of the rappers doing it right now were even born you were familiar with the 1s and 2s? That kind of makes you a veteran. You must have a tonne of performances under your belt. Have you lost count? DJ Benz: I don't think so! Every show is memorable in some way. Probably some I'd like to forget though! I didn't own turntables until 2004 and I didn't start spinning outside my house until about 2007. But yeah, I've been rocking mics on stage since the mid nineties. That's why when I spin a live show, the sets run smooth. I started on the mic and I understand how a live set needs to go. WPGHipHop: Some performers in our city could use a DJ who sees things from their perspective like you do. Are there any particular artists from that time that you've seen fall off? Who are some of your favorite classic cats from WPG that aren't around anymore? DJ Benz: I don't know if anyone really fell off but the scene wasn't ready for the caliber of writers we had back then. All the pioneers were legendary. Frek sho, Farm Fresh, Shades, Mood Ruff, all of Peanuts & Corn records. That's why the scene is as big as it is today with commercial radio and all the venues available to play. It's from all the original heads laying the foundation. WPGHipHop: That's understandable. Dow Jones of Mood Ruff is still kickin it! Are there any current artists in the city that are busting their asses that you think have the chance to be recognized based on what you've seen in the passed? DJ Benz: I see it like the whole city is starting to be recognized as a force. For sure all the radio play that crews have access to takes everyone's game to a higher level. I'm feeling a bunch of crews right now, from White Rhino, Swing Adam, The Quota, Tri Polar. To the established crews like Foreign Objekts, Deepcave, D Grimez and Wpg Boyz. They're some of the best in the country. WPGHipHop: Everyone is really utilizing resources lately. It's great to see it grow. We've noticed an increase in recording quality too. It helps that UofM Radio and UofW Radio are in full support. Also, Streetz FM jammin local tracks is huge. Are you DJing any upcoming shows? DJ Benz: Ill be doing cuts for Foreign Objekts at The Apathy show this month at The Pyramid. I'm actually trying to focus more on getting to the lab these days. Creating music, rather than just playing it. WPGHipHop: We had no idea! Are you producing beats or picking the mic back up? DJ Benz: The one thing I've never done is make beats! I've been laying cuts on tracks for a few people. I definitely want to jump on a few mics too. Outta all the things I do in hip hop, emceeing is my strongest skill. WPGHipHop: So you mentioned you used to battle at FlipSide in 89. There are a few avenues to go down in terms of battling now but not as much as you'd think. Was battling a bit more popular back than compared to now? DJ Benz: Umm, well those were the days of the running man. The music was pretty new and hadn't splintered into different styles at that point. It was just HipHop. You would have people getting down to kid n play or Heavy D, then they'd drop NWA or Public Enemy the very next jam. No one really rapped yet. It was pretty much just crews battling on the dance floor but we all took it pretty seriously. Some of WPG's first rap groups came out those days though. There was a crew called State of Mind (who dropped the very first track in the city) that started off as a bboy crew. Two of the founding members of Frek Sho started off in a crew called Fresh Alliance. Even Dow Jones and I were in a crew for a quick minute before we started spitting. Even on the DJ tip, battling was a major part of the scene. Before the DMC battles were coming here, we would just put on our own events. I remember the first DJ battle that I ever saw go down...the grand prize was just props and a record spray painted gold on a plaque. WPGHipHop: Man! This is somewhat of a Hip Hop History lesson for WPG! Did you ever take part in those DJ battles? Did you own turn tables before they were phased out locally? DJ Benz: Naw, I was strictly an emcee at that point. I think I had just finally picked up tables around the final year or two of Winnipeg eliminations for DMC. But DJ Disspare was my DJ way back in those WPG-Only battles so at least I was repping! Also my homie DJ Stress, who was a founder of HipHop 101 on UMFM (which I eventually ended up spinning on) was in those battles.

WPGHipHop: You're dropping some crazy knowledge right now homie! Do you mind sharing your preferred equipment when it comes to being a DJ? Or what are you playing with right now? DJ Benz: Yeah man, right now I use the classic technics SL1200's and a Vestax PMC-05 (ninja). For software, I use native instruments Traktor. Most cats will say Serato is the best software, but I think that's just because its the most commonly used. Traktor is the best program for actual turntablists. WPGHipHop: Do you have any wise words for any aspiring DJs or artists trying to come up in the city? Tips or tricks you've learned over the years? DJ Benz: Don't eat yellow snow! WPGHipHop: Haha! People are reading this mid summer, hopefully they don't forget about this incredibly wise advice when the time comes. Do you have any links to anything you've worked on online? Or somewhere the people can check you out? DJ Benz: I have a profile on soundcloud.com. Just look for Benz Kenobi and you can find some of my older joints WPGHipHop: Perfect! Thanks for the interview DJ Benz. Lets us know when you release some of those new tracks. Looking forward to seeing what kind of damage you can do as an emcee. Much respect! Check DJ Benz Kenobi out at https://soundcloud.com/benz-kenobi and catch him as the spine of the show at many events throughout the city!

Sonny Daze speaks on his new CD "Antipasto"

WPGHipHop: So we’ve been listening to your most recent CD "Antipasto”. We mentioned on Twitter the other day that you have a really unique sound. Who is it that influences that? (If anyone).

Sonny Daze: I don’t try to emulate any emcees if that’s what you mean. I just find the right beat and try to catch a vibe from what the producer has done with the track.

WPGHipHop: You can tell. You don’t sound like anyone we’ve heard. We give you huge props for that. Even the name of the CD had us thinking. We had to google it and found "Antipasto" means “before the meal" in Italian. What does that mean to you and your music?

Sonny Daze: Thanks, I appreciate that. I decided to name the project Antipasto for a couple reasons. First off, I’m half Italian and grew up eating traditional meals cooked by my Nona (Grandmother). These meals were a staple in my childhood memories. My Nona passed away a few years ago and I decided that this project was going to be dedicated to her and everything she did for me growing up. So obviously the word ‘antipasto’ is Italian and represents that side of my heritage. The second reason I named the project Antipasto is the definition itself. This project is a taste of what is to come. It is simply an appetizer for the listeners.

WPGHipHop: Its always great to see/hear a project with some substance like that. It obviously brought some energy out of you. So does that mean you have another project in the works right now?

Sonny Daze: Yeah, I’m currently working on my first album. It features some production from local producer/emcee Abstract Artform and also a cat that I just met recently named Frost Gamble. The project is still in it’s early stages, so I can’t give a name or release date yet, but the people can expect to see some new videos and singles this summer. I actually just shot a video this passed Sunday with my homie Mic Arsenal. Together, we go by the name, ‘The Quota’. You can find our debut, self-titled mixtape on my bandcamp site (http://sonnydaze.bandcamp.com) and you can watch our video ‘Rearranging Borders’ on YouTube.

WPGHipHop: We’ve seen the video for Rearranging Borders. You and Mic Arsenal have some good chemistry. Have you known each other for a while?

Sonny Daze: I’ve known Mic for about 5 years. We been doing the music thing together for the last year and a half.

WPGHipHop: That’s cool. How long have you been rapping? How did it start for you?

Sonny Daze: I’ve been writing for about 7 years, it’s just been the last few years that I’ve actually started recording and engineering. As for how it started, I always liked how emcees told their stories whether it being about their life lessons or an actual event that took place. And as I got older and experienced more things in my life, good and bad, I realized that I have a story to tell as well. One day when I got home from school, I just put on a track and started writing. It wasn’t even an instrumental. I think it was a Papoose joint or something. But I just wrote and wrote, no format, just line after line until I filled two pages. After that I started researching the craft and the art form of Hip Hop. I guess you could say I became obsessed, and now it’s more than an after school hobby. It’s what I do every day.

WPGHipHop: Are there any local artists in the city (other than Mic Arsenal) that you respect, or that contribute to good hip hop in the circuit in your eyes?

Sonny Daze: I respect every local artist that is out there making honest music. There’s a lot of dudes out there tryna get a slice, that’s all I know.

WPGHipHop: thats respectable! Thats kind of what we’re trying to express as well. There’s a lot of diversity on the scene here. So much talent. Do you have any upcoming events or releases?

Sonny Daze: My next show is on August 21st at Republic Nightclub, opening up for Tech N9ne. Tickets go on sale very soon so everybody make sure to get a line on those. Also, The Quota will be releasing our new video for ‘The Breakdown’ within the next month so keep a look out for that. Other than that just working on the album and some more videos.

WPGHipHop: Tech N9ne?! Thats a huge opportunity dude, congrats! Make sure you let us know about that when “The Breakdown" drops. We’re excited to hear more from you AND Mic Arsenal. We have respect for both of you.

Sonny Daze: Ill keep you guys posted with all the latest. Just want to thank you for supporting local. Keep doing what you’re doing.

WPGHipHop: Thanks for the Interview Sonny Daze!

Find all of Sonny’s music (and The Quota’s) at his bandcamp link for free! http://sonnydaze.bandcamp.com

Follow Sonny Daze on Twitter and Instagram @SonnyDazeMusic

And watch Rearranging Boarders on Youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxEwQwJXWTU

Interview with Battle Rapper Peerless!

WPGHipHop: So you call yourself Peerless. Is there a backstory to that? Peerless: I love name flips when battling. It's my favorite aspect of writing. So I wanted a name that wasn't only going to say I was the best but also a name that would be hard for my opponents to flip. It doesn't rhyme with much and if they say I have no friends and I'm "peer" less it'd sound pretty wack to me. I thought it was the perfect blend of self admiration while giving writers block to my opponents. I use the line "It's the MC name that defines us" as a set up in my battles. But it's not just a set up for me, I actually believe it. Sometimes, when I look at some people's MC names it really baffles me. It's like they don't get it's permanent and will take over your real name WPGHipHop: Yeah, I guess if someone were an amateur battler one of the first things they might do is attempt to cut down their opponents stage name. If you're stage name is hard to manipulate they'll be out of luck! Great strategy. So where did battling start for you? Peerless: I really don't think name flips ever go away no matter what level of battling you're at. I think Math Hoffa is probably getting really sick of add, subtract, division lines lol. Battling for me started on Internet forums in about 2006. I always considered myself a great writer and when I saw these guys on these forums manipulating the language bending it to their will I was instantly hooked. I battled for a few months and the site I was on got shut down. I started again a few months later, and same thing happened. After that I didn't write for years. When KOTD started blowing up I started writing again and by the time 204 battle grounds started I had a catalogue of bars so big I don't think I'll ever get through them. It was a real difference making the transition from writing lines to rapping for the first time in front of a crowd against Kenny G. WPGHipHop: So it sounds like battling is your main ambition. Have you ever dabbled in the songwriting/recording side of it? Peerless: No, never. I find accapella battling to really accommodate my short comings as a MC. I'll write with one of my buddies named Fettah. I'll get a bit of help with my bars and give a bit of help with his but that's as close as I've come to making music. I'm not against it in anyway but I don't want to put out anything unless its quality and I just don't believe I'm there yet as a musician. I see myself as a pure MC and there's alot of aspects to music I don't quite grasp yet. WPGHipHop: Well, to each their own! Do you have any battles coming up that people can come watch? Peerless: Yes! it will be the biggest battle event in Winnipeg to date. 204BattleGrounds is teaming up with KOTD. If things go well we'll get our own division. The date is July 21st at Stereo Night Club. The Doors open at 8. I'll be battling Young Kode from Deep Cave Records and "Kode and Triple Cyanide". I couldn't be more amped up for it. I know I can count on you to help promote it. You do a tonne for Winnipeg Hip Hop and this event will really put us on the map! WPGHipHop: We'll do what we can to get it out there! We werent sure if you were taking part in that or not. Youre not lying when you say its the biggest battling event to happen here. We've had a lot of great artists come through recently but nothing battle based. Do you feel an uprise for Hip Hop in Winnipeg over the passed little while and do you favor any local artists putting out music? Peerless: I'll definitely be a part of it. You can't have a battle event in WPG without Peerless. I'm not sure about an uprise, but I've watched the artists I've been following grow a lot over the years. I think we're still about a year or so away from these guys getting the shine they deserve. I would definitely favor the guys at Heat Bag Records, the Winnipeg Boys, Charlie Fettah and Jon C are on point right now but have been since we were all kids. I also really like Zeek illa and Kidd Kane from North Coast Productions. I've liked them since the River City Knight Riders. I think those two groups really stand out. Lately, I've been checking out artists like The Hype and The Break Away Point. I've just started listening to them through your WPGHipHop Twitter page actually. I think they're a real contrasting sound to the Winnipeg Boys and North Coast. It's a different expression of music that the city really needs showcased. They're all talented. WPGHipHop: It's good to see our page has been put to good use! There are a lot of local artists that are all really working hard to be heard. Are you a born Winnipegger? Peerless: It's really dope as a Hip Hop fan I mean I'm in the same city as these guys in rap circles and just never would have heard of them. It's odd how a small city like this can still be so segregated. Born and raised in West K my whole life man. Proud of it too. WPGHipHop: It's true. That's one thing we hope to see happen to Winnipeg's scene. It's a long shot but if Hip Hop here was without the West Ks, The Northends, the Transconas, etc and everyone represented Winnipeg in general, there might be a wider reach for us. Peerless: I think you guys will achieve that. It's been real! love what you're doing for the scene, huge supporter of you guys. My vine: @peerless My Facebook: Jonathan McCreight My Instagram is peerless204 But I do most of my inane ramblings on twitter @1withoutequal. People should also check out https://www.facebook.com/events/403179536465198/ to stay up date with the kotd event and lastly my battles with Kenny G and Script One respectively. http://youtu.be/JPL7iVaSvAE http://youtu.be/6ympCxbUSWo WPGHipHop: Thanks Peerless! We're looking forward to your big battle at KOTD! Thanks for the interview and for being one of the people keeping hip hop alive in Winnipeg.

WPGHipHop is New to Tumblr!

Welcome to WPGHipHop's blog! We plan on using this as a hub for any longer posts we feel we have to make in the future regarding the Hip Hop scene in Winnipeg. We're limited to Twitters (@WPGHipHop) 140 character limit at the moment and we plan on posting text based interviews along with videos and photos in the near future. All of which Twitter can't really help us out with. So expect to see some cool interviews with artists from this city. If you're an artist and you'd like to be interviewed please email us at [email protected] and we'll work out the details! If you're just a fan tuning in, head over to the FB page (www.facebook.com/wpghiphop) click like, and send us a message! Or just leave a comment on our blog. We'd love to hear from you! Thank you! The WPGHipHop Team

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