Reading Glasses
December 20, 2007
With so many one hit wonders controlling the music charts as well as the airwaves, consumers are thirsty for a new sound. I’m claiming the year 2008 as the year of West Coast artist to show everyone how REAL music should have been done. I elect Glasses (G.) Malone for president. G Malone offers a refreshing raspy tone to your eardrums. Hailing from Watts California, Glasses is ready to bring the West Coast back into the lime light. With the love from the streets backing him as well as fans, G Malone is a force to be reckoned with.
With a story similar to that of many growing up in “Urban America”, that includes gang affiliations, and pushing weight, Glasses turned a negative situation into a positive one and acted on a passion for rapping. Coming from the streets gave G Malone that cut throat edge that most lack in the industry. Glasses ignited the mix tape scene with his mix tape “White Lightin” moving 30,000 copies creating an overkill of buzz in the streets and music executives alike.
G Malone’s sound can be described as coming from a regular standpoint and not “extraed out” like your average Joe. Signing with Sony in 2005, Glasses added yet another alias as Mr. $1.7 million, and unexpectedly turned down offers from many Major Labels. In the process of this, G Malone is building his own empire with his Blu Division Label.
Growing up, Glasses was influenced by many genres. Not your typical West Coaster that lists Tupac as his top choice rapper, Malone’s favorites range from West Coast veterans Ice Cube, and Mack 10 , to rock artist Creed, and old school favorite Minnie Rippelton. “This industry lacks a lot of variety, it’s not mental anymore”.
It’s a typical sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, and I’m waiting on a call from Glasses Malone. Once the call is received the surprisingly comedic rapper and I discussed everything from street racing, the state of Hip Hop, and even his aspirations of becoming a rapper turned DJ/ movie director.
His album, “Beach Cruiser,” is slated for an early 2008 release under Universal/Cash Money/Hoo-Bangin’/Blu Division. Receiving more than six spins daily, with his hit single featuring Akon, on Los Angeles’ popular radio station Power 106 FM, Glasses is proving that everything that he touches is “Certified”.
MD: Glasses…Where did that name come from?
Glasses: My neighborhood name was Glasses Loc, and I wore glasses so it just stuck. My OG homie added the Malone too.
MD: Do you feel it is your duty to bring the West Coast back?
Glasses: I mean… I feel The Game brought the West Coast back and continues to keep it going. I’m going to keep it going. This industry lacks a lot of variety, it’s not mental anymore.
MD: What can be expected on the Beach Cruiser album?
Glasses: Its good music and a great album concept. It’s like a movie in a sense, plays, scores, and skits. It’s refreshing. The features fit the story line. It’s a different story. It’s a personal and real stand point, and it’s not extruded out like your average Joe. You know a beach cruiser is a West Coast thing. It represents the West Coast. You know it’s slow and steady; a classic .That’s how I want my music to be….classic.
MD: Who can be expected on the album?
Glasses: Wyclef, Akon, Lupe Fiasco, Tyrese, Mack 10, and Lil’ Wayne…
What are some of the artist that you listen to today? Is Tupac high on your list?
Glasses: Just because I’m from the West Coast doesn’t mean Tupac is my favorite rapper, but “Shed so many tears” was one my favorite song. I like 50 cent, Jay-Z, Ice Cube, Mack 10, Creed, Mini Rippelton, Latoya Williams, and Scarface.
MD: What’s your take on the recent T.I. situation?
Glasses: That’s not a good look and I’m gonna pray for him. T.I.’s a regular dude and you’re gonna be who you are regardless of your money. You are who you are no matter what. A lot of people forget that.
MD: What is your position on the Hip Hop slander with the use of Bitch, Hoe, Ni**a etc..?
Glasses: A lot of these black leaders are House Ni**as. Oprah, Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson. You never fight family in front of outsiders. They made a big deal out of nothing. Only God can judge sin. That word is not in the Bible. We flipped everything and make the best of it. We changed the meaning of that word. That’s how we expressed ourselves to each other.
MD: What can you be caught doing outside of music?
Glasses: Street Racing. I’m a street racer. A lot of people don’t know that. It kept me out of a lot of trouble. There will be a DVD coming out about that side of what I do.
Is there anything that you plan on doing outside of music?
Glasses: I want to do some directing. I want to be a rapper turned DJ. I always wanted to DJ. I also want to movie produce.
MD: Do you feel any pressure to be a role model? And what are you doing for the people in your community?
Glasses: Anytime you’re in the public eye you are a role model for the next generation. Do what you want, don’t mind being you. I don’t drink or smoke so that’s a good image to have for the youth. I scored a 1320 on my SAT’s and I want kids to know it’s cool to be smart. I give back by taking 5th graders in Watts to Magic Mountain. I feel that’s the best age to reach them. More people with power need to give back. People doing music now don’t think people understand it’s all fictional.
MD: Finnish this sentence…In the next five years ____________.
Glasses: It will be the year 2012.
MD: (laughing) Come on now, you know what I mean!!
Glasses: I will be on my fourth album and last solo album. And I’m trying to sing like Teddy Pendergrass, Luther and the Commodores… 30 years from now.
Feel the Breeze
December 18, 2007
Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Keith Everage Jr. aka K-Breeze, has been rapping since the age of seven when his mother gave him her old boom box that could record voice and music at the same time. In elementary he performed at some of the events at school. Then at age 10, he joined a neighborhood friend and started a rap duo ST & K. K-Breeze performed with his rap partner at various talent shows until the two decided to branch out and go solo. Since then, K-Breeze performed at various talent shows and started the movement SDL (Sky’s Da Limit) Ent.
At the age of 18 and owner of SDL, K-Breeze created many mix tapes where he recorded, engineered and produced while toning his craft. His music is inspired by different personal experiences and events that he has witnessed in his neighborhood and society. Now, at a point where he works with many different R&B and rap artists as a writer, arranger, and performer he is ready to elevate his status on the music scene. “Sky’s got to be the limit is the motto I live by, so when I’m going through any tough times I keep my head elevated,” K-Breeze. You can feel the soul in his music as he proves his greatest strength to be diverse. Now with his street album “Chasin’ Wisdom” which was released in March of 2007 doing so well in the independent scene, K-Breeze is continuing to work extremely hard to elevate his music. “Sky’s Da Limit so keep reaching,” K-Breeze.
KBreeze - Sleepin Alone Remix
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K- Breeze ft/ Fresh -This Bright
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What made you want to rap/sing?
I got my inspiration to make music from growing up on oldies that my mother would always play. From there, the music was always apart of me. I could just feel it.
Musical influences growing up?
My musical influences growing up were Mary J, 2pac, Biggie, Snoop, Marvin Gaye and Jay-Z to name a few.
If you were not in this biz. What would u b doing w your life??
I would be a professional basketball player.
If you could remake any song…what would it be??
I always wished I could have been on “What We Do” by Freeway, Jay-Z, and Beans
Dream collaboration??
My dream collaboration would have to be with Snoop, Jay-Z, and Mary J. Sounds good, wouldn’t you agree?
Is hip hop dead or on life support?
Neither, it is alive and will NEVER EVER die!
Do you feel pressure to be a role model??
Actually I do not, I just try to be myself at all times, and I believe people will respect that in itself. I also tell people that “Sky’s Da Limit” for everybody! Believe Dat!
Do you feel today’s youth is influenced by what they hear in songs??
Yes I do, music will always influence what the youth does, as does any other form of media. That’s why when people blame hip-hop for the way kids act. It sounds ridiculous because they see violence on tv, the internet, films etc.
5 favorite songs/albums of all time???
SONGS– Temptations- Poppa Was a Rolling stone, Jay-Z- Song Cry, 2pac- Keep ya head up, Biggie- Juicy, Snoop & Dre- Nuthn but a G thang
ALBUMS—Jay-Z–American Gangster, 2pac–2 Pac Greatest Hits, Lauryn Hill– Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre– The Chronic 2001, Scarface–The Fix
What’s your method of staying grounded in this biz??
I believe staying humble is the biggest key, as well as remembering that hard work is always needed to become and remain successful.
Most valuable lesson learned since you been in the game???
The biggest lesson I learned is that you have to work and listen to others in order to get bigger and better in the biz.
How did you get in the game??
I first started doing talent shows in elementary school and from there it blossomed.
Anyone you feel that doesn’t belong??
The fake.
Why should people want to hear what you have to say??
Because it is real heart felt music, different than most.
Opinion on T.I’s situation??
I wish him nothing but the best, he is at the peak of his career so I hope everything clears up for him.
Do you plan on venturing into other outlets (acting, clothing, etc)???
Yea, the movement is currently fully moving, I have a partnership with Familia Clothing with my “Feel The Breeze” mens and women line that has been doing extremely well. Also Blow Clothing Collection holds me down as one of my sponsors. It’s a beautiful thing!
How did you know you wanted to sing/rap??
The music always just came to me, I love all forms of music and I always knew it had a special place for me.
How do you juggle business and personal life???
I juggle them easily, I just have to keep everything organized properly.
If there were a movie about your life..who would you want to play the role of you?? and why??
I would want to play myself so people could get to know the real me. All of the emotion would be genuine.
What songs/artist are in your Ipod/cd player???
K-Breeze “Chasin’ Wisdom”, is in there, Jay-Z “ American Gangster” is in it, Freeway “Free at Last”, Fresh, Rullet, Yung Walt are in it just to name a few.
Anything else you would like to add?
Did I mention that The Movement is moving and we call it “Sky’s Da Limit”, Shouts out to BIM, RED, THA GIFT, DA FAM, and all my supporters.
When Gangstas Could Sing?
December 12, 2007
Remember DRS (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)? The Sac-town bred Rnb-Gangstas responsible for the song “Gangsta Lean?” This is our tribute to singing gangstas.
Gangsta Lean - DRS
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