John Public (Loud.com) interview with DJ Quik | talks Dr. Dre’s Detox and Snoop working with Dre again
October 29, 2008
Always been a Quik fan, since the days of Jus Lyke Compton (the first single i ever bought, well my pops bought it and erased the explicit side, good ol scotch tape over the square at the top). Here he is talking about Dre’s Detox to Snoop working with Dre again. Also talks about working with Pac and Talib.
Part 2:
15 Questions with TreaZon
October 8, 2008
Fresh here, and i recently got to ask TreaZon 15 quick questions, to get a glimpse into the mind from the kid from Cleavland. With two mixtapes under his belt, one, Breathe Life on ‘Em hosted by Mick Boogie and two, Re-Introduction hosted by Cannon, i figured id better catch him now while he has the time.
15 Questions With TreaZon:
TCJ: So, Who are you? Introduce yourself to the people who dont know:
TreaZon: I go by the name of TreaZon. I’m 18 years of age(gonna be 19 in Nov.) and from Cleveland, Ohio. I’m labeled as a “conscious” rapper by most. I’d basically describe myself as a young man trying to make a living with his art.
TCJ: Shakespeare posed the question in Romeo and Juliet “what’s in a name?…” Why the name TreaZon?:
TreaZon: Well, my uncle came up with the name for me when I was about 14 years old. I was going by the name of Ace at that time, and he realized before I did that a name like that is very cliche and overused. Back then, my music was very political and I had a lot of talk about government so he decided I should use TreaZon. I liked the name and its stuck with me ever since.
TCJ: How has growing up in Cleveland affected your music?:
TreaZon: Its definitely been a gift and a curse. Its a gift simply because not a lot of hip-hop is coming out of Cleveland these days(although, I will say more and more has been coming up lately). That gives me an advantage because I can be one of the only artists coming up out of here and it gives me less competition out of my own city. Its a curse, though, because Cleveland is one of those cities that doesn’t support each other. Just to be frank, Cleveland rapper’s don’t support one another. Its a sad thing when you see the hate within the music scene. I believe if we banded together, we could make a much bigger impact on the hip-hop world. 
Honestly, I don’t see that happening very soon.
TCJ: Was or has it been easy gaining support from the people in your area?
TreaZon: It was definitely easy in some aspects. People around here don’t rap on the same topics I do, its more of the “mainstream” type of hip-hop, so when they see someone like myself, its fresh. Of course, there are haters and whatever, but that goes with any city you live in. I remember when I used to go to these battles they have every year called City Xpressionz, people would be amazed at how good I was at such a young age. I lost to this guy Suave Gotti two years in a row, he’s like a veteran out here. However, the fact that I could even keep up with him and beat the others in the tournament had people opening their eyes to me. Cleveland focuses more on mainstream hip-hop, but theres a cult following of underground hip-hop as well.
TCJ: Why rap? what made you want to pick up a pen and pad, and later on a mic?
TreaZon: Rap has always been something I was deeply into. It’s always been my favorite genre of music. I used to rap as a kid, but never anything serious, more so as a joke. As I grew older, my uncle started sending me more and more classic albums to broaden my horizons. He knew I was going to rap, so he figured I need to get my history up. I never took it serious, though. One day he sent Nas’ Illmatic to me, and it honestly changed my life. I remember listening to it and just being blown away. It made me into the artist I am today. I started listening to more and more Nas and other artists like Lupe Fiasco, Blu, Digable Planets, etc., and decided this is what I’m destined for. My skills increased over the years, and the rest is history.
TCJ: Who were some of you influences and why?
TreaZon: My biggest influence is Nas, definitely. I think if it wasn’t for his music, I’d be a totally different artist. Lupe Fiasco is a big influence to me, I think he’s the best spitting right now. Theres a giant list, I’ll just name Eminem, Drake, Digable Planets, Blu, AZ, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and much more. I’d be answering this question all day if I didn’t end it here, haha.
TCJ: For the love if it? or for the money?
TreaZon: Definitely for the love of it. I love the art form and everything about hip-hop. But don’t get me wrong, if its going to help me pay my bills, I’m not mad, either.
TCJ: They say that lyrics dont sell records. Do you agree? and if so how do you plan on succeeding (being a lyracist) in a game repleat with dumbed down lyrics and the same old sound?
TreaZon: I agree, lyrics don’t sell records, at least not anymore. The game has changed so much since I was growing up, its become a whole different field, almost. Nowadays, the artist is what sells the records. You have to marketable. Swag, style, appeal, all of these are key components to whats going to sell these days. Look at Lupe for example, Superstar is FAR from a dumbed down song. Yet, he went gold with The Cool. Its about style nowadays, you don’t have to 100 percent sell out to sell records, its about finding the right formula. Me, personally, I try to be versatile. I try to give the audience what they wanna hear. One track may be a story joint, then I’ll switch into something commercialized, then maybe a super lyrical track. Its about versatility, and the marketability of the artist.
TCJ: Everyone has a message, regardless of if its meant, what is your message?
TreaZon: I have too many, haha. I wouldn’t really say I have one paticular message, I kind of live for the moment when it comes to music. If Sean Bell’s shooting is the main topic right now, thats what I’m going to write about. I try to have a message with every project I do, however.
TCJ: Growning up in the HipHop era, do you find any influence, or inspiration any other genre?
TreaZon: I’m real old school, so I have a huge influence from throwback R&B music. I enjoy all of R&B from like the 60’s to the early 90’s. I can really get into any music as long as its ill. I’ve found myself getting into a lot of weird music, some Japanese stuff from animes and all kind of stuff like that. Of course, hip-hop is my main thing but I can get into just about anything. I’ve been influenced by all genres at least once.
TCJ: Find inspiration in any other aspects of life?
TreaZon: Absolutely. I’m a abysmal kind of guy, I can find inspiration by just looking up at the sky sometimes. You can really see it in my music, too. I get inspired by life in itself, I can’t just sit down and write something for the hell of it. I need something to inspire me, something that makes me feel..indifferent. Its a weird thing, but I can get influence by all the elements of life.
TCJ: Being that you grew up fast, and had a hard life as a youth, when the money starts rolling in, whats the first thing you’re gonna buy/do?
TreaZon: Haha, good question. I’m not really a heavy spender like that, but I’m looking forward to spending a lot of money on my family. I think they deserve it like crazy. I wanna just have the money to get by, I don’t really need a fancy house or any of that. I wouldn’t mind it, though, haha. Me and my manager Mint will probably invest into some long term things such as real estate and other ventures. It’ll be a great thing.
TCJ: What can we expect from TreaZon in the near future?
TreaZon: If things go how I want them to, you can definitely get my mixtape The Re-Introduction hosted by DJ 
Don Cannon on Oct. 14th. After that, I’m working on a EP with my man Fate L and 2FR(boomboxunion.com) called The Link To The Future, so definitely look out for that. Me and Mint are looking to get DJ Drama to host my next mixtape which we’re looking to get out here by the beginning of ‘09. We’re grinding! You can catch me on my man D-Man’s(myspace.com/dmansmusicpage) mixtape Diction coming in Nov, and you can catch me featured on Nero’s(myspace.com/nerolovesyou) compilation The Roses Of War also in Nov. Theres some other things that aren’t 100 percent worked out yet but I have a lot instore. People are going to see a lot of me in the next few months.
TCJ: If you had it your way, how would your career go? From start to finish, what do you want to see happen? (you gotta visualize what you want, have to see what you want and make it happen)
TreaZon: Well, for starters, I’d like to sign a good record deal. I think thats every artist’s dream at first, and its been mine forever. I want my first album to be a classic, something that really opens eyes. I can’t wait to go on some tours with all my people, do some projects with my partners in crime and live the life. I’m not really looking to do anything spectacular, I can live with having a career parallel to Lupe Fiasco’s or even a underground artist who’s making it happen for himself. In the end, I just need enough capitol to get by and enough fans to keep me motivated. Its all about the music, as long as I can make it, I’m good.
TCJ: Any last words?
TreaZon: Big shout out to the whole 45, you know who you are. Mint, we doin’ it! Lets get it crackin’ for ‘09. Shouts to the whole Genzu Nation. Threatz, what up? Big shout to T Slack, I appreciate your help fam. To anyone reading this, definitely look out for The Re-Introduction on October 14th, and look out for The Link To Past EP. Cleveland, STAND UP! 45 ’til infinity.
Glasses Malone | Interview With Dj Envy: “Dr Dre is 44. He’s Not Helping Westcoast New Artists” | Plus Freestyle
October 3, 2008
Glad Glasses said it, that way i dont have to. Dre hasnt reached out to new artists in a long time. Bishop is a “new artist” per se, but really he aint new to this, he’s been around Dre for years. But i was shocked at DJ Envy saying The West Coast doesnt usally have lyricists. WRONG! open your ears envy…. sad to say hiphop doesnt keep an ear to the streets anymore…
Glasses Malone - DJ Envy Interview (Video)
Can you spare a Moment? | TCJ speaks with Aubrey “Drake” Graham
August 13, 2008
As always, TCJ is screaming about some kid named Drake. And the only reason you’re sitting here reading this is ‘cuz’ you either A) know nothing about the kid, but, you are interested in finding out who he is (which is commendable, you’re not a TOTAL loser) or B) You heard of him, and you too have been infected with Drake fever. No lie, i haven’t seen a comment left at any site, any blog that said the kid wasn’t hot. Soon enough tho, the haters will come. They’re pacing themselves im sure, because they know, like i know, that he’s gonna be around for a while. Lace you boots haters, gonna be a long run…
Some may have only heard the name, some may have seen the face, others may be up on their game and know that Mr. Aubrey Graham is both actor and rapper. Known as Drake (his middle name) to the rap world, Mr. Graham has been in the entertainment industry for a while. Before you heard him on your radio, you saw him on your TV, as Jimmy Brooks, or Wheelchair Jimmy as Drake calls him (“Where’s wheel chair jimmy at// On my chris brown shit im still here gimme that//…”) on the TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation. Wonder how he juggles the two and stays relevant? Well check the interview out. Want more info google him, or better yet try Wikipedia. He said it himself
“I am Jeopardy asked, Wikipedia known//
I am AA driven and expedia flown//
Stop jockin’ my style you in need of your own// man…”
A Quick interview with Drake:
TCJ: You collaborated with Trey songs on more than a couple occasions. How did you two come together in doing music?
–We met through my manager T Slack and we just seemed to hit it off real well once we met so we were instantly friends and the rest is history.
TCJ: You have done r&b and rap, of the two which one is your passion?
–Hip hop is definitely where my heart is.
TCJ: How long have you been rapping? Are you a rapper who acts or an actor who happens to rap?
–I’ve been rapping since I was real little. It was just kind of natural for me to play around with music. That’s a tough question. I’d have to mix them up and call myself a raptor because it mixes both of them together. I can’t just be one or the other because it’s like flipping on a light switch.
There are two different sides of me and they happen to be Aubrey Graham the actor and Drake the rapper. I love both sides.
TCJ: Most people know you as an actor do you feel that this will cause you to get overlooked as an MC?
–No, that’s one reason I go by Drake instead of Aubrey Graham so people won’t have any prejudgments. For the most part it makes people curious about what I can do.
TCJ: The transition from Acting to Rap, was this a smooth transition? Was it easier make the jump into the music industry from the Entertainment Industry than your initial entry into acting?
–It wasn’t any easier. It was a new avenue and anyone trying to start something new has difficulty. I wouldn’t trade it for anything though because it helps build respect for my craft.
TCJ: How has the rap world received you having been an actor first? Has the role of “wheelchair jimmy” helped or hindered you in any way in a music genre based on “street cred?”
–I’d say to say again it goes back to Drake verus Aubrey. Once they find out I’m also Aubrey Graham they’ve already heard what Drake has to offer and therefore they can’t throw something out the window they like already.
TCJ: You have made quite an impact in the mixtape scene with “Comeback Season”, Do you feel it will be hard to follow up such a great mixtape or even better coming out with a hotter 
album?
–I don’t think so. I think the mixtapes are there to keep me on my toes and keep me coming at things from a fresh angle. The new material I’m working on is pretty damn good in my book and I know the fans will like it.
TCJ: Do you plan on signing with a major label or will you keep ATF strictly independent?
–I do plan to sign with a major label but I’ll still keep ATF because it’s where my roots are and it’s a movement.
TCJ: You mentioned in your mixtape you were approached by Rocafella twice.
Tell the readers a little bit about that and also why didn’t that deal happen?
–It just wasn’t the right deal for me at the time. I don’t want to sign on the dotted line just to say I’m signed. I would rather wait for the right deal for me at the right time and it has nothing to do with holding out for more money.
TCJ: Who were some of the MC’s that influenced you growing up?
–I read a lot of Tupac’s poetry and I listened to a lot of Biggie.
TCJ: You got a real smooth arrogant flow, who influenced your style?
–I’ve been influenced from my father, my uncle, Al Green, Frank Sinatra, Pharrell, Kanye, and Jay-Z. I’ve also been influenced from my surroundings, life experiences and course the South.
TCJ: What do you feel about the current state of hip hop? Where do you fit into all of that?
–I think Hip Hop has changed dramatically from Hip Hop back in the day. The beats are catchy but sometimes it’s not really saying a lot musically. I’m here to breathe new life into Hip Hop and give the world a fresh perspective straight from T. Dot.
TCJ: Who in the rap game do you most want to do work with that you have not gotten a chance to work with?
–Pharrell, N.E.R.D. and Kanye
TCJ: What message do you want fans to get from your music?
–They should know there is nothing wrong with being a little different than the mainstream. In life you have to be true to yourself because if your not than you’re not going to be happy.
To keep up with Drake check out:
ALLTHINGS-FRESH.NET - all things Drake
Getting Up Close and Personal with Klazziq
August 13, 2008
They say you are what you eat. Music is food for thought and if you grow up listening to legendary Hip Hop such as N.W.A, Too Short, LL Cool J, and Jay Z just to name a few like Mack Jefferson did growing up then its easy to come up with a rap name. Klazziq! Yeah it is not exactly spelled (Classic) like it would be in the dictionary but I think you get the point. Klazziq is a hot up and coming hip hop artist originally from New Orleans who moved to Long Beach California before his teenage years began. After paying his dues on the West Coast underground scene he is now ready to introduce his self to the world and get Up Close and Personal.
Before we break into the interview | DOWNLOAD his newest release Entitled Up Close and Personal
TheConcreteJournal.com recently had a chance to catch up with him and talk about his background and his newly released album. Check out our conversation.
TCJ: Thanks for having us for this interview. Introduce yourself to the people and give us a little background behind your name “Klazziq” and how that became your rap name?
KLAZZIQ: My Uncle Etreeze came up with the name. I originally wanted to just go by my real name but Mack10 had that on lock already. So he came up with Klazziq and I just ran with it.
TCJ: For the readers who may not know, what city and area are you from?
KLAZZIQ: I’m a traveling man I was born and raised in New Orleans Louisiana but moms and pops moved to Long Beach California in the early 90’s I spent sometime in OC(Orange County California) area too.
TCJ: Who were your musical influences that made you want to get in to rap?
And who do you listen to today?
KLAZZIQ: The cats that made me wanna rap was Tribe Called Quest, the first LP I ever bought was “Walkin With A Panther” by LL Cool J, Too Short, NWA, and The Dogg Pound.
If you were to check my Ipod you’d find some Bishop Lamont, Black Milk, Phat Kat, Slum Village, Elzhi, G Malone. I listen to all quality music.
TCJ: Being from the West Coast alot of the rappers out here do not get a chance unless they make “gangsta rap”, Do you see yourself as that type of rapper? If not what type of rapper do you view yourself as? Is it harder to make it on the West Coast if you are not a gangster rapper?
KLAZZIQ: As an artist I try to write songs that every man and woman can feel but I’d be lying if I said I’m not a product of where I’m from, anyone who has spent any time on the west already knows the business. Of course its harder, its hard to break into the industry period but you get what you put in, so if you put in the work your time will come.
TCJ: Tell me about your camp, DS aka Dank Squad? Who does it consist of and how it came about?
Klazziq: DS as a crew came together around 97′ out of love for hip hop and natures finest if know what i mean. DS recordings consist of myself(Klazziq) Dahliam, and Mike James, we also have a promising artist by the name of Sameo out of Watts. He’s about to start working on his street album in the next month or so . He should be ready to go by early 09′
TCJ: So your album is called “Up Close and Personal”, tell us about the title of the album and also the content of the album?
KLAZZIQ: This project basically deals with the last 5 yrs of my life and all trials and tribulations I had to go through not just music, I focused on everyday life situations not just your typical street bangers or club anthems.
TCJ: Who are some of the people who worked on this project with you?
KLAZZIQ: My DS brethren Dahliam handle majority of my project (18 TRACKS).
Also a hot production team out of Ingelwood, CA called “The Foundation”.
My man J-Yune most definitely did his thing (ABRONXTALE/SOULSTAR), and the lovely Ca’laura (70’s THANG / HELLO).
TCJ: Are you looking for a major deal or do you plan to stay independent?
Klazziq: The goal is to stay independent, but like the Great Ray Charles said, “There’s nothing wrong with talking to a major if the right deal is offered”. Plus I want to have creative control. I don’t want a major telling me you need to be like this person or that person. Creative control and owning your masters are very important.
TCJ: Since Up Close and Personal is now available, besides theconcretejournal.com where can your fans get the album?
KLAZZIQ: myspace.com/klazziq or myspace.com/klazziqmc, datpiff.com and if you see me on the street hit me up and I’ll slide you one.
TCJ: So what’s next for you as far as music? Any shows, appearances, or any other events we can expect you to be a part of?
KLAZZIQ: Right now my main focus is building a fan base , I’ve already started recording for my new LP “Man Vs Self Vol 2″, also be on the look out for “Bofa Vol 2.” Me and Dahliam bout to make it happen again be on the look out for his solo project also.
I’m going to be hittin the streets hard with this project. No buzz no show!
TCJ: When it is all said and done what do you want to accomplish with your rap career? What message do you want portrayed?
KLAZZIQ: I want to leave behind a body of work that can be classified
as timeless music, music that anybody could relate to .
TCJ: Finally is there any shot outs or last words you want to leave us with? Here is your free forum to say whatever you like.
KlAZZIQ: Support West Coast Hip- Hop!!!!!. I dedicate my album to my father MACK JEFFERSON JR. 12/10/1938- 5/27/08 rest in peace.
To all those who supported me thanks for the love and to those who doubted me thanks for the motivation. Upclose and Personal Available now!!!!!!!
TheConcreteJournal.com will like to thank Klazziq for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this interview. Thank You!
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