12 Mar Tech N9ne on indie success: “Majors would have to offer a lot for our blood, sweat and tears”
Independence is something highly celebrated by many in the music industry today. While independent labels have been around for years and years, it wasn’t until the decline in music sales that indie labels then became the best way to get your music heard.
In hip-hop, labels such as Amalgam Digital and Koch, now known as E1 Entertainment, are two of the biggest names in the indie market, and then there was of course Rawkus Records once upon a time, who introduced the world to acts such as Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and a certain white boy by the name of Eminem.
There’s one label name missing though; and while they might not be a household name quite yet they are in fact one of the most successful indie labels on the planet; Strange Music.
With partner Travis O’Guin, Kansas City rhymer Tech N9ne started Strange Music in 1999. Since its launch the label has had big successes in the form of multiple album releases, sold out tours, and one of the biggest selections of music merchandise any label has to offer.
Taking time out from his busy European tour schedule, Tech N9ne sat down with Soul Culture at his first ever UK show to discuss independent sales, Kendrick Lamar, and battling with his dark side.
12 Mar Freedom Of Speech: Turk talks Prison, Lil’ Wayne & Hot Boys Reunion
While it was Akon who famously sang, “I’m locked up/ They won’t let me out,” his miniature stint in the pen is nothing in comparison to many other sentences handed out in the hip-hop community. With bigger incarcerations coming in the form of Chi-Ali, who has just come home after a 12-year bid for manslaughter; and ex-Bad Boy rapper Shyne, who was released in 2009 after serving a nine-year sentence for attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment; it seems as if jail time and hip-hop, at times, go hand in hand.
Enter Tab Virgil, Jr., better known by his stage name Turk.
A Cash Money Records ex-signee, the New Orleans rhymer was a member of the highly successful group the Hot Boys. Alongside Lil’ Wayne, B.G. and Juvenile, with Baby aka Birdman, Slim, and Mannie Fresh overseeing things, Turk and the crew quite literally took over the airwaves between the years of 1998 and 2002. Selling records in their millions as a label, Turk’s only solo effort with Cash Money came in the form of the Gold selling 2001 release Young & Thuggin’.
After leaving the label disputing financial differences, Turk’s world would evidently be turned upside down in 2005 when he was convicted on federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a fugitive from justice in possession of a firearm, and an unlawful user addicted to a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. With all of these charges stemming from the shooting of a police officer early 2004, it was obvious that Turk was in hot water and there was no way of cooling it down.
Serving his time whilst also releasing a few albums in the process, Turk was finally released in October 2012 and Soul Culture were granted some time with the unsung Hot Boy.
21 Nov Bridging The Rhythmic Gap: Tinashe talks Stage, Stunners & Reverie
Childhood stardom is not the easiest thing to deal with. The combination of unorthodox working hours, constant travel itineraries, and also the lack of connection with others of the same age, can all prove too much for those not built for an industry absorbed in high demand. While the likes of Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber have done well to not fall victim to the pressures of the modern day celebrity lifestyle, there are those who have not been as fortunate. However Tinashe Kachingwe is cut from a different type of cloth.
05 Nov Ne-Yo talks bringing substance to Dance music, storytelling & Country
On his recent trip to London ahead of the release of hisnew album, R.E.D., Arkansas born Grammy winning R&B star Ne-Yo sat down with SoulCulture TV to discuss his views on bringing soul and substance to Dance music, his appreciation for Country music and storytelling, and experiencing unconditional love in a new way through fatherhood.
04 Nov Pharrell discusses new book ‘Places and Spaces I’ve Been’ [Video]
In this candid video, Pharrell Williams discusses the inspiration behind his new book project Places and Spaces I've Been, while we watch him attend his first book signing at Marc Jacobs' BOOK MARC store in Los Angeles.
31 Oct Turbulent Times: Machine Gun Kelly talks ‘Lace Up’ mantra, the art of Raging, Diddy’s antics
Remember that kid you picked on for not having the latest kicks? Or the one you made fun of for having problems at home? How about the one you beat up in the gym just because? Well that guy is now the most popular kid in school, and he goes by the name of Machine Gun Kelly.
Growing up was never easy for the Cleveland city native. Sleeping on other peoples couches, seeing close friends go to prison for life and witnessing family members just disappear became a regular occurrence. However, that’s all changed now after some seriously hard grafting, which in turn lead to him securing a record deal with, a man who knows a little thing or two about the music industry, Diddy.
30 Oct M.I.A. releases autobiographical creative book | Art+Design
M.I.A. has always been known not only for her musical abilities but for also being super creative, and has been one of very few people to push artistic boundaries with all her visuals whether it be with her clothing style or videos - so it comes as a no-brainer that she would put her thoughts and visions down on paper for a new book.
The two-time Grammy nominated London born artist has now put together collages, photos and prints dating from her more recent inspirations whilst touring and all the way back to her time as a student at Central Saint Martin's art and design college in London; including artwork and also assorted lyrics along with portions of an exclusive interview from the normally private M.I.A., who candidly discusses personal events and themes that have influenced her art and music throughout her journey.
Available in hardcover with a foreword by Steve Loveridge, M.I.A's artschool friend and creative collaborator, you can now purchase her self-titled book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Watch an accompanying video below.
14 Oct Skyzoo talks A Dream Deferred, humility and Bad Boy fanaticism
There are not too many artists who can say that they’re looked upon as family by 9th Wonder, had regular phone conversations with the late great J Dilla, and watched Jay-Z literally open doors for them. The aforementioned do however apply to Brooklyn spitter Skyzoo.
Taking the time to sit down with SoulCulture whilst on a brief trip to the UK, it’s apparent that Gregory Skyler Taylor, as the government knows him, is as good a hip-hop aficionado as any. With his new project A Dream Deferred just released, Skyzoo explains how he came to learn about song structures, which came in handy for the Brooklynite being that he’s now had a Billboard charting album - 2009’s The Salvation.
24 Sep JoJo talks label politics + a new direction; “I was told it wasn’t ok to like the music I liked”
For those living in a bubble, or those who just enjoy staying ignorant, the record industry can be a cold and unkind place to reside at the best of times. The dog eat dog mentality has seen some of the most promising careers fall by the wayside.
However, there are those who continue to fight the power, ride it out, and make the best of a bad situation. Sitting down with SoulCulture, Joanna Noelle Blagden Lavesque, better known as pop starlet JoJo, is one of said people.
Starting her musical journey at the age of 12, signing with Blackground Records - made famous by the likes of Aaliyah and Timbaland, her self-titled debut album was released back in 2004. Selling millions of records worldwide, JoJo went on to become a pretty big deal.
The thing is, her last official release was 2006’s The High Road.