Detroit Underground Scene

“Swearing is an art form. You can express yourself much more directly, much more exactly, much more succinctly, with properly used curse words.” Coleman Young

Most remarkable persons who impacted black history teach us great lessons of courage and determination. It is particularly because, despite the many obstacles they faced, they knew how to seize the opportunities and to use their numerous disadvantages to their greatest advantage. Coleman Young was Detroit’s first black Mayor. He is famous for fighting injustice and innovating black policies.
Like Coleman Young did in the past with Detroit’s black community, Dogmatic endorses this reassembling role of the Detroit hip hop community, reflecting the 313 in his music , like the true ghetto soldier he is.

Starting on a melodic, nostalgic yet rhythmic sounding musical introduction, Dogmatic will take you into his world with his Godfather track, representing his City with pride. You can’t stop Dogmatic’s unstoppable flow, his scurrilous and confident attitude. Hip Hop lovers will appreciate his strong delivery. “D Towners” can be proud of their representative who manages to draw a realistic picture of 8 Mile. Dogmatic, the “second half” of Promatic, never forgets to pay tribute to the true Mayor of Hip Hop. also know as Big Proof, his long term friend and collaborator.

In Turned Out, Dogmatic offers a very insightful reflection about the current state of hip hop. Appreciate the gifted emcee’s know how, his stormy flow delivery, his goal targetted punchlines on a rhythmic musical background. Get caught into Dogmatic’s word spiral, listen to his words, appreciate his raw honesty in exposing emcees.

Hopefully, you’ve become hungry for more. Dogmatic’s Like Coleman Young mixtape will be out soon. For more info check Dogmatic’s my space account.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive review of two brand new Dogmatic tracks…it will give you a foretaste of the Like Coleman Young upcoming Dogmatic mixtape:) stay tuned!

Global rating of the product:4.5 stars

If you ever asked yourself what Detroit underground emcee Journalist 103’s anagram K.R.A.M ment, it reveals the very intentions of its author: keeping rap alive movement. Unlike many young and unexperienced emcees who step up into the rap game with loads of arrogance, the excellent emcee Journalist 103 takes you back to the roots of rap music’s essence. The former Proof collaborator recalls that hip hop’s first struggle was political. The K.R.A.M mixtape features a good range of interesting Detroit talents such as R.I.P Big Proof, DJ Houseshoes, Miz Korona. A few tracks are produced by Sick Notes producer Essmann.

Soft harp sounds introduce the CD. It features Joey Loopz whose aim is to take you listeners to a higher level in which artistic honesty and a great sense of reality matter.
Vangard enlightens Majestic Legend’s talent on rhythmic instrumentals. Lyrical empire builder, the artist will truly amaze you with his skills who paints life in the hood with a lot of realness.

Learn the truth from Journalist 103 himself: past, present and future are an occidental concept. We gotta learn from history ( the past) to master present and future. Only those who have full control of their present will master past and future. All three elements are ONE. Only a good knowledge of rap music’s original meaning will prevent emcees from making the same mistakes. Understand its political fight and rebellious spirit and go for it!

One very valuable track is Writer’s Block in which lyrical bullets hit their targets and play the role of an eye openers. Journalist 103’s expertise in handling the track is remarkable. Words and instrumentals work together to harmonise a rapper’s harsh fight. I loved it!

You can call Reality Rap a classic already. Yes, real hip hop is all about reality- this is how it should always be.

Listen is another beautiful composition based on flute sounds and sharp lyrics. It captivates your ear with the intensity of the swirl and splash of sea water. Apex slams racist white politics and is a strong call for people to stand up for their own freedom.
ReIntro is a hot keyboard built track in which Journalist 103’s competence fully comes to shine. Keyboards and piano work together to create a sensation of discomfort. Open up your eyes and ears an listen to the emcee from th 313.

All Proof fans will recognize the melody of Proof’s Broken track that features Mu and RIP Proof. The production is handled by DJ Houseshoes and Jareed. Jam to the beat and enjoy the Detroit classic!

Endangered Love features the Laila Ali of rap aka Miz Korona. Soulful vocals are combined with a good manly duo.

Move recalls the dangerosity of the hood. With its scratches sounds, its knife alike vocals and lyrics, the track is truly a hip hop jewel.

Jihad Music puts you into Journalist 103’s muslim heat atmosphere. Pay an attentive ear to the emcee’s fighting spirit that is enhanced with a beautiful Nas sample.

Globally speaking, the K.R.A.M mixtape is a beautiful piece of work, that will take you back to the original roots of hip hop. It will also allow neophytes to get more insight about Detroit emcee’s know how. Journalist 103 and his collaborators’ hearts beat in unity to the sound of high quality hip hop.

For more info about Journalist 103, check him out here:

MySpace profile

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

If you are into Iron Fist artists, the name Purple Gang is certainly familiar to you. Today I have the great pleasure to interview 40 Flame whose word is definitely worth your interest. Have a look!

1.What motivated you to become an emcee?

Well..The actual Music at the time i started rapping is what motivated me….i LOVE street music…so round 02-03 u got rocafella,ruff ryders all making quality street music…so i started rapping in my neighborhood…memorizing 16s and spitting them just for fun..so thats what got me started…but the motivation came from my cousin i lived with…he was rapping…watching him write raps and going to the studio got me started to really rap..

2.What is the story behind your nickname?

My 1st rap name was T-FLAME..i got that threw the streets…round the time the hot boys was poppin…me and my boys used to break in cars and steal sounds and shit off that nature for a living…so 1 time i broke in a car by jumping threw the sunroof of a camaro (i think it was) to open the door..which was parked next to security booth…security guard was sleep…i did that and my boy said that was some hot shit….ya name T-Flame…T because my real name is Ty.Flame because i use to do HOT shit in the hood…
The 40 Add On Came From 1 day Me.Fame And Lofat Went To The Gun Range And I Shot The 40cal And My 1st Shot Was A bullseye..I said my new name is 40flame…

3.Describe your music within a few words…

Unique,Real,Creative,Picture Painting,Street,No Gimmicks

4.You knew Deshaun Holton aka Proof personally. Proof is the man behind the Iron Fist label. How was he as a friend, CEO, collaborator?

Proof as a Friend:He was just like one of the homies…he was good with cash and all that..but he act just like a normal nigga would..I could depend on him…he got me out jams a couple times..
Proof as a CEO: He was very hands on with every element of the label…music,radio,promotions anything he had his hand in it…

5.I heard from Rude of IF (I interviewed him a while ago) that there were beefs inside of the label opposing you and two other Purple Gang members…can you give us more insight about the beef that opposed you and Famous to First Borne and Killa Kaunn?

Basically Me and Fame didnt like the way things were being handled after proof passed…so we felt us leaving was the best for our careers…For as all the diss records and negative interviews…should have never happen…just it was such a touchy situation at the time..where it was more emotional actions instead of thought out actions….we took jabs killa threw at us…we threw jabs..diss records…basically because of misunderstandings maybe and outsiders in each party ear talking shit..but thats the past…wish everybody over there the best!!

6.How did you come up with the “ Skrilla Gorillas” concept?

Honestly i dont know who came up with it..me or famous….when we talk..we have are OWN slang….we make new words up on a daily…and come up with witty quotes….but i imagine round the time the skrilla gorillas show mixtape came about…the name was created….Skrilla Gorillas Is NOT the group name for Famous And FLame….its just a name that represents people we fuck with musically,street and whatever other avenue being used to get MONEY!!!

7.Which artist(s)-mainstream or underground have earned your respect on the Detroit scene and why?

Mainstream:Eminem,Royce,Obie Trice,Black Milk
Underground: Seven The General,Rock Bottom,Tone Tone

8.What is your personal outlook on the Detroit scene?

EVERYBODY SAY THIS… but its divided…its gonna stay this way..cuz its too many egos….I can honestly say i extend my hand to help others and collab..but that shit is never shown back..which is cool…im happy with doing songs by myself and with famous…until the divided shit comes to a cease…we will never grow as a city…simple as that..

9.Which artists have you collaborated with already?

Ive done songs with most of them…rather it was sending verse to dj young mase and he mixing the verses together…or actually sitting in the studio with them…i work with others that i respect…but im not big on features…always been like that…not being a asshole..but i think im just very selective on who i work it….gotta make sure they official…

10.Which artists you haven’t collaborated with yet would you envision collaboration with?

Only artist is probably Royce 5 9 and Guilty Simpson…i listen to they music…its dope…the streets would like that…

11.You have a new mixtape coming out soon…a few words about your upcoming work and what listeners should expect from you?

Yeah Directors Cut…Dropping September 11th…its me basically showing that ive grown into a real artist…people know i can do mixtape joints..hot punchline filled freestyles…but i really wanted to show i can make songs…concepts,hooks and try different flows…..also with this project i think it will help people understand me as a person..some artist try to paint a picture in the listeners mind on what they think they listerner would like instead of being themselves…im giving ya the real me…so u can expect an very nice piece of music put together by yours truly….i expect it to be one of the best mixtapes of the year NATIONALLY NOT JUST LOCAL…we shall see…lol

12.cAccording to you, what is your main strength as an artist?

I’m good at Concept songs…And I’m Very Creative….THE MIXTAPE WILL PROVE IT!!!

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www.skrillagorillas.com
www.myspace.com/tyfarris
www.twitter.com/tyfarris1

R.I.P BIG PROOF

FAMOUS AND FLAME!!!!!

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

You can also read my interview at Skrillagorillas.Com

Dear readers,
Today I am more than pleased to announce that a big name on the Detroit scene kindly accepted my interview. This excellent artist happens to be Barry Yett aka DJ Butter who is notorious for his numerous mixtapes and collaborations on the local scene. DJ Butter used to hang out with Eminem, Bizarre, Mr Porter and Proof back in the golden days of the Hip Hop Shop. Very dedicated to his hometown, DJ Butter is currently working on an important movie, the 7 Mile movie that depicts the Detroit scene as it is. Wanna know more? Listen to DJ Butter’s words!

1. DJ Butter, you are notorious on the Detroit scene and well known for your numerous mixtapes that include a lot of local collaborations. How did you get started in the hip hop business?

- I was making mixtapes in High School selling them to my friends. My cousin, Shon used to got to New York and bring me back mixtapes in the late 80’s. My late friend, Patrick got me started as a DJ for his group, Sudden Strength.

2. What is the story behind your nickname?

- I have a light skinned skin color and I thought DJ Butter was marketable.

3. Can you define yourself as an artist within a few words?

- Multi-Talented. I can do all the elements in Hip-Hop.

4. You were a personal friend to Marshall Mathers aka Eminem. How did you meet the talented artist?

-I used to see him at the Hip-Hop shop in the early 90’s all the time. We got to know each other closely by going to the How Can I Be Down? music summit in the late 90’s. It was me, Proof, Mark Hicks, Bizarre, Eminem and Paul Rosenberg all together trying to get seen and heard out in Miami. I used to see Eminem all the time, in the streets selling his cds, while I sold my mixtapes. I was one of the first dudes to put him on mixtapes and featured him in my magazine, FUNKFRESHINTHAFLESH

5. You were also befriended with Deshaun Holton aka Proof whose life was cut short in April 2006. It is really a great loss for the hip hop community as far as I am concerned. To what extent did his death affect you and the whole Detroit scene?

- Proof was the voice of our Hip-Hop culture here. We had our ups and downs, but I was glad to talk to him before his death.

6. Who have you collaborated with on the local scene?

- I worked with almost everyone into the Rap Scene here. Except Kid Rock. That’s my next goal. I recently just got from a month long tour with, Esham. He’s the main reason for Detroit’s Rap Scene.

7. What is your best memory in Detroit?

- The Hip-Hop Shop and the unity we had a St. Andrews before the radio station fucked it up. The days before our major deaths of our rap stars.

8. Besides the Detroit scene, which artists have you collaborated with already?

- I’ve worked with Reggae legend, Junior Reid, Dipset, Yukmouth and I threw a huge party with the legendary, E-40.

9. A few words about your upcoming 7 Mile movie?

- My film, 7 Mile is the before and after of Eminem’s 8 Mile film. I’m just giving the fans a documentary version by covering the Motown Era until our music scene in 2009. I’m just showing the world, why Detroit is the mecca of music and reminding folks that Michael Jackson made his first checks here and that J Dillla gave people like Kanye West and Pharell their swag and all the footage is from my cameras.

10. You are the CEO of Crazy Noise Productions. Can you tell us a little bit about your company?

- I started my label at the age of 15 and released 5 albums under my label.

11. What are your current/ upcoming musical projects for 2009/2010?

- I’m working on some original music with Slum Village’s DJ, Dez and getting set to drop a mix-tape with Proof’s former producer, Essman.

12. Which artist(s) earned your respect on the local scene and why?

- I got love for Black Milk and it’s real cool to see Royce Da 5′9 re- invent himself. I respect all the guys here.

13. What is the biggest challenge you faced as an artist?

- When Eminem and D12 went against me. I just never under stood how I can break bread with those guys before the big label deals and they couldn’t break bread back. They made me out to be the bad guy. I was supporting Denaun Porter’s music before he was making any rap money from Shady Records or any other platinum artists he deals with today. I paid those dudes to do songs for my label and they gave the tracks to Em’s label. Last time I talk to him, he said he was gonna be a better DJ than me. I was there from the earlier days, when Eminem wasn’t returning there calls. I always wanted the best for the Shady family and it’s always been some bullshit politics. I have a conversation with Denaun on the phone, that will wake a lot of people up and I just didn’t leak it. It’s a G-Unit radio on Shade 45 and not D-12 radio and that’s my point. But, I understood why Eminem waved a walked away on the 8 mile movie.

14. What is your personal outlook on the Detroit scene?

- Our Music scene is the shit. We just gotta stop killing each other and going against one another. It’s crazy to see the world have that much love for J Dilla and Proof after they died. Those two struggled so much to display their talent and it seemed they all died with financial problems, even Mc Breed. To have rich business partners and to die broke is not my destiny.

15. According to you, what makes you appear as a unique artist on the Detroit scene?

- I really care about our rap scene. I’ve been documenting the rappers here for more than 15 years. I’m not the DJ that you can email a song too and I scream over it and say, I’m the best DJ in Michigan. I got the master tapes to prove it. The DJ’s on the radio here don’t give a fuck about the artists. We too busy trying to make Gucci Mane more richer.

Stay tuned! www.7milemovie.com

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Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved