Sounds of the Underground: 8/22/10

Friday, August 27, 2010

Birthing Our Legends: A Sit Down with Mia X: The Mother of New Orleans Hip Hop

New Orleans’ native Mia X “Mama Mia” is best known to the world as the former First Lady of No Limit Records. In New Orleans, Mia X is a LEGEND! Mama Mia broke onto the scene with a flow unlike any of her female predecessors or her followers for that matter. Through the years, Mia has stayed true to herself and has become a master of her craft. I was privileged enough to catch up with Mama Mia and find out just what she’s been up to and what she has in store for her fans.

What is your take on the current state of Hip Hop? The presence of female emcees?

M: We should never pigeon hole hip hop into one style or vibe. Conscious, Gangsta, Nasty, Gimmicky Rap is all necessary. We have something for everyone and the beauty of it all is consumers have the option to buy what they like or ignore what they don't. I support female Emcees unconditionally. I like to see more of us with our own labels so that we have more control on how we're being represented.

How’d you get the nickname “Mama”? And what makes you so “Unladylike”?

M: Grown-ups have said I have an old soul since the 70s my friends always appointed me the go-to person for advice I've been called Mama Mia since Jr. high. My flow is unladylike, sometimes my subject matter is; you couldn't box me in as just another girl rapper I have a large male fanbase who support me for what I say not how I look.

During your time away from the scene, tell us what you were up to? What projects do you have in the works?

M: I was raising my now adult kids and being supportive of my sister who was in medical school. I'm proud to say she's a doctor I was writing music for people and living a normal life. I have a cookbook coming out about my life and times with my grandmother its gangsta and filled with many of our tasty family recipes. I'm about to release ‘UNLADYLIKEFOREVER’ the mixtape, where I have features from veterans as well as new skool female Emcees on it. I'm doing a joint cd with the legendary Scarface called ‘Malory and Micky’ and I'm working on my solo project ‘Betty Rocka Locksmith’.

If you hadn’t become an emcee, what career path would you have taken?

M: I decided I was going to be an Emcee in 1980 I never changed my mind I also wanted a juke joint that sold great food got that to so I have no regrets on choosing and sticking with hip hop as a career.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life?

M: my MawMaw had the biggest influence on my life

It’s becoming common knowledge that you can throw down in the kitchen, tell us about your restaurant True Friends.

M: I've been cooking since I was 9 cooking is a passion its’ in my blood. I feel blessed to have a spot in my community the 7th ward the restaurant is like an extended family hangout music food conversations it’s a blessing.

***True Friends Restaurant 1300 Saint Bernard Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116***

You were very vocal about the recent Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Spill, was your business affected in any way?

M: The price of seafood went up and tourists have to be reassured about the quality of the seafood; many worry about the oil and chemicals. In the beginning you had to almost pinky swear that you were stocked prior to the spill. My concern was for the fishermen, like my grandfather who fed, clothed the house and educated their families, this is their livelihood. They have been disrespected, marine life died, livestock died & water contaminated I'm pissed.

What advice do you have for up and coming female artists/emcees?

M: Ladies LEARN this business if you don't like to read this is not the job for you! This is a multibillion dollar business, not the catwalk. Write all your rhymes and don't just jump out there; make sure that you are comfortable with the way you brand yourself because that's the label you will be stuck with. Sylvia Robinson was the CEO of Sugarhill Records in the 1970s we are so much more than sex objects and posters.

How can fans contact you? Submissions for artists & producers?

M: Hit me up on twitter: http://twitter.com/TheRealMiaX and streetcustoms@gmail.com

Thank you again Mia X for taking the time to speak with Sounds of the Underground. This is truly an honor and a pleasure. I know your fans will certainly appreciate hearing what you’re up to. Please keep us in the loop with all of your future endeavors. Much love!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK 1/24/2010 PRESENTS: LINX

I proudly present to you First Klazz Entertainment's LINX as my Featured Artist of the Week...here is more information on this up & coming artist who is trying to make himself a household name...

Lydell “Linx” Johnson Jr. , born in New Orleans, La and a native of Marrero, La was introduced to music at a very early age, beginning with homemade karaoke style cassette recordings at age 7 and homemade video footage by age of 10. Linx and friends were rapping over hip-hop instrumentals. Also an aspiring DJ, Linx began to purchase audio equipment to pursue what would soon become, a hobby as well as an occupation all throughout high school and college. School yard battles would be a daily recreation which brought great popularity in the community. Hurricane Katrina was a big turning point for Linx as well as a large number of others in the community. Uniting with younger cousin and local producer Zachary “Bundy” Jackson, he began work on his first project at age 17. This project would be called “Kid Incredible.” By age 18, Linx was signed to an upcoming independent label located in Marrero, La (Clock Wurk Ent), not as a solo artist, but as 1 of the 4 member group named Somethin Serious. Over the course of two years, Linx recorded numerous mix tapes as well as a self-entitled album "Somethin Serious", which was never released due to a dispute with the label.

After settling the legal dispute, Linx along with his fellow label mates were left, without any masters or finished material, to start over and rebuild what once seemed to be a promising future in the music industry. In the summer of 2009, He once again united with Bundy along with childhood friend Artist “A.R.” Barnes to officially established First Klazz Enterprises, LLc. By 2010, Linx has completed his debut mix tape entitled “SickWitIt.”

Linx’s strong lyricism along with his laid back style of delivery enables him to move forward in the journey of success in today’s music industry. Production, stage presence, and his ability to relate to his audience have aided in gaining support throughout the years and this is only the beginning for Linx.