Interview with Specialtey/P.O.S.E.

Interview with Specialtey P.O.S.E.

Many emcees push the lengths to break in the ever changing hip hop climate. Some of them are successful and some of them get lost in the wind which makes the music business harder to break into. Southern MC’s push their grind on the daily and fans always have their back. Kentuckian’s lyricist Specialtey aka P.O.S.E. steps to the scene with a refreshing breath of fresh air with lyrics that people can relate to. Intrigued sits down with Louisville Kentucky’s P.O.S.E acronym for Putting On Shows Everywhere about his music career, his crew F2L and his upcoming projects.

1)            What it is, joining me is my dude. P.O.S.E. what’s going on my dude?

What's good fam?! Everything is going great right about now. I can't complain at all. Even though it’s late...Happy New Year! (Laughs)

2)            For those who don’t know, tell us where you from and what you represent?

I'm from the home of the great Ali...Louisville, Kentucky. Born & raised. The heart of the Midwest! Representing everyday people with hopes of living out their dreams just like me.

3)            Love the acronym P.O.S.E. what does it stand for?

I appreciate that bruh. It can stand for a multitude of things. Depending on how I feel that day (laughing). Putting On Shows Everywhere, Putting Out Songs Every day, etc. I believe in whatever you speak is what you receive. So to the natural eye I may not be doing shows every day at the moment...but I know it will eventually come into fruition with hard work & faith. Serious speech!

4)            Tell us about your musical background. How did you get started?

I truly feel I was born into it. My family is filled with music lovers. My grandfather (God rest his soul) was a big fan of jazz & blues music. I truly believe that's where I picked up my love for soul music. And also my mother & uncle were heavy hip hop heads. So a combination of hearing these types of music influenced me to want to delve into it.

5)            Your mother was a poet and your father majored in journalism. How do your parent’s occupations play a role in your music?

Like I said...I truly feel like it’s embedded in my genetics (laughs). The knack for writing & rhyming must've been passed down to me. I've been writing poetry since I was 5 or 6. So the transition into writing verses/songs almost seemed organic.

6)            Tell us about the Kentucky scene. Is there a large hip hop scene in Kentucky?

Most definitely! It's growing at a rapid rate. The talent here is incredible! And the unity is improving as well. At one point in time there seemed to be so much division. It was bad. Like the crabs in the barrel mentality so to speak! But it looks like a lot of that has been pushed aside & more artists are coming together. Definitely glad to see the unification!

7)            Who are your musical influences?

I was always inspired by my favorites coming up... 2pac, Nas, Jay Z, Eminem, LL Cool J & more legends. But the ones that are most influential on my style are Ras Kass, Big L (R.I.P.), Ludacris, Scarface, Cee Lo, Nelly, & Andre 3000. These artists are the ones I kind of drive my style & sound off of. They're incredible wordsmiths.

8)            What types of music do you listen to and do you incorporate them into your music?

(Laughs) I listen to all styles & genres. From hip hop, to pop, all the way to country! I just enjoy music period. If the music is relatable to me...whether it’s the lyrics or the melody...9 out of 10 I'm going to like it. So in turn it translates into my music. I don't put any limitations on my sound. For example if a producer sends me a dope beat with a nice pinch of country or rock n roll in it...I'm already thinking of verses for it (laughing)

9)            What separates your style from some many artists?

Truth be told...I think it's my voice & how I deliver my flow(s). Also the fact that I don't follow trends or whatever every other rapper is doing. There are way too many copycats & biters. I love being original.

10)         What can fans expect from P.O.S.E. when they listen to your music?

Realism & authenticity!  I make music for all the things we deal with every day as human beings. From relationships, working jobs/hustlin', sex, the night life, etc. I just incorporate everyday life into the music. Giving an up close & personal look into my realm!

11)         Take us to a P.O.S.E studio session. How do you get around your writing process?

The right beats play an intricate role in my sessions. But on top of that I'm always pushing myself to say some of the most witty & clever lines. I normally come up with the verses in my head. After I feel it’s ready...I write it down in my IPhone to prep for recording. It's one of my strengths.

12)         Tell us about the F2L. Who is in the group and how is it working with F2L?

Fresh 2 Life is a conglomerate of my ninjas (laughing). We're like brothers. The members of the squad are Ray Pat, Prevue, & Baby Bruh. We also have fam that have their own squad but are still affiliated with us like my ninjas Tuff, Mr I Am James, Royale, & Nate. It's such a blessing to be around these talented guys man. It's added motivation to bring your best on every song & we constantly push each other to the limit.

13)         Is there a F2L mixtape or album in the works?

Most definitely! It's still in the early stages as of right now but we plan on releasing a mixtape together in the spring.

14)         Some of your tracks people can relate to. The track “U Gotz 2 Go” deals with the opposite sex and the mix messages. I know you had to let go of the ones with the split personalities…lol

(Laughing) Fam you already know how that goes. Women are crazy! (Still laughing) See ...touching back to earlier. People want to be able to relate somehow. And who hasn't dealt with a crazy girlfriend or boyfriend. (Laughs)

15)         You got the mixtape coming out soon in February. Give us detail about the mixtape and how far are we from hearing your mixtape?

The mixtape release date is right around the corner. It's called "Show N Prove" & it will be released as a special edition during NBA All Star Weekend. It's going to be a nice mix of street music, club music, tracks for the ladies, freestyles, & of course some hoop music for ballers to get some added motivation. That's another thing about my camp & I...most of us are basketball/street ball players. We run a lot of cats off of the court year round! (Laughing)

16)         Do you have any other upcoming projects in the works?

Most definitely. Along with the Show N Prove mixtape & the F2L project, I am working on a Show N Prove 2, the G.T.A. mixtape, & the Video Game Life project. Also in the process of impacting commercial radio with the single "Rump Shaker" feat Tuff! There's a lot of work ahead...but my team & I live for the grind.

17)         Many rappers from the south have their extra grind to make it in this business. Coming from Louisville Kentucky, what moves were you able to make to catch ears outside Louisville?

Consistency, persistence, & most importantly networking!  Always wanting to make the best music possible & using the viral market to meet new people as well as possible fans/supporters. I'm a people's person just like you Ty. I love meeting new folks & getting to know more about them.

18)         In this game where so many talented rappers come and go. What keeps you motivated in this game when there are so many rappers trying to make it?

I think by me wanting to be in it for the long haul & longevity of it already puts me at an advantage. A lot of artists come in looking for a quick payday & as I chance to meet chicks & all that. I'm in it because I want to be one of the best to do it. I love music. I live for making music, performing live, & traveling to interact with people & supporters. It's a wonderful feeling when people reach out to me saying they love the music. I am truly blessed man.

19)         Which artist’s indie or mainstream would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t yet?

Man bro...there are so many talented artists that i would love to collaborate with. As far as mainstream artists I would love to do tracks with Ludacris, T.I., Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, Game, Bun B, Joe Budden & Slaughterhouse. The list could go on (laughs). But as far as the indie side goes...I would like to work with Loaded Lux, Mac Miller, & a few other talented cats. I'm already in the process of collaborating with a few talented artists as we speak that go by the name of Block 100, Mermaid Stalleon, Quis, & the rest mainly consisting of my camp.

20)         We all know the music business gets really busy with tough schedules. What do you like to do in your spare time? 

If I'm not in the studio or gearing up for the road...I'm at the gym working out & playing ball. I stay in shape by making defenders look bad on the court (Laughing). I'm a heavy video game player too! I'm accepting all challenges on NBA 2k13! (Laughs) And if I'm not doing that...I'm normally kicking back, spending time with my family, kids, & girlfriend.

21)         Where do you see yourself going in 2013?

Climbing the ranks of the hip hop scene! Making a bigger impact & giving the world more dope music!

22)         How can peeps get at you for music?

Check me out at reverbnation.com/specialteypose & soundcloud.com/p-o-s-e. Also be on the lookout for the website & mobile app coming in late February/early March. Rump Shaker will also be released via ITunes in February.

23)         Any shout outs before we wrap up this interview!

First & foremost I have to give a special shout out & thanks to you Ty for making this happen! I appreciate the love my ninja. And I also want to give a big shout out to my F2L camp, my family & loyal friends. My girlfriend for being loyal n patient & a big shout out to fam/consultant/manager Eric! It's time to "Show N Prove!"