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!"

Interview with Fess Gotchu

Interview with Fess Gotchu

Philadelphia is known for many legendary musicians with great talents. That includes Fess Gotchu who made himself a strong household name in the game. He made many collabs with Access Immortal, Verse Essential, Knon Sense and engineered for many artists. While honing his writing craft, his music hits the listener with countless work including the well-developed “My Momma Made Me Dope” EP. Fess Gotchu shed light with Intrigued about how he got started, his engineering role, his tour experience in Exxxotica and his upcoming projects.

1)            You know me, what it is. Fess Gotchu in the building with Intrigued. What’s going on my dude, what you been up to these days?

I’ve been doing real good man! I just came off a very rough year on a personal level had to put down music for a few months but I kept my focus and here I am back on my grind!

2)            For those who don’t know about you, tell us how you got started?

I was born right outside the City Of Philadelphia, been into music my whole life from the age of 13. I was a skateboarder when I was younger and being one you are exposed to a lot of different subcultures such as urban fashion, hip hop and punk rock. I was in a few punk/hardcore bands when I was younger but always developed a knack for rhyming as I got older so I put down the bass guitar picked up a mic and came with it. My first gig I rocked at a BBQ when I was 13 I got paid 200 bucks. It was great because I did a mix up set half of it was a punk rock set the other half I rhymed and people loved it!

3)            The name Fess Gotchu, catchy artist name. How the name came to fruition?

Well, my original name was Profess as in “I profess to the world” people just started shortening it and calling me Fess it stuck so I ran with it. The gotchu I added as in “I gotchu on whatever you need” Im gonna give it my all at 100 percent. Doing a little back research on the word fess I discovered it is old latin FESSE it’s a term in heraldry for a horizontal stripe across the crest of a shield. I thought that was dope because I interpreted that as an insignia, brand name, logo, etc etc which gave my name more depth. A lot of rappers have mobster names and things of that nature so I’m glad I came with something original that also has a back story to it!

4)            Listening to your music, you got me because the music is dope!

Thanks a lot man! I try to go the distance and give the people quality music so I appreciate the feedback!

5)            Philadelphia is historic on the hip hop scene with artists like Steady B, Cool C, Gillie the Kid, Major Figgas, Beanie Sigel, Philly’s Most Wanted, the Youngstas. Is there a distinctive sound in Philly that no other state has? 

True indeed Philadelphia’s musical history and culture runs deep and not even just on a hip hop level but soul music period. The legendary Uptown Theatre was pretty much a mecca for soul music BEFORE Motown. It’s a shame it’s boarded up and not many know the history of it as they should. Philly has a rawness to it that separates it from other styles. I guess its cuz these are rough streets to come up on but it also has a soul to it so I’d have to describe a Philly style as raw soul.

6)            What separates your style from many other artists?

The thing that separates me from other artists here is that I don’t run with the pack or try to sound like whoever is poppin here right now. I pretty much just stay in my own lane and make the music that I feel!

7)            What made you decide to say to yourself, music is within me, I want to do this?

I guess it wasn’t really a decision as more so a calling, I just say I wake up with it. It’s in me to do it so I do it. Not only is that but the feeling you get when you get your props a high like no other whether on stage, in the studio, or on the web. The love I get is great and the money helps too lol.

8)            As an emcee, producer, engineering, how do you flip so many roles and still execute good music?

Great question! Coming up I never had much money so I couldn’t afford studio time….so what I did was save up enough money to buy my own gear then I sat down and studied a few school educated engineers and watched what they do to certain tracks to gain desired effects. I’ve always had the ear for music and knew how I wanted mine to sound so once I picked up on the technical side of things and could lace my own shit properly I quickly saw that I had a talent on the boards for making an artist’s music sound exactly how they wanted it. I love ebbing an engineer/ producer too because it allows me to work with fresh talent and help shape their sound for em. I’ve done everything from play instruments in bands, to rock mics so it’s only natural with a diverse self-taught musical background that I gravitated towards being an engineer too. When u love what you do your gonna do it all the way so really juggling those roles is easy it’s like Nike I just do it. lol

9)            What are the advantages of becoming an engineer?

The advantage of being an engineer is if you’re good at what you do and affordable you will never run out of work because there are 8 billion rappers out there so there’s plenty of clientele. The other good thing to it is Intellectual Property Rights meaning if that record don’t sound the way it did before I mixed it that means I get publishing on it too for the arrangement of the record. This then means if the song blows up I get residuals. It’s also a more stable career, rappers come and go but those names in fine print in album liner notes they are around for 20-30 years. Plus, it actually gives me free promotion for my music because my name is already getting spread for the amount of behind the scenes work I do so I can easily plug my name in to any lane presented to me.

10)         On the engineering tip, what do you look for in an artist?

I look for someone who is easy to work with and whose music jumps out at me and if it gets the gears turning in my head it means the product gonna be good. I don’t just want to push buttons for someone paying me by the hour. I want to work hands on with an artists to a product we can develop and take to a company and get us a check to what we do, that’s better than paying by the hour.

11)         Has becoming an emcee/producer/engineer brings out the best out of your work ethic?

Yessir…..I love it, love it, love on a good week I’m in the studio 100 plus hours during the winter but really this is a 24/7 365 grind I stay on the web promoting and networking even during my downtime watching movies and shit. You have to!

12)         Take us to a Fess Gotchu studio session. What is your writing process?

My writing session involves me playing through all the different music I have on the table. I have a rule of thumb….if I have to think about what to write then I set that aside for later. I play through beats till something jumps out at me then it’s like I have a ghostwriter in my brain just whispering the song to me in my ears. I’m a real energy based person meaning I gotta feel it…if I gotta pick something else!

13)         I bet you are very picky when it comes to picking beats and working with other artists, which is a good thing!

As far as picking beats goes, nah I’m actually not that picky. I like to jump all over the place with it and make records for everybody! I am picky about what artists I work with because not everybody works well together. I try to work with people I enjoy making music with and can have fun with and definitely no big egos allowed around here can’t deal with that shit lol.

14)         From all your solo projects you got out, which ones do you think is your best project and why?

I love all my projects but my personal favorite is My Momma Made Me Dope Mixtape. It was very fun to record all different style records over industry beats from Drake to Too Short to some 90’s and 80’s style boom bap beats and then to top it off hearing my homie DJ Bionik cut and scratch everything together. That project set a bar for me; I told myself nothing less than this on production or content!

15)         What was the experience like working with Empire Nation?

Working with Empire Nation has been a good experience. My bro Access brought me on board and me and him always do good work together. It’s very easy to work and contribute with the click, drop verses when needed mix when needed write songs when needed, really just doin what I do I’m very easy to work with.  I’m a point and shoot kind of guy if there’s a move to be made just tell me and I’m on it.

16)         You did work with Belgium’s producer Toma Beats. What kind of sound did he bring to the Fess Gotchu writing process?

What kind of sound did he bring to the Fess Gotchu writing process? Soul! United Nations was my debut project and it really helped me grow as an artist…we did it all from scratch….that project showed me what growth I needed and what strong points I had. It was a solid debut project and a good platform to build on. I still get love to this day.

17)         You worked with Knon Sense and Access Immortal on many projects. How did you hook up with those guys?

I hooked up with Knonsense through a mutual friend; he heard some of my work I heard his we live close by let’s get it. I hooked up with Access through a mutual friend; he came to my studio when he was in Philly for a weekend. We banged out a few tracks that day and he said he liked my work ethic and said when I get home I’ll email you some music to work on with me. The first record we cut was Where We At, it was fire. I recorded it and sent it back the same day he sent it to me from there we been smashing records ever since, rockin shows and shooting videos. Access one of my best bros in this music grind to date. Matter fact it’s more than music it’s a family affair anytime we get together.

18)         Talk to us about the “My Momma Made Me Dope” EP. What was the fans reaction to this mixtape EP?

The best part about My Momma Made Me Dope is that not only did I give the fans a 20 track mixtape of me crushing all different industry beats accompanied by a dope DJ (DJ Bionik from France)…I also went the extra mile and dropped a Bonus EP with 10 original tracks the next week. And it was all for free. That’s a great project that to this day still gets love. It’s just a good project to give to first time listeners like hey this is me and this is what I do. Anyone who downloaded it loved it, haven’t heard a single word of bad feedback!

19)         What was the experience like performing with Access Immortal and Verse Essential at Exxxotica 2011?

Great! Being backstage with half naked chicks ready to do a lingerie show while u perform was a classic moment in my life. Even better was the fact some of my coworkers were there. They didn’t even know I made music so for them to see me hold it down they were shocked. It was an all-around winning experience and I’ll do it time and time again if the offer is on the table!

20)         Take us to your music production company Fess Gotchu music!

Fess gotchu Muzik LLC is a company I am launching early this year. It’s just me taking my grind to the next level. I spent a lot of years building myself up to this level so I said I have the clientele as an engineer of make it happen and plenty of my own music to funnel through it so it’s time to brand myself and make moves for real!

21)         What new artists are you feeling right now?

Kendrick Lamar and the whole Black Hippy movement, Joey Badass is dope too. It’s great to see young cats get a buzz off LYRICISM makes u feel like the music still has soul left!

22)         Any artists that you haven’t collaborated with, you want to work with!

I don’t really set my sights on certain people; I’m a very spontaneous on the spot kind of dude when it comes to collaborating. If we cross paths and I think your music is dope and you feel mine, I’m like let’s do it.

23)         I got a couple of artist’s names of the head and say what would you think when they want you to engineer for their music. For example Meek Mill!?

Its funny you say Meek Mill cuz I remember last year this time he was on twitter asking for a dope engineer in Philly. Mad people were tweeting my name to him but never got a response. I guess he was lookin for a trendier name but me I would’ve laced his production up all crazy but in this industry a lot of times it’s not what you know but who you know. As far as Meek music goes I don’t really feel it that much but would’ve still done the damn thing to it for a check.

24)         Beanie Sigel?

Loved Beanie in his Roc days, sucks he fell way off and can’t get it back together. Today I’d work for him for a check but back in his ROC days that would’ve been amazing to get down with him in the studio.

25)         Young Jeezy?

Love some Jeezy Ill rock with him all day.

26)         Will Smith?

Will Smith does what he does I’ll work with him no problem. I’m a huge fan of his old music not so much his movie soundtrack stuff but hey if he needs to cut a record for a blockbuster film soundtrack and wants me in, I’m on it lol.

27)         Where do you see the direction of the music going?

I think that the direction music is going is great, the internet gives us more of a control over our own fate. The web is the new streets so u can really put together your own little team and release quality music and videos and get it out to millions if your product is right and the quality is right!

28)         What do you think makes a classic album? Is it the quality, quantity, mainstream artists or the chemistry?

I think fans make an album classic; they are the ones who support the music so if the fans stamp it a classic it is one bottom line.

29)         Do you have any new projects you’re currently working on?

Yessir I have a follow up to United Nations with Toma…..United Nations 2….we are still workin on a subtitile…I have a double disc concept album with my boy Juan Lobo beats WORLDWIDE GRIND that literally flows like a movie for your ears and tells one hell of a story and a third LP NO COMFORT ZONE with one of my fave producers Juice 100 Proof. I love all three of these projects because they are all completely different. On top of these three things u already know I’m gonna be engineering my ass off for mad other artists and of course I’ll be dropping plenty of verses on collab records to anybody who offers. Gotta get your name out there and grind grind grind.

30)         That’s what’s up, definitely good interviewing you. Where can headz get at you for beats or collabs?

Hit me up on facebook www.facebook.com/fess.gotchu, twitter www.twitter.com/fessgotchu , subscribe to my youtube www.youtube.com/fessgotchutv or hit my personal email fessgotchubiz@gmail.com Good look on the interview peace!!!!!!!