More Ilmatic snaps...

Illmatic snaps..

NOTE: WAY MORE L8R..

East 3 Interview sneak peak..

Q: What was your initial thought about having a toy based on you?

A: The toy was basically my version of a B-Boy character but in a spray can form. A B-boy/B-girl is the street terminology for some who dances in the art of Breaking. The E3 mugsy was inspired by the classic mugsy stylistic facial expression that all B-boy used to use when Battling (competing) or posing. Its basically a smug grin expression.

Q: Talk about the creative process and how you were first approached? Did you have final say and approval?

A:The creative process started by me sending Kidrobot several characters that I had created. I told them I was interested in using the spraycan character aka E3 Mugsy. I had alot of creative control (from colorway, sculpting adjustments and box design). The E3 Mugsy comes from a character based off the artwork I created for the Rock Steady Crew (RSC) 20th Anniversary. I thought it was a good concept being that last years was RSC's 30th Anniversary. For those of you who dont know, RSC is a legendary Urban Dance/Hip Hop crew (specializing in traditional forms of Hip Hop dance- Breaking, Popping, Locking) that started in the the Bronx NYC in 1977 and has been going strong ever since.



Q: What do you think of the final product?

A: The final product is over what I expected and kidrobot definantly looks out for their artists.

Q:How much of your success do you direct to your talent? How much of that success have you gained through your skill and luck through networking and just being put in good situations with good people?

A: I know I have come a long way in Hip-Hop and I feel like I have spent a lot of time learning the true meaning of what it is to be a part of the culture. For my journey, I focused over 2 decades on being a student of Hip Hop vs trying to suceed (financially). With everything I have learned I now have the support of my mentors which has developed my network all across the globe. No luck involved in my success...everything was earned.

Q:Most Hawaii artists/musicians/entertainers focus solely on "blowing up" in Hawaii, if they meet that dream or expectation, few seem to take it any further. You're outlook and business savy is on a more global level and not so much on Hawaii. How do you think you developed that strategy or mindset? How have you benefited?

A: I started traveling at a young age so I was already aware that there was more to life than Hawaii. As I got older my universal mindset encouraged me to learn about the artform that I commited all my time too, so i started traveling more. It was in NYC (which is the birth place of Hip Hop Culture) that I learned the true meaning of my artform and the culture that it belonged to. As a result of networking, I developed good repore with established people within the culture and I started to get referal business in NYC. Money is not my measure of success in life. The greatest benefit in my life is not the business. Its knowing that I have earned my respect as an artist (within Hip Hop) in NYC and built friendships with almost everyone I looked up to in the NYC Hip Hop community from the 70's and 80's era.

Q:While you're doing alot nationally with the Anomalies Limited Brand in fashion world and etc. What do you think most heads associate East 3 with as far as Hawaii hip hop is concerned? Is there sort a seperation between what you have done "at home" versus nationally?

A: Hip Hop in Hawaii is 3 decades deep for me. I never left the islands to pursue my career else where. I remained in Hawaii and fought thru the struggle of developing the scene here. My years of heavy involvement/contribution to the scene was in the 90's. I helped the Hip Hop scene in Hawaii get a better understanding of Hip Hop thru B-Boy Events that often involved seminars, group discussions and reading material. The knowledge that I shared was directly from conversations and literature that I had obtained from Hip Hop pioneers in NYC (the birth place of Hip Hop). In the late 90's thru early 2000's I co-founded "The Mind Tactics" radio show (with Jimmy Taco 93.9fm). Mind Tactics Show allowed us to have a forum to educate all radio listeners about what they were listening to and the culture the music belonged to. Currently, my goal is to create a wider market in Hawaii for creative minded people. I been doing art for all my life and Ive seen so many talented people have to leave the islands and move elsewhere because there is no market in Hawaii for modern creativity. There are so many talented youths that could make a living with the creativity they are gifted with but there is no support here. Hip Hop and urban fashion and urban toy industry is over a trillion dollar industry.

Q:What is your goal with the Kid Robot partnership and toy?

A: Ive always dreamed of doing a toy. Kidrobot was a exellent company to work with because of their global awareness, marketing and distribution. The marketing that kidrobot has given me is immeasurable. I am humbled by the result of my toy and the positive feed back I have recieved worldwide. If you like to see more got to http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmVhc3QtMy5jb20= or http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtpZHJvYm90LmNvbQ== (events page-May 1st 2008 Grand opening videos/pics)

Q:Proudest "back in the day" Hawaii achievements?

A: My proudest moment was when I got to paint with my mentor legendary Phase 2 (commisioned mural). He had told me at the time that I have the drive and the love to become one of the best (in 1993).Another proud moment was when Mr. Wiggle and Crazy Legs (in 1994) announced during an event (Promoted by Mystical Sounds Prod.) that I was being recruited into the Legendary Rock Steady Crew. A Hip Hop crew (from NYC) that I had looked up to when i was growning up in the 80's. For people who are not aware RSC are one of the main pioneering group for Hip Hop culture. Lastly, designing/painting a jacket concept for Hawaii Dj Legend Johnny J Jam 1987.

Q:Were you into art in school any good or bad memories of that? When did u get into aersol art and graffiti?

A:I got involved with writing when I was 13. Artschool is good for foundation but all my creativity was self taught, even computer graphics. I gave it a try but during my college years I was already successful in my art career.Q:"Outsiders" recognize hip hop culture for just its music and dress. How is it much more than that?A: As KRS ONE (a MC/Hip Hop pioneer) would say, "Hip Hop is not something you do its something you live". Hip Hop is not a costume. Its more like a tattoo...feel me. People who look at Hip Hop as just music and dress only know the culture at face value. I cant say its really thier fault. The music industry and fashion industry (until past few years) rarely choose to educate thier audience about the difference. Currently, a resurgence of foundational Hip Hop coursing thru the veins of NYC's scene as well MTV and VH1 have made attempts thru programming and Hip Hop awards to educate the new generation of viewers.

Q:How has "remaining humble" helped you in your successes professionally and as a human being?

A: "Remaining Humble" is not difficult for me. What I do and my drive to develop and learn comes from my love for the culture. When it comes down to im still a student.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. June 27, with the concert scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $39, $49 and $69, go on sale Friday at all Ticketmaster outlets.

*as first reported on starbulletin.com

Betty on it


Her MySpace headline says it all: “Home is where the party is.”

Although she’s barely old enough to drink, those that dare identify Deejay Betty’s age as a sign of weakness or inexperience better think again.

After all, how many DJs do you know who were spinning live on a radio mix show at 18?
While spinning five nights a week at times proves the AGN resident party rocker’s popularity and demand, spinning records is not her hobby, it’s her career and a microcosm of life itself.

“When you’re fully dedicated to what you do, there is no time for anything else,” she said.
Does she feel any undeserved hype or unfair criticism because she’s a chick in the male dominated industry? Hell no. Say what you want, just don’t ever sweat her technique.

“No one really cares,” she said. “If you’re good, you’re good. If you’re not good, you don’t get hired. That’s that. I’m actually not cocky. I’m just confident.”

Confident indeed.

Every Wednesday, “Recess,” Venus Nightclub,
18+, [myspace.com/deejaybetty]

- Kalani Wilhelm

Ion Myke on the SIQ Records 1-Year Anniversary

Why do you think SIQ Records is a necessity in Hawaii?

I wouldn't say SIQ Records is a necessity in Hawaii. Hip Hop is inventive, the kids will always find a way to work with what they have access to. That's not to say SIQ isn't as much needed voice for a side of things that isn't always represented. Hip Hoppers are nomads, and SIQ is a canoe that they can use in their travels.

How have you personality benefited from being apart of SIQ?

I've learned so much. I've learned how to communicate more effectively with my peers. I've learned how to meet deadlines. I've learned what exactly goes into getting an album from a concept in an artists head, to something tangible sitting on a shelf. I've learned the importance of politics, even in a small scene like ours. I've learned to be flexible and react quickly, because nothing ever goes like you planned.

The anniversary party may represent a one year celebration, a celebration of past accomplishments so to speak. What does it mark or celebrate as far as year two and beyond?

We will continue to push out innovative music and apparel that we feel is quality, and want to share with people, locally and worldwide. I personally look forward to some exciting projects and collaborations in 08. There is so much talent in the islands right now.

What was Hawaii hip hop before SIQ? What is it since SIQ started doing their thing?

We are just doing our best to contribute in what we feel is a positive way. I feel good knowing that we help give people an option. They might come back, they might not, but we did our part to make it available.

Creed Chameleon on SIQ 1-year Anniversary interview

Why do you think SIQ Records is a neccesity in Hawaii?
Hawaii needs that balance in music and the industry just as Hawaii has a mixed blend of ethnicities, cultures and so on. And SIQ needs Hawaii as far as the support and love and we've been getting that one prop at a time.

How have you personality benefited from being apart of SIQ?
Actually having a team working together and just as dedicated as I am about this.

What have you learned from being a part of SIQ?
Learned how to handle shows, music recording, merchandise sales on a professional level. throughout the past being in this scene, we've been doing it thru word of mouth, CD-R albums and myspace bulletins. NOW, we've got a website with a online store, clothing line, and doing our own local venues. and that's half of what i've obtained.

The anniversary party may represent a one year celebration, a celebration of past accomplishments so to speak. What does it mark/celebrate as far as year two and beyond?
A celebration of continuity in the music and culture of Hawaii music and local sound. definitely redefining the genre into whole new plateau.

What was Hawaii hip hop before SIQ? What is it since SIQ started doing their thing?
Hawaii hip hop before was definitely limited and only a certain few could only rep it and only a certain style can be honed. Now that SIQ records have started, the hawaii hip hop sound is just way too hard to pinpoint since there is a barrage of styles and people in the culture. which makes it perfectly placed in the islands as the melting pot.. for HIP HOP.

Na Hoku Nominees for R & B Hip Hop Album of the Year

R&B/Hip Hop Album of the Year
(Best performance of music in a R&B or Hip-Hop style.)

AT YOUR DOOR, Nomasterbacks (CommonGround)
ILL VALLEY, Hoku Haiku (Bayan)
THE KAMA'AINA CLASSIC, I.A. (I.A. and the Hawaiian Punch)
MORE THAN JUST A SONG, Nigel Kauanui
NAHA STONE, King Kekai (Ekahi Ent.)