CL: Never Looking Back Mixtape

What's funny is, I was just reading an old comment from two years ago. It touched me. It was in regards to my Maybe Tomorrow mixtape. I felt happy. I feel appreciated. There was a time when I was recording in my basement, and had no engineer. My dream was merely a pipedream. I had no resources. I had no faith. Then, I decided to take things a bit more seriously. Got around people who believed in me. I hustled. I worked hard to make my first official mixtape. Now, this mixtape had came out in September of this year, but I never posted it on here. My apologies. But this was a beautiful piece of work that I'm very proud of. Check it out guys. My FIRST official mixtape. I'm grateful for Ballerstatus.Com, SwindleSeason.Com, HipHopGame.Com, Indie Flava, and of course you guys for supporting me throughout and giving me a reason to keep going, and believe that I can actually do this.

Download Link: http://limelinx.com/files/233164155d532a2ebf204580f4e84b31

Wynter Gordon Interview (Page 31)

This an interview I did awhile back with Pop Star Wynter Gordon. I first met her almost 5 years ago when she was just on the come up back when I was interning at Vibe. We'd later meet up again. This time, she's a buzzing pop star, and i'm a buzzing journalist. Get the picture? As you can see, she's found her niche, her sound, and she's on the verge of making some noise on the pop scene. Video Courtesy of Page 31.

Bei Maejor Interview (Ballerstatus.Com)

Bei Maejor is a Michigan-bred recording artist who earned his chops over the years as a producer/songwriter, but in recent years, has chosen to step out from behind the curtains and take a shot as a solo artist. So far, so good.

In early 2010, he landed a deal with Jive Records (which has since folded into RCA), and followed with his first mixtape, Upside Down (Download at DatPiff.com). Since then, Bei has released his debut single, "Trouble" featuring Roc Nation signee J. Cole, and is currently hard at work on his solo debut.

We caught up with the young University of Michigan graduate while on a promo run in New York, during which we discussed his buzzing "Trouble" single and what the concept and sound behind it is all about; how he was able to balance his music and academic career; and the animated cartoon got him into music as a young kid.

In part two of our (below), Bei Maejor explains how he got his start with R&B star Trey Songz before learning more about the industry with Ne-Yo's camp; who amazed with the most when he got into the studio with him; what he thinks his strongest talent is; and what's up next in the near future.

Poem: Girls Vs. Women

A Girl Wakes Up, Needs Make Up, To Simply Feel Beautiful.

She Needs To Go Tanning, Extra Planning For Her Cuticles. Yeah You Know The Usual.

A Girl Lets Material Possessions Just Posses Her…

Rather Than A Man, She Needs Gucci, Prada, And Fendi To Caress Her…

Marc Ecko To Undress Her…

Not Mark, Because Mark Isn’t A Full Time Investor…

A Girl Feels Loved When A Guy Is Feeling Her On The Outside,

She’ll Get On Her Knees, And Be Ready To Open Her Mouth Wide.

But You See, A Woman Doesn’t Need Compliments To Increase Her Confidence,

Because She Already Has The Competence And Common Sense, To Know She’s Simply Dominant

A Woman Doesn’t Need The Glamor To Feel Glamarous…

She Rather Move To Los Angeles, Sit Down With The Candles Lit, Open Toe Sandals, Holding Hands While We Stand And Kiss

A Woman Speaks Volumes Through Her Intellectual Conversations, Minus The Confrontations, Cuz She Knows Talk Is Cheap, So She Doesn’t Strive For Compensation…

You See, A Woman Outgrows Being A Girl...

Because A Woman Knows, In Order To Become One, She Has To Be Someone...And That's More Than Being A Girl

Big Krit: Road To Being Remembered

Road to Being Remembered
By: Carl Lamarre

Everyone dreams of being remembered. Everyone fantasizes of having their names encrypted in the forefront of people’s minds because inevitably legacies will tarnish. Names will dissipate. Your achievements will be viewed no longer as an insurmountable feat, but simply, just achievable and attainable. Sadly, mediocrity is within the realm of possibility, unless you’re a king.

Meet Justin Scott, a 25 year-old who raps and produces fresh out of Mississippi. Justin Scott has had a bevy of opportunities placed at his disposal as he has graced the cover of XXL after being named one of the Freshman 10. He’s been touring with the likes of Curren$y and Smoke DZA on the Smokers Tour. In addition, his highly revered mixtape Return of 4Eva has catapulted him into some of hip hop’s grandest landscapes including a slot on The BET Awards Show Cypher. The reason Justin Scott is grinding so hard is because Justin is fighting to be a King – A King Remembered in Time. Meet Justin Scott, better yet, meet Big Krit.

CL: You’re currently on the Smokers Club tour featuring Smoke DZA and Curren$y, and had the performance in New York. Describe that euphoric feeling you get on stage when you’re performing and have fans singing along with your lyrics?

BK: It’s an amazing feeling. You never really get used to it. You’re in different cities and get to meet different people from different walks of life. They might not appreciate where you from, but they understand and appreciate what you went through because it may relate to their story. We just up there and we’re rocking man. It’s a beautiful experience. And on top of that, to get to a record like Children of the World and people are singing the lyrics back from that, it becomes a real emotional type of experience man. You don’t even know how long it took for me to actually perform. I used to perform in front of crowds of nobody, and nobody paying attention to me, or nobody cheered. And then, over time, people began loving the music. It became a blessing.

CL: A lot of people have already fallen in love with your stage presence. What do you attribute your high energy, and charismatic presence to?

BK: Really man, I just wanna give my all first and foremost. Whether it’s five people or 5000, you know I just really want to put on a good show. I think it kind of goes hand and hand with the art form of hip-hop. You should always put the same kind of energy on stage as you do when you’re in the booth. Also when you look at artists like David Banner, and watching him perform, you see how much energy he puts into his show, and the intensity level. Like being around artists like Yelawolf, and seeing how they be putting it down on stage, it makes you want to be one of those kind of performers. I want when people see my show like four times; they don’t get tired of it because I gave my all.

CL: I want you to do me a favor, and go back to the day of when you first saw your face on the cover XXL, and being named as one of the freshman 10. Tell me about that initial feeling.

BK: Ahhh man (laughs). I was freaked out. When we went to the store like down the street, we ended up buying like 3-4 copies of that thing. It was an awe kind of feeling because Jonny Shipes had ended up getting the magazine before I got it since he was in New York, and I was in Atlanta man. Man, it really was a wonderful feeling because you strive so hard in wanting to be recognized so much amongst a group of artists that you respect. And also, for a magazine like XXL to recognize what you doing, it was crazy. I called my Pops, and said, “Go to Wal-Mart” so that all my family could read a brief description of my music. And it put me in households that I normally wouldn’t have been in as far as hip-hop is concerned. That’s why it’s important that I have a jacket that says Krit in case people don’t know what I look like, and people could put a face to the name.

CL: You know Krit; a lot of people would be content with these accolades, and doing features. Why isn’t this just enough for you? Why do you want more?

BK: I wouldn’t say want more. I definitely feel like I’ve gotten enough success to where if nothing ever happened tomorrow, I could really be like this was more than I’ve ever imagined. My parents would be proud of me. You know really it’s Mississippi. I’m really trying to put on for my state. I think now more than ever, knowing that I have a voice now, saying something important and trying to put the music out with a lot of quality is key. They like to put you in a box when you rap. I like producing music as much as I like rapping. I like soul music. I like writing R&B and things of that nature. At this point, it’s really about seeing how far I can go with a creative mind, and really try to help people with the music.

CL: There are two sides of Krit that we both know: There’s Krit the rapper, and also there’s Krit behind the boards on the production side. Which do you like do more, the producing side or the rapping side?

BK: Damn. I like em’ both. I would say the rapping side would be a little bit more because an instrumental could be jamming, but it could only be so jamming. Words do something to people. You know when you say something, and it’s informational or it might be able to help a person. When the beat goes away, and it’s just me and these words, there’s something that just makes you think about spoken word and poetry. It touches people. Like I love making music too, but overall I hold both high on my things to do list.

CL: You know you’re doing a big role in helping your city as far as exposure is concerned. How important is it to make sure that the voice of that city is being heard in contrast to the major cities like New York, LA, and an ATL?

BK: I think it’s extremely important that I pull my weight by me doing what I do. There are a lot of artists like David Banner, Tito Lopez, and Joker that are doing their thing. I plan to pull my weight, and do it in a respectful manner. There’s a lot of stereotypes that people may have about my state, but for the most part, you can’t just represent where you from, you gotta go farther than that. I plan on staying true to myself by going to a New York, and put Mississippi, and put them on during my show. That’s with anywhere I go whether it be in the west or Midwest or anywhere.

CL: You mentioned how rappers have to undergo numerous stereotypes, one being with their lack of lyricism. With you having just been on the BET Cypher with Kendrick Lamar and Tech N9ne, how important is it to break those stereotypes in regards to lack of lyricism down?

BK: I mean, me being a person that understands cadence, and lyrical content, it’s really just an eye of the beholder type of thing. If you struck enough passion, and subject matter, I feel like that makes you lyrical. If you’re the type of person that understands similes and syllables that could make you lyrical. But, at the same time, are you saying something worth hearing? I know a lot of people that I listen to on the lyrical level have something important to say behind their music. Like Outkast and Andre 3000. He said something, and forgot what song, but I just got what he said 3-4 years later. You know I’m saying? (Laughs) I have subject matter, I have content, and I understand vocabulary. Just because I’m country, that doesn’t make me unintelligent. I rap about what I know about. I won’t rap using words that I don’t know what they mean, and start misleading you with the wrong information. I’m not going to do that.

CL: Most definitely. There’s so many times artists don’t have the chance to sit and appreciate music as just simply fans anymore. You’ve worked with a Statik Selektah, a Bun B, a Freddie Gibbs, and a Curren$y. Was there a time you worked with an artist in the studio, and you were just like blown away by their talent and or work ethic?

BK: All of em bro! (Laughs) When there’s an opportunity I could send a record or chop it up with an artist, who’s a legend, and someone I respected so much man, it’s indescribable. Like to be able to jump on a record with The Roots, to have a record with Bun B, and Ludacris is crazy. Shit. To do records with 8 Ball & MJG and a 2 Chainz man is great and having the respect level so up, it’s unbelievable.

CL: Is there anybody on your wish list right now that you’re aiming to work with, especially on your album Live from the Underground slated for 2012?

BK: Al Green, Cee-Lo, Coldplay. I wouldn’t mind working with OutKast as a group, and Goodie Mob as a group. I wouldn’t mind working with Sharon Jones. There’s a lot going on man.

CL: What’s admirable about you is you actually want to delve outside of hip-hop by just the names you mentioned? Were those outsides influences that were not hip-hop related the ones that helped during your growth of being a musician?

BK: Man I used to go to the F.Y.E. store and preview the album there and listen to the Bluegrass section, the Soul section, the Blues section. Sampling was really the beginning of me making beats, because I wasn’t classically trained or anything at the piano and other instruments. So I would sample, and find different instruments and reinsert them onto my drum pack. There was a point I wasn’t listening to rap at all. I was listening to Curtis Mayfield, The Controllers, and Engine 5.

CL: Respect man. Now if you had to pick one track off Live from the Underground that you confidently feel will blow people away. What song would that be?

BK: Damn man. I’d have to say that “Money on the Floor” with 2 Chainz and 8 Ball MJG. (Laughs) Bro, I’m being mystic. Like back in the day when an artist dropped their album, you never got no previews, no artworks, and no track listings. You just had to wait. I’ve been real strong with not letting people know who’s on my album. I think it helps. It builds the anticipation.

CL: Before I let you go, I know a few weeks ago, Joe Budden was trying to reach out to you for a verse for his new project. What’s the word on that?

BK: Yeah I reached out to Joe. I hit him back. People know me and Twitter boy. I’m rarely ever on that. I heard like, “Yo. Joe just reached out to you on Twitter.” I just know there’s normally a lot of negativity on that, so I stay away from it. Plus if I was on Twitter a lot, I wouldn’t be working as much.

CL: Of course, so what’s the update on that track?

BK: I’m not gonna speak on that. (Laughs) You all gotta wait and see.

Throwback Piece: Why Shady Records Is The Hottest Crew In The Game

Do you realize that Eminem – the man whose cannibalistic lyrics has nearly mauled the industry in half – could easily rip apart any rivaling rap crew single-handedly? Now, mix in Slaughterhouse – a group consisting of lyrical monsters that prey on helpless emcees on a regular basis. Add a white boy from Bama’ whose hunger and voracity is unparalleled to anyone right now in Yelawolf, and you have the best line-up in today’s rap game.

Em already conquered the charts with Recovery, which is nearly quadruple platinum, and his new joint LP with Royce Da 5’9 Bad Meets Evil, has brought his lyrical content back to the forefront of rap, and put Royce on the biggest plateau of his career. Shady’s features have been equally impeccable as his lyrical prowess has not diminished, and his flow remains astonishing. His candid verse on I Need a Doctor, exhibits his uncanny ability to simply be raw but captivating all at once through his content.

Slaughterhouse was a gift sent from heaven for the people that appreciate lyricism at its finest. The combination of Joe, Ortiz, Royce and Crooked came to fruition in 08’ on Joe’s Mixtape Halfway House. The track Slaughterhouse instantly drove fans into frenzy.

After that, the lyrical brigade continued in the form of The Leak, the groups’ first official song together. Ever since then, Slaughterhouse released a group album under Koch, and went out on many notable tours including “Rock the Bells.” After several rumors about Em and Slaughterhouse’s constant flirtations in regards to a possible Shady deal, lyrical rap loyalists’ dreams have finally come to fruition. Lyrically, individually, these dudes – Slaughterhouse - are probably top 15-top 20 right now. So when you have four of the top 20 lyrically in one group with arguably the greatest lyrical rapper of our time, you do the math. Dream Team. Championships. No Miami Heat. They’re fully equipped.

Now you add a Yelawolf. At first listen, his delivery may throw you off. But when you actually sit and digest what the man is saying, you realize that boy got skills. He’s simply a southern version of EM. Don’t get me wrong, he is not as lyrical as Em, but he definitely has some bits and pieces reminiscent of Slim Shady. If you need an example, check out Shady 2.0, where Yela ravenously attacked the beat a la Slim. With Em due to be behind the boards for Yela’s upcoming debut slotted for the summer, expect the two white boys to unleash the pain.

Poem: Women + Love = No Idea

She's Looking For Love, But Always Strolling In The Wrong Places

I Mean, She Has The Right Mind, But Always Loves The Wrong Faces,

Her Heart Detaches, Once She Attracts Someone Attractive

Cuz In Her Love Search, She's Always Sitting Inactive

I Always Questioned Her Knowledge For The Opposite Sex,

Cuz She Always Said "I Love You", But Got The Opposite Text

To Be Honest, I Ain't Knocking You But...

Why You Wanna Be Cuffed, When It's Always The Wrong Ones Locking You Up?

Then You Say "Men Are Dogs. They're Disloyal!l They're Irresponsible!

But In Response, On Every Account, Who Should Be Held Accountable?

You Were Infatuated With His Physical, And Not His Personality

Emamored By The Word Love, But Not The Word Reality.

Reality Is, No One Is To Blame But You,

If You Not Ready For The Sport, Sit Down...And Just Watch A Game Or Two

Video: CL - Be Your Star

Brooklyn-bred rapper, CL, first began his writing game as a journalist, penning articles for the likes of Smooth Magazine, Vibe, and BallerStatus.com, as well. But, he was also working on musical aspirations as well.

Following the release of his debut mixtape, Never Looking Back, he drops a music video the project's second single, "Be Your Star."

"The video, conceptually, is about through all the bullsh** and trife I've gone through in life, and me hoping to be my supporters' 'star' at the end of the day, despite it all," CL explains. "I talk about my issues with my misleading ex, my problems in school, my father leaving me, and not seeing my brother."

Download Never Looking Back

http://limelinx.com/files/233164155d532a2ebf204580f4e84b31

Album Review: J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story

J.Cole – Cole World: The Sideline Story Review



There comes a time, when a tingling sensation from your spine trickles down to your fingers when you first hear new music. The music scene has been melancholy, as many artists unfortunately have reached their peak or acme of their careers. While newcomers swam the depths of musical ambiance in hopes of capturing a classic, many have sunk, because they opted to appeal to the radio and remain docile in their approach to record labels. J.Cole has patiently waited for his number to be called. He watched his competitors and industry peers get rid of their warm up jerseys, and traded in the practice gear for their official uniforms. Mainstream success has already called upon rappers such as Drake, B.o.B, Big Sean, Wiz and many more, while Cole had no choice but to sit and watch. But Cole never appeared mad or even apprehensive at his situation. He waited patiently on the sideline for his number to be called. Guess what, patience is a virtue, and Young Simba has finally stepped into the game, and though his first game appearance may not mirror along the likes of his idols Nasir, and Hovito, he proved that watching from the sidelines for so long may have been beneficial for his situation after all.



The intro finds Cole recollecting candidly when he first inked his contract with Hov, and Roc Nation with his boys. Cole - known for his candor - exposed his heart, and the pits of his fiery mind, as tracks like "Dollar and a Dream III", "Sideline Story", finds him explicitly revealing his long lasting grind to finally achieve his overdue dream. As Cole embarks on his journey to the pinnacles of Hip-Hop's upper echelon, he encountered numerous push backs and constant badgering from bloggers in reference to his relationship with Jay. He rebuts those assumptions on "Sideline Story" saying “Somebody told me how come Jay never shout me out? Like I’m supposed to give a fuck.” Cole also receives his chance of linking up with his idol/boss, Jay-Z, as the prodigy tackles the dub-step style “Mr. Nice Watch” with Jay-z finishing the track smoothly a la George Gervin.



Cole also displays his brilliant story telling abilities on tracks like "Lost Ones" where he vividly portrays the point of views of two young adults facing the risks of going through a pregnancy, and possibly abortion. The marveling thing about Cole is his fearlessness of touching the inner demons of society and the ills of reality rather than shy away from it. "Nobody's Perfect" features the resurgence of Missy Elliot as she sings on the hook about people's imperfections, but being ok with the simple fact that nobody is indeed perfect. In "Rise & Shine", the beginning includes of a vintage sound bite from Jay-Z, talking about the possibilities of a newcomer coming to take his coveted spot and dethrone him. Then, a voracious Cole ravenously attacks the beat with the mind state of capitalizing off Hov’s earlier sentiments. With a quotable like "In the game full of liars, it turns out I'm the truth,” it shows Cole doesn’t plan to let gimmicks overtake his career, but rather, let his realism carry him into prominence.



The let downs – which appears to be subtle – came towards the end as tracks like Rise & Shine, and God’s Gift mirrors each other production wise, and even content wise, as Cole’s plea to prove himself becomes somewhat repetitive. Maybe Cole could have cut the album short as these songs appear to be fillers, as his hopes of stretching his album into a 15 track opus lands just short. Cole heard the murmurs from critics in regards to his hit making abilities, but it seemed Cole brushed the criticism aside, and allowed himself to do what people appreciate him most for – his brute lyricism, and storytelling tales. For those who were searching for a top-ten radio track to spin endlessly until their ears blew off, will not appreciate Cole’s efforts. But for those, who have been riding with Cole from his days of The Come Up will appreciate his first project. Regardless, for a debut, he should be very proud as he proves the skeptics wrong on the notion of his production game –which was first dubbed as lackadaisical – proves to be more than sufficient in this album. Overall, for his crack at the league, he demonstrates, he definitely has all-star potential and is no a longer sideline player, but a player to watch out for, especially for years to come.



Final Review: 4/5

Mary J. Blige Captures The Magic Again For Upcoming 'My Life' Sequel (Ballerstatus.Com)

A couple weeks ago, NYC's Mandarin Oriental Hotel was the spot for where a small group of journalists huddled for a private listening session of Mary J Blige's latest endeavor, My Life II, the sequel to 1994 sophomore release of the same title.

Early in the morning, a group consisting of no more than 10 journalists gathered around hoping to be captivated by the Queen of R&B's newest masterpiece. Before engaging in the listening, Mary's manager gave a formal introduction in regards to the album, and how it all came together. He reiterated that the sequencing and tempo were key attributes into molding the album together, considering he and Mary knew that she would have the daunting task of trying to recapture the same magic from an album so early in her career.

After his brief spiel, he left the journalists among themselves to listen, and engulf in Mary's 0newest passage. The intro to the album is one too familiar, as Mary is found conversing with the man who ignited her career, P. Diddy. With both realizing the challenge ahead, in regards to Mary toppling her previous works, both came to the conclusion that this album had to be the one to remind fans of not only vintage Mary, but the Mary that we all came to love and adore over the years.

With jams such as "Feel Inside" featuring Nas, and "Midnight Drive" featuring her alter-ego Brook Lynn, it was evident that the Mary was still able to tap and channel into her throwback swagger, as she brought back the edgy swagger that has conquered the up-tempo tracks in past efforts... with her powerful voice.

Mary would even bring along new friends on her magical journey such as Beyonce for her duet in "Loving a Woman", and utilizing Rick Ross' velvety flow for "Why."

After hearing the album segue from the up-tempo having fun Mary, to the slow and more serious side of Mary, it's apparent that Mary delved into her past, and was able to still remain present with who she is now, as she successful made a cohesive follow-up to its 1994 predecessor.

Listen for yourself on November 21, when My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1) finally hits stores.

Big Sean Goes From Telemarketer To Becoming 'Finally Famous'

It's a brisk afternoon in downtown Manhattan as the Worldwide Plaza -- known for being home to prestigious law firms such as Cravath and Swaine & Moore -- is now synonymous with innumerable musical acts from Def Jam.

On the 28th floor, one could be befuddled by the myriad of photos of musical talents such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and many more. While one would be enamored by the successful faces gracing the walls of Def Jam, others would be besotted with the bevy of classics being played through the speakers from the lobby. As Jay-Z's "All Around the World" echoes through the speakers, you feel this song is perfect for the man of the hour: Big Sean.

Ironically, Sean is no where to be found. After an arduous 21 interviews, Sean appears to be Casper-like. Invisible from his home away from home, Def Jam. But you see, Sean wasn't entirely ghost. At the Grey Goose Rising Icon party, held in the in the vibrant city of New York, Sean -- sporting a Detroit Red Wings fitted -- is seen flaunting his new drink, dubbed "The Big Sean".

The lemonade, cranberry, and orange juice-flavored combination is mixed with Grey Goose. The perfect drink to describe the equally colorful rapper. With a double-time flow, in unison with his sparkling wordplay, Sean has become one of the few new attention-grabbing rappers on the scene. But, before Sean was anywhere close to being "Big Sean," he was simply a telemarketer trying to make his dream become a reality.

"Man. I was a telemarketer. That sh** was weak as f***. I would sell sh** on the phone, and make $120 a week," the rapper admits.

When the man -- recognized as the creator of the "Supa-Dupa Flow" -- wasn't in the office making calls, he was working with other young voracious rappers on the come up. For nearly two years, he fought his way onto the scene, earning his chops in Detroit through numerous radio freestyles.

"I was grinding for like a year straight, doing this radio show called "The Friday Night Cipher" where we would come together and battle," Sean explains. "Whoever won the battles got to rap on-air. There were six winners. The six winners would get to rap on-air after the battle, and spit like two verses on the radio."

For a year straight, every Friday, Sean would head to the local Detroit station, in hopes of bolstering his status in his city. Throughout that time, he had established a strong relationship with the station's staff and would soon receive a tip that would alter his life from then on out.

"Kanye was promoting his album on a Saturday morning, and my homie called me and was like, 'You listening to the radio?' I was cashing my check at the bank. My homie called me like, 'Yo. Kanye at the station. If you want, you could come spit for him. If you rap, he'll sign you.' "

Without hesitation or even cashing his check, Sean quickly headed to the radio station, and there he would meet with Kanye. After Sean dropped a few bars for the Chicago rap star and later sending his new music (weeks later), Ye made it official and brought Sean to his G.O.O.D. Music label.

But, it was a grind from there. After signing, Sean worked diligently on creating a buzzing through the release of his mixtapes -- Finally Famous and Finally Famous 2. On the tapes and leaked tracks, shades of a young Kanye was imminent in Sean's delivery. However, what had brought attention to Sean was his remarkable flow, which he had dubbed the "Supa-Dupa Flow." With this flow, he drew intrigue from many rappers, and even found himself lending it to many other big name rappers such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, and even Ludacris.

If you ask Sean, personally he feels his flow topples everyone else's.

"I think I did it the best 'cause I made it up," Sean boasts. "But, Drake did it real good too. And then, there were some motherf***ers who just did it real bad" -- before he would utter out his next word, Sean's eyes open in amazement as his manager, Kevin Liles, walked in the Grey Goose event embracing him with admiration.

With a formidable support group coming in the form of Kanye West and Liles, you would think Sean would be set for life. Still, his mentor, Mr. West was always pushing him to the brink, in hopes of the young MC, one day, reaching his potential.

"[Kanye is] a critic. He used to always tell me to step it up and get better, because he saw the potential in me. But lately, he's been telling me like, 'Yeah man. You're the best man. Your sh** is crazy," he says.

It seems Sean is nearing his potential today. He was recognized as one of XXL's 2010 Freshman Class, and shined brightly during the 2010 BET Awards when he and his G.O.O.D. Music family participated in cypher sessions throughout the event. Sean impressed people to say the least.

While beginning to break through with bigger looks, Sean remained focused on his debut album, Finally Famous, which finally hit stores in late June, debuting at #3 with over 87,000 copies sold in its first week. His first single, "My Last" featuring Chris Brown, showcases the vivacious rapper flamboyantly flowing over Brown's melodic delivery, instantly making the song a radio smash.

Months after the release, Sean is Finally Famous ... and continuing to bolster his resume. His album's second single, "I Do It", was recently feature in NBA's star Derrick Rose's Adidas commercial.

The once-aspiring Detroit rapper is living his dream, and it's safe to say he'll be here for years to come.

Q&A With Estelle: Being A Role Model, Bringing Herself Into Music & Love

Music is so tasteful. To appreciate the exquisiteness behind the elements of music, one must know it's foundation. Enter Estelle, the songbird who came out of her cage and blossomed nationally, after flying over from London. After she journeyed across the country for her "American Boy", she began finding her niche and developing her sound. With her eclectic voice, her popularity afforded her collaborations with the likes of Kanye West, John Legend, Nas, and Rick Ross, among many others.

The Grammy-Award winner recently shot her video for her first single, "Break My Heart" featuring the telfon don Rick Ross, garnering great response.

We were able to sit down with Estelle to talk about her single, dealing with paparazzi while being in a relationship, and being a role model for the young listeners.

BallerStatus.com: You have the single "Break My Heart" with Rick Ross, which is doing pretty well right now. I just want to know how the song came about?

Estelle: I had the beat chillin', looking at me. I was getting toward the end of the album, had a bunch of songs sent to me. I was like "This beat is kinda special." I went to the studio and was thinking, "This beat is crazy." I didn't know what to do with the hook. I always start from the hook, then name the song from the hook. I went home and I just wrote the whole thing. I didn't want it to be an ordinary "Oh my heart's broken," "I hate this man"-type song. I wanted it to be something people can be hopeful about, and that guys and girls can relate to. And that was it.

BallerStatus.com: The track is great and you're talking about heart's being broken. I know woman have a tendency of having their hearts broken. I was wondering, did past experiences contribute to making the song?

Estelle: Not about some random idea I had in the air. It was real (laughs). I moved to New York and I was having a random attack, so "American Boy" (giggles) ... it's that real. I'm not the type of artist that can just get on a song and be told what's supposed to happen. I'm not that person. I can't write, I can't live like that. I really have to relate to it and that's how I live my life. That's why it takes me so damn long to come up with an album. I've had my heart broken too many times, so please don't do it again. Don't mess with me (jokingly). I have fun being single. I think a lot of girls are scared to say that, to be that honest and real with their men. I know this for sure, that women use these songs as a way to communicate. So, that was me just being brave enough to say it and brave enough to be the person that does it. Ya know?



It's kind of therapy for me. It really is. I get a chance to talk to my students.

BallerStatus.com: That's good . It gives you the chance to free your mind. It's crazy because I know for you being a woman in the industry, you touched on it a little bit, on how difficult it can be to maintain a healthy relationship with the paparazzi and temptations just forming around you and your partner?

Estelle: I think, for me personally, on my end of it, I was in a relationship for a good two years in London, while I was doing my first album and nobody knew. I try my best to not give people my business. I don't put it out there. I don't think my boyfriend is going to help my brand. The most inside you'll get into my life is me writing about whatever relationship I'm in, or you might see me out too much, but that's it (laughs). Imagine how you'd feel? I mean nobody is perfect.

In relationships you have to be real, so imagine whomever you're with is constantly being victimized, constantly have people digging into their business and that's crazy.

BallerStatus.com: It's rough.

Estelle: Right! It's rough. I choose not to do that to whomever I'm with.

BallerStatus.com: I don't blame you. It's crazy because you just touched on this not to long ago, about how with every record you write, you're putting yourself out there. Many artists are scared of showing the fans their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. With that being said, on the new album All Of Me, do you offer your fans an even closer look at not what only makes Estelle a singer, but you as a person?

Estelle: Absolutely. I really want people to know that I'm comfortable with me. I'm happy with me. I'm not bothered by anyone's perception of who I'm supposed to be. This is me and I'm not scared to put it out there. I really want people to get me, understand where I'm coming from, and what I'm saying. From the last album, the song "More than Friends," I was like shy. "American Boy," I was more comfortable. I'm not trying to be perfect. I'm not trying to be the role model of life. I'm trying to be a real human being. I just want to make really good music that people give a sh** about. That's the basis of it. I also want them to understand that because I'm from London, doesn't mean that it's not the same sh**, but in a different currency. I think a lot of people think you come from London, so you're rich. No, I'm not. I want people to understand how real it is and what my struggle is and why I do the sh** I do. This is not a joke for me. It's my life.

BallerStatus.com: Wow. When you say that, it bugs me out because a lot of people now-a-days, it feels like when they make a single or a track, it's like they chase the radio. With your music, it feels like everything came together organically.

Estelle: I just do what the hell I do because I like it. I do the stuff I love and I feel like there are people who love it too.



BallerStatus.com: Do you feel like a lot of musicians, especially the R&B singers that connect more to the younger age group, do you feel they should be more responsible and accountable for what they say within their lyrics?

Estelle: Yeah, I think they should be responsible for their stuff, especially if they know it's going to be some embarrassment. Forget the money, because you're going to have money either way. It may take you longer. It may take a different route to get it, but I just feel like you need to be careful of what you're giving these kids to sing.

BallerStatus.com: I agree 100%. Another thing I noticed and I think you noticed it too, is that a lot of artists now have a tendency to release their albums on a yearly basis. They feel, to stay relevant, they wanna release two albums within a year. Do you feel that when you release your projects at a two, three-year difference, you're in a better space musically and creatively when you work on your album? Rather than rush the material out?

Estelle: Yeah, you don't get to physically grow as a human being. I've always approached it to being a human being. I have to cater to myself first, and it may put me at a disadvantage because I have to go work all over again, but when things are on the table and the album is released, you're gunna love it. Something you will listen to for ten years, not just for the next year. You have to make a commitment to growing and doing really good work. Do you see where I'm coming from?

BallerStatus.com: I completely agree with you on everything you've been saying. That's the first time I can say that about an artist. You're saying a lot of real stuff; I can't even lie. I might have to title the interview "Real Talk With Estelle" ...

Estelle: I'm not even frustrated about it. I don't judge anybody. I know for me, the way I think of music, the way my team thinks of music, the way the people I work with like John and Kanye ... They take their time and they work on their sh**.

BallerStatus.com: For your fans out there, can you give them once again the release date of when they can expect All Of Me to come out?

Estelle: All Of Me comes out in September. I think right now, it's the second week of September. The single is out now on iTunes, "Break My Heart."

BallerStatus.com: Can the fans expect another reunion with John Legend or Kanye? Can we expect that on the album?

Estelle: On the album, definitely with John Legend. I think it's exciting when we work together. I think we should just do a duet album at some point.

BallerStatus.com: That's what I was just about to ask you...

Estelle: I think we should. We haven't spoken about it. Maybe we'll do something. Common is on the new album.

BallerStatus.com: Oh really? That's big.

BallerStatus.com: You've worked with a lot of artists -- robin Thicke, John Legend, Kanye. Are there any artists that you're still looking at on your wish list, and you're like, "We have to get a record?"

Estelle: I would love to work with Mary [J. Blige]. She's my idol. I just love her. I'm a big fan of Shania Twain. I think she's amazing. I'm also a big fan of Jim Jones, Dipset.

BallerStatus.com: That would be a really interesting track. That would be dope. I will definitely be checking for it.

Fred The Godson: The Weight Is Over

It's easy to get complacent when you're showered with accolades, and a standing O without officially playing your first game, or in the case of Fred The Godson releasing your debut album. The 26-year-old rapper has morphed from an underground fluid punch line artist to an integral puzzle piece in rebuilding the landscape of New York. You would think after donning a XXL cover and being anointed as one of the top freshmen, that relaxation would be a top priority for Fred. With his titillating flow, Fred can be found at his home studio in the BX - where Page 31 walked in. Fred, sporting his fitted, and thermo, freshens up, switches tees, and enters game mode. It's that time.

With New York floundering on the rap scene, life may have been restored with the BX native. From coming up on the underground Fred has decided to recapture the elegance of New York rap with pure grit, and hard-nosed verses. Living in the treacherous South Bronx helped raised Fred into a man quickly as drugs swept his neighborhood. Being the oldest of 6, Fred realized he would have to play the role of being a role model for his younger siblings. But soon, Fred awoke and realized, a typical 9-5 wouldn't be endearing to his life, because knew the BX - known as the jungle - would try to subdue him.

"While life is taking its course, you gotta learn how to stack that bread. I'm not a 9-5 dude. Majority of us aren't from the suburbs. We're trying to get there. We're trying to get the good life. We all come from shootouts and drugs. That's where we come from. We living in a jungle."

Outside of his drug infested neighborhood, Fred would turn to rap as his way out. After becoming an instant Stan of rap, especially after hearing A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation", Fred became infatuated with rappers uncanny abilities to develop such wordplay. Lines like "I nicknamed your girl Kim, because every time the car dash she in,” on Jadakiss' "Toast to That", to even his single "So Crazy" where he said "Tell Beyonce that my punch lines will have Kelly rollin’” has garnered the spot on XXL's Top 10 Freshman class for 2011. By gaining such a feature, NY is hoping Fred's wittiness and swagger can elevate New York back into the game in where the South has controlled the reigns for nearly half a decade.
Fred has gained massive love from his hometown as he has been featured doing tracks with Vado, Jadakiss, Lloyd Banks, to even Diddy.

The Diddy assisted "Getting Money," finds Fred attacking the beat, while Diddy provides his signature adlibs, and touches on the hook. Bars like "I need proof you put in work where's your W-2." has helped Fred gained respect as a crafted lyricist.
Besides his lyrics being the talk of conversation, Fred's weight has also sparked conversations within itself. With Fred carrying extra weight, many have been mesmerized by his flow, and breath control despite suffering from asthma as a child. “I got severe asthma, like real bad asthma. But when it came to rap and everything, everything was smooth. Like I go on stage, I rock a fucking 3,000 person crowd. I have them going crazy, NO ASTHMA! I never understood it, I just say…God put me here to do this.”
Many notable legends like The Notorious B.I.G. and Big Pun gained the hearts of many not because of their skill, but their ability to maneuver the words so smoothly, and in some cases, rapidly. With Fred displaying these attributes, it's only matter of time before this freshman, walks on stage, and gets his standing ovation.

Catching Up With Kool G Rap: New Album, His Thoughts On Newcomers & Rick Ross

Let's be real. Kool G Rap is a legend. Forget all the journalistic principles about being bias and unbiased. Sometimes you can't ignore the facts. Kool G Rap is rap's Oscar Robertson -- a person who will go down in history as one of the best, but will be misunderstood by today's youth simply because of the generational gap. KGR was a multi-faceted rapper who possessed a whip lashing flow capable of lacerating the pride of fellow emcees. Rappers like Nas and Jay-Z have always spoke fondly about one of the founding fathers of rap with the utmost respect. Jay has even, occasionally, thrown Kool G references in several tracks, including "Encore", and "Maybach Music". You think he said it just to be cool?

Now, KGR returns with a new album, entitled Riches, Royalty, and Respect, and comes with the same intentions as he did when he first came out with his debut album, Road to the Riches -- just do it for the love of the game.

Ballerstatus was able to sit down with Kool G Rap, and talk about his new album, staying true to himself, collabing with Rick Ross, and discussing the outcome of a cipher battle featuring hip-hop's all-time greats.

BallerStatus.com: I know your new album is coming out, entitled Riches, Royalty, and Respect. What made you decide to go with that as your title for 2011?

Kool G Rap: I really became conscious of things like titles, and stuff like that. I mean, not that I wasn't before, but I wanted to make more of a personal statement, rather than something that sounded catchy or mob affiliated or something like that. In the pas,t I used to borrow titles from movies, and stuff like that. But, my first album was called Road to the Riches. That was more of a personal desire. This album, I kind of wanted to go back to that. Go back to the personal; you know what I'm saying? It took me awhile to come up with the title. I just wanted to come up with a list of things that I would want to obtain. When I thought of that, I said, "That's something that every man wants to obtain. Riches, Royalty, and Respect is a desire every man wants -- even women. Any human being would want any of those things or all of the above."

BallerStatus.com: I'm going to be honest man. I'm 21. So when I was comparing the title to my generation as a whole now, I realized, a lot of these cats are going for the riches rather than the respect. Do you think that kind of mindset affects the quality of music?

Kool G Rap: Oh wow. Yeah, I mean it definitely does 'cause it makes you one dimensional. Dudes who make records all day, which they do, basically talk about the same subject matter. They talk about money. They talk about what they got, and what you ain't got. But you know what I think happened to music, the soul is missing. There's good ear candy out there. But the soul is missing from the music right now. And yo, I'm not an artist for my era that downs the artists of today or bash anybody, because there's a lot of fugazy sh** out there. But, there are some cats who are real, and really have talent, and who aren't one dimensional.



BallerStatus.com: What was your mindset making this album, knowing this generation is now more geared towards the skinny jeans, and dance records? Did you come in with the mindset of trying to adapt to them, or just sticking to the script?

Kool G Rap: To be honest with you g, I had no intentions of trying to upset my sh**, and be attractive to the youth or try to be attractive for radio play. You know, I do have songs that I'd love to hit the radio, and I think they're radio playable, but I wasn't reaching for that. Mentally, my mindset was like, "This was something G Rap wanted to get out of his system. Whether it's making music touching on some real life sh**, or me displaying lyrical skills, and wordplay," It was gonna be either of those things. It wasn't gonna to reach Young Jeezy's audience or T.I.'s audience. It wasn't going to be for that. Not to knock those artists, because I like both of those artists. There's sh** of Jeezy that I like, and sh** of T.I. that I like, just like Rick Ross. But I'm not that favorable of anybody doing the sh** right now. But I don't knock em. It's good thing they're doing something positive to make a living when they could be doing other things out there in the street.

BallerStatus.com: I remember when I spoke to KRS-One and Buckshot a while back, they said their issue wasn't necessarily the new cats, but just the lack of lyricism. Does it bother you that the lack of wordplay is evident in rap today? When before guys like you, Rakim, and Big Daddy Kane were always giving away bars?

Kool G Rap: You know what? It really don't bother me because not everybody is capable of being a G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, or KRS-One. That says a person is gifted. These are not any rappers you see on TV, rocking some jewelry, and see all the girls chasing them. Now you see kids like, "Yo. I wanna do the same thing because I want all those things." A Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and G-Rap kind of talent isn't just going to shoot up your body, and then instantly you become that talented artist. That's why it doesn't matter because some of these artists are just doing what they can do. They doing all that they can do. So then, that's when they make their swag stand out, and make swag a big thing. I mean swag was always apart of hip-hop, it's just we didn't call it swagger. We just used to say that someone was talented or had a lot of charisma. They just titled the sh** "swagger" now.

BallerStatus.com: I remember listening to Rick Ross' mixtape, The Albert Anastasia EP, and you were on it. What drew into doing a feature with him, knowing he had a trouble past in regards to him being a C.O.?

Kool G Rap: Number one, I did music with Rick Ross. What he does in his personal life is him. I don't knock a man for what he does for a living. If he wants to keep that from the public, or present it to the public, that's all on him. I was making music with Rick Ross. He treated G Rap with curiosity, respect, and some cases admiration. So I couldn't be like, "Yo, f*** outta here. You was a C.O." I'm not a cat like that. I don't knock him for that. If he feels it was something shameful, and doesn't want the public to know, that's on him. That's his business. But as far as his music, he's a lyrical dude. That's why I linked with Ross. His mixtape was crazy. He's on top of his pen game.



BallerStatus.com: What does it take to get Kool G Rap on a track as a feature?

Kool G Rap: I mean, like with Rick Ross, it was gonna be an even trade. I do one for you, and you do one for me-type of thing. But you can't be like that with everybody. It gotta make sense for me, and for the other person. Outside of situations like that, I'd charge that bread, that paper.

BallerStatus.com: Speaking of features, who do you have on the album?

Kool G Rap: To be honest, I got a lot of no-name cats that got that fire. I'm not sure if you heard the "Sad" single I dropped last year around September or October. I got an Alchemist track with Havoc on the chorus. There's a lot of hungry dudes coming up that got that fire. On the EP, I'm dropping before the album, I got a track from my man Domingo. You know, he produced a sh**load of people from Shaquille O'Neal to Amy Winehouse, Big Pun, and KRS-One. But there's a lot of hungry dudes man.

BallerStatus.com: I remember Hov did an interview with Charlie Rose, and he said if he was to go into battle with a rival crew, he would take you, Eminem, Biggie, Pac, Nas, and KRS-One. Now I'm wondering, if there was a battle cipher among yourselves, how do you think you would fair?

Kool G Rap: Oh my God. That would be a problem my man. (Laughs)

BallerStatus.com: All heavyweights. (Laughs)

Kool G Rap: You're talking about Pac, BIG, Jay, Nas, and KRS. Damn, I seen what you were talking about. I agreed with what Jay was saying about Pac. It's not that Pac was so crazy lyrically, but it was his passion. Tupac, to me, was like the hip-hop Marvin Gaye. That's the best example, because he was the artist of the time, and so was Pac.

Introducing Jon Connor: Talks Come-Up In Flint, MI; Co-Signs From Nas; Musical Greatness

Flint, Michigan is anything but a joke. You could hear the cries and shrills when you walk into the city. Crime has domesticated itself in Flint, and has become destitute of any types of success. Lives have become forlorn, and mentalities are been shaken. But, one man isn't shaken by the melancholy environment. His name is Jon Connor.

Connor, whose poignant wordplay is groomed like a New York MC, has decided to lift his city from obscurity and repaint its future. By teaming up with the hometown Kid, former college basketball star Mateen Cleaves, Connor -- and his team Varsity Music -- is ready to shed some light on it. With co-signs from people like Nas, Game, Rick Ross, among others, this kid isn't here to just conquer rap, but the life of music period.

Ballerstatus sat down with Connor to talk basketball, co-signs, and his goal to be the music's next legend.

BallerStatus.com: The way you have been coming up in the game has been similar to the path of the Grizzlies [in the NBA Playoffs]. I say that because they're so underrated, but of all of sudden they began making that noise in the game. Do you feel that's a valid comparison in regards to your come up?

Jon Connor: I definitely do. I definitely do man. That's almost hitting the nail on the head man. Young, hungry, wanting it, and nobody really saw it coming-type of situation. I just came out of nowhere. I started making noise. You hit the nail on the head with tjhat one, man. I appreciate you making that comparison.

BallerStatus.com: What's crazy is a lot of your records and/or freestyles have been seen by fans, and often times, they're under the impression that it's a New York rapper on the track, because of your delivery on the track. Do you feel that's a compliment, or do you prefer being characterized as that rapper from Flint?

Jon Connor: (laughs) I always wanna make sure I represent Flint. Let people know we do have skills, and we could come with it. As far as people thinking I'm from NY, I think that's compliment. That's where everything started. I'm a student of the game, like for real. I grew up watching "The Show," "Rhyme and Reason," any hip-hop documentary I could find. Like all that. Just studying all of the craft, so when people say I sound like an NY MC, that's a compliment to me. Some of the greats were from NY -- Biggie, Jay, Nas, Rakim. There's so many ill emcees that came from NY. I can't take it no other way.

BallerStatus.com: If that's the case, we should call up Tigger and get you in the booth for "Rap City," man. (laughs)

Jon Connor: Man that would be crazy! That would be dope! (laughs) I grew up in that era with Tigger, and the basement. As a kid, I always thought about that. I imagined being in the basement with Tigger. I still to this day wonder why "Rap City" isn't around no more.

BallerStatus.com: You know, a track like "The Heist," it had you rapping for two minutes straight, bars. I wanna know, do you get more fulfillment in rapping, no hook, or do you prefer full fledge tracks like "Another One" and "Epic"?

Jon Connor: Well for me, I love them both equally, because music is my passion. There's a section of me that loves both equally. Like I always say, I'm a student of the game. I consider myself an entertainer, an artist, all of that. So there's a side of me, that's a spitter. Like, "Yo. I do this. I does this." But, there's also a side when I'm a producer, when I love making records. But ain't nothing man like going for yours, for however long. I did a track that was six minutes long. That was therapeutic. The reason I do a track like "The Heist" was that I just wanted to come into the game, and earn respect. I could come into the game, and make records all day, and make songs people wanna hear. I could do that. But, to me, I didn't wanna just be a guy that makes catchy stuff, which I can do, 'cause that's the point in the music business. But, I wanted that respect behind my name. So when I do start doing that, they could say, "He deserves to make those types of records, because he gave us just raw spitting lyricism."

It feels good to just really go in. It's like you coming on the playground for that respect. It's like you coming up on the home court, on the playground like "Yo?" I'm sure it's nothing like the NBA, but it's whole different type of hunger, and hoop when you're on the playground. It's a respect thing. So, I guess that's what I get out of that. You know what I mean?



BallerStatus.com: Definitely. You have been earning the respect of many from your freestyles, especially over the mainstream beats like "Moment for Life", and "I'm On It." Are you trying to show to fans that you could hop on a mainstream track, and do it twice as better than fans' favorite artists?

Jon Connor: Yeah, I want people to take that from that. I want them to see when I do that, it's a respect thing. What's funny is a lot of times is it's just whatever beat hits me at that moment. It wasn't like I wanted to jump on such and such's record. It's whatever beat hits me at that moment. It wasn't even like I'd go into it on such and such record, or I wanna outdo such and such on the record. I just go through whatever instrumentals I got, and if that beat hits me at that moment, then I'll go in. Honestly, not even to sound funny, all the time I be in competition with myself because I got high standards. I'm always thinking I never wanna let me down. I wanna come harder than the last time somebody heard me. I just wanna keep raising the bar for myself.

BallerStatus.com: A lot of your records that have been coming to light, like the joints you had with a Saigon, Consequence, XV, among others. Do you maintain that same mentality of competing with yourself, knowing you're doing a track with someone else?

Jon Connor: Yeah. Definitely. Like the people that would send me the record, I tell them, "Don't send it to me with the verses on it." I don't wanna hear it. I don't wanna hear nobody else's verses because I don't wanna be influenced by someone else on the track. It's not an ego thing or nothing like that. I always look at it like I'm in comp with me. I'll listen to the whole record after I finish my verse, and record it. Then, I'll listen to it. I'm really particular about that, and hearing the other person's verse.

BallerStatus.com: Because you are so particular, and you're so also a producer, do you often find yourself tampering with the beat, or playing producer with the producer on the track?

Jon Connor: Well, because I am a producer, I know the pains of being a producer. When you have someone telling you what they don't like about the beat, I don't do that because I feel the producer's pain. When a producer sends me a beat, that's their baby. That's like going into somebody's house, and me telling them how to raise their child. (laughs) So when they send me the beat, this is how they wanted things to sound. I'm just going to babysit the kids for them. (laughs)

BallerStatus.com: What a lot of people may not know is about your relationship with Mateen Cleaves, the former college basketball star. Talk about how that came about.

Jon Connor: Man. Crazy. Big shout out to Mo Cleaves. Also shout outs to J-Rich. But me, and Mo man, there's not even enough words to say. That's my big bro, my mentor, co-company, and my tag team partner. I started Varsity Music as a dream when I was 11 years old. When I turned 12, I knew I wanted to do music for the rest of my life. When I met Mo Cleaves, I must have been 22-23 years old. The passion that he had for what I was doing ... he saw me perform. He was like, "Yo, you John Connor? I've been trying to find you. You need to be on. People need to see you." I could see he really believed in my dream. He had the same passion, and motivation I had. He saw what I saw. He seen where I was trying to go with it. It was like after he saw me perform, he was like, "You need to be on. I'm going to do everything in my power to help you. I will not stop." To this day, he's been true to his word. That's my big brother, my mentor, and everything.

BallerStatus.com: I know you got the co-signs from Nas, Scarface, to even Game, and Rick Ross. For some people that would be enough. Why isn't that enough for Jon Connor?

Jon Connor: For one, I never said this in interviews, but I wanna make sure I say it in this one. I've been grinding for years, before I even met Mo, before there were any co-Signs. It kind of rubs me funny like when you hear people say, "Oh, he got the Nas co-sign. So he's good. He got Mo Cleaves. This wouldn't be happening for the Rick Ross co-Sign." Like they don't even understand, Carl. Before any of that, I was moving back and forth. I was going back and forth in Orlando, Florida, grinding, handing out CDs in the middle of traffic. Then, I moved back to Flint to work at an automotive plant. I worked that job, and saved up money to move back to Miami to be where the music was. So, I did not spend one check. I worked at an automotive plant. I saved my money. I saved about five racks, and went back Miami. I was grinding. I was moving CDs in the middle of the street. People were throwing CDs out. I literally went through every form of the grind that there possibly was. It just was a whole moving back in Florida.

I've done the 30-hour bus trip. My whole mindset was if I take the bus from Flint to Florida -- because we're gonna stop at different cities -- so if I take 200-300 CDs, I'm going to stop in Detroit, Ohio, Tennessee, I'm going to pass it out. I was on the Greyhound every week for a year and half passing CDs. That wasn't enough for me, because I was born in Flint Michigan, where we ain't have nothing. For the videos we be putting, that's my neighborhood. That's why I can't just stop with a co-sign. I respect it. It lets me know that I'm on the right track. I can't stop there man. It's the same hunger of Biggie that made him get out of Brooklyn that I have. I've seen "Tupac Resurrection" with Pac grinding to get out. You got Hov out of Marcy. You got Em wanting to get out of 8 Mile in the D. I'm from Flint, Michigan where there's nothing.



I have lived on every level of this grind. I will not stop until I am one of the greatest musical minds of all time. I want to get VMAs, Grammy's, all of that. You can't be blinded by people saying you nice. You could respect it, but I have so much more to do. Think about it like this: we were talking about basketball. You have the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Western Conference Finals. You don't get people saying "Hey, at least we made it to the Conference Finals." No, you want the Finals. I want that recognition. I want that spot.

BallerStatus.com: I remember Diddy said this: "Rappers would be lucky to have a lifespan of more than four years in the game." Why do you feel you will have that longevity in the game?

Jon Connor: I was talking to Sav about this. There are certain people that outlast that four-year curse that are legitimate music dudes. They're in tune with what people wanna hear, and their emotions. Those people, like a Jay-Z whose been around so long, isn't chasing a trend or a sound. He's just doing him, but still related to people through the music. He just has a natural connection with people. Like Biggie, that's why when he only had two albums, it still bumps today because people relate to him. You could listen to "Juicy" now, and it'll still have the same effect on you because it was pure music and emotion.

With today, I think people just chase the hit record. People are chasing what's hot right now. Man, if that's what somebody else is doing, and that's getting them hot, that's their lane. I wanna find my own lane. The people that were the greatest found their own lane. I know where the trapped doors are. I know where all of the rat traps are. People don't have a clear identity of where they wanna go or be. That's when they fall in to obscurity. I remember my man Chris Webber and me were in the studio and he told me this: "Connor, your turn is going to come at least once. But if you're always chasing what someone else is doing, you're always gonna miss your time, because you were so busy to do what other person was doing. Just keep doing what you do." I always took that to heart, and I know I'm going to be here for a long time, because I wanna be mentioned with the Quincy's, the Kanye's, the Michael's, and the Bono's.

Meet Bonnie-Jill Laflin: NBA's First & Only Female Scout

Beauty and brains. Imagine a woman with the striking features of a Heather Locklear, and a vivacious attitude entrapped in a male-dominated industry where sports are considered safe havens for the male gender. Imagine that same woman was walking around the office telling you -- an athlete -- you need to work on that jumpshot or your right hand dribble is lacking, because she has the power too. Times have definitely changed, and Bonnie-Jill Laflin has definitely become a cornerstone in a male-driven world.

Yes, she's stunningly attractive, but her witty savvy and knowledge on sports have made her a valued commodity in the eyes of Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Before she was league bound, and making her presence felt in the league's offices, she was a cheerleader, and a model -- both suitable professions considering her physical attributes.

With a sports broadcasting background, Bonnie-Jill has covered the Lakers, and was given a golden opportunity when she made scouting reports for a year, until the decision was made for her to take her talents into the front office. She would become the Assistant General Manager for the Lakers' D-League team, the LA D-Fenders. Despite having to overcome numerous hindrances, Bonnie has battled willingly and was triumphant in trying to forge a name for herself in an industry full of male egos.

"For me, I knew I was jumping into a mans' world," Laflin admits, in a recent interview with BallerStatus.com. "I've been a part of sports since I was 17, when I was cheering for the Golden State Warriors. I always knew there were going be hurdles to jump over everyday, but this was something I've always wanted to do since I was little. I've always said, I was going to run my own team, or own my team. (laughs)"

Because Bonnie is a female, she has definitely received a lot of pressure to succeed, especially with her modeling background being on display.

"I'm scrutinized even more than the average scout and/or employee, not only because I am a woman, but also because of my background," she explained. "If I had came from a different background, I probably wouldn't be under a microscope as much. But, I've gotten used to it. It kind of comes with the territory."

While Bonnie has made her stamp on the league, she has also ventured into other things, such as being a spokesperson for Peta. For a good cause, she bared all for the animal rights organization, specifically a pro-vegetarian campaign earlier this year, advocating that people to not eat meat, and consider a healthier lifestyle in hopes of also preserving the lives of animals.

"I grew up being a cheerleader and I was a model. I grew up a little girl in pageants. So, I always has been the tomboy, but had the little girl inside of me," Laflin said. "That's who I am. And people sometimes think I've taken a different approach than obviously the regular scout or team. But I know my stuff."

Her longed desire of wanting to save the animals, stem from her childhood, as she adored them and loved them with a passion.

"Since I was little, I grew up on a ranch. Cows, pigs and chickens were like peoples' dogs, and cats," explained Bonnie. "As for me, it was that I never wanted to eat cows and chickens because they were like my pets. So, I always had a strong will for animals since I was little, and it hasn't stopped."

In addition, she, of course, is a strong American who has consistently visited Iraq to support the military in their conquest to stablize the country, but more importantly, protect America from malicious deeds from prospective terrorists.

"I'm always supporting those guys. They've done so much for us. I make sure to go over there and say thank you, and bring some piece of America to them. People take for granted what these guys do day in and day out."

As far as fighting temptations, and possibly indulging in a hearty burger, Bonnie-Jill has remained firm in her stance, and has declined on every possible instance to succumb to the scrum.

"Like I said, since I was little I've had animals on my ranch, and I've never desired to eat them. It's like if someone was to say, you know, 'Well, you're missing out.' Well, I don't know what I'm missing. If that makes sense," shesaid with a giggle.

The former Golden State Warriors and Dallas Cowboys cheerleader has profusely engaged in fighting, in cajoling others to relieve themselves for eating meat. Celebrities such as John Salley, who Jill refers to as a "raw vegan", has taken steps into being a vegan and has acknowledged that he is, indeed, in better shape now than when he was playing, all because of his life changing decision. Still, she has remained focused in trying to sway average Americans in taking the correct protocols into being a vegan. But, she has stated, it has been a struggle.

"For celebrites, and athletes, it's a no-brainer because they're so concerned about making sure their body is at the best that it can be," Bonnie explains. "With average Americans, I don't think they seem to care. They don't really care as much about getting in the gym or watching what they eat."

Bonnie continues to fight, and educate those unaware of the unruly decisions they are making to animals. With Bonnie being a huge help in the league's office, and in the real world, her goal of reaching people may come alive sooner than expected.

Kandi Burress: Candid Kandi

Crafting a composition isn't simple. Everyone musically involved within the song including the producer, the artist performing the track, to even the engineer is instrumental in developing a masterpiece. However, the ingredient that is substantial and vital to the song's existence is of course, the songwriter. While some artists fancy the plush lifestyle and having their fans living vicariously through them, others rather remain inconspicuously behind closed doors. That's the beauty of songwriting. Just ask Kandi Burruss - illustrious songwriter that has penned classical melodies ranging from TLC's "No Scrubs." to Destiny's Child "Bills, Bills, Bills." With a resume that includes Whitney Houston, Usher, Boyz II Men, and N-Sync, it's apparent someone isn't having any problems paying their Bills, Bills, Bills.
Before Kandi entered the scene as a songwriter, she originally was a member of classic 90's group Xscape - an R&B female group which was able to reach platinum status on all three of their albums.

After being discovered by music mogul Jermaine Dupri at show in Atlanta, Kandi's original members consisting of Tamika Scott, Latocha Scott, and Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, and herself, leapfrogged at the opportunity instantly, and were presented the chance of signing with his label So So Def. The group that originated together back in 9th grade was now ready to make a splash in the music industry.

"It was December of my 11th grade year, and we had already done the talent showcase on Teen Summit. It was clip on Teen Summit, and he {Jermaine} had already seen us on time," recollects Kandi. But when he saw that, he was like, "Yo. Yall the ghetto En Vogue. I'ma sign ya'll.'" So we were hyped."

Immediately after the ink dried on that new music contract, Kandi and her girls headed to the studio. Their debut album entitled, "Hummin' Comin' At Cha" was a success as they were able to dish out two top 10 singles including their debut "Just Kickin' It", and their follow up single "Understanding", after taking only a week and a half to complete it.


'Like he {Jermaine} had put us with the mentality that we had to do a song a day. So like for me, when I hear people like "Oh yeah. I recorded 60 songs." I'm thinking you recorded 60 songs, and you don't have a hit yet. You're wack!" (laughs).
The group steamrolling through the avenues of R&B flawlessly, after gaining 2 more platinum albums, in "Off the Hook", and "Traces of My Lipstick". As success flooded throughout the group, dilemmas began to occur. With Tasha seeking to go solo, rumors began plaguing the chemistry of the group, tension began to sparse up. With the group possibly disparaging with the notion of Tasha departing, Kandi huddled up with Tiny, and opted to do a demo together to present to the label.

"To Tiny I was like, "How about we start writing songs for our project, and we could present it to the label to show them what we can do.," said Kandi. Lets us do an album if you're going let her do one. Lets us do one."
A track that appeared on Kandi and Tiny's demo was "No Scrubs" - a track which captured the eyes of the labels executives instantly upon hearing it. The song would be passed down to TLC, and would garner national acclaim, and catapult Kandi's career as a songwriter.

"The break up {of Xscape} let me know you can't depend on anybody else. You gotta take the initiative on your own to do things. If we would have just sat around, and waited for her {Tasha} to come back, then what would have happened to us," Kandi declared presumptuously. Or at least, what would have happened to me. What would I have been doing?"

With the break up serving as a learning experience, Kandi gained her independence, and segued into songwriting, and became a prominent entity in the game. She would venture into a solo career by later releasing her debut album Hey Kandi in 2001 under Columbia Records spawning a top 25 pop hit with "Don't Think I'm Not".

The praises would continue to parade Kandi as she was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Songwriter for the Year award in 2000, and would later become the first woman to win under the category of Rhythm and Blues and 2001.

With Kandi having enjoyed the fruits of both music, and songwriting, she remains a love for both, and admits to both having their faults.

"I LOVE writing songs because like I could write any type of music. I don't have to stick into one lane as a writer. As an artist, they want you to stay in one lane. As a writer, I could make rock music today. I could write a pop record, a techno record, country, anything. But, as an aritst, I would have not been able to do that. Same time, when I hanged out with my friends at their shows, I would be like, "Man I miss this," she said.

Kandi also has took a step into reality television as she earned a starring slot as a member of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" which only helped elevate her stature in the industry, as people were able to see her in a different light.

Everything Kandi has touched appeared to be golden, as she even made a return to the music scene earlier this year with her album Kandi Coated and was able to touch on relationship in every facet imaginable with people like Ne-Yo, and The Justice League lending their hands on recent effort. With Kandi touching base on every field in the game, it's easy to see that her life can only get sweeter from here.

By: Carl Lamarre

Musiq Soulchild: Hear No Evil, See No Evil

On May 2nd, 2011, The Bentley Hotel Penthouse served as a stage for Musiq Soulchild’s latest “magical” escapades within his most recent neo-soul endeavor Musiqinthemagic. With delectable finger foods within feet of magazine writers and representatives from Atlantic Records, stomachs were catered to while the ears of all were enchanted by Musiq's newest offering. Within an hour of laughs, and giggles, an exuberant Musiq entered the room to a barrage of hugs, and kisses. Laced in his signature blacked-out aviator shades, Musiq's aura only bolstered the level of excitement in the already magical room.
Musiq's career has always been a mystical ride. The R&B crooner has earned 2 platinum plaques for Aijuswanaseing and Juslisten, and 2 gold Plaques for Soulstar and Luvanmusiq. Musiq's ability to tap into the depths of women's soul and the essence of relationships has helped him stamp himself as a go-to-guy in a watered down R&B scene.

It shouldn't be surprising to many that Musiq's sixth album entitled Musiqinthemagic would be anything but lackluster, and in actuality, help deliver luster to an over-saturated pop friendly market of R&B. The eclectic cover depicting the face of Musiq's behind a sound wave displays Musiq's love for the music. "That's me," says Musiq feverishly as his eyes illuminate at the glance of the CD cover. “I love the sound of music. As you notice the sound waves form into me. I always end up with the music first. I always end up with the art first."

It all started with his first album Aijuswanaseing. A 23-year old Musiq entered the game with his noteworthy single "Just Friends", and it’s historic following "Love". Def Jam found their R&B goldmine in the young soul crooner as he grabbed the hearts of many lovebirds with his soulful vocals, and meaningful songs. Just like a glass of Chardonnay, the singer got better and better every time he let the public taste his love potion. Musiq’s career discography includes numerous classics such as: "Don’t Change"," Half Crazy", "Teach Me", and "If You Leave" featuring the Queen of R&B, Mary J Blige.

hile many artists have been entrapped in the ills of paparazzi, Musiq has meticulously steered clear from the drama and has focused his entire life on one thing: his music. “I always hear, ‘Yo. How come you never end up in drama?’
I don't purposely try not to be in anything. I just don't get myself in there, because I make it about the music. I make it about what I’m asking you to invest in,” says Musiq.

Though Musiq has experimented with new sounds on Musiqinthemagic, his subject remains relevant to today's relationships. "Be Friends" offers his take on not simply wanting just a friendship with an ex, and but retaining the prosperous relationship he had once with his loved one. Even vocally Musiq stretches his boundaries and delivers as he asks his better half to consider taking a chance in love and possibly spending their lives together forever on "Say I Do".

As far as his current being, Musiq's "Under the Sun" serves as a perfect representation of his current self. "That song encompasses so many elements. I can't even begin to describe it. Whenever I do talk about it, I always say it's the past, the present, and the future rolled into one... It's like a "Future throwback."
Musically, Musiq still has the soul which he has exhibited throughout his career. His journey has been well documented through his music as he has uplifted the hearts and spirits of many with his empowering ballads and medleys. Whether he was asking to be taught How to Love, or just wanting to be your B-u-d-d-y, moving forward, it seems his soul will continue to be his marquee asset and trademark that will cement himself among R&B and Neo-Soul's cream of the crop.

By: Carl Lamarre

I Never Disappeared Lol

Sorry for the hiatus everyone. I've been working on a lot of stuff. I've started a new website with my friends and family called Page 31. We're an online publication that caters to everything including music, sports, fashion, etc. I've also been doing interviews. I've never stopped. In the past few months I've interviewed Fred The Godson, Big Sean, Musiq Soulchild, Estelle, upcoming artist Rockie Fresh, Kandi From Real Housewives Atlanta. I've been working to make everything life changing for my team and I. I NEVER STOPPED.

Game Interview (Ballerstatus.Com) Pt II

Q&A With Game: Talks Fanfare Over 'Purp & Patron' Series, And The Making Of

By Carl Lamarre (@LastHope21), Published 02/04/2011

They said he was dead. The overly critical hip-hop fans had pronounced Jayceon Taylor dead. The man, who delivered classical opuses such as the infectious 2005 smash, "How We Do" featuring friend-turned-foe 50 Cent, and the 2008 soul touching "My Life" featuring the indomitable Weezy F Baby, was being shunned by the fans of hip-hop.

With his long awaited fourth album, entitled The R.E.D. Album, on chill and without a release date, many thought it was safe to say -- with no pun intended -- that was it game over for Jayceon. Then earlier this year, Game promised his fans he would remerge with his new mixtape, titled Purp & Patron. Little did he knew, this mixtape woke up the masses, and also reminded skeptics that he never fell off. That the man who dubbed himself the savior of Cali, was simply on a Gatorade break, testing the grips on his shoes and waiting for his number to be called.

With Purp & Patron -- and The Hangover follow-up, released a day after this interview -- serving as his wake up call to the fans, Game is now lock and loaded, and focused on releasing his album.

Ballerstatus was fortunate to sit down and talk to Game about this latest mixtape, the fair-weathered fans, fatherhood, acting, and his first trip to New York. It's game on.

BallerStatus.com: Describe the overall reception you've been receiving for the Purp & Patron mixtape?

Game: It feels good man. I'm just surprised that everybody has been f***ing with the tape like that man. But I don't know man; I kind of put the sh** together out kind of fast. It took me like two weeks. I got Skee and Funk Flex on board. I mean, Skee was already on board. Funk Flex heard we were doing the tape. He called me like, "Yo Game. I gotta be apart of this man." I didn't expect this to spread like wildfire man, but it did.

BallerStatus.com: You did this in two weeks? So you're telling me you did 29 tracks over a two-week span?

Game: Yeah, I mean, nah. I mean, I did all them tracks the first week. The second week, I started putting things together man. Then I had to contact the producers. Most of them sh**s were like original beats. I got in touch with all of the producers -- who most of them were my homies -- and let them know if they wanted to put the sh** out on tape. Most of these n****s were like "Hell yeah". So we got it in man.

BallerStatus.com: Honestly speaking, did someone get you mad, or just start talking garbage, because you ... with this mixtape ... you definitely woke a lot of people up who had originally thought you fell off?
Game - Purp and Patron

Purp and Patron The Hangover by The Game

Game: It's like this man. You heard the tape Carl?

BallerStatus.com: Yeah I heard the tape.

Game: Let's say if I just put out "Children Story" by itself. N****s would say "Ahhh, that sh** is wack. That dude Game fell off." But if I put "RIP" out by itself, n****s gonna be like "Oh, this n**** is rapping different." But when I put out a conglomerate of sh**, when it's all different and it makes sense, n****s gonna be like, "Oh. This sh** is crazy."

What it is is that now, I be at home playing dad. And then, I be in the studio trying to finish The R.E.D Album. Or then, I be at basketball practice, or baseball practice. You know, I just had a daughter man, so, you know, I don't be trippin' off putting a lot of music out. Mostly it's like, "Yo where Game at? Oh he fell off." Man I ain't fall off man. I live in a f***ing mansion. I got Lamborghinis. It's just n****s don't see my life. So sometimes I gotta smack n****s in their f***ing face, and let them know who it is.

I just threw everything together, and made sure my verses were tight on everything. I called on Fab, Weezy, and Birdman. Man, I had everybody on the tape man. I had T-Pain. N****s just came, and gave me sh**.

BallerStatus.com: Funny thing is I remember when you first put out the "I'ma King" record. I was reading the comments, and people said it was wack. Then, when the mixtape dropped, people's frowns turned upside down. How do you deal with the constant hypocrites, and fair weather fans?

Game: Ay man. You know what? I love em'. You know why man? It's because I'm the same way. You're the same way. You know you heard a song, and you're like "I don't know about this one." I was the same way about Drake's "Over". I was like, "Damn. What is this? This ain't what I expect. I thought he was going to come off on like that sh** he had with Timbaland or that sh** he had on the tape." I wasn't really feeling it like that. Then, a week later n****, I'm in the club, and I know all the words and sh**. That's how it goes man. I don't hate anybody for that man. Everybody is entitled to their opinion man. I love it positive or negative.

BallerStatus.com: Let's talk about the features. How are you able be get all these features while in the past -- it's been well documented -- that you were on the opposing end against two of the biggest rappers in the game in Jay-Z and 50 Cent?

Game: Man I ain't tryna sh** on anybody else now. I keep it the most 100 all away around the board, period. This ain't a shot at nobody, but I don't think nobody is as down to earth or as real as me. It's like no holds barred for me man. I'm just like a regular n****, but just not a regular n****. So motherf***er's f*** with me.

BallerStatus.com: What inspired you to round up all the old school legends for the "History" track featuring Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, and KRS-One?

Game: I was in the studio, and I wanna say Doug E. Fresh had a show at the House of Blues. I had just left KRS-One and I think Kane was at the House of Blues too. I had a n**** named Dougie D, who was cool with all them old school n****s, called Doug E and told him I was in the studio. He said he was coming, so I called KRS-One, and told him to come since I knew Doug E was on the way. When Doug E came, he brought Big Daddy Kane. So I'm like, "Sh** can we do some work?" I had my dude make a beat on the spot, and that was history. That's why we called it "History."

BallerStatus.com: Last time I spoke to you, you said you and Nas were going to something together. What happened?

Game: You know what's the funny thing? You know Nas went through the whole Kelis thing, and he been going through some sh**. He was staying low. Then he put the album out that he had with Damien Marley out. He had to tour that. But, when I dropped the tape, I got a f***ing text from a 917 number. I was like, "Who the f*** is this?" I open the text up, and all it says is "N****. It's Esco. The tape is crazy son. 'The Kill' -- crazy son." Then I replied to the n**** like "Yo yo yo yo." Then the n**** disappeared on me (laughs). He's like phantom my n**** (laughs). He just came in to say that "The Kill" and the tape was crazy, then that n**** went on and away.

But I love him for sh** like that man. Then he hit me back the next day, and said he was getting on a plane that's why he ain't respond. Then he hit me back the next day and said he'd be in LA in a week. He said he was going to come and listen to all my songs, give me his whole input on the album, then find a song right for us, and he's going to do it. Hopefully that sees the light of day, because n**** this f***ing album [R.E.D. Album] is nothing short of a miracle man.

BallerStatus.com: I know you've been putting a lot of time to it.

Game: Man, every time the sh** gets pushed back -- I go on tour or the label goes through some sh**, and I get the pushback -- it gives me more time to perfect my sh**. But right now, what I'm sitting on right now -- man, I went to the label and played some sh** the other day. It f***ed everybody's head up. They can't believe it. From the Premo track, to the Dre tracks, to Swizz, to getting it in with Just Blaze, to about to see Kanye in a week, from like the Cool & Dre. This sh** is over with man.

BallerStatus.com: With everything you've been doing, and constantly altering the material, why stay put on The R.E.D. Album as the official name?

Game: Nah man, 'cause people waiting on the R.E.D Album. It's red man. I gotta do it man. Everybody waiting on The R.E.D. Album man. I can't change the sh** now man. It's too late. Plus I wouldn't because The R.E.D. Album is just me rededicating myself to my craft, to my people, to my family. It's just a rededication to who I am man. I'm going to get it all out on this album man. When you get the album man, hit me up man. Just let me know sh** I was right.

BallerStatus.com: Oh yeah definitely. Back to the mixtape, On the "Ferrari Lifestyle" track with Fabolous, I remember you had a line talking about catching a cab with Fab. I'm trying to remember the exact line...

Game: (Raps) Me and Fab was catching cabs. Yeahhh. He was getting off bags off Nostrand Ave. (laughs) Yeah that was back in the day. That was when he first dropped on the Clue tapes, and that's when Lil Mo had the "Superman" sh**. That was them days when I was f***ing with Fab. I used to be everywhere man.

BallerStatus.com: Which rapper from New York showed you the most love when you were coming up?

Game: Capo (Jim Jones) and Fab. The first time I ever been to New York, Jim Jones picked me up from the airport, and took me to the hotel. Then when it was time to go to the studio, Kiss (Jadakiss) picked me up from the hotel and took me to the studio. Then Kiss dropped me off, and took me to Brooklyn to meet up with Fab. Like them is my n****s man.

BallerStatus.com: You know what's crazy. Just the other day I remember watching "Belly 2" on BET. What's going on with you and the acting?

Game: Yeah man that sh** be on all the time. Chicks be on all on my Twitter with that sh** (laughs). But I think after The R.E.D. Album does what it does, I think then I'll return back to the acting sh**. I just haven't really had time to go through the screen test, and read the scripts. I've been real heavy on my daddy sh**. Three kids is crazy man. Especially with them all being in different age groups. Harlem had some shit this week. King goes to a little Christian school. So he always be having chapel. My daughter be needing me. So I be doing that. So after this album, I'm going to have a tighter grip on the acting side.

BallerStatus.com: You just touched on the topic fatherhood. Have your experiences as a father made you want to get even deeper with your audience through your music?

Game: Yeah. I've done a wonderful job of letting people know who I am, and what I'm about as for fatherhood, and my kids. I love them to death man. I think even that there inspires the n****s listening to be better fathers. I know for sure that I've at least touched a couple hundred thousand niggas at one time or another, and helped them make better changes as for being a father. My kids are instrumental in everything I do. They're the key to my motivation, and when I go to the studio. But as far as my bars, I'm just ill right now. I'm in a super zone, and I'm killing shit. When you hear the album, you're going to be like, "How can a n**** from Compton be doing something so colorful?" This album is crazy man.