60 Seconds with SodaBoy (The Interview)
So what's your name and where are u from?
My name is Ramon Downs I'm from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Grew up in the North Side where it was predominately looked at as a gang infested neighborhood during the 80s and 90s. It was so bad that it spun off a second alias known as BABY CALI.
Wow so with so much drama going on in the hood what made u or better yet what inspired you to make music?
What inspired me was basically Old School Golden Age Hip Hop that was growing stronger and stronger artists such as LL Cool J single I'm Bad was the first single that drove me to rap. I was always the family center of entertainment singing, dancing, and performing but hearing those hip-hop songs come out of the older kids radio (boom boxes) that's what got me hooked.
So do u feel like it was always in your blood to be a rapper?
Most definitely I always had that feeling that I was born with a blessing to be in entertainment. To be an entertainer, only thing I didn�t know was how to get there properly from Minnesota so I moved down to ATL to get things popping thru the industry channels out there.
When did you start recording music? Basically when I got out, growing up in the NorthSide I got caught up with the streets ended up in the Minnesota State Penn for 10 years. Got out shopped a demo out everywhere and somehow got a hold of a NYC indie label named AFFLUENT RECORDS. I hook up with the CEO Oscar Sanchez and talk for hours basically about the music the lifestyle in the Midwest and lifestyle in the east. My whole purpose was to bring the Midwest lifestyle to the map not only the music.
I wanted to bring out the Chicago The Detroits The Milwaukees, Gary Indiana, St.Paul Minneapolis the true great cities of the midwest the whole life behind the music. He was very open and understood my vision from the start musically productions wise a&r and the branding the retail and the marketing. Affluent was the only street label in NYC that works like a major Oscar is able to fully make it happen. He grew up learning and working making records at Def Jam so having that behind me was the real factor that I needed to get across big. So not soon after I signed did he put me to work with some of his in house producers like Tai Rotan, Fast Traxx, Affluent, Joe Dinero, G5, Hot Lips, Acclaim, Harlem Tone, Capers, Masa, Alexander Da great at the engineering & mastering boards, and we all got to cranking out hits like 10 Toes Down, "SUPABAD", I'M THE MAN, and HARDTIMES.
How does it feel that so many people support what u do in both Minnesota and Atlanta?
I mean its all all love Im here for them so we all can continue to have a voice. We basically just cranking out hit music that talks about our lives where we come from so all the support and fans growing more and more whether the guy in the barbershop or the myspace or the kidz on the block its all a blessing.
Are you proud knowing that your accomplishments are giving people that are in the same situation you are in, hope for a better future?
Absolutely it's a hard getting anywhere these days trying to better yourself without any drama along the way, but through music that channel was the one door that allowed me to not only get heard but open peoples minds to the Midwest lifestyle the culture that we live in. Its just as powerful as the west coast or the east or the south that we have all grown to know.
So tell me more about your album when does it come out?
Its chunky and Big, We are working on it right now we about 7 songs deep, You are about to hear great sounds from some unknowns who are about to be household names. Every song is gonna bang out a message and a movement of the Midwest west life how it is right now! We are also getting that extra something something from certain celeb producers who are about to come on aboard. So its really an exciting time right now. We are about to hit the web the streets the stores and just blast off. All the family love of the Mid West is behind me and down South so we are looking to do great on the indie scene with the album. So everyone be on the look out for the album titled MIDWEST MAYOR coming soon on Affluent Records Also be on the look out and Pick up the exclusive singles at Itunes 10 toes Down and This Gonna Be A Hot Summer soon get at me at www.myspace.com/reelsodaboy
For Immediate Release Contact: Affluent PR & Media Group HIP-HOP ICONS LORDS OF THE UNDERGROUND TO UNLEASH NEW RECORD ON AFFLUENT RECORDS New York, NY- The Lords of the Underground's (LOTUG) new Album entitled- House of Lords is one of the most prolific albums that you will ever listen to. With Platinum hits such as: "Chief Rocka" and "Here Come the Lords" the Lords of the Underground have proven themselves; theyre one of Hip-Hop's most inspiring, trend setting groups. House of Lords will be in stores Aug. 21, 2007 on Affluent Records. Funk Man from Lords of the Underground says, "Hip hop ain't dead it just ain't being made." The new record showcases single after single. From "I Love Hip-Hop," "The Clinic" and "What Is An MC�� the record features soulful rap combined with ghetto power that will get you on your feet! "The Clinic" is the answer to the hit song from Nas, �Hip-Hop is dead.� It�s the Lords of the Underground's attempt to revive the cultural Hip-Hop trend. "I Love Hip-Hop� is for diehard fans. The song showcases LOTUG�s vibrant originality. LOTUG has been touring Europe for over 8 years. They�ve showed the other side of the world what Hip-Hop really represents. Now it�s America�s turn to take the ride. Their first single �I Love Hip-Hop� is old school meets new school with a twist. The Lords of the Underground have placed one special all access pass to the first Hip-Hop event by Kool Herc. With this pass the winner will receive an all expense paid trip to the South of France to see one of the Lords of the Underground's exclusive performances. This very special trip is dedicated to all the fans for their loyalty and support throughout the years. Lords of the Underground member Dooitall was featured on the last episode of the hit show The Sopranos. He was the final lead character that drove the viewer into the suspenseful ending of the season. Look for Doitall in the New film Cash Rules which also stars Treach of Naughty By Nature and J.D.(Bodie) Williams of HBO's Wire Fame. Accompanied by aspiring director 8bliss, The Lords of the Underground created Still L.O.T.U.G. The documentary depicts the life and times of a worldwide Hip-Hop tour as it happens. Go to www.stilllotug.com to view clips! DJ Lord Jazz, the nucleus of LOTUG is currently an on air personality as well as producer of his show The Connection which airs in Paris and in the UK.
www.affluentrecords.com www.myspace.com/affluentrecord
DR. DRE'S SON- HOOOD SURGEON: NEW RELEASE ON AFFLUENT RECORDS New York, NY/ Compton , CA- Curtis Young, AKA, Hood Surgeon, is the son of legendary Rapper, Doctor Dre. Living, learning and surviving in Compton, CA. Early in his life, he knew he had talent and that he would follow in his Dad�s footsteps. Hood is the next generation of a great legacy and epitomizes every ounce of Dr. Dre�s Compton sound in his music. Looking up to a great legend like his Dad, Hood was inspired to consider music as a possible career choice. He easily learned how to mix, rap, and make his own beats. Hood understands the responsibility that comes with the territory. He also realizes the expectations there are in order to keep the legacy of his Dad alive and cranking! A rapper and a producer he shares his Dad�s work ethics. He is dedicated to putting the Nu West back on the map. His inspiration comes from East and West coast rappers such as Tupac Shakur, The Notorious BIG, Jay Z and his father Andre Young (Dr. Dre). Hood Surgeon�s goals are to create a major buzz without any assistance from major label support. He quickly signed with Affluent Records and east coast A&R superstar Oscar Sanchez to create just that. He constantly works hard towards his career and his own dreams. Hood�s own label imprint, So Hood Records was started with the mission to put the West Coast, by way of an East Coast route, back on the map! The Autopsy of Curtis Young is a remastered compilation of Hood Surgeon greatest street hits with some bonus bangers. The Autopsy features the hit singles, �City2City� with Knoc-Turnal. Other hit tracks include: 'West Coast Bounce' 'Ride to this' 'Chevy Music' 'Paradise' 'West Side' featuring David Banner, 'Daddy Was A Doctor' and more. His debut album The Hood Surgeon: The Autopsy of Curtis Young takes you on a 16 track journey through his everyday world. His life as the son of the music world's most famous doctor in Compton.
For Immediate Release: AFFLUENT RECORDS Dead Prez and Outlawz urge: [You] "Can't Sell Dope Forever." New York, NY Former Def Jam/Violator A&R / Producer Oscar Sanchez, has just recently launched a new Rap label imprint for NYC, Affluent Records. Modeled much in the same likes as Def Jam, Violator, BadBoy. This east coast independent imprint operates like a mini major. They will launch the label by releasing this summer�s highly anticipated street collaboration of political rap duo, Dead Prez and the west coast super group the Outlawz. The LP �Cant Sell Dope Forever Mixtape� talks to the streets to open up the minds, hearts, and souls of our youth out in the everyday struggle to keep striving towards Unity, Appreciation, and Motivation. 'Can't Sell Dope Forever' features the same unique flow from M-1 and Stic.man that fans of Dead Prez have grown to know and love from "Turn Off The Radio: The Mixtape Vol 1 & 2" and the studio album that followed, "RBG: Revolutionary But Gangsta�. Outlawz aficionados will relish the thought provoking rhymes of Edi Don, Young Noble and Kastro in the vain of "Against All Oddz" and "Novakane". The new record boasts a roster of guests including Layzie Bone and Messy Marv, in addition to new talents like Stromey and Malachi. The set even includes a cameo from stic.man's mother, Nora, on the track "Believe," considered to be one of the album's hottest. The title of the album comes from their belief that young people have to find ways to empower themselves beyond a life on the streets. What started as a clothing line ("Be Your Own Boss") evolved into a philosophy, a movement and an album " "Can't Sell Dope Forever". Oscar Sanchez, CEO of Affluent Records in New York City says, "I love their movement and respect their business. I've always been a fan, now I get the chance to show the world with them their overall vision. Dead Prez and The Outlawz are some of the most explosive acts in the market today and we are very happy and proud to be able to launch Affluent with these world class acts." With a mission, a message and an album that's hot like fire, there's no doubt that 2006 belongs to Dead Prez and The Outlawz. "You Can't Sell Dope Forever", but you will be bumping this album for a long time.
MILANO "SIDEWALK STORIES" ALBUM 2008
HARLEM's NEXT RAP STAR
MILANO SIGNS WITH AFFLUENT RECORDS
TO UNLEASH NEW DIGITAL ALBUM
"SIDEWALK STORIES"
March 11, 2008 New York, NY- Affluent Records CEO and A&R superstar Oscar Sanchez signs on one of Harlem's best kept secrets. He recently inked former BIG PUN protege "MILANO" to release his highly anticipated new album "SIDEWALK STORIES"on AFFLUENT Records due out this spring digitally and in stores everywhere.
Rudy Morgan p/k/a MILANO CONSTANTINE has an incredible NY Hip Hop history. Hailing from the streets of Uptown Manhattan. He is no stranger to battles or ciphers, MILANO made his name known in D&D studios by shooting off lyrical artillery head to head with the legendary BIG PUNISHER. This ultimately landed him his classic duet with BIG PUN called "Where Ya At?" as well as with CUBAN LINX & O.C. on "Hey Luv", both featured on DITC's album "Worldwide". Soon after, MILANO dropped his first 12" single "Deal With A Feeling" backed by the warrior driven B-Side "Rep For The Slums". MILANO has been featured on numerous street mix tapes from KAY SLAY to TONY TOUCH to D.J. ENUFF, GREEN LANTERN, DJ SELF (host of MILANO�s Classical Edition Mixtape) not to mention his appearances on Hip Hop radio shows like the HALF TIME RADIO SHOW & STRETCH ARMSTRONG show on NYC's HOT 97. In 2008, MILANO plans to follow in the footsteps of lyrical giants such as RAKIM, NAS, BIG PUN, with his forthcoming album release on AFFLUENT Records. With production from T-RAY, SHOWBIZ, WILL TELL, AGALLAH from PURPLE CITY, CHAZE from GRIM TEAM.... etc; "SIDEWALK STORIES" the album will bring Hip-Hop back to the essence!
Oscar says"MILANO is great! He is New York, He got HISTORY, He got underground HITS that people love, a great album and it was really great working with him to finally be able to get his 7 Warriors imprint out into the market. Above all he has FANS not only in the USA but OVERSEAS in EUROPE and JAPAN so we are very excited to be able to put this album out this spring".
Affluent Records is NYC#1 urban digital label. CEO Oscar Sanchez says, "In today's market, there are great opportunities for artists to grow as businessmen. Affluent supply an outlet for them. Affluent provides a safe-house where Hip-Hop and Urban music can be preserved and where it will be able to flourish." Affluent Records is distributed digital world wide.
