Respect the Producer Interview with Ed Talenti

How did you get your name?

My full name is Edoardo Talenti, shortened to Ed Talenti. It’s actually my name! 

How did you get into Producing?

Producing is, funny enough, the newest of my musical interests. I started playing drums when I was around 12 years old. At 18 I moved to LA to attend the Drum Program at Musicians Institute and I graduated two years after that. For the following two or three years I was a full-time session drummer, and during that time is when I got into producing. I discovered artists like Flying Lotus, MNDSGN and all the electronic jazz hiphop guys from LA. From there I started messing with that stuff myself and feel in love with it. So long story short, it’s been about 3 years now. 

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I spent a LOT of time in the studio. With all said and done I still think that there’s no better way to learn something than to just do it as much as you possibly can. I’m not really the sit down and study type of person, I like to get right into it and learn from my mistakes as I go. I always try to lead with my ideas and sort of “reproduce” them in the DAW. Whenever I hit a wall with something that I can’t do yet or I don’t know how to do, I hit up YouTube and learn that skill. This way I’m able to immediately apply what I learned and solidify it, rather than learning it out of context and never really using it. 

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New collab with my bro @dmipebeatz! I love doing collabs with other producers, it always ends up being the best elements of both people and the beats are always craaaazy fire 🔥 🍃🎹💿📀💿🎹🍃 “Illuminati” is available on edtalenti.com (link in bio) ⬆️ . . . #beatmaker #needbeats #beatmaking #rapper #losangeles #beats #trap #ableton #logicpro #flstudio #producerlife #producer #abletonpush #novation #launchpad #hiphopbeats #westcoast #unsignedartist #akai #beatstarscookup #instrumentals #producers #musicproduction #musicproducer #beat #music #typebeats #musician #rappers

A post shared by EdTalenti (@edtalenti) on Feb 15, 2019 at 9:06am PST

What did your first set up look like?

Not that different than my current setup at its core. MacBook Pro, an Akai Mpk Mini and Ableton. I only mixed in headphones for the first while. 

What does your current set up look like?

MacBook Pro, Akai Mpk Mini, a combination Launchpad Pro/Push 2, Ableton Live 10 and a pair of Samson ResolvA6 monitors. I still do a lot of mixing in headphones to be honest, I use the monitors as a reference point for the most part. 

How did you get your Producer/Artist name?

Haha nothing too creative there! It’s just my actual name. 

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Back at it with the hard 808s and the flutes. I love the sunny but chilly weather it's always so fun to go outside when it's like this! 🍃💯⛅🎹⛅💯🍃 “Outer Space” is available on edtalenti.com . . . #beatmaker #needbeats #beatmaking #rapper #losangeles #beats #trap #ableton #logicpro #flstudio #producerlife #producer #abletonpush #novation #launchpad #hiphopbeats #westcoast #unsignedartist #akai #beatstarscookup #instrumentals #producers #musicproduction #musicproducer #beat #music #typebeats #musician #rappers

A post shared by EdTalenti (@edtalenti) on Feb 12, 2019 at 9:01am PST

If you could produce for any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?

If we’re talking hip hop, Travis Scott or Post Malone. I’d give anything to be in a room with J Dilla or Flying Lotus though!

What is your goal when you create?

To make something that gives me that “bass face” for as long as humanly possible. Also, to make something that I can’t get out of my head when I walk out of the studio, that’s how you know it was a good track!

What's your go-to song right now?

I’ll give you three. Inter-Are by the Mark Guiliana Quartet, Sicko Mode by Travis Scott, Camelblues by MNDSGN. 

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Funny story: I shot a tutorial for this beat and almost set my studio on fire while doing so... and I'm not talking about metaphorical fires referring to the high quality of my beat 🔥😂 Hope you dig it! 💣🌲🎹💿🎹🌲💣 “Maple” is available on edtalenti.com (link in bio) ⬆️ . . . #beatmaker #needbeats #beatmaking #rapper #losangeles #beats #trap #ableton #logicpro #flstudio #producerlife #producer #abletonpush #novation #launchpad #hiphopbeats #westcoast #unsignedartist #akai #beatstarscookup #instrumentals #producers #musicproduction #musicproducer #beat #music #typebeats #musician #rappers

A post shared by EdTalenti (@edtalenti) on Feb 7, 2019 at 9:02am PST

What is your dream as a Producer?

Honestly, it's to make music for the rest of my life. The dream is to make really good money doing something that I’d be doing for free anyway.  I’m addicted to the process of creating music and this profession allows me to do that all day, everyday. Overseeing a song from a blank Ableton session to a finalised track is something I love, and I wanna do as much of that as possible. 

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a Producer?

Spend all your time in the studio. If you have a 9 to 5, get into the studio as soon as you get off work. Make tons of music and don’t be afraid to put it out there. There’s never gonna be a perfect moment when you feel you’re good enough, so right now is as good a time as any. Just make tons of music and put it out. If you wanna do it as a profession also make sure to study social media marketing and basic business management, it will go a really long way if you start seeing your producing as a business right away. Pretend you wanted to open a store in your town, what would you do? Market research, product development, advertising, business accounting… This is no different! 

Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)

Mainly three places.

Beats and services (mixing, 1on1 sessions, collabs) are all available through edtalenti.com.

Instagram is the social media I use the most, so if you wanna ask me something or hit me up, that’s the place to do that, instagram.com/edtalenti.

My Youtube channel is where I post beats, marketing and production tutorials and things like that, youtube.com/edtalenti. 

Dream Warriors Interview with Daquon

Interview with by @jessie5_world

Hey guys love is in the air! It doesn’t matter who you are spending your days with, it’s how you spend them. Love, grind, cherish the moments together and create something. A goal, goals together as one are important as well. So in honor of love and who is very special to me, I’m glad I can share this special DreamWarrior with the world. Now just for this time, after this he’s all mine ha. Not only my love, he is a great person, son, brother, father. Hard working at anything he has his hands on. He’s had a clothing brand Xotic Outwear, so many small businesses but let’s dive into the interview! Guys give a huge welcome to Daquon!

Jess: Hey you....*flirts* , can we call you Kwon? Lol

Kwon: Yes, *laughs* you can call me Kwon babe.. Thank you for having me and super proud of what you do. 

Jess: Aww thanks, So what do you feel is someone that can be considered a DreamWarrior?

Kwon: A DreamWarrior is someone that has a dream and won’t stop at all cost.

Jess: Do you feel there is 1 dream or can be multiple dreams?

Kwon: There can be multiple dreams.

Jess: What is one of your dreams?

Kwon: Living a happily ever after story. My family just having love and staying healthy. Houses are in my dreams, with everything I worked for will come true. I want all my hard work to actually mean something and pays out in the long run.

Jess: What makes you go so hard? 

Kwon: The fact that in my head I know we only have one life. I know that in life there’s not a lot of time, we get older, but so much to do. Just try to accomplish as much as I can now.

Jess: Any accomplishments you’d like to share? No matter how big or small it may seem to others, but your very own accomplishment?

Kwon:  Well me getting and keeping a job is an accomplishment. The fact that I have to take orders or listen to others rules doesn’t work for me all the time lol. I like to be my own boss, people can’t talk down to me.

Jess: I get that, I understand exactly how you feel. We are all humans and there should be some levels of respect, some attitudes shouldn’t be expressed. If you respect me, I respect you. I love decision making and hands on stuff, working for someone else may not allow you that. So I get it. 

Kwon: Even staying out of trouble and remaining healthy are hard. I can see that as an accomplishment.

Jess: This is very true, especially in today’s society. There’s always that situation where people are at the wrong place wrong time. Being innocent and just be around the wrong situation. 

Do you consider yourself a strong individual?

Kwon: Yes ma’am 

Jess: So I know you personally, and I know you’ve always looked to be involved in business opportunities. 

What is some advice or choices you can suggest for people? Any mistakes you’ve had that you learned from?

Kwon: Whatever you are trying to learn or start creating, do you research. Immediately start googling lol. As soon as you get that thought in your head go and do all the research.

Jess: Makes a whole lot of sense, I mean if you want to be the best. To get into something and not have proper knowledge, is a disaster waiting to happen.

What does 10 years from now look like for you?

Kwon: Very comfortable. Looks very comfortable and happy. Basically I’m going to be looking back, thinking “I knew this was going to happen”. I’m very confident in that.

Jess: That’s so dope. Anything in your life that became a struggle or speed bump in your life?

Kwon: I guess when my pops left. I felt like I had to carry my family, like the weight was on my shoulders. I had to make things happen.

Jess: I can definitely see that being a struggle. 

Any advice you can give someone experiencing that now? 

Kwon: Picture yourself as a movie character, and picture yourself as them. If you were that person, handle it how they would handle. Not like a Spider-Man , like a Rambo.

Jess: I’m starting to realize and understand that now, living with you. Stop being afraid and just handle that....ssstuff.

Can’t curse on this lol.

Well, thank you for your time sir. I appreciate it and we are going to wrap this up guys.

Enjoy your Valentine everyday, not just this week.

Peace and love to everyone, Instagram is @jessie5_world. Our platform Website is www.stereotypeco.com and Instagram is @stereotypeco.

Listen here to Prince Perez's new album P R I N C E

Why did you make this album?

This album was more about me accepting who I was as an artist and embracing what I do musically. I wanted to paint a picture of love and lust and everything in between. I wanted to speak on relationships. 

What inspired the title 'P R I N C E'?

I chose this title as my debut album because I really wanted to punctuate who I am as an artist. I wanted to come out guns blazing and let the world know who exactly I am and what they can expect to hear from me. 

If you could do remix to one song on the album and anyone as your guest feature, what song what it would be and who would you have on it?

Wow, this one is hard lol. Um, I think I would either go with carousel and get somebody like  quavo and maybe Travis Scott or body and grab trey songz and Chris brown. I think that would put those songs over the top. 

Who helped make this album what it is? Writers, Producers, Muses, Support System, Etc

Besides the features on this album helping me mold and shape my album, I have to give a huge shoutout to Jowabbie my engineer and the head honcho of the label WHPH. He really helped bring my vision to the forefront and push me creatively. I have to give credit to my all of my Street Pavers brothers and def my iAm family. Without them in my corner, without them pushing me I don’t think this album comes out. 

What is your favorite track? Why?

My favorite track? Ahhh man. I don’t have one specific song I could pinpoint is my favorite because I love every song on this album. But if I do have to pick just one it would probably be Over You. 

What is your goal as an artist?

I want people to have fun. I want people to dance or make love or feel some type of emotion when they listen to me. I want my music to be relatable to the feelings and emotions everyone feels on a daily basis. I believe if one of my songs can touch someone positively and get them through a tough time, I truly believe I’ve done what God has put me on this earth to do. 

When did you know you wanted to make music?

I knew I wanted to make music when I was about 8. I had a cassette tape Walkman and I would sing every song from Prince to blackstreet to jodeci. I wouldn’t stop singing I loved music. I just knew this is what I wanted to do. 

What is your dream now that you just accomplished this dream?

My dream is to be able to sustain my family and friends doing what I love the most. I want to travel the world and do shows for people who just want to rock out and have a good time. Not care about the troubles the world brings for maybe an hour. Let loose and just be free. 

Have you ever been Stereotype'd? Tell us more

I believe every gets stereotyped. Me? Yeah I’m always stereotyped lol. He’s light skin so he’s a “player”. He’s a pretty boy so he’s “soft”. I can go on, lol, but I’ll just leave that there. 

Have you ever broke a Stereotype someone had of you? Tell us about it

That “he’s light skin so he’s a player” I broke that one lol. My fiancé can attest to that because that’s what she thought when she first met me. 

Some last words 

Enjoy life while you have life and stop seeking validation from a world that is quick to overlook you. Growing up I spent so much time worrying about what others thought and wanting to fit in and be accepted. I’ve grown to learn to accept myself and that people are puzzle pieces you’ll only fit in if they connect to you. Be you above all else and if they don’t like you for you then f*** them!

Respect the Shooter Interview with Wilmer Martinez

Wilmer Martinez

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in New York City and in the Dominican Republic. It was a bit difficult since I would have to keep switching schools every year until I entered High School.

How did you get into photography/videography?

i’ve always liked taking photos on my phone but never had a real DSLR camera until about 1 and a half years ago. Even looking back at the mobile shots I would take, I always felt that I had a bit of understand of what a “photo” should look like. Growing up I admire people who were good at taking photographs and could navigate the menus of their camera like the back of their hands. One of those people was my Uncle. He had a knack for taking landscapes and street photos with is Canon AE-1 Film camera.
Right before he passed away, it was given to me as a gift and I’ve kept it ever since as a reminder to never stop exploring and to keep being creative when it comes to taking photos.

What did you first use to take photos?

I first started with my iPhone 6, but eventually I saved enough money to buy my first DSLR camera which is the Canon t6i. I’ve been using this camera for about a year and a half now and I truly love everything about it. Like everything in life it has its pros and cons, but once you learn proper composition and exposure, you would then be able to use the cameras to it’s best capabilities.

@Jessica__saldana

Where did you go to school? Do you have any formal training/self taught?

I have a technical background and went to school for computer science. A lot of my photography training/knowledge is all self taught. I like to practice what I study and sort of go at my own pace. I use a lot of reference videos from youtube and look at online courses such as Lynda. 

Practicing different techniques at different hours of the day is a huge part of my training. I set goals and challenges for myself each time I go out shooting. Example for one day I may only look for a specific shape, color, pattern and only shoot that for the entire day. Some days I challenge myself to shoot in the day time which is out of my comfort zone.

Do you have any nicknames?  How did you get that name?

As of recently my friends have started to call me the "Cyberpunk Kid", since most of my inspiration comes from Cyberpunk films, books, and art work. I’m forever building reference boards on Pinterest, so they always catch me looking at Cyberpunk images.

If you could take photos of any 3 people who would it be?

- Harrison Ford

- Ryan Gosling 

- Ana De Armas

These are the cast members to my favorite film Blade Runner 2049. Everything about that film is perfect to me. The story line, the music, and the cinematography are all masterpieces. 

If you could take photos of any 3 people that are no longer living who would they be?

-Chris Farley

Growing up I used to watch a lot of films by Chris Farley and his SNL skits are something you could never truly forget. If I could have photographed him as the lunch lady, I would have been happy for the rest of my life.

- Satoshi Kon
Satoshi Kon is the creator of one of my most favorite animated movies called Paprika. It’s visually stunning and the story is very thought provoking.

-Steve Jobs

Who wouldn’t want to take photograph of Steve Jobs?

@muah_lay

If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?

- Guangzhou, China

- Macau, China

- Kobe, Japan

These 3 cities are what my childhood dreams are all about. Busy streets, Neon heaven, and tall buildings. I would be most excited to take photos in Kobe since it was the inspiration behind Ghost in the Shell.

What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?

My main goal is to make sure that the person is completely comfortable and relaxed. Secondly I aim to capture something that has a fantasy element but that can at the same time be very realistic. 

What music do you listen to when you edit photos?

I mainly listen to Vaporwave, Synthwave, Lo-fi, and chill step when I am editing or trying to think of new concepts that would work well with my photos.

What's your favorite app on your phone?

That’s a tough one. Lightroom Mobile would be my favorite app…but my most used is Instagram and Reddit lol.

Neo Times Square

What is your dream as a photographer?

To be able to travel and take the types of photos I love around the world. Continue to collaborate with amazing artist from all walks of life.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?

Don’t pay too much attention to the negative comments/remarks people may say to you when you first start out. As you continue to practice, with time you will improve and you will find your own style. Don’t let ANYONE ever tell you that the photos you take is not real photography. What I love most about photography is that, YOU can bring YOUR vision to life. Wether it be fantasy or reality.

Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)

instagram.com/wilmer.lens

Dream Warriors Interview with Mark Teodosio

Interview by Jessie C @jessie5_world

Hey guys thanks for coming back and joining us for our segment of Dreamwarriors; each and every week on www.stereotypeco.com. This week we will feature a local, songwriter, musician, comic book creator and the founder of “The City Needs You(TCNY)” brand. He’s a big supporter within other fellow entrepreneurs and dreamers. Everyone please give a warm welcome to Mr. Mark Teodosio.

Mark: That was a big introduction ha, but thank you so much for having me.

Jess: So Mark, what is one of your biggest  dream?

Mark: I always wanted to create my own comicbook and motivate students to chase their visions and dreams. 

Jess: Awww that’s super dope, motivating the young ones is such an important thing.

What is something that you’d like to partake in?

Mark: I wish I was able to produce my own beats and animate cartoons.

Jess: Sounds like absolute fun, ha. I would definitely like to be a voice in a character. 

Do you consider yourself strong for the industry?

Mark: I’m totally built to last this journey of becoming an artist that mastered his craft. 

Jess: Yea gotta have that alligator skin, no joke. Being super confident and sure in yourself is a must.

What is a DreamWarrior to you? 

Mike: Dream Warrior? In my mind I envision a tribal champion. Someone who has faced the hordes of savages that attack his home (symbolically the heart). A body full of scars (bad experiences & failures) has taken stabs from friends, enemies and strangers alike while becoming that proven warrior, all while fulfilling his/her calling, fighting for what he/she believes in no matter the sacrifice!

Jess: Whoa! Spoken like a true DreamWarrior!

This DreamWarrior have 1 or multiple dreams?

Mark: A dream warrior must fight for his/her dream(s) and everyone else’s around him from the smallest to the biggest ideas. No dream is ever achieved alone.

Jess: A team, absolutely. Sometimes have to be careful with whom you bring along. Any struggle or speed bump in your journey, you’d like to share?

Mark: I remember a time where rumors and bad things were said about me. It definitely made me realize that no matter how good you are or what good you do; the world will love you one day, then switch the sky and rain hatred on your entire establishment. The thing a winner must focus on is the goals at hand. These distractions may require some sort of damage control but NEVER, NEVER stoop to the level of the enemy. Take the high road and remember “VENGEANCE IS THE LORDS” always! 

Jess: Sorry to hear that, any advice you can give to someone experiencing the same? Or a lesson learned?

Mark: Pray for that person. They’re coming from a hurt and personal space. It’s hard to do, you really need to realize we don’t have to accept another person’s energy as our own and let it affect us. They weren’t there from the get and their weak vibrations just pass through. Think of it as light rain. Eventually the truth always comes to light. All life is perception. The lesson learned in any drama is that no ones negative opinion/energy will ever do a thing to you but distract you to deal with something that garners ZERO RESULTS. Stay focused on you NOT THEM. 

Jess: It is indeed very hard to keep yourself composed, especially if there’s lies or speculation involved. Even if something did happen that I did, no one knows the whole story. It’s my life not anyone else’s so, I mind my business so everyone should do the same. 

To wrap this up Mark, what’s an accomplishment you’d like to share?

Mark: I agree with what you’re saying. I’ve recently printed out my FIRST ISSUE of my comicbook series called “THE REALEST BAYANI” inspired by the passing of my cousin #RIPMarlomRamos. He inspires me a lot, miss him dearly and want his name never to be forgotten. Had a table in comic con, that was a blessing.

Jess: It seems like lots of cool things are going on and are sure to come. Congrats on everything and these dreams are phenomenal. Thank you for your time, guys you can follow and ask questions at his Instagram @therealestbayani. Any questions I’m sure he will be glad to answer and my Instagram is @jessie5_world, link in my bio. Thanks to @stereotypeco again, grab my book Gloetry at Amazon, my body scrubs @backtotheglo; peace and love guys.

Delly Flay Is Not Like The Other Kids Interview

I used to want to be like the other kids... When you grow up as an outsider, it’s easy to succumb to that type of mindset. However, the older I grew, the more I began to realize how different I really was from my peers. While most of my friends were active in sports, I was heavily engaged in the arts – I willingly performed at family parties and school musicals, I had a passion for drawing and writing poetry, and by the end of elementary school, I was writing my own lyrics to my favorite Hip-Hop instrumentals.

I was never popular. How could I be when I was so different, you know? Raised on Staten Island, it’s sad to say, but it was a task for the other kids to accept anything else but replicas of themselves. Everything was about being tough and looking cool. My discovery of my love for Hip-Hop did that for me. Self-expression helped me feel tough, cool.. and untouchable. Once word had gotten out about my free music online, I developed this burning desire to keep on creating; so I did…

Fast forward to college years – I was collaborating and producing beats for local artists while working on perfecting my own sound. These years were the toughest because of the contradicting pressure from my parents to be a scholar and my undying love for my craft. Once again, I felt verrrry different. Call me stubborn, but I always hated sitting in class knowing that those hours spent could’ve either been spent in my basement, working on new music or working to make money… So I dropped out… 

I then spent my days working multiple double shifts per week at a job that I disliked… I became tired. Consumed. I was also dating, so time for nurturing my creativity felt more limited than it did in the classroom. After months of feeling rundown and just uncertain about my place in life, I decided to quit my job with no second thoughts. With some money saved up, I woke up every morning and treated music and entertainment as if it were my day job. I spent time strategizing and writing a hell of a lot. As momentum picked up, so did my confidence. Once I started putting my positive creative energy out into the world, I swear, things then just started falling into place.

Since then, I’ve written songs for VH1/Viacom, I’ve worked closely with legendary Hip-Hop names like AZ and Ty Fyffe, I’ve worked as an actor on numerous television shows and a handful of movies, I’ve had voice commercials air on Hot 97 and Power 105.1, and more recently - I signed a deal with Warner Music Philippines. 

Back when I was a kid, I never thought any of this was attainable… The happiness. The freedom. But that was because of the naysayers. Once I realized that self-doubt was my only enemy, I began to work more diligently. Effortlessly. I began to create with purpose. The moment I started to believe that I could achieve anything I set my mind to was the moment I solidified what sets me apart from the rest…

Delly

Dot Dali TYPE88 Freestyle

Dot Dali stepped into the booth for a TYPE88 Freestyle. Subscribe http://bit.ly/TYPESubscribe

Respect the Producer Interview with MoneOnDaBeat

How did you get your name?

I got my name in High School. My full name is Ramone, so if you remove the Ra, your left with Mone. I also was a ladies man so the ladies gave my name a sexual vibe so I ran with it MoneOnDaBeat. Thats also how I came up with my tag line

How did you get into Producing?
My whole family was entertainers and my grandfather was a legendary artist in Jamaica. So, the music runs in my blood. I pretty much grew up in music and decided that production was the way to go. My father taught me how to use the drum machine when I was 16 and it was a wrap from that point on.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

To advance my skills I started a band. Doing that gave me the access to many musicisians to learn from and that made my senses sharp when building beats.

What did your first set up look like?

My first setup was the mpc 2000 and a Roland XR fantom rack.

What does your current set up look like?

My current setup is a laptop, midi controller and Maschine studio.

If you could produce for any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?

Tupac

What is your goal when you create?

When I produce, my goal is to bring good feel good vibes.

What's your go-to song right now?

Maxi Presist and Shabba- House Call

What is your dream as a Producer?
I will be the biggest producer in the work with over 10 billboard chart toppers and live on there for 33+ weeks

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a Producer?

Never stop and have faith.

Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)

IG/FB:@MoneOnDaBeat

Website: www.moneondabeat.com

DreamWarriors Interview with Mike

Written by Jessie C @jessie5_world

Hey guys thanks for joining me this week as we close out the month of January. It’s Jessie C and I’m back with the segment hashtag #Dreamwarriors featured via www.stereotypeco.com. I’m hoping everyone’s is focused, making goals, writing them down and checking them off. This week will feature a man that isn’t even in the United States. He’s from Canada, he’s 33 and dreams of one day making differences in fighting against hunger, bullying and sex trafficking. 

Everyone please provide a big warm welcome from this side of the border, for Mike.

Mike: Thank you dear for having me

Jess: I have a question to start off related to my intro. You mentioning the bullying, sex trafficking and fighting hunger are important to you. 

Anything you want to elaborate, is there a personal experience or for someone close to home?

Mike: Absolutely, I’ve seen how hunger can devastate families, the hurt in parents eyes not being able to provide for their children with the most basic needs.It hurts to witness, that’s something I believe no one should experience. Bullying and sex trafficking are close to my heart because I believe in freedom and innocence. When people are robbing others from their freedom, happiness, innocence with some sort of intimidation (bullying) and greed and power (trafficking), it just doesn’t sit well with me. When you think about it, these are the true meaning of violation of privacy, robbing someone of the innocence of their most sacred and intimate part, that’s simply wrong and I’ll fight against these til I die.

Jess: Yeah, I really feel uncomfortable at times when I come across explicit videos or photos of things like that. I never would want that to happen I care for or just anyone for that matter. 

Do you consider yourself strong?

Mike: Yes

Jess: What is something you can say is your dream?

Mike: I dream of creating 100 millionaires around the word in the health industry.

Jess: What makes you wake up in the morning and just be ready to go for it? To keep going hard for everything ?

Mike: My drive to succeed, my love of my daughter, my passion to elevate others. 

Jess: Anythings you’d like to share that you have accomplished already and is currently working on?

Mike: Yes, I’ve accomplished a few like building my own business, teach others to do the same but still have quite a few more to accomplish.

Jess: Tell me a bit more about that. What’s your business ?

Mike: Over a year ago I partnered with a company, the company provides supplements; that helped the brain to release its own feel good hormones. I’m very passionate about mental health and brain function so I definitely saw this as the right fit. My personal brand MDFITLIFE is a fitness, nutrition and supplement platform that’s focused mainly on brain health. I created my platform 4 years ago in order to help as many people as I can to fight mental struggle. Having been there myself I know how important it is to educate others on how to overcome their depression. I do this through physical and mental exercises.

Jess: Very interesting and so funny it’s coffee related, just like my body scrubs. I just received my package of my samples of the supplements, thanks again. I got to get on top of that.

I know there’s good things that come with building a business but there are negatives and struggles as well.

Am I correct?

Mike: Building something from ground up comes with many challenges from funding, marketing, creating credibility, value of products. It requires patience and tenacity. Sometimes the “No’s” are overwhelming but once you have a clear vision for a mission, there should never be anything to stop you.

Jess: Absolutely. Going back, what do you mean you help others build their businesses? Like how do you help them?

Mike: What I offer others is a mentorship and leadership help. I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from great leaders and successful business owners. I love reaching out to others to help them through their journey and help them avoid making mistakes I’ve made during this ride.

Jess: Sounds legit, lots of people just need guidance. They have so much going on in their lives already that they carry around sometimes in their head. They can’t have a clear path and steps to take in regards to the business they want to build.

Mike: Precisely.

Jess: Well today was a very informative, eye opening conversation. I want to thank you once again for giving me the time.

Mike: Of course, I am honored and grateful that I’m being featured. I appreciate it and I love what this stands and represents.

Jess: Amen to that, guys you should definitely check out Mike’s Instagram @mdfitlife and the link in the bio. His link in bio brings you to his page to learn more about his business and what products he provides. To reach out to me with any questions or likes to be featured, my ig is @jessie5_world and link in my bio for interview and everything else I’m involved in. I am involved in shirts collaboration with our platform @stereotypeco and I also have my own body scrub as I mentioned before. The body scrub is natural visit that link for more info and my poetry book is within that link as well.

That’s a little shameless advertising ha but peace and love guys.

GREG CLOSE / CLOSE ENCOUNTERS SOLO ALBUM DEBUT INTERVIEW

Why did you make this album?

"I made Close Encounters to finally have some product for people to hear. People would catch me doing shows and ask for my music and I didn't have anything, so I started working on my own album."

What inspired the title 'Close Encounters'?

"The name Close Encounters was just something I was thinking when I was brainstorming ideas for album names. My names Greg Close and the more I thought about the name it worked perfect. Things just happen like that."

If you could do remix to one song on the album and anyone as your guest feature, what song what it would be and who would you have on it?

"If I could remix any song and have someone be a feature, it would be Molina. I would need a dope boom bap artist and seeing how Styles P's one of my favorites, I'd have to get him on there."

Who helped make this album what it is? Writers, Producers, Muses, Support System, Etc

"I'm very happy about the people I had working with me on this album. Winna of Roxbury Sound did a lot of production and killed it. 5 of 10  tracks were produced by him.

Jon Glass of Glasshouse engineered 9 of the 10 song on the album and produced 2 beats. 

My homie Gable, aka Honeycomb engineering my intro, which was my first song I did coming back from cali.

Adrian Swish for hooking it up with a few beats.

And everyone of my friends and family that has been there in support, I couldn't ask for a better group of people on my journey."

What is your favorite track? Why?

"My favorite track on the album would have to be Buckscore. The track has a lot of energy and hidden bars in there."

What is your goal as an artist?

"My goal as an artist is to make good music, but I also have to play the role of the businessman. I have no end goal seeing how I always strive to reach new heights but I feel music will be something i do for life."

When did you know you wanted to make music?

"I use to sit and rap the words to the CDs I stole from my brother as a kid. At the time I didn't know I wanted this like i do now, but now that I look back I've been training for this my whole life."

What is your dream now that you just accomplished this dream?

"My next step is to set up a tour around the country. I want to get this music exposed while I keep creating all this new music. By doing that I be closer to completing my next dream of world tour."

Have you ever been Stereotype'd? Tell us more

"Of course I've been stereotyped. I would imagine everyone has at some point, but mine being the obvious fact that I'm a white rapper."

Have you ever broke a Stereotype someone had of you? Tell us about it

"A lot of people I know and still meet cant believe how far I've come, or that its me. This wasn’t ever a plan I just made music. I love to write, now that I show my music to people and see the face they make, I can tell they wouldn't think I could produce a product like this. But they love it."

What advice would you give to someone that is looking to pursuit their dreams?

"Don’t give up. There's plenty of times it won't work but when it does run with it. Let you music come from your heart and don’t loose yourself. There's no such thing as your best in a creative environment."