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BLAKMARKET.NET: How did you get the nickname The People's Champ? And the last name Wall?

Paul Wall: They were both just nicknames that people game me over the years. The peoples champ came because of the respect I showed complete strangers, I didn't treat people differently because of how much money they had or if they were celebritiies

BLAKMARKET.NET: Who were some of your influences? Did you always have a desire to be in the music industry?

Paul Wall:  LIL KEKE was my biggest influence. I was a huge fan of him growing up. He was always really popular in Texas. He started the whole slowed down and screwed sound with DJ Screw. He was there from day 1. He is also responsible for most of the slang that we still use in Texas to this day.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  Mixtapes are a large part of you career... how has mixtapes help with your success?

Paul Wall:  Mixtapes started my career. I love mixtapes. They're excited and fun to make, it gives artists and the fans an opportunity to listen to the artist raw, with no label influence of making this type, or that type of song. You don't have to make radio songs, or cross over songs, it gives the artist an opportunity to just be themselves

BLAKMARKET.NET: And speaking of mixtapes, I know you DJ... do you perform at clubs or special events?

Paul Wall:  Not really anymore, but I love to dj. Its a lot of fun.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  You are also a jeweler. How did you get invloved with that?

Paul Wall:  I loved wearing jewelry, and it was cheaper to buy it myself if I made it myself, so I teamed up with a local jeweler TV Johnny Dang.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  What was Get Ya Mind Correct?

Paul Wall:  It was the 1st commercial release I have ever released. I put it out with a indipendent label called Paid In Full Records. Itwas a group album, me and Chamillionaire

BLAKMARKET.NET:  When did you actually get your first break?

Paul Wall:  When Michael 5000 Watts let me come get on his mixtapes. He was very popular all over my neighborhood with his mixtapes. He petty much opened all of the doors for me. That changed my whole life.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  You and Chamillionaire had a relationship a long time ago... 
The Color Changing Click..what happened?

Paul Wall:  Yeah we were called the Waterboys. It was 4 of us: me, Chamillionare, Lewhawk, and 50/50 Twin. We all went our seperate ways. But I'm still down for them boys.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  How does it feel to be a pioneer when it comes to chopping & screwing mixtapes? Without giving away your secrets... is there a science to it all?

Paul Wall:  Yeah defnitely. I have always been a big fan of the Originator Dj Screw. He is the real deal.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  If you had anyone to do an album with- who would it be and why?

Paul Wall:  It would be with LIL KEKE, he is the most talented and original artist I have ever met. He's got a great work ethic, and he's really creative.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  So, is the a best of both world's collaboration between you and your 
wife Crystal in the making?

Paul Wall:  Naw not really, she doesn't like taking criticism from fans and strangers and critics. They expect so much from you. I have a thick skin, but my wife will end up shooting somebody

BLAKMARKET.NET:  What should the public be expecting from you?

Paul Wall:  My album is out right now in stores GET MONEY STAY TRUE, I'm out here promoting it. We also just released the Screwed version of it, my boy Michael Watts did a hell of a job on it too. Other then that I'm still working with my group Expensive Taste, www.expensivetastemerch.com And my grills can be found at  www.grillsbypaulwall.com  I have my own line of rims coming out with  www.zenetti.com
Paul Wall GET MONEY-STAY TRUE In Stores-NOW NOW NOW

BlakMarket.Net: Hello Maya... Please tell the people of Blakmarket.net who you are and 
what you do?

Maya Guez: I am a young female, fashion and beauty photographer that's making waives in the industry....!

BlakMarket.Net: How do you approach each collaborations you encounter?

Maya Guez: I keep an open mind at all times and I am very much open to what my subjects want to portray, what excites them and how they want to see themselves. I try to work only with people who inspire me to create.... there are times I say no to paying gigs just cause I am not feeling there vibe.... don't get me wrong the green is important but at the end of the day I want to be proud of the work I put my name on and luckily I'm doing well enough to be able to be selective.

BlakMarket.Net: How did you obtain such a creative, colorful and bright signature?

Maya Guez: That's just my style babe.... I always loved the bigger then life fantasy.... flashy colors in your face type of stuff.... something that makes you stop and look and maybe even miss a heartbeat... but if you take another look at my work you'll see I also have a lot of monochrome or black and white images that I think are just as powerful and crisp....

BlakMarket.Net: What would you say is one fear you have?

Maya Guez: mmm... fear is my biggest fear really... it can make you miss out on life and get distracted, to waist the gifts that I've been given... its important to be true to yourself and don't let fear and uncertainty hold you back.. 
of course I worry for my family back in Israel sometimes but I don't consider that a fear.

Maya Guez: You've accomplished a lot in a short period of time, but there has to be more to you than just photography and a pretty face. What are some 
misconceptions that people have of you?

BlakMarket.Net: Well that's really all I'm am a pretty face...lol just kidding.... I would say the only misconceptions people have about me is that I'm too good to be true, that I'm not really the photographer!.... haters are all around and when they see me do my thing, trust they will find something to say...lol... starting from saying I'm not really taking those pics, it's just a publicity gimmick... down to personal attacks and fabrications. I wont even respect by mentioning.... it's hard for some people to grasp the idea that an attractive young female can be talented as well... I do all the photography, style, make-up and post production computer editing... and some people are just bored or unhappy enough with there own shit that they to try to discredit my work.

BlakMarket.Net: What would you say is the most demanding part of your job?

Maya Guez: Cleaning up the studio after a shoot that stuff is heavy.....lol

BlakMarket.Net: How did you build and establish such a large celebrity clientele so fast? And who are some of the clients you've worked with?

Maya Guez: Nothing came quickly I've been building my self for years- there was no shortcuts involved, although most lightly I could have taken some. As far as name dropping lets just say I've worked with a variety of recording artists and record labels, also some great sexy vixens and fashion models.

BlakMarket.Net: Is there anyone or company you would love to work with?

Maya Guez: Generally its wonderful working with people you respect what they do and you feel you can trust their vision with closed eyes. As a subject, Beyonce I think is a multi talented beautiful woman.... it would be great shooting her  and there are other artists I admire there work in the fashion/art/music world who I would love to collaborate with...

BlakMarket.Net: As a photographer - are you overly criticized due to your physical 
appearance?

Maya Guez: I really don't know why.... does the fact I'm behind the camera means I have to be some wilderbaest?....lol....or a manly nerdy looking woman that wears glasses and flannel shirts...lol? I think I embody and represent my art... I like being sexy and I am all about celebrating beauty and innovation in my personal appearance just as much as in my work.

BlakMarket.Net: The photographer that looks like a model right? What made you want to be behind the camera, instead of in front of it?

Maya Guez: It's very demanding being in front of the camera. You constantly got to be at the top of your game appearance wise and you're criticized and scrutinize constantly. I love eating and I'm not that tall, also my figure is considered voluptuous in fashion world standards so if anything i would only be able to be a booty model in hip hop videos and that really doesn't interest me. I much rather relay on my mind and my talent then my other physical assets....

BlakMarket.Net: Being that you are a woman, are the female models more cooperative? Or do 
they tend to want to work with man?

Maya Guez: I think they feel more comfortable.... but you'll have to ask them....you want some of there numbers?...lol I love working with both... females feel very comfortable with me.... man sometime get nervous around me....lol its kinda funny they try to impress you.... and some are just so confident they can't wait to show you what they can do....lol...it depends on the personality.

BlakMarket.Net: What has been your most memorable moment with a model/client you've worked with?

Maya Guez: In one of my newest projects for an upcoming exhibition I'm planing I super-glued thumbtacks on this male model bold head...literally dozens if not hundreds of them.....and when I had to remove them I was getting so much pleasure to see him suffer....lol...hahah I know I'm bad!!

BlakMarket.Net: Doesphotography pay better than modeling?

Maya Guez: I think to me yea.... but it depends on the model or the photographer there are plenty of broke ass photographers and broke ass models.. and some are millionaires on the other hand. but I guess you can say generally speaking photography has a longer shelf life then modeling especially for females....so for long term this is a better choice...

BlakMarket.Net: You come from an underprivileged family- would you say that inspired you 
to become the best at what you do?

Maya Guez: The lower you come from the more you appreciate what u got and willing to push harder to never be in that place again.... so yes.

BlakMarket.Net: You moved out at 16 to help your family with the finances - What was your life like around the time of the gulf war compared to now?

Maya Guez: I was younger then 16 during the golf war...but gas masks, shelters and Skad missiles in the air would be what I remember most... waiting in the sealed room to hear if we just got attacked by a conventional bomb or a chemical warhead was an every night thing. while America was raging war against Iraq Israel was getting all the heat but forst to stay unresponsive despite being attacked by over 40 iraqi missiles. I'm just thankful Israel was smart enough to take out Iraq nuclear plant ten years earlier despite the world's criticism or the war could have ended on a very different note for both our people.

BlakMarket.Net: Who and what influences you this present day?

Maya Guez: Everything I see around me inspire me.... there is so much beauty and talent in this world.... music is a big inspiration... good music can make you see things...

BlakMarket.Net: As you continue to build and strive- where do you want to go with your career and life? What projects are you currently working on?

Maya Guez: I'm working on an exhibition of my work and a new exciting web site. would be nice to do a coffee table book some day with iconic images....and seeing my work on times square billboards is a must!

BlakMarket.Net: What's next for you?

Maya Guez: Just keep on creating art and and pushing the envelope.... maybe one day expanding to video and film as well.

BlakMarket.Net: Thank you Maya once again!! Any last words?

Maya Guez: Nothing but love and respect people! project positivity and it will come back to you 10 folds! and yea hit me up on myspace...and check out my sexy work on there : www.myspace.com/guezmaya

BlakMarket.Net: What’s going on Rik? Please tell the people of Blakmarket.net who you are
and what it is exactly that you do?

Rik Cordero: Hey what's good? My name is Rik Cordero and I'm a local New York base filmmaker that loves to shoot by any means necessary.

BlakMarket.Net: What’s the most crucial part of a music video?

Rik Cordero: There's a number of things that are important when putting a music video together but I think the most crucial part for me would be the inspiration. If I'm inspired by the song or the artist it makes a huge difference. You can apply that to anything you do, wether it's creating a music video or cooking a great meal. You should always be inspired.

BlakMarket.Net: What was the easiest and hardest video you put together thus far?

Rik Cordero: The easiest video I've put together was probably Smif N Wessun's "Gotta Say It". That felt like a vacation and we just happened to get a couple of
shots. The hardest would be the Ghostface "Barrel Brothers" video feat. Beanie Sigel and Styles P. It was a simple treatment but the organization
and logistics of the shoot were crazy since we were out of town and each of the artists had to do a show afterwards. We had to execute in less than
two hours.

BlakMarket.Net: Are there any particular steps you take before each project or do you approach each job differently?

Rik Cordero: I like meeting the artist before a shoot. It gives them the ability to open up and trust that their music is in good hands visually. I'm a great
listener and a keen observer so I'll let them know right away what my inspiration is for the song. That usually breaks the ice and sets the tone for the shoot. I want everyone to feel like what they're doing makes sense.

BlakMarket.Net: Prior to Three21 Media’s establishment in 1999, what where you actually
doing?

Rik Cordero: I was still in school trying to get a degree in Computer Graphics. I just always thought I'd be a designer for the rest of my life but my inspiration kept drawing me back to filmmaking. I'm not much of a talker so shooting and editing became the best ways to express myself. I never went to film school so I think my abilities just came from trial and error and experimenting. The best education for me was probably my first feature film in 2004 called "Mend".

BlakMarket.Net: A lot of people don’t know but you use to produce once upon a time… Is
that something you still find time to engage in?

Rik Cordero: Nah not really. I think I became frustrated that I couldn't get past a certain learning curve with producing. I love music and great production. I think music is the fastest way to experience an emotion. But for now I'd rather just enjoy a great beat and figure out how to compliment it with
visuals.

BlakMarket.Net: What separates Rik Cordero from any other film/video producers right now?

Rik Cordero: I'm not really sure. I really don't feed into the highly competitive field of film or music videos. I feel like I'm in their world but not really, like an outcast that no one quite understands. I don't mean to sound pretentious, I just mean that I think there's a lot more I want to stay that steps out of the Hip Hop video arena. I care about every frame I shoot and I listen. My only job as a director is to provide the ideal conditions for my artists to do the best they can in a short amount of time. There's no mystery to it. I could probably succeed as a Guidance
Counselor with the same mentality. I know why I do this and it's for the same reasons that gives everyone a reason to wake up every morning.

BlakMarket.Net: I’m proud of you Rik, because I remember being in your basement for hours
recording and now your finally living your dream. How does it feel?

Rik Cordero: It feels good man. We've definitely come a long way. I think those hours of recording and creating were my very first sources of inspiration that I know were the blueprint for the work I do today. I never take that for granted and every artist I've worked with has affected me artistically. All I can say is thank you for spending those hours in my tiny soundproofed closet with no AC.

BlakMarket.Net: As far as videos, what can we expect from you?

Rik Cordero: We have a new Buckshot and 9th Wonder video coming out soon for Duck Down
as well as a Kids In The Hall music video we're shooting this month. We just finished editing a new Consequence and John Legend joint and will be
working on a new Joe Budden/Joell Ortiz vid. Other than music I'll be shooting my second feature film titled "Inside A Change" about a friend of
mine who passed away in 2004. His name was Chris Alexander aka Blakkout. You've met him a couple of times. The movie is a tribute to him and I
think it will elicit some very human emotions. It stars Al Thompson (Royal Tennebaums, Liberty Kid) and Jamie Hector (The Wire). Look out for that soon.

BlakMarket.Net: Who are some artist(s) you’ve worked with? And is there anyone you’re
looking forward to collaborating with?

Rik Cordero: Man I worked with a lot of incredibly talented artists and legends last year. Jay-Z, Joell Ortiz, Consequence, Ghostface, Beanie Sigel, Styles P, Joe Budden, Novel, Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot, Charlie Murphy, Big Lou, Kay
Slay, Sha Money XL, Remy Ma, Memphis Bleek, etc. I'm looking forward to collaborating with my entire cast and crew for "Inside A Change". Working with music artists is one thing but working with actors in a long form
narrative format is another. It's a great challenge and I'm looking
forward to it.

BlakMarket.Net: How involved are the artists when it comes to video/ film making?

Rik Cordero: I love when artists are involved but only if they know what they want. An artist who brings more than half to the table, meaning producing and not
just showing up on set, are the ones who understand what they want. I'm not here to impose my visions on anyone. I just want to support their inspiration and discover new ones mutually.

BlakMarket.Net: Your most memorable moment so far?

Rik Cordero: Meeting Jay-Z. Hands down. That's like meeting Oprah or the Pope or something. Very surreal.

BlakMarket.Net: I’ve known you for a while Rik and you’re always venturing into new things. Is there anything else besides video making you’re looking to tackle?

Rik Cordero: We're doing a couple of things for corporate sponsors. Viral video commercials and pitch videos. After this next feature we'll be trying to land more narrative gigs.

BlakMarket.Net: What advice do you have for up and coming video producers?

Rik Cordero: Always stay inspired and remember that success is less about budgets and more about how valuable you can make yourself to others.

BlakMarket.Net: I appreciate you sitting with us Rik. Any last words or shout outs?

Rik Cordero: Shoutout to my partner Nancy Mitchell and the entire Three/21 Films team.
Very special shoutout to Stackhouse Recordings, Blake and Meena for holding me down all these years. Stay tuned for 08!

BlakMarket.Net: First off I have to start off and thank you for the interview- it is definitely a pleasure just to be talking to you. Now, please tell everyone who you are and where you from?

Def tone: It’s no problem at all. I go by the design name Def tone and I’m a freelance graphic designer known for my involvement in mixtape artwork. I’m from the UK and have been doing this for about 2 years.
 
BlakMarket.Net: What’s the most important part of designing?

Def tone: Fundamentally it’s ideas and originality. You can know the design tools and software inside out, but if you don’t have a natural eye for design, your art will be mechanical and not organic.
 
BlakMarket.Net: How did you get involved in the whole graphic game?
 
Def tone: I’m a student at university, I needed money! I’m a student of hip hop too and regular checked for mixtapes and I saw these covers for these tapes and thought to myself, ‘you know what? I can do this and do it better’.

BlakMarket.Net: Who and what influences you this present day? 
 
Def tone: Everything around me, I try to translate trends from everything that relates to hip hop and pop culture into my designs. For example, films that are hot at the moment, video games etc. I mean there used to be a time where these rappers would consider wearing bright colors as ‘fruity’, but now its everywhere in fashion, same goes with mixtape art. 2 years ago before I started it was mainly dark color schemes in the artwork with nothing but barbwire and bullet holes on the covers for the most part.

BlakMarket.Net: What was the easiest and hardest project you’ve done so far?

Def tone: That’s quite hard to answer because there’s been so many projects down the line. Just speaking in general, the hardest projects are the ones where the client is very specific about what they want, and the easiest ones are where I got complete artistic freedom.

BlakMarket.Net: What would you say is the most demanding part of your job? 
 
Def tone: Definitely the hours. It doesn’t help that I’m in a completely different time zone in the UK to the states. Everyone works on different schedules, meaning I got to work at ungodly hours to meet most deadlines.

BlakMarket.Net: Do you approach each job differently or do you take the same steps each time you take on a job?

Def tone: I got a formula to tackle most projects. Firstly I’ll bounce ideas back and fourth with the client and draw inspiration from the project title. I’ll then look around for resources that will work, put them together and then draw up a first draft and get feedback from the client. After that we’ll make amendments if any and then it’s done.

BlakMarket.Net: What separates Def tone from any other designer right now?

Def tone:  You’ll have to ask my clients! I myself think that my work is original and stands out, I’m always trying to develop and be innovative which is hard in this game because there’s so many other designers out there. If you look at my portfolio www.imreallygood.com and check the work from the bottom to the top you’ll be able to see how my style has evolved down the line.

BlakMarket.Net: Who are some clients you’ve designed for?

Def tone:  I’ve had the privilege of working with a lot of major players in the mixtape industry including Drama, Big Mike, Scream, The Empire, Evil Empire, Smallz, Tapemasters Inc., On point, Clinton Sparks, Team Invasion and artists such as Joe Budden, Styles P, & Jada to name a couple.

BlakMarket.Net: Is there anyone or company you would love to work with?

Def tone: I wouldn’t mind doing some work with G-unit but they already have their in-house design team to handle that side of business

BlakMarket.Net: Aside from mixtape covers, what are some of the other things you design?

Def tone: Right now I’m really struggling with finding time, because I’ve got other priorities that I need to handle first, that’s why I’m only concentrating on mixtape graphic design because of its quick turnaround. But I used to web design and I’m most definitely mean with a pencil, charcoal, oil/water and any other kind of paints you want to throw at me. I’m a student of traditional art which most people may not know.

BlakMarket.Net: How involved are the clients when it comes to designing?

Def tone: As involved as they want to be, I get some who just say ‘do you’, and I got others that like to give ideas. I enjoy working with both types.

BlakMarket.Net: What advice do you have for up and coming graphic designers?
 
Def tone: Be original, I didn’t get to where I am by emulating others work, I tried to bring something new and that’s what set me apart. Same with the other established designers out there. As a designer, you’re replaceable especially if the next man can do the same thing as you, but for cheaper. Be a leader, not a follower because you will always be in their shadow if you follow them too closely.

BlakMarket.Net: What would you say is one fear you have?

Def tone: HARD DRIVE CRASHES, I never thought it would happen to me, but it did and I lost the majority of my work, I had to pay a wedge of cash to get my data back and replace everything to get back up and running. I learnt my lesson and started backing up my files…for about 7 months… then got lazy thinking it wouldn’t happen again, so stopped, and guess what? It HAPPENED AGAIN!

BlakMarket.Net: Where do you want to go with your career and life? What projects are you currently working on?

Def tone: Once I graduate I want to get into business management and marketing, that’s the core of what I’m studying now. I would love to involve some of the work I’m doing now in music and art somehow as well. I’ve already been head hunted by a couple of entrepreneurs and companies in the states.
Currently I’ve just got back to work after a short break. I’m working on a couple joints for Big Mike, Empire and Scream.
 
BlakMarket.Net:  What would say is the biggest problem in Hip-Hop/Mixtapes, from a designer’s point of view?

Def tone: Everyone wants to be a ‘dj’ but the majority of the new guys emerging have no skills, they just know where to find freshly leaked tracks, compile them on a cd and call it a mixtape. Same with the design side of things, too many kids can easily get their hands on bootleg software, jack existing designers work undercut them and sell that shit to the aforementioned bootleg djs who are just looking for the cheapest work.

BlakMarket.Net: What album/mixtape cover that you did not design that you would redo?
 
Def tone: Lil Wayne- Da Drought 3, I think that’s the official one he put out, cover is horrible!

BlakMarket.Net:  Being that you design mixtape covers, what’s your opinion on the RIAA?

Def tone: I don’t really know much about the business side of things in regards to djs putting out tapes with the permission of the labels and artists etc, so I can’t really make an educated comment on the subject. But I understand the legitimate dj’s plight as opposed to the bootleg dj, who is only doing it to benefit himself.

BlakMarket.Net: What can we expect from you?

Def tone: Continuous development and possible retirement come the end of 2008 (when I graduate) but expect a lot of hot work to come before then.

BlakMarket.Net: What’s going on Jeannie? Please tell the people of Blakmarket. net who you are, what you do and where you represent?

Jeannie Ortega: WELL I'M A SINGER/SONG WRITER AND ACTRESS FROM BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

BlakMarket.Net: What was it like growing up in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, New York?

Jeannie Ortega: IT DEFINITELY WASN'T A WALK IN THE PARK, BUT SINCE IT'S ALL I KNEW I WAS ABLE TO HOLD MY OWN AND WALK THE WALK YOU GOTTA HAVE WHEN RAISED IN THE HOOD

BlakMarket.Net: How is it that you followed Hip Hop and R&B but it sounds like your music has more of a POP feel to it?

Jeannie Ortega: WELL BECAUSE I AM LATINA AND BORN IN THE HOOD, I FOLLOW HIP-HOP AND R&B BECAUSE THATS WHAT'S THERE BUT I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A SUCKER FOR A GOOD POP SONG. SO I NATURALLY DID A COMBINATION OF THINGS WITH MY MATERIAL.

BlakMarket.Net: Who did you look up to growing up and who inspires you?

Jeannie Ortega: MARIAH WAS MY GIRL, SOMETHING ABOUT HER MUSIC ALWAYS TOUCHED MY SOUL.

BlakMarket.Net: I see that you’re the total package; singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. How does it feel to be so talented at such a young age?

Jeannie Ortega: I GIVE THE GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST, COULDN'T DO IT IF I WASN'T BLESSED

BlakMarket.Net: Who was “Sugar & Spice”?

Jeannie Ortega:  I WAS SPICE LOL

BlakMarket.Net: Please tell us about that infamous day in that NYC Cab?

Jeannie Ortega: I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM SHOPPING WITH MY MOM, WAS SINGING IN THE CAB AND THE DRIVER WAS DIGGING IT. SO HE ASK ASKED IF I WAS A SINGER. I SAID YES AND NEXT THING I KNOW HE WAS ALL INTO ME. HE ALSO DROVE LIMOS, NEW THE RIGHT PEOPLE (SINCE HE DROVE AROUND ALL THE MUSIC INDUSTRY FOLKS) AND WANTED TO MAKE THE HOOK UP. I WAS A LITTLE FREAKED OUT BUT TOOK A CHANCE AND HERE I AM!!

BlakMarket.Net: Your first major single “Crowded” featured Brooklyn’s own Papoose. How did that come in to play and what was it like working with Pap?

Jeannie Ortega: WELL SINCE WE FROM HOODS NOT TO FAR FROM EACH OTHER, THE GUYS IN THE HOOD HOOKED IT UP. THEY WE'RE ALL DIGGING PAP AND LOVED ME SO THEY DEMANDED A CALLABO. THE STREETS TALK AND PAP GOT MY NUMBER FROM ONE OF THE BOYZ AND CALLED THE REST IN HISTORY ; )

BlakMarket.Net: You had small roles in the movie “Step Up” and on the Soap Opera “One Life to Live”. Now are there any movies and/or sitcoms you are currently working on?

Jeannie Ortega: JUST FINISHING UP A FILM CALLED INDELIBLE. CO-STARRING TRISTAN WILDS FROM THE WIRE AND THE DOPE BOYZ JAY Z VIDEO. IT'S AN AWESOME FILM COMING SOON. AND I GOT A GREAT PART IN IT

BlakMarket.Net: You wrote 11 out of 12 songs on your album- what inspires you to write?

Jeannie Ortega: LIFE!!!! MY LIFE, MY PEERS, MY FAM

BlakMarket.Net: Where do you see yourself in the near and distant future?

Jeannie Ortega HAPPY,WEALTHY AND FULL COMPLETELY ; }

BlakMarket.Net: Are there any artist(s) whom you would love the chance to work with?

Jeannie Ortega: UMM ROBIN THICKE FOR SOME REASON LOL

BlakMarket.Net: How do you feel about the state of Hip-Hop and RnB?

Jeannie Ortega: YOU KNOW, I LOVE THE MUSIC, REGARDLESS OF HOW DEEP OR HOW CHEESY IT IS. IT'S ART AND A STATEMENT ALWAYS!!! I JUST WISH EVERYONE WIT STOP WITH THE B.S. DRAMA

BlakMarket.Net: What would you say is the most memorable instance in your career thus far?

Jeannie Ortega: THERE ARE SOOO MANY BUT THE ONE THAT MEANT THE MOST WAS WHEN I HAD A BIG SHOW BACK AT HOME IN BROOKLYN AFTER A LONG TOUR AND EVERYONE SANG THE WORDS OF MY SONG TO ME. MY PEOPLE, LOVED AND EMBRACED ME! IT WAS AMAZING!

BlakMarket.Net: What should your fans be expecting from you?

Jeannie Ortega: NEW "CLASSIC" ALBUM, MOVIES, TV SHOWS AND WHAT EVERY ELSE I'M MEANT TO DO

BlakMarket.Net: What advice do you have for any up and coming artist(s)?

Jeannie Ortega: PUT GOD 1ST NEVER 4GET WHERE YOU GETTING YOUR TALENT FROM, WORK HARD AND KNOW THAT REGARDLESS OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE YOU CAN MAKE IT OUT WITH THAT

BlakMarket.Net: Do you have any inspiring words?

Jeannie Ortega: KNOW YOUR TASK, AND DON'T LET ANYTHING GET IN THE WAY OF WHAT YOU 1ST INTENDED TO DO- I LEARNED THE HARD WAY :)

Blakmarket.net: First Off I want you to thank you for taking the time out of your day and sitting down with Blakmarket. Please tell everyone who you are and what you do?

PHIL GAPUD: MY NAME IS PHIL GAPUD AND I AM THE FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF MARKETING FOR CAVI. I'M THE GUY THAT PUT THE STAMP ON MAKING MILITARY SHIRTS THE HOTTEST STYLE RITE NOW.

Blakmarket.net: So how did Cavi get started?

PHIL GAPUD:  BACK IN 2004, I DECIDED TO THROW ON OFFICIAL MILITARY PATCHES AND MEDALS ON A FEW BLANK WORK SHIRTS, BUT I ADDED MY OWN COLORFUL TWIST TO IT.  AFTER 4 MONTHS AND THE STREETS DEMANDING MY SHIRTS, ONE OF THE SHIRTS LANDED ON JAY-Z AND THE REST WAS HISTORY…

Blakmarket.net: How did the name come about and does Hip Hop play a major influence with your company?

PHIL GAPUD:  I GOT THE NAME CAVI FOR MY CLOTHING LINE FROM CAVIAR. CAVI MEANS PRODUCT OF GREAT TASTE. HIP HOP DEFINITELY PLAYED A MAJOR INFLUENCE IN CAVI'S GROWTH. HIP-HOP'S GREATEST ARTISTS (JAY-Z, NAS, FABOLOUS) EMBRACED US AND SUPPORTED SINCE DAY ONE.

Blakmarket.net: Please give us a little background on yourself?

PHIL GAPUD:  I'M FILIPINO, BORN AND RAISED IN UNIONDALE, LONG ISLAND. I GRADUATED FROM A SMALL MUSIC SCHOOL, FIVE TOWNS COLLEGE. MY LOVE AND PASSION IS IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS BUT HUSTLED MY WAY INTO THE FASHION GAME BUT STILL HAVE MY TALENT MGMT ON THE SIDE.

Blakmarket.net: If I came to you and told you that I wanted to start a clothing company, what would you say to me?

PHIL GAPUD:  IS THE PRODUCT HOT?  WHAT IS THE FEEDBACK FROM PEOPLE? AND IF THE PRODUCT IS HOT YOU MUST HUSTLE IT TO EVERYONE AROUND YOU. SOONER OR LATER IT'LL PICK UP ATTENTION. BE PERSISTENT AND HAVE INTEGRITY BEHIND YOUR CLOTHING LINE.

Blakmarket.net: What's the most important part of coming out with clothing?

PHIL GAPUD:  SEEING IT SELL!!! LOL. THE REACTION WHEN I SEE PEOPLE WEARING CAVI IS PRICELESS KNOWING SOMEONE SPENT THEIR HARD EARNED CASH ON YOUR PRODUCT.

Blakmarket.net: What's your opinion on most of these clothing companies who are obviously mimicking one another?

PHIL GAPUD:  IT’S CRAZY....ITS INSULTING BUT ALSO FLATTERING WHEN I SEE OTHER BRANDS TRY TO KNOCK OFF CAVI. BUT WHEN YOU'RE ON TOP OF THE GAME AND IN FRONT OF THE RACE, U SHOULDN'T WORRY WHO'S BEHIND YOU. JUST KEEP GOING!!

BlakMarket.Net: What separates Cavi from any other clothing line right now?

PHIL GAPUD:  THE DETAIL WE PUT INTO THE BRAND AND COLLECTION. WHO NEEDS JEWELRY WHEN U CAN SHINE WITH JUST A SHIRT. WEARING CAVI YOU'RE GUARANTEED TO HAVE PEOPLE GLANCE AT YOU. I FORGOT THE LAST TIME ANOTHER CLOTHING LINE DID THAT TO ME BESIDES CAVI.

Blakmarket.net: What artist(s) have you endorsed in ad campaigns?

PHIL GAPUD:  WE NEVER HAD ANY AD CAMPAIGNS JUST YET.

Blakmarket.net: Who and what is Bang Out Management? And are you currently working with any artists?

PHIL GAPUD:  BANG OUT MGMT IS MY TALENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY. I CURRENTLY MANAGE 2 ARTISTS, A RAPPER NAMED SONNIE CARSON, AND POP/R&B SUPERSTAR, TASH. I ALSO CONSULT FOR UPCOMING PRODUCERS AND WRITERS. U CAN PEEP THEM ON MY MYSPACE PAGE, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BANGOUTMGMT

Blakmarket.net: Now, the ladies have asked me a million times, does Cavi have anything for the females? What's going on with that Phil?

PHIL GAPUD:  IN DUE TIME.....IN DUE TIME...........RITE NOW WE''RE FOCUSING ON OUR CORE MENS LINE.

BlakMarket.Net: As far as quality, what can we expect from Cavi? Are my shirts going to shrink in the wash? LOL!!

PHIL GAPUD:  ALWAYS EXPECT QUALITY FROM CAVI.  CAVI ISN'T MADE FOR EVERYONE. YOUR SHIRTS SHOULDN'T SHRINK IN THE WASH CUZ YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO DRY CLEAN THEM!! LOL . CAVI IS EXPENSIVE HOMIE!! IF YOU'RE WASHING CAVI AT HOME, U SHOULDN'T BE WEARING IT!!

BlakMarket.Net: Your most memorable moment so far?

PHIL GAPUD:  SEEING MYSELF GROW INTO A ENTREPENEUR. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. STARTING OUT WORKING FROM MY BEDROOM, TO SELLING OUT OF MY CAR TRUNK, TO NOW HAVING MY OWN MIDTOWN OFFICE AND SELLING CAVI TO THE WORLD.

Blakmarket.net: What's next for you?

PHIL GAPUD:  NEXT STOP............THE BANK!! AFTER THAT WHO KNOWS....

Blakmarket.net: I appreciate you sitting with us Phil. Any last words or shout outs?

PHIL GAPUD:  BIG SHOUTS TO THE WHOLE CAVI SQUAD AND SUPPORTERS!! BIG UPS TO ALL MY HATERS!! AND A KIND SHOUT OUT TO THE ONLY ONE STOP ONLINE SHOP, BLAKMARKET.NET!!! BE SURE TO PICK UP THAT BIG BOOTY PT 4 DVD FROM THAT DUDE BLAKE! HE GOT ALL THE JOINTS!!

Blakmarket.net:  What's good NOJO?

NOJO: JUST WORKING HARD. IT NEVER STOPS.

Blakmarket.net:  Introduce yourself for those that don't know you.

NOJO: IM THE GUY THAT HELPED MAKE THE MIXTAPE INDUSTRY WHAT IT IS TODAY. I'VE WORKED WITH SO MANY DJ'S AND GAVE THEM AN IMAGE BEFORE IT WAS COOL TO BE A DJ. WHEN DJ'S WERE GETTING PINK TAPE COVERS WITH BLACK TEXT ON THEM, I GAVE THEM CREATIVE COVERS WITH IMAGES AND CONCEPTS. I MADE DJ'S LOOK GOOD WHEN NO ONE RESPECTED THEM.

Blakmarket.net:  When I first came across your work- I was like WOW! Who is this NOJO person? Please tell us what NOJO stands for?

NOJO: NOJO IS AN ACRONYM FOR NOCTURNAL JOURNAL. IT WAS A MAGAZINE ME AND AN OLD FRIEND STARTED IN 1992. THE MAGAZINE WAS HOT BUT THINGS DIDNT WORK OUT.  IT WENT UNDER BUT I KEPT THE NOJO MONIKER AND WENT IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION WITH IT AND HERE I AM 16 YEARS LATER.

BlakMarket.Net: What separates NOJO from any other designer right now?

NOJO: STYLE! I WILL NOT DENY THE TALENT OF OTHER DESIGNERS WHO DO WHAT I DO. SOME OF THESE GUYS TRULY HAVE GREAT KUNG-FU AND PUT TOGETHER SOME TRULY UNIQUE ARTWORK. BUT THE ISSUE I HAVE WITH SOME DESIGNERS IS THAT EVERYTHING THEY DO LOOKS LIKE THE SAME SHIT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. AS SOON AS YOU LOOK AT THE COVER YOUR LIKE "WHAT'S HIS NAME DID THIS". WHILE THE WORK THEY DO LOOKS IMPRESSIVE, IT REMAINS PREDICTABLE. THE THING THAT SEPARATES ME IS THAT I DONT HAVE A SIGNATURE LOOK OR FORMAT. I MIGHT DO 10 DIFFERENT PROJECTS AND GET 10 DIFFERENT LOOKS. YOU MIGHT PICK UP A CD COVER AND HAVE NO IDEA I DID IT CAUSE IT DOESNT LOOK LIKE THE WORK THAT GOT ME NOTICED (BUT MORE THAN LIKELY CAUSE I DONT PUT MY LOGO ON MY WORK ANYMORE). I DONT FOLLOW A BLUEPRINT AND I TRY TO GIVE EACH COVER A UNIQUE STYLE THAT SAYS WHAT THE TITLE OF THE PROJECT IS, AND NOT JUST SOMETHING THAT LOOKS GOOD. I LIKE TO "BRAND" A DJ, NOT JUST DESIGN FOR THEM. I THINK ONE THING THAT REALLY SEPARATES ME IS MY LEVEL OF INVOLVMENT IN EACH PROJECT. I HAVE MADE A LIVING OUT OF BEING THE COMPLETE PACKAGE DESIGNER. I COME UP WITH THE CONCEPT, DIRECTION, MARKETING ANGLES, AND HELL SOMETIMES I EVEN THINK OF THE TITLE OF THE CD AS WELL. I HAVE EVEN CALLED DJ'S AND TOLD THEM TO DO A PARTICULAR PROJECT AND MADE IT SUCCESFUL. DJ'S ONLY GIVE ME A TITLE, I DO THE REST MYSELF. I MAKE MAGIC OUT OF NOTHING AT ALL. THIS IS THE SERVICE I HAVE PROVIDED FOR THAT LAST 16 YEARS. THAT IS THE MAGIC OF NOJO. LET ME SET ONE THING STRAIGHT.  I, IN NO WAY, CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE THE BEST. I’M JUST CONSISTANTLY BETTER THAN AVERAGE, SOMETIMES (EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS......AND THURSDAYS).

Blakmarket.net:  what made you want to get into the graphic design industry?

NOJO: MY UNCLE IS THE ILLEST DESIGNER I'VE EVER SEEN. GROWING UP I USED TO WATCH HIM PUT ART TOGETHER AND IT AMAZED ME. WHEN I GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL HE BOUGHT A MAC AND I WATHED HIM DESIGN. I AM A CREATIVE PERSON BY NATURE SO IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I STARTED TINKERING WITH THE COMPUTER. THE REST IS MY BORING LIFE.

Blakmarket.net:  Did u take any graphic courses in school?

NOJO: NOT ONE. I WENT TO COLLEGE FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. I LEARNED THE BASICS OF DESIGN WATCHING MY UNCLE,  BUT I REALLY TAUGHT MYSELF THE REST. SCHOOL ONLY TEACHES YOU THE SKILLS TO DO THE JOB, IT DOESNT TEACH YOU CREATIVITY. ANYBODY CAN PICK A BOOK AND LEARN HOW TO CUT, PASTE AND PUT A SHINY COLORFUL GLOW ON A PICTURE. THE REAL TALENT ISN'T IN PUTTING IT TOGETHER, IT'S IN THINKING OF THE CONCEPT. MIXTAPE COVERS ARE A SPECIAL TYPE OF "ANIMAL". YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THAT ANIMAL IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESFUL. THAT’S WHY YOU HAVE SO MANY WACK PEOPLE WHO LABEL THEMSELVES DESIGNERS. THEY CAN CUT AND PASTE, BUT THEY CAN'T DESIGN.

Blakmarket.net:  When did you first get noticed?

NOJO: I GOT NOTICED ON THE VERY FIRST COVER I DID. WHEN I STARTED DOING COVERS DJ'S WHERE GETTING  COLORED PAPER WITH THE LIST ON THE FRONT. HELL THERE WERE NO COVERS, THE LIST WAS THE COVER BACK THEN. THEN ALONG COMES THESE GUYS NAMED P-TYPE (THEY GOT BUSY). THEY STARTED DOING COVERS WITH IMAGES AND SPECIAL SHIT. I WAS ALREADY DESIGNING MAGAZINES AND ADS SO ONE OF MY BOYS ASKED ME TO DESIGN A COVER FOR HIS DJ. ME NOT KNOWING THE "ANIMAL" PUT TOGETHER SOME REAL BULLSHIT BUT HE LIKED IT AND TOOK THAT COVER TO A VIDEO MUSIC BOX PARTY AND EVERYONE WENT CRAZY. THE MIXTAPE DID WELL AND THERE STARTED MY JOURNEY.

Blakmarket.net:  How'd you hook up with DJ Whoo Kid?

NOJO: HE FOUND ME. I NEVER HEARD OF THE GUY BEFORE DJ ENVY HOOKED ME UP WITH HIM.  HE LIKED MY WORK AND WE FORMED A CLOSE KNIT RELATIONSHIP. I DIDNT DO ALL HIS COVERS AT FIRST BUT WHEN HIS CAREER STARTED TO BLOSSOM I WAS THE POINT MAN IN HIS CREATIVE CAMP. THE THING ABOUT WHOO KID IS THAT HE IS A VERY SMART DUDE. HE KNOWS WHAT DIRECTION HE WANTS EVERY PROJECT TO GO IN AND THAT MAKES IT EASY FOR ME TO DO WHAT I DO CAUSE I NEVER HAVE TO GUESS WHAT HE WANTS.

Blakmarket.net:  What's your favorite cover that you've designed?

NOJO: GREEN LANTERN'S "INVASION". I WORKED THAT COVER FOR 17 HOURS STRAIGHT. NOW I'VE DONE SOME NICE WORK BEFORE THAT BUT THAT WAS THE FIRST COVER THAT GAVE ME THAT "SUPERSTAR" APPEAL. WHEN I FISRT DID IT EVERYONE THOUGHT IT WAS A MOVIE POSTER, NOT A CD COVER. I SPILLED ALL MY CREATIVE JUICES ON THAT COVER AND IT GOT ME MORE RECOGNITION THAN ME DOING ALL THE G-UNIT COVERS COMBINED. 50 CENT COVERS DID NOT GET ME A WRITE-UP  IN XXL, THE GREEN LANTERN COVER DID.

Blakmarket.net:   How do you feel about the graphic design game?

NOJO: AT THIS POINT I'M VERY PROUD OF IT. IT FEELS GOOD TO SEE DESIGNERS GET CREDIT FOR WHAT WE DO. I'VE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE 1992. BACK THEN WE DIDN'T MATTER TO ANYONE. WHEN I GOT INTO THE MIXTAPE GAME WE DIDN'T GET RESPECT FROM ANYONE. I WOULD DESIGN COVERS AND THE DJ'S WOULD GET THE RESPECT, NOT ME.  OVER TIME AS MY WORK IMPROVED AND THE MIXTAPE GAME GREW I STARTED TO MATTER A LITTLE MORE. IT WASN'T UNTIL THE WHOLE G-UNIT MOVEMENT THAT REAL PEOPLE EVEN TOOK A DESIGNER SERIOUSLY. NO ONE THOUGHT WE MATTERED UNTIL THEY SAW THE REAL POWER OF MARKETING AND DESIGN. NOW A DJ CAN'T SURVIVE WITHOUT A HOT COVER.

Blakmarket.net:  On average how long does it take you to complete a cover?

NOJO: IT DESPENDS ON THE DJ AND THE PROJECT. FOR INSTANCE, I DID A COVER FOR A NAS MIXTAPE DEPICTING HIM AS JESUS. IT TOOK ME A WHOLE DAY BECAUSE I HAD TO COME UP WITH THE IDEA FIRST OF ALL. THEN I HAD TO TAKE PICTURES OF MY HAND, FABRICATE BLOOD AND A CROWN OF THORNS. THEN I HAD TO COME UP WITH ALL THE REST OF THE SUPPORTING IMAGES. CREATIVE CONCEPTS TAKE TIME WHILE A REGULAR COVER WITH JUST RAPPERS CAN BE DONE IN AN HOUR. THE THING THAT TAKES THE LONGEST IS COMING UP WITH THE IDEA. THE MORE INTRACATE THE CONCEPT, THE LONGER IT TAKES. 
 
BlakMarket.Net: How do you approach each job?

NOJO: THE FIRST THING I DO IS THINK ABOUT THE CLIENT (NOT EVERY CLIENT DESERVES THAT HOT FIRE LIKE DYLAN). THEN BASED ON THE TITLE OF THE PROJECT I BRAINSTORM THE CONCEPT. THEN I DO WHAT THE PRO'S DO.  RESEARCH. I JUST DON'T THROW SHIT TOGETHER. I WANT A RESPONSE SO I MAKE SURE IT SAYS WHAT IT NEEDS TO SAY. IT'S VERY BULLSHIT WHEN THE PROJECT MIGHT BE AN R&B CD AND THE DESIGNER PUTS A SHINY CAR WITH SOME TEXT ON THE COVER. WHEN YOU LOOK AT A COVER YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE CD IS ABOUT.
 
BlakMarket.Net: What's the most important part of designing?

NOJO: SATISFYING THE AUDIENCE. YOU CAN DO A PROJECT THAT THE CLIENT MIGHT THINK LOOKS NICE BUT MOST DJ'S DON'T KNOW SHIT ABOUT WHAT EFFECTIVE DESIGN IS. IF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO POTENTIONALY PURCHASE THE CD DON'T LIKE THE COVER, THEN I FEEL IT'S A FAILURE. I DESIGN FOR MARKET APPEAL, NOT JUST TO PLEASE THE CLIENT. THERE ARE COUNTLESS STORIES OF WHEN I DESIGNED SOMETHING THE CLIENT REALLY DIDN'T LIKE AT FIRST. BUT WHEN THEY PUT IT OUT, THE STREETS WENT CRAZY. THEN THE CLIENT IS ALL OF A SUDDEN IN LOVE WITH IT. AS A DESIGNER YOU HAVE TO LOOK PAST THE CLIENT AND DESIGN TO MAKE THE PROJECT SUCCESFUL IN ALL ASPECTS.

BlakMarket.Net: Who and what influences you this present day?

NOJO: OTHER MIXTAPE COVER DESIGNERS DON'T INFLUENCE ME AT ALL. AS FAR AS I'M CONCERENED THEY ARE DOING NOW WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING FOR YEARS. P-TYPE (REG P) WAS THE ONLY GUY THAT EVER HAD KEPT ME ON MY TOES, HE WAS NICE WITH IT. THE THING THAT REALLY INFLUENCES ME THESE DAYS IS ADVERTISING. I MAKE MY MONEY ON AD'S NOT MIXTAPES. WHEN I LOOK AT THE AD'S THAT THE PRO'S DO I AM IN COMPLETE AWE. I LOVE STYLE AND CONCEPT. ANYONE CAN PUT TOGETHER AN IMAGE, BUT ONLY A CERTAIN FEW CAN REALLY SIT DOWN AND CREATE A TRUE MASTERPICE. THAT’S WHAT I LOOK FOR, MASTERFUL CRAFTSMENSHIP. THE BIG AD AGENCIES AND THE PEOPLE WHO DESIGN THE AD'S ARE MY BIGGEST INFLUENCE.

Blakmarket.net:  Do you have any other projects that follow a similar format in the works?

NOJO: NOPE. I TRY AND TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO EVERYTHING I DO.  IM AT THE POINT WHERE I TRY TO BE AS UNPREDICTABLE AS POSSIBLE. BEING CREATIVE ALLOWS ONE TO DO WHATEVER HE/SHE WANTS AND I AM TRYING TO TAKE IT AS FAR AND WIDE AS I CAN.

BlakMarket.Net: What was the easiest and hardest project you've done so far?

NOJO: I DON'T CONSIDER MIXTAPE COVERS HARD AT ALL. THEY AREN'T SERIOUS ENOUGH  FOR ME. THEY ARE ALL EASY. THE HARDEST PROJECT I THINK I EVER DID WAS AN AD FOR A  SKATEBOARDING CLOTHING COMPANY. I DONT KNOW SHIT ABOUT SKATEBAORDING SO I STRUGGLED TO CONCEPTUALISE IT AND I MUST SAY I DID A VERY POOR JOB ON IT. IF I CAN'T FEEL THE PROJECT IN MY HEART THEN I CAN'T SEE IT IN MY HEAD (IF THAT MAKES ANY SENSE).

BlakMarket.Net: What would you say is the most demanding part of your job?

NOJO: TIME! THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO DO EVERYTHING I NEED TO DO. THIS JOB WILL SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF YOU. IT'S OVERLY TEDIOUS AND WAY TO DEMANDING. DON'T TELL ANYONE, BUT I HATE WHAT I DO. I LOVE BEING CREATIVE BUT I HATE THE TOLL IT TAKES ON ME. NOT BEING ABLE TO SPEND PROPER TIME WITH MY DAUGHTER IS THE HARDEST PART. SHIT I DONT EVEN HAVE A GIRLFRIEND CAUSE I CAN'T DEDICATE THE NECCESSARY TIME TO ONE. DESIGNING TAKES ALL MY TIME. I AM NOT HAPPY. 
 
BlakMarket.Net:  What would say is the biggest problem in Hip-Hop/Mixtapes, from a designer's point of view?

NOJO: THERE ARE TOO MANY DJ'S PUTTING OUT TO MANY PROJECTS. IT NOT ONLY DILUTES ONE'S CREATIVITY BUT SHIT HOW MANY DIFFERENT PICTURES OF LIL WAYNE CAN YOU FIND? THEN YOU HAVE CLIENTS WHO DON'T HAVE A CLUE ABOUT WHAT GOOD DESIGN IS AND SETTLE FOR BULLSHIT AND GIVE LIFE TO THESE WACK ASS DESIGNERS. BUT MY BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THAT THESE MUTHAFUCKIN' DJ'S ARE CHEAP AS FUCK!!!!!! THEY WANT EVERYTHING AND DON'T WANT TO SHELL OUT THE FUNDS TO GET IT.
 
 
BlakMarket.Net: Who are some clients you've designed for?

NOJO: I'VE WORKED WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE. TOO MANY TO MENTION. I DON'T LOOK FOR RECOGNITION, SO I DON'T TALK ABOUT IT.
 
BlakMarket.Net: Aside from mixtape covers, what are some of the other things you design?

NOJO: I DESIGN AD'S, BILLBOARDS, MAGAZINES, WEBSITES, CLOTHING, AND I CAN BOIL THE SHIT OUT OF AN EGG.
 
BlakMarket.Net: What would you say is one fear you have?

NOJO: FAILING IS MY GREATEST FEAR. I DON'T LIKE TO FAIL. I HATE NOT BEING ABLE TO MAKE EVERY PROJECT I DO A MASTERPIECE. I FAIL ALOT.

BlakMarket.Net: Where do you want to go with your career and life? What projects are you currently working on?

NOJO: RIGHT NOW IM WORKING ON STARTING 5 DIFFERENT MAGAZINES AND BUILDING A LITTLE MEDIA EMPIRE. BUT WHAT I REALLY WANT TO IS START A PHARMACUTICAL COMPANY WHEN I GET TO THAT POINT IN MY LIFE. THAT HAS BEEN MY DREAM SINCE A WAS A BOY.

BlakMarket.Net: What can we expect from you?

NOJO: YOU CAN EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO SEE GOOD WORK FROM ME. YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW I DID THE WORK, BUT IT WILL LOOK GOOD NONE THE LESS. MY MAGAZINE WILL HOPEFULLY BE LAUNCHING THIS WINTER, AND ITS WEBSITE AT THE SAME TIME. IM WORKING A CABLE SHOW AND WILL START PITCHING IT SOON. IT'S A VERY AMBITIOUS PROJECT SO HOPEFULLY IT WILL COME TO LIFE.  I DONT EXPECT TO BE DESIGNING MUCH LONGER. MY TRUE SKILL IS BEING CREATIVE, NOT DESIGNING, SO I AM TRYING TO DO AS MANY DIFFERENT CREATIVE THINGS AS POSSIBLE.

Blakmarket.net:  What advice do you have for up and coming graphic designers that may want to start up in the cover game?

NOJO: IF THEY CAN FIND ME I'LL TELL THEM EVERYTHING I KNOW. I'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR A LONG TIME AND I'VE LEARNED THERE ARE NO RULES TO THIS GAME SO JUST DO WHAT COMES TO HEART. I CAN SAY YOU SHOULD KNOW PHOTOSHOP INSIDE AND OUT. IF YOU CAN THINK IT UP, PHOTOSHOP CAN GET IT DONE. TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK. I HAVE DONE ALOT OF WACK SHIT, BUT I ALWAYS STAY MOTIVATED TO DO BETTER. RESEARCH EVERY PROJECT YOU DO, YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN A FRESH IDEA WILL COME UP. KEEP AN ENORMOUS LIBRARY OF IMAGES OF EVERYTHING YOU CAN FIND.  I REMEMBER YEARS BACK I DID A COVER AND IT WAS VERY PLAIN, SO TO SPICE THINGS UP I ADDED SOME BIRDS THAT I HAD SITTING IN A PICTURE FOLDER. IT WORKED SO WELL THAT EVERYONE STARTED PUTTING BIRDS ON COVERS. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN ONE LITTLE IMAGE WILL SAVE A PROJECT. IF YOU SEE A DESIGN YOU LIKE, COPY IT. DON'T OUTRIGHT STEAL IT BUT EMULATE IT'S STYLE. IT'S MORE THAN LIKELY THE PERSON WHO DESIGNED IT GOT THE IDEA FROM SOMEONE ELSE AS WELL. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ORIGINAL IDEA SO DON'T ALWAYS TRY AND RECREATE THE WHEEL, JUST MAKE A BETTER CAR.

Blakmarket.net:  got any shoutouts?

NOJO: SHOUT OUT TO ANYONE WHO HAS EVER SUPPORTED ME IN MY STRUGGLE TO PAY MY BILLS (IM VERY POOR). ALL THE DJ'S (WHETHER WE'VE WORKED TOGETHER OR NOT). ALL THE OTHER DESIGNERS (WHETHER YOUR WACK OR NOT. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE). MOST IMPORTANTLY MY DAUGHTER.

BlakMarket.Net: What's going on POP? Please tell the people of
Blakmarket.net who you are, what you do and where you represent?

POP: Prince of Port but you can call me POP for short!!!  Rapper/Writer repping for Northside Hollis Queens.

BLAKMARKET.NET: First thing in order, how do you feel about the Obama victory?

POP: It a giant step for people of color! Now that this milestone has been achieved, it proves that we can succeed and make a difference in today society.

BLAKMARKET.NET: How did you get the nickname P.O.P.?

POP: Well P.O.P. It's an abbreviation for Prince of the Port.
Which is symbolic of my homeland capitol, Port au Prince, Haiti? It also derives from my prior life of transporting (We all know what that means). If you don't- sorry I can't put myself in jeopardy!

BLAKMARKET.NET: How have you been progressing?

POP: Well, From first accomplishing my Popshop Mix tape; and featuring on other artists projects; It seems like I’m receiving a lot of good feedback and the music industry doors is starting to open up for the kid! Like I say once that door opens completely I’m taking over house you dig....

BLAKMARKET.NET: Who were some of your Influences? Did you always have a desire to be in the music Industry?

POP: Some of my Influences are Nas, Krs-One, Kool G Rap, Wu_Tang, Guru, Nice and Smooth, that late 80s and early 90s gutterness. My desire mainly is creating music; I'm not too fixated on the glitter and glam. I leave that to these cosmetic thug rappers!!!

BLAKMARKET.NET: Besides yourself who are you listening to?

POP: Well if you catch me in my whip Nas and Jay-z stay on rotation But I can't front T.I. Joint (PAPER TRAIL) zoning out to that album.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  How has mixtapes help with your success?

POP: Mixtapes are a great circuit for promoting yourself; and creating a following. Well I’ll be lying if I said there no money in that game too. (Right Mr. Blake)!!!

BlakMarket.Net: Where do you see yourself in the near and distant future? POP:

POP: In the near future I hope to saturate the Industry with that POP sound: having your sisters, mother and grandma saying P.O.P.!!!!

BlakMarket.Net: How do you feel about the state of Hip-Hop?

POP: The present state of Hip Hop is very promising. I'm hearing a lot of versatile artist doing the damn thing right now. Who say's we can't sing on tracks! Shit I did it..... Sike!!!

BLAKMARKET.NET:  If you had anyone to do an album with- whom would It be and why?

POP: I would most definitely have to say DR. DRE. His melodic crack beat that get you hooked in immediately once heard. The crazy thing is he's been @ this for over 15 years. I would just be  an elated sponge with an ounce of his knowledge ...

BlakMarket.Net: What would you say Is the most memorable Instance In your career thus far?

POP: In all honesty It has to be when me and my 7 year old god son Elijah  (Did a song  It’s In his blood ).

BLAKMARKET.NET:  What should the public be expecting from you?

POP: Well expect the UN expectable from me! I say want I want to say and do what I want to do with no regard. Simply said I will be the P.O.P. UHHHHUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHH!

BlakMarket.Net: What advice do you have for any up and coming artist(s)?

POP: To keep a hundred, stay totally focus and honest to your craft and take advantage of any opportunities that comes your way Hommie. You don't know if it's your last one!!!!

BlakMarket.Net: Do you have any Inspiring words?

POP: Never doubt yourself! If you don't believe in yourself don't expect some else too. Also, check out myspace.com/popmixtapes... I Hollllllllaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!

BLAKMARKET.NET: How did you get the nickname Pay$0z?

Pay$0z: Besides me hearing a Jay-Z line "J hove bout to change my name to J pesos" I think about it as Money rules the world and can dictate good and evil. Everyone loves money and I'm an artist everyone is going to get to love and vibe with.  A lot of my music varies from positive and negative things as well so It’s a name which sits pretty well with me.

BLAKMARKET.NET: How have you been progressing?

Pay$0z: I've been progressing very well I must say, I am currently on a promo tour in Atlanta. Besides that, I’ve been spreading out a lot more on the web doing a lot of more big features, and generating a very strong fan base.

BLAKMARKET.NET: How did the ringtone deal come about? Are you also shooting for the majors?

Pay$0z: The ring tone situation I have to say was all thanks to Teks, who’s my Manager. He does Email blast and it just so happen one of those blast reached out to somebody major. They loved the music and got in contact with us.

BLAKMARKET.NET: Who were some of your influences? Did you always have a desire to be in the music industry?

Pay$0z: My father was a musician back home in Haiti, guess it was always in my Genes. Besides that a close friend named H.D introduced me to rapping by the age of 8 and from then on it was destiny, couldn't put my pen down. Some influences were Wu- Tang, Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, Big L, and a few more dudes who were relevant at the time.

BLAKMARKET.NET: Besides yourself who are you listening to?

Pay$0z: Well....I don't listen to a lot of rap at all honestly. But I'm paying attention to the up and coming generation of hip hop.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  How has mixtapes help with your success?

Pay$0z: Mixtapes gain you a lot of credibility, and acquire fans as well depending on how you go about it, how well it’s put together, and if your music is good. They helped me out a lot shout out to www.rapmullet.com they were one of the first sites without any buzz held me down just because they felt I was talented.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  When did you actually get your first break?

Pay$0z: I would have to Say when MTV featured me on their mixtape section for one of those to look out for. It was a great feeling and it increased my value at the same time lol.

BlakMarket.Net: Where do you see yourself in the near and distant future?

Pay$0z: I want to separate myself from just rapping, I'm currently learning how to play instruments, and I'm exploring a whole different genre of music. My aim is to create sounds, and paintings through my music no one else is creating.

BlakMarket.Net: How do you feel about the state of Hip-Hop?

Pay$0z: Hip hop has evolved, it’s basically an artist has to work 100 xs harder and gain an enormous amount of fans and bunch of other things prior to even getting a situation. It’s to the point its best to create you're own situation but great music is being released, different styles, and it’s amazing. The digital outlet is becoming a source of income to a lot of the web artist, its allowing them to make some money off their music; I feel it’s a change but a good one.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  If you had anyone to do an album with- whom would it be and why?

Pay$0z: Don't have anyone in mind right now but, I would love to work with Gym Class Heroes, Amy Winehouse, Kayne-West, Lupe Fiasco, 3 Doors Down, Blu and a few others that I can't think of right now.

BlakMarket.Net: What would you say is the most memorable instance in your career thus far?

Pay$0z: I have to Say my release party for The Corporate Take Over, we had maybe 400 people show up. Packed up the downstairs and Upstairs part of a club in the city and when I performed it was crazy. Besides that Ne-Yo's birthday event was also great met a lot of people, and received a lot of love I didn't expect to receive.

BLAKMARKET.NET:  What should the public be expecting from you?

Pay$0z: A whole Lot of great music, I put out different sounds all the time. Weather it sounds popish, backpack, commercial, or etc its great music. I avoid having one sound or stamping myself under one category like many artists do these days and do as I feel.

BlakMarket.Net: What advice do you have for any up and coming artist(s)?

Pay$0z: Be yourself, its hard work, and dedication to get where you want to be. Nothing is promised, and it takes money to make money. Set a blue print for whatever goals you may have and execute it with a positive mind frame, your bound to reach the goal.

BlakMarket.Net: Do you have any inspiring words?

Pay$0z: Perception is reality, but I appreciate the interview much love, Hit me www.paysozmusic.com, www.myspace.com/paysoz
Thanks

Blakmarket.net:  What's up girl? Glad you decided to sit down with us and do this interview. Please tell the people of Blakmarket.net, who you are and where you're from?

Tash: My name is Tash, and I'm from New Jersey

Blakmarket.net: What do feel is the biggest asset(s) that you're bringing to the music industry?

Tash: I definitely feel like I'm bringing a new fresh sound, high energy and a edge to the industry.

Blakmarket.net: Okay, so your life in one song- what's the name of the song?

Tash: There's so many! But if I had to pick one, I’d say Donny Hathaway's "Someday We'll All Be Free" 
 
Blakmarket.net: Give me a little background on you.

Tash: I always did something in entertainment whether it was singing, dancing, modeling, acting, whatever. I just knew I wanted to be a artist. I always sang- that was in my blood since I was born. It was more of my secret than anything in the beginning. Then it got to the point where I needed to share my talents with the world. Everyone has a divine purpose and this is mine.  
    
Blakmarket.net: How do you juggle between Singing, Dancing & Modeling?

Tash:  It’s pretty easy to juggle them because they're all related. You kind of get used to always wanting to be busy. Soon as I slow down I feel like something’s wrong
  
Blakmarket.net: Who are some of your influences?

Tash:  Some of my influences would be Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Brandy, Gwen Stefani & Kelis to name a few in music. And in fashion Karl Lagerfeld, Margiela, Chloe & anything Vintage.

Blakmarket.net: What is "Couture & B"?

Tash:  Couture & B is a movement that is dedicated to the lovers of music & fashion. I am heavily influenced by fashion and you will definitely hear that in my music.

Blakmarket.net: Where do you think you're going to be in 5 years from now, where do you expect to be?

Tash:  Doing Music of course, touring & maybe putting my hand into a few different arenas.  
 
Blakmarket.net: Give me one artist and one producer that you want to work with?

Tash: Lady Gaga would be a dope artist to collaboration with, she's so opulent. And I really dig Marc Ronson's Production

Blakmarket.net: In you're Bio, it says not to mistake arrogance for your confidence… Now, how do you manage to stay humble with such a high level of confidence?

Tash: To me confidence is a swagger; I think that in this industry it is needed to get ahead.  But being humble is also very important. I've always been this way through, I rarely tell people my next move they just see it when it happens. Bragging to me is so overrated. 
 
Blakmarket.net: One good book you recommend?

Tash: One book I would recommend is, "All You Need to Know about the Music Business" by Donald S. Passman. If any one is interested in music it’s a great read.

Blakmarket.net: Where can we find Ms. Tash?

Tash: You can find me at Myspace.com/natashagotnext, itunes & amazon
 
Blakmarket.net: What is your favorite state, country and city?

Tash:  I live for New York City, would love to visit the UK and would live in Paris if I could.  
   
Blakmarket.net: How do you feel about the music your mainstream peers are releasing?

Tash: I have a great respect for every mainstream artist out right now. Bad thing is I don't listen to the radio that much anymore. I'm really into discovering new artist and I still find excitement in buying albums

Blakmarket.net: Outside of yourself, who are you currently listening to?

Tash: I'm currently listening to Lady Gaga, Justice, Prince, Nikka Costa, N.E.R.D, PINK & the list goes on...

Blakmarket.net: How does what you're listening to affect your music?

Tash: I'm influenced by every artist I listen to. I love every genre of music from new to old, R&B to electronica. I usually pull from artists that are performers. I feel its all about the attitude & the look.

Blakmarket.net: Any advice for up and coming singers out there?

Tash: The only advice I can give is to make sure music is in your heart. And that you have a passion for it. Definitely learn everything you can about music biz before you get in it as well so you don't feel in the dark.

Blakmarket.net: Thanks a lot for the interview girl, you got any shout outs?

Tash: First of all I would love to say thank you for interviewing me! Ciao to all my supporters, people that have helped me come closer to my dreams, my music icons & my fashion heads

What's going on Nicollette? Please tell the people of Blakmarket.net, who you are and where you're from?

Nicollette Varanelli: THANX BLAKE FOR TAKING THE TIME, I TRUELY DO APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TELL MY STORY. OK I'M NICOLLETTE I'M TRUELY BLESSED TO BE LIVING MY DREAM AS A SINGER/SONGWRITER/MODEL AND STRIVING TO BE A ROLE MODEL ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG FEMALES. I'M FROM DOBBS FERRY NY 20 MILES NORTH OF MANHATTAN RIGHT UP THE HUDSON RIVER.

Blakmarket.net: You have been singing, writing music & modeling for 10 years now- correct? Now, is there one you prefer over the other?

Nicollette Varanelli: YES THAT'S CORRECT; I ACTUALLY LOVE THEM BOTH IN A VERY DIFFERENT WAY. I MEAN WHEN YOU PERFORM LIVE IT'S MORE OF AN ADRENILINE RUSH. I SANG THE ANTHEM AT TAMPA'S RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM IN FRONT OF 80,000 FOLLOWED BY AN F-14 FLYOVER AND IT'S A FEELING THAT'S HARD TO DESCRIBE. THE MODELING THING IS REALLY FUN BECAUSE I GET TO DRESS UP IN ALOT OF DIFFERENT CLOTHES AND LOOK AND FEEL GREAT!! Its ALOT MORE CHILL BUT I LUV DOING BOTH!!

Blakmarket.net: What do you feel is the biggest asset(s) that you're bringing to the music industry?

Nicollette Varanelli: I THINK WHAT I'M ABOUT TO OFFER THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS TO BE DIFFERENT, THE ABILITY TO HAVE MY OWN UNIQUE SOUND. TO GIVE ALL I HAVE EVERY TIME I PERFORM. I'M TOLD I HAVE THIS BIG VOICE WITH ALOT OF SOUL WHICH IS UNIQUE FOR A POP ROCK ARTIST.

Blakmarket.net: Okay, so your life in one song- what's the name of the song? Why?

Nicollette Varanelli: HMMM I'D SAY "SKY'S THE LIMIT" BECAUSE I'M ABOUT TO ACCOMPLISH THINGS I HAVE WORKED FOR AND BEEN BLESSED BY GOD THAT SO FEW LATELY HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL AT. I PLAN ON BEING AROUND SUCCESSFULLY FOR A LONG TIME AND MOST IMPORTANTLY NOTFORGETTING WHO I AM AS A PERSON. YOU KNOW KEEPING IT REAL.

Blakmarket.net: What projects have you worked on and where have you recently performed?

Nicollette Varanelli: WELL I HAVE BEEN PERFORMING THROUGHOUT MANHATTAN WITH MY BAND; WE JUST DID A CHARITY EVENT FOR CWAV USA RAISING MONEY FOR ABUSED CHILDREN. I HAVE A BIG EVENT COMING UP ON JANUARY 9TH AT THE FAIRFIELDTHEATRE. ORG(TIX ON SALE) WITH MASTER ILLUSIONIST DAVID MARTIN OPENING UP FOR ME. TICKET'S ARE GOIN FAST. IN FEBRUARY I START 10 HOUR DAY'S RECORDING MY ALBUM, CHOREOGRAPHY, and ECT. FOR ONE OF THE MAJOR'S.STAY TUNED!!

Blakmarket.net: Who are some of your influences?

Nicollette Varanelli:  CHRISTINA AGUILARA CAUSE OF HER SINGING;JESSICA SIMPSON BECAUSE I'M A LITTLE LIKE HER AND BRITNEY SPEARS BECAUSE I GREW UP WATCHING HER AND ONE DAY WANTING TO PERFORM JUST LIKE HER.

Blakmarket.net: Where do you think you're going to be in 5 years from now, where do you expect to be?

Nicollette Varanelli: WELL I EXPECT TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL DIVA, BEING A HOUSEHOLD NAME, WORKING ON MY 3RD OR 4TH ALBUM AND BEING SOMEONE WHO GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

Blakmarket.net: Give me one artist and one producer that you would like to work with?

Nicollette Varanelli: A DUET WITH CHRIS BROWN NO DOUBT BECAUSE HE'S SO TALENTED AND I THINK HE'S WHAT EVERY ARTIST'S STRIVES TO BE AND UMMM TIMBERLAND BECAUSE OF HIS MUSIC AND WHO HE IS.

Blakmarket.net: What made you decide to contribute all of your current album's proceeds to St. Judes Hospital in Memphis?

Nicollette Varanelli:  WELL A FEW REASON'S THE FIRST WAS I BELIEVE I'M GOING TO MAKE IT AND MY MONEY WILL COME AND SECOND I DON'T WANT TO JUST TALK THE TALK I WANT TO WALK THE WALK SO I WANT TO BE A ROLE MODEL AND WHAT'S A BETTER WAY THEN PUTTING A SMILE ON KIDS FACES WHO ARE SICK.

Blakmarket.net: One good book you recommend?

Nicollette Varanelli:  THE SECRET, BY RHONDA BYRNE

Blakmarket.net: What is your favorite state, country and city?

Nicollette Varanelli: THAT'S EASY CALIFORNIA, L.A. HOLLYWOOD,

Blakmarket.net: How do you feel about the music your mainstream peers are releasing?

Nicollette Varanelli:  I LOVE ALL MUSIC SO I'D SAY its ALL GOOD. BUT I LIKE TO HEAR SOMETHING NEW RATHER THEN SAME OLD.

Blakmarket.net: Outside of yourself, who are you currently listening to?

Nicollette Varanelli: EVERYONE!!! I LOVE ALL MUSIC RIHANNA, MARIAH, CHRISTINA, BRITNEY'S NEW ALBUM, T-PAIN, AKON,CHRIS BROWN!! EVEN SOME COUNTRY LUV CARRIE UNDERWOOD.

Blakmarket.net: How does what you're listening to affect your music?

Nicollette Varanelli: WELL IT DOES AND IT DOSN'T I MEAN LYRICALLY IT WON'T BECAUSE I LIKE TO WRITE TO THINGS GOING ON IN MY LIFE BUT I'LL HEAR A BEAT AND SAY THAT WOULD BE SOO COOL FOR ME.

Blakmarket.net: You will be presenting Marilyn Monroe's clothing line available in upscale clothing stores in the Spring of '09. How did that opportunity come about?

Nicollette Varanelli: WELL THROUGH WWW. MYSPACE. CO/NICOLLETTESINGS A CLOTHING DESIGNER FOR AMIAT SAW MY PIC'S AND HEARD MY MUSIC AND BELIEVED HE WAS GOING TO GET ME BEFORE I BLOW UP!! I APPRECIATE EVERYONE THAT BELIEVES IN ME WHILE I'M STILL COMING UP INCLUDING BLAKMARKET. NET
Blakmarket.net: Any advice for up and coming Artists out there?

Nicollette Varanelli: WELL I'M GOING TO SAVE THAT FOR MY FIRST BOOK HAHA BUT SING BECAUSE YOU LOVE TO DO IT NOT FOR POTENTIAL MONEY. PERFORM ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE. SAVE MONEY AND PAY A PRODUCER AND ENGINEER TO DO A 1ST CLASS PRODUCTION AND PUT IT OUT THERE FOR THE WORLD TO HEAR ON MYSPACE, (IT'S A HUGE TOOL). IF THE MUSIC'S GOOD THE MUSIC WORLD WILL GET TO KNOW YOU, PRODUCERS, LABEL A&R'S, MANAGER'S, PROMOTERS ECT.. JUST BE VERY VERY CAREFUL!!! OUR BIZ HAS MORE B.S. ARTIST'S THEN SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE!!

Blakmarket.net: Any last words and shout outs?

Nicollette Varanelli:  LIKE TO THANK MY PARENT'S FOR BELIEVING IN MY TALENT AT A YOUNG AGE AND SACRIFICING ALOT OF THEIR PRIME YEARS FINANCIALLY AND TIME WISE. I'M LUCKY TO HAVE MY DAD MANAGE ME. LIKE TO THANK GOD FOR GIVING ME A GIFT, LIKE TO THANK MYSPACE FOR LETTING THE WORLD HEAR ME WHEN I WASN'T VERY WELL KNOWN, I LIKE TO THANK MY FAN'S PEOPLE THAT BELIEVE IN ME AND ABOVE ALL TODAY I'D LIKE TO THANK BLAKMARKET. NET TO WANT TO INTERVIEW ME, SO MORE PEOPLE WILL KNOW ABOUT ME!!!

Blakmarket.net: What’s good girl?

Nicki Minaj:  I’m fine. I’m getting ready to put out Beam Me Up Scotty: mixtape/street album because it will have original beats on there and you’ll get to take a closer look at Nicki Minaj and what a Nicki Minaj album would probably sound like. I’m also taking a little break from the I Am Music Tour and now in The “A” working on my CD.

Blakmarket.net: Anyway, I definitely appreciate you girl for sitting down with us. So who is Nicki Minaj?

Nicki Minaj:  Nicki Minaj is the baddest Bitch you ever met. I’m wonder woman: I dot it all. I’m Minaj because I want my cake and eat it to (PAUSE) (Holla!!) [Laughs]

Blakmarket.net: So did you watch the inauguration? How do you feel about Obama being president?

Nicki Minaj:  Yes I did. It’s very moving, it’s inspiring, and I never taught I would see this happen. I was one of the people cheering for him, not because he’s black; I mean that plays a big part obviously. But because of his charm, something about him is so charming that he just draws you to him.  I feel like he can do the same with other nations around the world that we’ve been fighting with and I feel like if anyone can bring peace; he can do it.

Blakmarket.net: how has the buzz from the DVDs and mixtapes helped your career?

Nicki Minaj:  Well it made my career lol! I wouldn’t say it helped me- it has been the main thing that made Nicki Minaj pop. I got to shout out Fendi and the come up DVD and to the whole underground market. I mean I’m still an underground artist, so I’m still very much into the underground circuit and I’m well aware of what it can do for an artist and I think people don’t understand how big… like people think or they hear DVDs and they hear mixtapes and they kind of look down on you… like you’re not mainstream. Some of the biggest artist of today came from having a strong underground following… artist like Gucci Mane, Jay-Z, T.I.  You know these people had a strong underground following before they put out videos on BET. I’m very proud to be underground. I’m proud to be an artist that came from DVDs and mixtapes… shout out to all the Africans…[laughs]

Blakmarket.net: Why do you feel like it’s so hard for artist like you who have? 
That street buzz to break into the industry

Nicki Minaj:  I don’t think it’s hard… I never tried to break in the industry yet. I actually have chosen not to sign a major record deal. I wanted to wait until… I had my feet set. Because a year ago Nicki Minaj would have gotten shelved… Now record companies are calling the office everyday, they are going hard to try to sign Nicki Minaj because I get more views and more plays then artist on their label.. You feel me… now it makes sense… why would you want to sign and be a one hit wonder… You want to put out a record just to say “I am main stream”…NO... I’m good; I’m building a fan base. In business that’s what you do, you build, build and when you finish building then you are ready to put out a product and sometimes in the industry we do it backwards. Some artist wan to be on BET, then they are on BET for two months and that’s it. Nicki Minaj is building a following of girls who are mini Minajes.

Blakmarket.net: Are you into hip-hop for the love, money or the fame? If all 
Three, then what’s your number 1 reason?

Nicki Minaj:  Let me say this cause I don’t think people know this about me… I’m not… I don’t do anything for fame, I don’t like cameras, I don’t like spot lights , I don’t like clubs, large crowds. I know a lot of people wouldn’t believe me but I’m telling you Blake that’s the truth. If I could put music and people never saw me… I would do that. Because with fame comes so much of the drama. But I do it for the love of music… I do it for the culture but I’m a lover of music. When I was 5 years, I was singing Diana Ross with my mother in front of the mirror… feel me. All the other stuff like the money is great because it gives you a way to take care of your family and who doesn’t want that, but the fame... NAH!!! I don’t need it!

Blakmarket.net: how do you feel about the Hip Hop is Dead “movement”?

Nicki Minaj:  What movement is that? I must have missed something- I don’t know because I’m on tour with the biggest dude in the world and Hip Hop can’t be dead with the way he’s doing shows… I must have missed something because whoever said hip hop is dead. I guess must be low on the totem pole. But hip hop is clearly not dead, shout out to Lil’ Wayne, Young Money, Gucci Mane and artist like that… There’s no way hip hop can be dead- it’s very much alive!

Blakmarket.net: How would you describe your sound?

Nicki Minaj:  I would describe my sound as hip hop, pop & R&B rolled into one with some swag, some humor, and a little thug. I sing and I write all my material, so eventually they are going to have to make a new box for Nicki Minaj. So 5 or ten years from now female rappers coming up will be put in a Nicki Minaj box. Hmmmm ,I don’t see anything wrong with opening your mind and branching out to other things. I’m a big fan of pop and rock and all types of music. Just listen to that record I just did with Ron Browz and Red Café. I see that song being played in a gay club and gay dudes moving to it… it’s so pretty because I’m singing on it.  [Laughs] Also no disrespect to the other ladies but I’m doing so many different shit.

Blakmarket.net: Outside of hip hop, what are you future plans (modeling, acting etc.)

Nicki Minaj:  I’m a dope actress... I went to acting school for 4 years. So, expect to see me in some movies. Hmmm, modeling I’m not too sure right now. I can’t see myself on the runway. I mean I do have offers to be a spokesperson for clothing companies, but right now- I don’t know.

Blakmarket.net: What’s your best personal hip-hop memory?

Nicki Minaj:  Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm… [LAUGHS] Good one! A while back I did a song with Gravy called firm biz, which Jadakiss jumped on. Fendi was telling me how Jadakiss loved my verse and that he wanted to drop a verse on the track… I was in shocked… Also, he didn’t just like the verse he actually memorized the verse. How does it go again? [LAUGHS] It was just crazy to have him like something I did… I was like Jadakiss is going to do a song with me and he’s going to be on my mixtape… [LAUGHS]

Blakmarket.net: What happened to Fendi?

Nicki Minaj:  We are still cool. He did a lot for me. And we are still cordial

Blakmarket.net: How do you choose your tracks & what’s the best way for 
an unknown producer to get there tracks to you?
 
Nicki Minaj:  You can send tracks to nicki.minaj@gmail.com. I will admit I don’t get the chance to listen to everything but when I do listen to the beats- if I get an idea in the first 10 minutes, I know that’s a beat that I’m going to use and write to. It has to excite and entice me- there’s no real science behind it… Check me out on myspace.com/nickiminaj

Blakmarket.net: What suggestion would you give an unsigned MC who is trying to 
make it in the music industry?

Nicki Minaj:  Hmmmm, put God first [Silence] [laughs] That sounds like the Christian edit of Nicki Minaj [LAUGHS] Nah, but I mean with him all things are possible, no matter what you want- it’s possible through him.  You just need to have hope and drive. You can’t sit there and hope for something and not do anything about it. You got to have both. Hope and drive. And the third is to be you. You’d be surprise how many people in the world think like you and feel like you and they just want to hear it. And you never know when you’ll be the next person to speak on behalf of millions of people… feel me… so just be you!!!

Blakmarket.net: Who contributes more to your success other than yourself?

Nicki Minaj:  My manager, my management company for seeing me on who I am as appose to just my image. They really push me to be myself. I’m not a stripper. I’m very selective and it’s about pussy power and they say you don’t have power in your pussy if you’re giving it away. I mean, that’s just like anything if you giving it away- you don’t have it. But also the people who support me contribute to my success…
Blakmarket.net: Who do you think you inspire?
Nicki Minaj:  I inspire every little girl that acts, talks & looks like Nicki Minaj. I inspire every little girl that comes from an abusive house hold. Every little girl that grew up a little too fat, or is on the verge of forgetting their dream, I was very close to forgetting my dream and I had an outpouring of love from female fans. I get emails from girls from 11 years old and older who feel like they can be confident and be a bad bitch, who is goal oriented and likes to take care of themselves and don’t need anyone to do that. I appeal to the girls who have the pink streaks in their hair because I did that once and it makes me feel like a big sister. I feel like we know each other. I speak to my fans and always want to get their opinion, which is why I started my Nicki Minaj TV on Youtube. I feel like I owe it to everyone who is supporting me. I’m not saying I don’t appeal to the guys, I know the guys love Nicki Minaj cause I got the fattest box on the planet [LAUGHS]  I’m Nicki Lewensky. But the girls are my unconditional supporters because they’ll show me love on songs like Autobiography where I poured my soul out on that sucker free mixtape. And I spoke about the trials and tribulations that we go through. They connect with me with!

Blakmarket.net: Any last words?

Nicki Minaj:  Shout out to Lil’ Wayne, Young Money, Gucci Mane, My management company Mizay Entertainment, everyone and anyone that supports & doesn’t support Nicki Minaj, Mixtapesonline.com and of course you Blake, Blakmarket.net

Blakmarket.net: What’s going on girl?

Rasheeda- A lot right now, promoting the new album, doing more mixtapes, on the road doing shows & concentrating on winning…LOL!

Blakmarket.net: What do you bring to an over saturated industry that we haven’t seen before?

Rasheeda- Well 1st of all I’m a women in hip-hop and we are not over-saturated at all we are in need right now. I bring a fresh, classy, relatable, confident, independent, bad chick, edge to the game. Its time for someone to say what we want to say and do real things in this game and that’s me.

Blakmarket.net: Do you feel that the industry lack a lot of women talent?

Rasheeda- HELL YEAH!

Blakmarket.net: Tell us what the title Boss Chick means to you?

Rasheeda- A Boss Chick is a woman in control who is strong and knows what she wants. A independent, intelligent, respected, confident not afraid to speak her mind woman.

Blakmarket.net: Since I brought up your album, how’s that coming along and what can we expect from it?

Rasheeda- “Certified Hot Chick” is complete and drops August18th. The album is what I call great music with substance a manual for Women and Men.  I hit a lot of subjects that women will listen to and be like “OK girl I know that’s right” and the fellas will hear my music and understand the Do’s and Don’ts of a relationship and help them to understands us more. Of course I have the sexy club bangin hood music and music that displays female power.

Blakmarket.net: If you weren’t an artist what would you be doing?

Rasheeda- Good one!!!! Either have my own radio show, a real estate investor or just a songwriter.

Blakmarket.net: Who do you contribute most of your success too?

Rasheeda- My label DLO Entertainment & My fans….

Blakmarket.net: Your thought process in writing?

Rasheeda- I just go in and do me. I never over think I listen to tracks and see what they say to me and just go for it. It also depends on what’s going on in my life that determines what I write.

Blakmarket.net: Are you on an Independent or major?

Rasheeda- I’m an Independent artist

Blakmarket.net: Explain to me your everyday life and the most important part of it?

Rasheeda- My everyday life is pretty entertaining.  LOL tue- thurs are the most normal getting up working out, doing office work, going over schedules, going over updates with my team and the most important part is spending time with my family my son keeps me busy.

Blakmarket.net: Rasheeda is….. 
RASHEEDA-that chick, I am a force, a entity, a Boss Chick a woman on the move who is looking to achieve success and greatness.

Blakmarket.net: If you were to have an album produced by one person whom would it be, dead or alive?

Rasheeda- Really I couldn’t see myself doing an entire album with 1 producer different producers bring out different things pull you in a different music direction. I could imagine doing that.

Blakmarket.net: How do you feel about the music that’s representing Hip-Hop right now? Do you like the direction it’s going in?

Rasheeda- Hip-hop is always changing and right now I think we are starting to get back into “GREAT MUSIC” being at the fore front just watch, we will always have the lil fads come in but its turning into a singles business so records will have to be great to get people to buy them. I like the direction the MUSIC BUSINESS is going in because it’s gearing more towards independent artist and companies being able to become very successful.

Blakmarket.net: You’ve worked with Akon, The Dream and many others. What’s one memorable moment you had thus far in the studio?

Rasheeda- No one moment stands out the most. Almost all the artist I’ve worked with I have genuine relationships with so its always fun when we get in the studio and make music.

Blakmarket.net: Least memorable moment?

Rasheeda- I’m not even gone put him on blast like that cause we pass that now but lets just say some of these dudes must wear tampons or something, they have issues!!!

Blakmarket.net: Lastly, where can we get your music and thank you for your time and efforts?

Rasheeda- You can get it from Itunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, or where ever you get your online music. My new album “Certified Hot Chick” hit stores and online August 18th 2009. Thank you Blakmarket.net and thanks to my fans!!!! Don’t forget to hit me up at:	
www.myspace.com/rasheedagapeach
www.youtube.com/dlo117
www.kyte.tv/rasheeda
www.twitter.com/rasheedagapeach
www.blackplanet.com/rasheedagapeach