With all the recent success of North Texas artists on Billboard and a barrage of industry buzz I wanted to take my readers back to some of the origins of Dallas hip hop. Consider this interview a brief history lesson if you will. Even before local radio pioneer EZ Eddie D, there was this other dude that played some of the first rap records ever broadcast on local airwaves. How many of you can say you’ve had an instrumental track remixed by a 19 year old Dr. Dre and featured on Dennis Hopper’s cult classic “Colors”? If you can, you’re probably Jeff Liles.
When I think about what a DJ is and should be I often think of the cats I came up listening to. Before Serato and all the wonderful advances in DJ equipment and music production software over the past 10 years, it was just a dude with some old dusty records making the crowd move. One of those cats, DJ Love, I had the chance to interview recently. Check out what he said…
We have been seeing the name Smooth Vega pop up over the past few years through various events, primarily in Funkytown (Ft. Worth). Then we started hearing about his cameos with underground rap icons like Chino XL, Crooked I, Royce Da 5’9, Sinful (El Pecador), DJ Smallz and had to wonder what this dude is doing to get up like he is. Peep what he was putting down…
SSA: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Vega: For those unfamiliar with me, I go by the name smoothvega (one word), I was born on March 10, 1985 (3.10.85) and I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.
SSA had the chance to catch up with none other than Guru and his latest producer Solar at the Granada Theater last fall. They chimed in on everything from their inpsiration for the latest Jazzamatzz (4), the state of the world and even a few darts directed at Lupe Fiasco. Proppers goes out to Mr. Blakes for another great interview. Check out what they had to say...
Bavu: This is Bavu Blakes in Dallas with Guru and Solar, they're playing at the Grenada Theatre, on tour promoting Jazzamatazz 4. I'll let them explain all you need to know.
SSA interviews the one and only Pharaohe Monch. From his early days with Organized Konfusion to classic solo albums like "Internal Affairs", it isn't hard to see why Pharaohe is revered as one of the nicest emcees in rap music. Proppers goes out to the homie Knecessary for holding down another top notch interview... check out what he had to say...
Knes: What's good this is Knesessary with SSATV and we're here with the legendary Pharaohe Monch. How ya feelin' man?
Recently we had the opportunity to catch up with Houston based, former K-Otix producer The ARE. He gave us an update on his latest projects and some free downloads...
SSA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
The ARE: I've been making making beats for about 15 yrs, I realized I wanted to make beats while living in NY in 91. After moving back to Houston, I formed the group K-otix, releasing several records and 12"s over the course of 12 years. In 2004 I went my own way and began working with artist such as Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Lords of the Underground, YZ and many more.
Interviews 
