ROC-A-FELLA FAN STILL!!! Interview with Dame Dash...says that he's proud of Jay-Z

**GUCCI MANE CRAZY** @Gucci1017 clowns @Nas on his financial problems in a @Rocko4Real interview

#FreeMaxB Max B calls Shade 45 @StatikSelekt Showoff Radio Show from prison.

GO TO PardonTheWave AND SIGN THE FREE MAX B PETITION

HOT 97 Interview w/ @MissyElliot and @Timbaland ...Timbo says @Drake produced Aaliyah album is "fabricated"

Nightline interview of @EvelynLozada as she discusses Chad Jonson (@Ochocinco) incident and her Basketball Wives image!

Last ride and last @YoungBuck interview as he rides to prison.

Seriously @LupeFiasco just drop it already!!! INTERVIEW w/ @MannieFresh

In 2006, I was priviledged enough to break open the plastic on this new rapper named Lupe Fiasco. I remember it like it was yesterday. The nostalgia is one of those special HipHop moments that only a HipHop head can relate to. Not to be corny, but, it was literally a beautiful bright sunny day in September and I was cruising up I-95 with the sunroof open. I was on my way to a studio in Newport News, VA with my two homies Irv and Tim. That day we had racked up on all the road-trip essentials; chips, soda, bag of weed, phillies and two CD's to ride out to. One was poet Black Ice's Death of Willie Lynch and the other was this new skateboard kid named Lupe.

I popped it in AFTER Black Ice's album believing the poet would be doper than the lil Kick Push nigga. Well, you know the rest if you are a Lupe fan. The shit was phenomenal!!! It was probably the dopest album to come out that year. The trip was a 3.5 hour drive. It took us 2 to 2.5 hours to finish listening to Food And Liquor. There was just THAT MUCH rewind value on the album. I was a fan ever since!

Fast-forward 6 years later! I AM GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF LUPE FIASCO!!! My feeling stem not from his music. That shit is still dope, whenever it finally drops (except Lasers uggghhh). But every time you log on to a blogsite or HipHop news site, Lupe is on a soapbox preaching about how commercialized the industry has become. How radio sucks! How main stream media sucks! How record labels suck! I miss when Lupe KNEW those elements of the business sucked and just put out dope music anyway.

CHECK HIM OUT COMPLAINING TO MANNIE FRESH





I guess I'm just mad because the Lupe press coverage is not matched by Lupe music. I get more of these "record labels and radio suck" interviews than actual Lupe songs. Well, at least Food And Liquor 2 will be a double album.

[Freeway Rick Ross interview]. GOONS WANT TO GET AT @RickyRozay! Is the Teflon Don in danger???

Freeway Ricky Ross Says Hes Stopping The LA Goons From Getting At Rick Ross

INTERVIEW: DERTY DEN X NIKKI NICOLE

RE-RELEASE:

"THANK YOU BEFORE LIMITLESS" MIXTAPE

09.02.11

HOSTED BY BUILD YA BRAND DJs, NIKKI NICOLE, & BRAND KNEW RADIO

REVIEW SAMPLE HERE

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED STREET ALBUM COMING SOON

VISIT WWW.DERTYDEN.COM

SRA ALERT: BETTIE GRIND x ANSWERS WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR.

A typical person will criticize anything, anyone, at any time. Criticism is a part of our daily lives and the feedback from it, whether negative or positive, created our social lives. Criticism is also often confused for “hate”. If you tell someone your opinion about their outfit, they may say, “You just a hater”. In all actuality, you’re merely criticizing the way they paired their clothing. Haters will disagree to that statement, but that’s why you’re labeled the way you are. What matters is, this is the society we have known and learned to adapt and accept it.

I came across an artist in 2009 while running coordination and registration for an Industry night here in Greenville, NC. This artist’s name was Bettie Grind. Yea, exactly what I thought. Once you learn the meaning behind it you’ll change your view (unless you’re a hater). So, I’m organizing time slots and running around getting the club ready when this tall, lanky light skin artist with shades on comes through with his entourage and introduces himself to me very respectful and professional. I immediately critique his introduction, from his cool ass walk through the foyer to his observant “out of town” stance later that night. His performance was great. In fact, I was relieved because he had come out to the heart of E-NC from Queen City to our open mic and not only got love from the crowd but gave it back.
What better of a time to interview this artist with the controversial name and low key fame then now? I’ve been in many posts, forums and comment threads where his name comes up. The critics want to know one thing and the haters only care about another. How about I just ask him what matters.

"Dammit, I'm---" he write a lot lol

1. You’re real heavy in Charlotte and have a nice grip on the fan base out in your area, how do you feel about other portions of Carolina who might not know who you are?
The Carolinas are an extremely large space in the southern market for hip hop. To be recognized as a celebrity in Charlotte, Columbia, Greensboro, etc. is a wonderful feeling. I do have to establish myself a bit more in every area especially Raleigh and Fayetteville. But, locking the biggest city in the Carolinas Charlotte, N.C, is huge! It's something no one before me has done and something I will be forever remembered for. Some established artist haven't had the success I have achieved in Charlotte and surrounding cities in the Carolinas. So honestly, I'm happy with my space here but trust me I'm working everyday to further secure my space in other Carolina markets. As we speak I have TV commercials running daily on BET, MTV, VH1, OXYGEN, BRAVO, and the Nickelodeon channel in the Carolinas and Georgia to expand the awareness of Bettie Grind and his music.

2. Do you have any plans to do a tour or more shows to spread your music out around the state? Why or why not?
I do have plans to expand my music around the Carolinas. I look at the Carolinas as one state so forgive me if I don't answer your questions based solely on North Carolina. I share a leading role in both states and I'm supported by both. As I stated previously I'm running commercials daily on TV to expose my new single CIROC MONEY (HELLO!) produced by Drumma Boy to the market. This is a promotional and marketing tactic I have used with my 3 prior singles and helped me gain a name in cities I may not be able to frequent as often as I would like. I also have a viral campaign going on as well as multiple mixtapes in the streets with various DJ's. I also plan to do a mini tour throughout the Carolinas building up to the release date of my upcoming street album and DVD "T.G.F.C."

3. People criticize you about your last single “Damnit Im Fly” because of its extended promotion, why was it used as your single for so long?

Dammit I'm Fly was my label Hood Supastar's baby so to speak. We pushed that record until we couldn't anymore. That record received national attention which was a first for an independent artist from the Carolinas. Dammit I'm Fly is still receiving BDS spins to date, # years later. Dammit I'm Fly had over 5000 BDS spins and put me on the stage with the likes of many established artist. It also crossed me over to a white audience and demographic which was great. Dammit I'm Fly went into rotation on over 40 national stations and then came back a year later only to do the same thing. You tell me any song that has done that? I had a premier DJ tell me a week ago "Bettie, Dammit I'm Fly could come back to radio right now! You want to know what your problem is Bettie? Your music is ahead of its time!" So to some it was out too long, but to a lot it wasn't out long enough. The people wanted to see that song go to the top of radio as well as video. It served its purpose though... It branded Bettie Grind! It was a song that no one expected a Carolina artist to be able to make... a HIT! Not locally, but nationally.

4. Name one thing the Carolina’s should know about you that they don’t know.
The Carolinas should know what you have seen is only the beginning. This movie hasn't started yet. We are only on the opening credits. Hood Supastar is a movement. This story is being penned as the pages turn.

5. You’ve been hittin the scene since 2004-05, according to your website, and you have released 5 projects and 9 mixtape projects and/or features. Which one means the most and which one should be in my collection?
They all should be in your collection. You can't no where I'm going unless you know where I've come from. I make hits and some say I'm the best here to do it but... I am the best at what I do. The words and songs I make... with every verse you hear from Bettie Grind is pure beauty. You hear truth, somehow squeezed into the smallest of bars and blended into 16 or maybe sometimes 32 bar verses of picture perfect perfection. A lot of people won't appreciate Bettie Grind until he's gone... The categories of artist they place me in I never belonged in. If the people took a minute to listen to "G'S US is coming" then "I AM HE... G'S US" and now "THE LEAK" they would see the carolinas is only a word used to limit this guys talents. I can not be compared or balloted for votes with anyone from my home. Bettie Grind is one of one. T.G.F.C. will tell you all you need to know about Bettie Grind or as much as you need to answer your questions or dissolve the lies told in 70 minutes of perfection.

6. In 2010 there was a lot of rage and allegations that you didn’t want to work with other artists and that you charge high feature prices, is this true? What is the criteria that you base your price?
First of all I did over 30 features for established artist in the Carolinas. You can find them on my mixtapes or twiturm. That is a lie. Yes we do charge for a Bettie Grind feature to most. my colleagues or friends I don't charge but for most we do. My brand cost 100's of thousands of dollars of my money to brand. This is the brand artist want to help establish them as someone to watch. This is why people get features from established artist. They are paying for a cosign and to gain our fan base. Why would I give my fan base away free when I spent real dollars to attain it and traveled the country to secure it? That would make no sense. I base my price off my demand in the market the artist is in as well as my expenses to record it. Bettie is worth every red cent and if you feel differently that's cool it won't take the steak off my Ruth Chris's plate. I'm good.

7. Why don’t we see you doing more collaborations in general?
Everyone hasn't gained the respect of a collabo with me. Not to say they won't but some collabo's can hurt your standings in hip hop. Like why did Bettie do that feature with dude he's wack! Sometimes we turn down a couple bands just because the artist is bad or because his quality isn't of industry standards.

8. You’re not a controversial artist yet you’re not the “All American” humble artist neither, who is Bettie Grind and why does your city love you so much?
I think my city loves me because I love them. They know I'm pushing for us! They want to see me win because they know if Bettie wins and gets that big deal he won't forget where he is from like every artist before. They know Bettie Grind bleeds Carolina Blue whether he's at home or another planet. As far as who is Bettie Grind??? I think the entire world is asking that question. Is he gang affiliated, drug related, who is he connected with? Just know this guy is more than you have ever seen and his story is his own just like BMF, Roc A Fella, YMCMB, etc. Just listen to the music it isn't just something cool to say when I say it, IT IS MY LIFE.

9. Why haven’t you been picked up by any labels? Do you think it’s the “Carolina shackles”?
I haven't been signed because of many reasons. Do they matter? NO. I'm not signed. Whether I turned down deals, didn't have enough web presents, they want to know who my street connects are, I'm from the black hole (The Carolinas) as the labels call it, or if I'm just plain out wack! It doesn't matter why it only matters when! When I do it will be unlike any other deal ever to come out of the Carolinas. Just know they know Bettie don't need their money! They know they gotta come with a check! And it ain't gonna be what I have in one of my safe's. That advance money is only money to niggas who just rappin this shit. I'm living this shit. I already live like ball players do. Fuck would I sign for some shit I can get myself!

10. Was your release of “Ciroc Money” intended for possible endorsements from the liquor company?
No. If they want me they can hire me but I made the song because I drink it and my team really does have a lot of Rose' and Ciroc Money (laughs)

11. Give me the run down! What’s next for Bettie this summer?
This summer.... Just watch out for Ciroc Money (HELLO!) it just hit #18 on the internet radio charts in two days as the fastest growiing record and stay tuned for T.G.F.C. Also, watch out for a new series of mixtapes entitled the "Bugatti Bettie" series. Hood Supastar is the movement. Bettie Grind is the voice. HELLO!

So there you have it. I learned he's going through the same thing with labels as many artists from this market are going through and it'll be a while before the labels take that title off our state so that's nothing new. I also learned this guy puts his commercials on NICKELODEON. Lol. Now that's funny but still very good exposure. I gotta give him his props. Look forward to gettin more exclusives from him. For more on Bettie Grind CLICK HERE

EXCLUSIVE: TrapRadio interviews GDA Music's own Derty Den

G.o.T.h.A.z.E.- Discover New Hip Hop Music - EXCLUSIVE: TrapRadio interviews GDA Music's own Derty Den

Follow @DertyDen
Check out the last project, Tony Soprano
Listen to "Crazy" on AllHipHop.Com
Visit www.DertyDen.com to see the Promo Trailers for Limitless

Black Cak Friday is June 10, 2011... POW!

SRA ALERT: LO-KEYS INTERNET INVASION

In case you haven't been affected, I will warn you. There is a large invasion of Lo-Keys Mania.... and yes, that's actually the title of his previous project hosted by DJ Bski. Now he's released "Glee" and he is EVERYWHERE.

I thought, "Hey I wanna get at this talented Caucasian because his press is BANANAS!". My site was gettin jealous. lol

I got a chance to catch up with Lo-Keys and he took time to answer a few questions for me. You know I had to ask him what many think but are scarred to ask. He was very cooperative and I got much love and respect for this guy. He's mos def grindin!

LO KEYS WEBSITE

FOLLOW @LOKEYS910

1. I see you're in Fayetteville. Out of all the artists I know and cross paths with from out of that city, you are creating a big buzz compared to many. The Fayetteville Observer feature... How much of an impact did that have on your drive to stay consistent like you have been?

I think overall it was a great form of recognition from the city, but i don't think it helps or hurts my consistency. I understand the way music is moving right now. Since everything has become digital and moves so fast it has weeded a lot of rappers out of the pack. Right now you have to have a mass amount of material. Reason being is that the music is getting dumped a lot faster nowadays. You can put something out today and it will be old by tomorrow afternoon. Video's last a bit longer but the fact still is you have to have a lot of material and be able to get it to all the right places. I think i just have a better sense of understanding on how the business works. Remember you have to learn what your trying to do before you can become great at it.

2. I know you have an opinion about press. How important is it to have press on projects as an underground artists, in your opinion?


Its extremely important. I think you have to have a fair amount of leaks to build the project up, videos, interviews and promotion before the project drops. Dropping a project without any promotion does not help you at all. I mean say for instance you drop a project with no promotion, then nobody is looking for it. McDonald's does not put a new hamburger on the menu without advertising it on TV, so why should you do any different with your music. Its all branding and promotion. Even if people don't listen to it as long as they see your name on a constant basis your make progress. My suggestion is to watch rappers who are popping. They work their ass off. People like Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, and Currensy are always putting things out even when they are not promoting a project. This isn't sports where you can take 6 months off come back and its all good. This is a full time business.

3. You've been around a while, I express my views about press to artists all the time but I want to hear your thoughts on it. Do you think your press buzz has enhanced your exposure? How?


I would say its my work ethic. You might be a great rapper but say i put out twice the material you do, automatically i start to outshine you because i am being seen more. My buzz in the press has helped tremendously. I believe a strong network of people, support, and hard work will take you where you need to go. The only person that can hold you back is yourself. The press really just exposed me to a vast amount of people as well. I went from being on one blog to being on hundreds of blogs and websites. That leads to interviews, bigger collaborations and more support when i drop projects.


4. Not only are you located in a state with many negative titles within the Industry, such as "Coffin State", but you're a white rapper doing underground Hip Hop. Do you think this stereotype is effecting you in any way? Why or why not?


Nah, that race shit is dead. I understand there is still racism but as far as Hip Hop, nah man Hip Hop isn't a race its a culture. Everyone likes Hip Hop. People like Eminem and now Mac Miller, Machine Gun Kelly and even myself are all breaking down the barrier. I myself haven't experienced any hate because im white and that shows that progress is being made. The world isn't perfect which means that at some point and time it could happen but for now it has not and the love overpowers the hate by miles.


5. Your music is incredible. Our Industry has seen Yelawolf take over coming out of the south and Eminem has kept his crown since he came in. Have you had any or many encounters with people within the Industry who you feel may have treated your or music different because of the city you're from of because the color of your skin?


No i haven't actually. At least not where anyone ever said it to me. Im white and i rap (laughs) So what?!?! Its not that big of a deal. That would be like someone black being discredited because they play hockey. If your good at what you do and your a respectable person i think everything else will fall into place.

6. Im done with the race questions. Lol. Dont hate me, I had to ask. I honestly feel like an artist with your talent and creditability will face issues due to stereotypes and I just wanted to know your opinion. The question is will you continue this invasion and when is your next performance?


By invasion im guessing you mean pursuing my music. No doubt im going to pursue it. Im knocking on the door now to major success. I just want people to know that i make music for you to feel good. My music isn't depressing, or boring. My music is the music you put in when your riding out with a fly chick in the drop top, or when you just made some big cash and your about to go blow it, or if your trying to get somewhere and you wanna zone out and dream about it. Thats what my music is for. My next performance is at the GotHaze Music Festival in Fayetteville Nc, and then im at the Crampton Auditorium at Howard University in Washington DC with Big Sean, Akon, Bun B, Jon Connor and Young Gliss.


7. The Glee cover. What inspired it?


Well i caught the show one night, i think i was in Atlanta maybe and i watched a episode and it just reminded me of rap. Glee is a show about school that involves music so the way i looked at it is that Hip Hop is just like school. You have your bullies, the stars, the guys who get fly, the gangsters and so on. So when i put it together i just thought it would be a dope concept and it certainly got a great response.

8. Classic question. Where do you see your self within the next year or 2?


I see myself progressing more. I think ill have a deal within the next year or so but if not i will be closer then i am now to getting one. I think everything happens when the time is right. So i just see myself more aware, positive and productive in 2 years no matter where im at or what im doing.


9. Last question, UNC or DUKE?

Im a Blue Devil fan all day. Go DUKE!!!

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