"IAR" Interview: Blue Sky Black Death

Dynamic.  Duo.  Blue Sky Black Death.  BSBD consist of Kingston and Young God, a Seattle- based producer team who are slowly, but progressively, altering the face of hip-hop.  Methodically implementing and pioneering the use of ambient sound and melodic tones, BSBD are peaking the interests of not only a growing fan base, but artists alike.  Their collective drive and ambition for creating a new approach to hip-hop should serve as an inspiration to aspiring producers.  In an art form where drums and bass are imperative, these two are breaking it's normal structure and proving that obscure is the new normal, while still maintaining originality in an often rigidly confined "genre" label.  It's A Rap had the privilege of picking the brains of the forging, innovative producers, and one thing is eminently clear, for BSBD, only sky is the limit.

IAR: What/Who are your major influences?

BSBD: "When we started making beats our influences were RZA, Premo, Organized Noize, and then bands like Slowdive, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and just everything we listened to. So many different bands and artists. We've always been influenced by stuff outside of hip- hop too, but these days I wouldn't say we have as many influences. We're kind of insulated a little more these days, even though we still check for all the new stuff. "

IAR: Since you guys are located in Seattle, what was the experience like working with Nacho Picasso?

BSBD: "It's just like working with family now. We're all homies so it's just really fun and easy. Nacho is actually the easiest rapper we've ever worked with. He's really open minded as far as how the production sounds and with concepts, and despite his on record ego, he's totally humble and open to constructive criticism. He's at our studio almost every day, so we just play him beats and he writes to them. It's been one of the most fun experiences working with him. He's as funny as he is on his songs, so that helps too."

IAR: Who are some artists you want to work with?

BSBD: "Let's see. One of my favorite "new" rappers is definitely Danny Brown. We've been wanting to work with him for a while. Also, I like Main Attrakionz a lot. You can really hear their emotion on track and I like that they seem open minded when it comes to beats. We just did a remix for Mondre Man by the way, so check that out. We like Chuuwee from Sacramento, Frankenstein from LA, and that kid Perrion from NYC is really dope too. Been talking to G-side for a while and are definitely trying to put in work with them. There's plenty of people we'd be down to work with, it's just a matter of making it happen. Sometimes it's hard to get commitments though." 

IAR: What inspired the concept for Blue Sky Black Death?

BSBD: "The name was a title of one of our songs before it was our name.  Kingston introduced me to that concept which is a skydiving term. He skydives and his dad is a pro skydiver and base jumper. Musically, the concept was always just to make whatever we wanted to make and not be constricted by just hip- hop. So we've always made music outside of hip- hop too, and it's hard to tell whether it's been to our benefit or not, because it's hard for people to categorize us." 

IAR: Future plans/projects for BSBD?

BSBD: "More instrumental albums, more work with Nacho, and definitely trying to spread our production to more rappers and singers if possible. Also we have shows coming up with Nacho Picasso." 

IAR: What distinguishes your sound from other producers in hip-hop?

BSBD: "I think it's more common these days but when we started we didn't know of many other hip- hop producers that had the same influences and the same interests in music and I think it shows in our music. The ambient sound in hip- hop has become a lot more popular recently, and we've been doing it for a long time but it was mostly relegated to our instrumental or "dream pop" music, but now we're seeing rappers who are really open to that sound, so I think that's good for us. One thing that you can almost always expect from us that sets us apart is that our stuff is really big sounding. And we just dropped a straight up 13 minute ambient track with no drums. I don't know any other hip-hop producers that do that. So we have that going!" (Laughs)

IAR: What's been the most fulfilling project in hip-hop, or music to date?

BSBD: "Working with Nacho has been the most fun, and the fact that we've done everything ourselves (videos, production, recording, PR, artwork, etc.) makes it more fulfilling. "Slow Burning Lights" was cool too because that was the first time we introduced the world to our music that wasn't hip-hop at all."

http://bsbdmusic.com

Follow on Twitter @BSBDmusic

"IAR" Interview: Kid Named Breezy

It's A Rap recently had the opportunity to sit down with one of the freshest new comers in the game.  Mr. Snapback himself gives one on one insight to what makes his music stand on the front lines of an expanding generation and how current hip- hop is directly reminiscent of the 90's.  He breaks down his future plans, artists he would like to work with, even his top five snapbacks. (From a massive collection)  KNB demonstrates that being young, fly, and flashy doesn't have to detract from lyrical prowess, and in his case, lyrics reign supreme.  The Kid has incorporated swag from two decades ago, a savvy business sense, and an impeccable drive for perfection-- makes him a force with which to be reckoned.  Take a journey into the mind of the DMV's newest wordsmith.  I present to you, Kid Named Breezy...


IAR: What made you start writing and want to be a part of hip- hop?
KNB: "I think the music today man, it's just repetitive.  I wanted to bring diversity to an industry that's focused on money, and just, flash you know?  I started off when I was 16 just making stuff I thought people wanted to hear you know, like money, cars, women, stuff like that.  So when I switched it over to "Snapback With A Life Full" I wanted to bring something different.


IAR: Biggest Influences?
KNB: "Tupac Shakur, Fresh Prince, and a Tribe Called Quest."


IAR: What sets you apart from current artists and artists trying to emerge into the industry?
KNB: "My aspect on 90's hip- hop man.  My fashion sense is more 90's, what I talk about is more 90's, I tell stories, I'm very diverse.  I can make a record like "Whoa There" for the club and still be lyrical, then make a record like "She Said" and bring it back to like a Pharcyde feel, you know what I'm sayin?"


IAR: Current state of Hip- Hop?
KNB: "It's on the rise.  Dudes like Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, myself, Jay Electronica.  As far as like huge industry wise, J. Cole. I feel like he's in a place where he's blowing up.  I think lyricism is definitely coming back where people wanna hear it."


IAR: Give me your five favorite snapbacks. You have like what, 100, 200?
KNB: (Laughs) "Yeah man.  I'd have to say one would be my Bulls hat,  it's messed up now so I have to get a new one.  I like all Tisa snapbacks.  My Miami Hurricanes joint is official!  I have this joint called Doper Than The Dope or something like that, it's tight.  Oh I have an Adventure Times snapback, you ever watch Adventure Times? The Cartoon? (Laughs) It says heck yea and has the dog and the kid on it. Then probably my Grizzlies snapback.  The alternate jersey joint!"


IAR: How did you come up with the concept for "Snapback With A Life Full?"
KNB: "I feel like we're in a time of 90's fashion where snapbacks are coming back.  My tape resembles a snapback.  I'm giving you a tape of what I consider my life and what I think other people can relate to.  So the snapback is a metaphor for my tape."


IAR: What's the difference between Young World and Lifers?
KNB: "Lifers is me, my producer Jigg, and my boy Marley, he's on the tape too, on the record "So Live."  Young World is just my clothing line.  I like to incorporate fashion in my music."


IAR: Who would be some ideal artists for you to work with?
KNB: "Definitely want to work with Kendrick Lamar.  I'm about to work with Fat Trel on a record.  Man, uhm, J. Cole.  Big Sean, I definitely wanna work with Big Sean."
IAR: Yeah I could see Sean on a "Whoa There" remix!
KNB: (Laughs) "Yeah you never know man!  Also, Rihanna and Kanye." 


IAR: What role do you feel social media plays in hip- hop and how has it helped jump start your career?
KNB: "AN AMAZING ROLE!  That's what everybody does now.  You can put a video on World Star, (WorldStarHipHop.com) and have millions of hits and that can be it right there, you know what I'm sayin?"  Everybody takes from World Star, so that goes to other markets and other websites.  I just think it's so important to keep people updated EVERY WEEK, EVERY WEEK, EVERY WEEK, something new. Music, videos, more music,more videos, interviews, radio, freestyles, all the time.  You have to put your name in their head until they get tired of it!  Your team is very important too.  You have to have people that cover all bases."


IAR: Future plans?
KNB: "Second tape, probably this summer.  Just keep pushin' my name, more music, more visuals from "Snapback With A Life Full."Just making people more aware of a Kid Named Breezy.  Like I said, the second tape, probably in July."


IAR: Thanks bro I appreciate it!
KNB: "SWAAGGG" (Laughs)

Snapback With A Life Full: The Tape

"Kid Named Breezy" Tee

Download Snapback With A Life Full: The Tape at www.datpiff.com
Follow on Twitter @KidNamedBreezy
#Lifers

THE SWAZE PLAYLIST

Since it's the end of the week, here's "The Swayze Playlist."  This compilation of songs are in no particular order just equally dope.  The songs are "It's A Rap" certified and the key to a #Swayze weekend..

1. Mod Sun-"Never Comin' Down"

2. Cassie Veggies ft. Dom Kenney-"Get Through"

3. French Montana-"Shot Caller"

4. Masspike Miles ft. Wiz Khalifa-"Flatline"

5. XV-"The Flying V"

6. Rich Hil-"It Ain't Time To Go"

7. Kid Ink-"Time Of Your Life"

8. Drake-"Cameras/Good Ones Go"

9. Roscoe Dash ft. Big Sean-"Sidity"

10. Kid Named Breezy-"Get Any Better"

11. Nacho Picasso-"Tool Man"

12. The Weeknd-"Same Old Song"

13. Childish Gambino-"Fire Fly"

14. Rockie Fresh-"Never Never"

15. Lil B-"Motivation"

Nacho Picasso-Lord Of The Fly

There are seemingly rare occasions in not only hip hop, but music in general, when an album evokes true emotion.  When you play the album and hang on every word until it's over.  You listen with a rigorous focus to ensure you don't miss anything and are unable to step away until its finished.  Nacho Picasso has again, evoked that emotion.  "Lord Of The Fly" which was released January 13, 2012, is a 13 track roller coaster of lyrical genius, sharp and melodic production, and song hooks that are not only catchy, but memorable.  To top it off, "Lord Of The Fly" is dark.  His words demonstrate pain and anguish, while maintaining a commercial viability, which in hip hop, is unparalleled.  For a listener who is unfamiliar with Nacho, a first listen would show another rapper with great punch lines and hooks, but may get the feeling that the content is expressed for shock value.  That would be an inaccurate assessment.  This IS Nacho Picasso.  Real.  Raw.  Inquisitive.  No gimmicks at all, just straight hip hop.  The insanely original production from Blue Sky Black Death (The Skybox, Seattle) sets an ominous tone for the album.  The melody stays fairly consistent throughout, but the sound bites and ambient tones that are implemented make each song intriguingly unique.  Nacho's flow however, is what MAKES the album.  It's his diverse approach and style to each track that keeps you transfixed.  Whether it's obscurity, sharp punch lines, or a recently sensationalized style of "Super Duper Flow," Nacho hits you from every angle.  The hook-heavy tracks are "Rammin," "Tool Man," and "I'm A Greek God."  Songs like "Maintain," "Staring At The Sun, "Luca Brasi," "Naked Lunch," and "Lost Boys" Feat. CENTURY are lyrical masterpieces where each bar hits harder than the last.  Nacho's simile and metaphoric word play is so heavy that you think it may get played out and overused.  Wrong.  Every metaphor is smarter than the last, which is a testament to Nacho's incredible lyricism.  Lines like "I got a chic that I hit like Ike T/and a thick white bi*ch like Ice-T/why they like me, I look like Spike Lee/in the bed I flip her over like side B" and "No obstacles, Nacho, I hurdle hills/I go bad on a bi*ch like curdled milk" give the album a faint comedic feel, while not wavering from its true, hardcore, hip hop nature. "So what I don't rap conscious, I'm in a trance/I got a cult following, don't you hear the chants?" exemplifies that while he is still creating a powerful buzz, not only will his present fans speak of him, but soon everyone will be whispering the name Nacho Picasso




Download "For The Glory" & "Lord Of The Fly" @ nachopicasso.bandcamp.com
Follow on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/NachoPicasso

Hip Hop's Generation "neXt" Part 2

6. Earl Sweatshirt
Free Earl!!! That's a phrase that even your moderate hip hop fan has heard in the last year.  With the emergence of the L.A. collective OFWGKTA, or Odd Future for short, Earl's early works and presence has become somewhat nostalgic.  Although he was shipped to boarding school at Samoa's Reef Academy, that hasn't stopped his buzz from growing.  The 17 year old Golf Wang member has released the self-titled "Earl," rapped alongside all OF members, done multiple magzines, and even joined Tyler, the Creator on Jimmy Fallon!  Sweatshirt's off the wall lyrics, a strong OF backing, and highly anticipated return, are going to make for a huge year for the other half of "EarlWolf." (Tyler, the Creator & Earl Sweatshirt) FLOG GNAW!

7. Nacho Picasso
Picasso is synonymous with a renowned work of art.  That's what we have here!  Seattle lost Kurt Cobain and the Supersonics, but can find solace in Nacho Picasso.  The heavy- tatted rapper from the Emerald city may be one of the most well-rounded artist out.  His release "For The Glory" gives you everything from tats, drugs, and woman, to an entire song dedicated to comic books! ("Marvel") Songs like "Bad Guy" and "NumbNuts" give Nacho the feeling of being a likable villain, whereas "Benjamin Segal" and "Burn Bridges" simply crank and give off the vibe of a champion.  Nacho has the rare ability to bridge the gap between different styles and culture simply through his content.  Whether he's the bad guy or comic book lover, he's dope, and just getting started.

8. Childish Gambino
A comedian, actor, and rapper.  In a day where one attempts to cross over into the other, sometimes it misses the mark.  Not in this Case.  Donald Glover put his name in a Wu-Tang name generator and comes up with Childish Gambino and the rest is history.  CG speaks on real topics, has a punch line flow, is conscious, and can even sing a bit.  His mixtapes "Im Just A Rapper" series and "The Great Gambino" put him on the map, but his his first major release "Camp" made him a force.  "Bonfire" and "Backpackers" are just straight bangers, while "Fire Fly," "All The Shine," and "Kids" are deep lyrical journeys.  Gambino also gives some melody on "Letter Home."  His biggest impact on hip hop is his uncanny ability to make the "not cool"seem "very cool."  He has a firm grasp on his identity in hip hop which makes his swag unique and his music have greater impact.

9. Kid Ink
Born and raised in L.A., Kid Ink isn't your typical West Coast rapper.  As one can tell from his name, tattoos are a integral part to his image, but his music is much more complex.  Kid Ink has a slew of mixtapes, "Crash Landing," "Daydreamer," "Roll Up," and "Wheels Up."  Along  with a huge Facebook and Twitter following, he just released his first radio single "Time Of Your Life."  Kid has worked with artist like Cory Gunz, Meek Mill, Gudda Gudda, Bei Major, 2 Chainz, and more.  He integrates catchy hooks with melodies and lyrics that appeal to true hip hop heads.  2012 will for sure be the year of the Ink.

10. Mod Sun
There's no question that Mod Sun is embracing the spirit of the late Jerry Garcia.  He may be one of the only rappers who would be more comfortable at Woodstock rather than the 40/40 and his "herbal" influence is ever present.  That's what sets him apart.  Mod has taken a true hippie lifestyle and made it relevant in hip hop.  Let's not forget that his pen game is incredible and flow is top tier.  His mixtape "Blazed by the Bell" just simply rocks.  Catchy hooks like "Chain Gang" and "Shaun White" allow for him to open up lyrically in others like "What's Your Life Like" and "Lighting In A Bottle."  Mod also stays true to his roots with "Never Comin Down" and "Tye Dye Everything" with SchoolBoy Q.  As Mod Sun's following gets bigger, his craft will only get better.  Hell, we may even find ourselves in tye dye t-shirts.

Hip Hop's Generation "neXt" Part 1

1. A$AP ROCKY
It's no secret that A$AP is putting New York hip
hop back to where it rightfully belongs, the top. Already creating a huge buzz with tracks like "Purple Swag" and heavy-hitting "Peso" the NYC rapper is taking the game by storm.  Rocky allegedly  signed a $3 Million deal with SONY/RCA which will better his distribution, but  Rocky has already shown that he can carry the weight of the whole A$AP crew, (Twelvyy, Ty, Ferg, Nast, Yams, and closely affiliated SpaceGhostPurrp) simply off of two mixtapes and a rarely visited Twitter page.  Sit back, grab some Purrp, and enjoy the show.


Long. Live. A$AP

2. Rich Hil
Hippie.  Addict.  Rapper.  Rebel.  These are just some of the words used to describe the CT native.  After releasing the "Limos Were Cool In The 90's" mixtape series, Rich released the "Limosa Nostra" series which has cemented his spot in today's hip hop grind.  While some people may think he's just a weed rapper, they obviously aren't listening.  Granted, Rich's lyrics consist of mainly drug references, however, his messages and content make you feel like your going through a long and twisted journey with him!  On his latest release, "500 Grams" Rich shows more of his range and lyricism.  "Reckless/ Black Chevy f*ck a Lexus" epitomizes his lack of ambition to be a cookie-cutter mainstream dude, which doesn't make him any less dope! (Pun intended)  Rich Hil's rebel style hip hop proves that Limos will still be cool for years to come.

3. Danny Brown
Danny Brown is the weirdo of hip hop.  His demeanor doesn't resemble your typical rapper.  A real slim dude, with a high voice, and long-straight hair draped over his left eye.  DO NOT let appearances fool you!  Danny Brown is a beast!  With only one tape release, "XXX" has been the best thing to come from detroit since Em and the Chrysler 300.  It's nearly impossible to put him in a category.  His music ranges from indie, to hardcore, and everything in between.  "XXX" and "DNA" demonstrate his lyrical versatility, while "Die Like A Rockstar" makes you feel like you should be at a rave!  Take Andre 3000 , Kurt Cobain, a hint of Wiz, with an Emo haircut, and you get Danny Brown.  With his rock star image and grimy wordplay, Danny Brown is definitely imported from Detroit!

4. Kid Named Breezy
Swagger is defined as, "to walk or conduct oneself with insolent or arrogant air, to strut." It could also be defined as "Kid Named Breezy"  Reppin VA, KNB is in a class of his own.  Already dropping "Apolgies: The PreTape" and his full length "Snapback With A Life Full" The Kid is proving that swag and high fashion go well with dope lyrics.  KNB pays homage to the old school with songs like "Nightmare On My Street"and "Eraser Heads House Party" while expanding the new age with "Cold Summer" "Whoa There" and "See About US" where the new comer holds his own with legend Pusha T!  Kid Named Breezy is leading the new generation of MC's with his lyrical content and deep messages, and has the Snapback to match.

5. Los
The Crown is OFFICIALLY unsafe!  The Baltimore spitter has made that eminently clear as of late.  The sharped tongue punchline rapper has been bodying ever track he's touched in the past year.  His resume consist of "Shooter," "Worth The Wait," "The Louis Vuitton Gift Pack," and his most recent release, his proverbial warning to the rap game, "The Crown Ain't Safe."  Like a majority of rappers, Los has remixed songs like Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now" and Kreayshawn's internet smash "Gucci Gucci."  What sets his remixes apart?  Ridiculous word play.  Every bar he raps makes you forget about the beat and focus on the content.  Los's ability to rattle off most of the bangin women in Hollywood in the first verse of "Gucci Gucci" leaves me shaking my head every time.  Los may be gunning for the crown, but it may already be his.          

Inside The Snapback..A Kid Named Breezy

DMV.  Three letters that not only represent a tri-city area, but an acronym that defines culture, lifestyle, and inspiration.  There are three other letters that embody the same characteristics, KNB.  Kid Named Breezy is not just an up and comer in hip-hop, but a front runner for a new generation of MC's.  The kid takes complex word play and glides over old school beats.  One might wonder what makes that so different from other rappers, the difference is....IT'S COOL.  His music, swagger, and demeanor is simply cool.  He makes music for the real heads that love hip -hop and furthermore  makes music that EVERYONE can relate to.  Another element to KNB is his diversity.  Songs like "Whoa There" and "Hands Up" are definite club bangers, while "Track 08 6" is a love song with actual deep lyrics.  A true testament to his ability is "See About Us" where he raps alongside Pusha T.  As good as Pusha is, the DMV representer shows that even though he's young, he can stand and hold his own with even the best in the game.  Snapback With A Life Full: The Tape is a 18 track mixtape with heavy lyrical content, great production, and a true hip hop feel to it.  Take A Tribe Called Quest, add a Slick Rick swag, and lyricism of a Fab, and you get Mr. Snapback himself.  SBWALF is laying the groundwork for an artist who is here to stay, not only through his music, but through his message.  The "two up, two down" is definitely on the map so I advise you to COME SEE ABOUT him!
#FAMETEAM
#Lifers


Download Snapback With A Life Full at www.datpiff.com
Also check out the YouTube channel BreezingtonTV

Mission Statement

Welcome to IT'S A RAP!  Hip-Hop blogging at it's finest.  I intend to bridge the gap between mainstream and hip hop culture.  IT'S A RAP is a blog, a forum, an outlet, and a haven for rap music today.  Reviews and interviews with the game's veteran MC's, up and comers, and underground artists.  I invite you to take this journey with me and be a part of something great for hip hop.  Let's get it.

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