"IAR" Interview: Hollywood Haiti

SHAKEDOWN!  A popular adage that resonates closely not only to the boroughs of New York, but rings bells throughout all of hip-hop.  Hollywood Haiti is not only an artist under the Shakedown moniker, but a street-wise rapper who has translated the complexities of hustling into a flourishing music career on the come-up.  When listening to HH's flow and content, he represents the hustle.  His music speaks for the grinders that chase their dreams against all odds.  He possesses the competency to deliver songs that oscillate with the harsh realities of street life as well as club-banging and party-starting tracks.  His artistic style  is categorically built from the Big Apple's influences, but is assuredly far-reaching to all archetypal avenues of the rap game.  The Dichotomy of the name Hollywood Haiti speaks volumes to who he is.  Hollywood embodies the envisioning of a fortune, dream, and the work it takes to make that come to life.  Haiti defines oppression and overcoming obstacles to reach those same goals, as well as being from Haitian decent.  It's A Rap had the chance to catch up with Hollywood Haiti and whether it be the grind or the music, he is undoubtedly a force, and a rapper that will be mentioned with some of the big names, LIVE, from the Mecca of hip-hop.  


IAR: When did you get your start in Hip-Hop?
HH: "I've been rapping for a long time, but seriously for two years."


IAR: How did you link up with Red Cafe and Shakedown?
HH: "Well shakedown is family.  I knew Red (Cafe) for a long time on some streets sh*t.  He is really like a big bro to me."


IAR: Describe your sound.
HH: "Two Words, Real Life."


IAR: How has NY influenced you as an artist?
HH: "Well New York influenced me as a person period.  New York is the reason I'm me Point Blank."


IAR: Artists you've worked with?
HH: "I've worked with Paul Cain, Chinx Drugz, Dizzy Wright, Chubby Jag, Ru- Spits, Corte Ellis, Lil Mo and of coarse all Shakedown Artists."


IAR: Producers you've worked with?
HH: "I've worked with Ty Fyffe, J Cardim, J -Money, Doe Pesci, Soul Diggas, Kash Johns and many more Super-producers."


IAR: What inspired the name Hollywood Haiti?
HH: "Well Haiti has been a long time nick name, being I am of Haitian Decent and Hollywood came later do to the life I live."


IAR: Do you have a full-length album in the works?
HH: "Actually I got a series of mixtapes for 2012 "Life Behind the Velvet Ropes" - Vegas Edtion, Miami Edition, Atlanta Edition and New York Edition.  Then in early 2013 an E.P. will be released."


IAR: What's setting you apart from other emerging artists from NY?
HH: "I'm real (Laughs) not an image a label, stylist, and A&R put together."


IAR: Future Plans/Projects?
HH: "Take over the universe! (Laughs) #Shakedown Vip life."


Follow on Twitter @HollywoodHaiti
twitter.com/#!/HOLLYWOODHAITI