Every week we highlight the best in Hip-Hop and R&B. From Indie labels to freshmen in the majors we look for the dreamers, believers and producers holding it down for their fans--bringing music we can appreciate and aspire to. This week in no exception. The "mixing bowl" of hip-hop comes in many flavors. From laid back southern vibes to up north street bangas, and out west hood anthems--hip-hop is a mixture of grit, passion and style. Yet while the majors struggle to keep mainstream fans interested in rampid commercialism Indie labels and their passionate front men and women are up to the challenge. Enter Melskino and his camp of superstars taking Latin Hip-hop to new heights and the digital airwaves by storm. This mogul has his hands in everything from producing to director to establishing Smoke Squad International has a pivotal name in the rap game. We had the opportunity to correspond with Melskino to ask him some questions about the status of Smoke Squad Int. and his vision of their bright future.Finish this statement...."Hip-hop is...."
"Hip Hop is not just music it’s a lifestyle, a way of life, it’s a World wide culture. It’s a form of expression, a voice for every urban to suburban neighborhood around the world. Some more dramatic than others, however the bases remain the same (Money, power and respect, etc). Followed by attitude, rhythm and self confidence that are all fused together to create what some refer to as (swag). That's Hip Hop!"
What is Smoke Squad International (S.S.I)? And how are you involved?
"Smoke Squad International LLC. Is your all in one Independent label. From Artist Development, Management, Publishing, Marketing & Promotion to Audio/Video Production, everything is done in house. S.S.I roots were seeded in the early 90's. However the company came into existence in March of 08. Me being the President and C.E.O and Axcess and Scott Steez being V.P's and Co Owners And Robert Nasa heading the video Production."
Who produces your music?
"I am the producer and a label executive, getting beats is not hard. Everyone now-a-days thinks they are producers. Just because you make a beat doesn't make you a producer! You have to handle your projects like a symphony at radio city music hall, and you're the conductor, you have to be able to compose and arrange your work. Come up with concepts, melodies, hooks, lyrics, you have to be able to give the artist direction and know how to communicate your vision. That's why our in-house production team consist of El Griette Exagerao, Chris-P, T.N.O, Masta Beats, Axcess, Mike Dynamite, Soumbie, Millions, Huggy, Sean Chris, Scott Steez and Oddesa--they Provide the sound for the future. It’s a top priority of Smoke Squad International to seek out the hottest up and coming talent."
Who are your musical influences?
"I am influenced by music it self being raised in Spanish Harlem as well as the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Mecca of music and expression. I have been exposed to a verity of different types of artist, sounds and styles since I was a kid. So I learned to appreciate all genres for what they are and offer."
There are a lot of different sounds out there. People with talent are being looked over for commercial flavor. Where is Latin Hip-hop going?
"Just like any other genre gradually becoming accepted by the commercial Industry, Latin hip hop is evolving. For example, early hip hop to now. The music gets more sophisticated--concepts are becoming more complex--the visions are more vivid the beats are converting from the traditional dembow to more urban hip hop, dancehall, RnB and Pop tracks. I definitely see the culture going in the right direction and having a place in this industry."
You’re a step away from becoming a mogul, what's your next big move?
"The next big move is a documentary called "Strykah". Its a true story of how 1970’s cold war politics and International drug trafficking led to the rise and fall of one of the era’s most violent Gangs, Jamaica’s notorious Shower Posse. For more info and to view the trailer for strykah check out www.strykah.com."
You got a huge NY buzz going on right now what other projects can we expect coming from your crew?
"We have a few projects being released this summer, first is our urban Latin artist O.A ( El Sicodelico) debut mix tape "Psychodelic Documentary" Hosted by Latin mix award nominee DJ Pistolero that was just released this week, it's a breath of fresh air for the Latin market. The Mix tape debuts O.A ( El Sicodelico) New Single "Esa no es tu gata" Featuring: Anurey and Pre Production for the video is in the works. For Mid summer we have Realz Sadam of the rap group (D.I.S) highly anticipated solo debut mix tape, "I am general vol 1". Realz Sadam has a New single "I wanna know" featuring Chris-p and Reddy Rock of (D.I.S) taking off over seas. Shout out's to the whole Swag magazine staff, A&R Dreks wuz good. We should be shooting the video for that late this summer as well. Towards the end of the summer we will be releasing a Smoke Squad mix tape or compilation album that will feature Smoke Squad artist and affiliated artist and up and coming talent. You can stay up to date with our music and ventures by logging on to www.SMOKESQUADINTERNATIONAL.com and www.DTFRADIO.com
How did you guys get DTF radio off the ground?
"After the success of DTF Management/Entertainment whose executives are “A.Z” and “A.R”. In 2007 A.R had an idea to start up an internet radio station which would merge the urban and commercial markets together. DTFRadio.com was launched in A.R’s bed room with the Morning Madness Show which quickly became a success. With the buzz of the morning madness show, Fm and satellite radio personalities and club DJs started to approach the execs for shows and slot times on there station. That’s when the move to the 2nd location happened, and other shows where implemented. The station continues to grow now at its 3rd location which I designed and constructed with the help of “Decay” DTFRADIO now boast over 20 shows and 24hrs of music along with live video streaming, and has been nominated for best online radio station for a Latin mix award all in less than 2 years. For more info and to tune into DTFRADIO check out www.DTFRADIO.com"
You've got an impressive drive and passion for what you do, how do you manage it all?
"I'm a perfectionist, I believe if your not going to fully commit your self, and direct all your attention and ability to what ever it is your working on don't bother. Personally am not into half-ass shit, your reputation is everything in business. That's why I go as hard as I do with everything, with my art with our Business with my FAM, and yes it's difficult to manage all these aspects of my life that's why I don’t play games and time management is a key factor in everything I do."
Independent labels are really becoming the catalyst for aspiring MCs nationwide. Do you think this is the future of hip-hop?
"Independent labels are the future for all genres of music not only hip-hop. Internet gave indie labels the ability to compete with majors and be successful."
I ask everybody this question....where do you see yourself / DTF in five years?
"I see Smoke Squad International having a huge impact on the global industry as well as becoming the go to indie for all aspiring artist.
I see DTF radio continuing being the blue print for internet radio, and solidifying its position in broadcasting becoming larger than satellite and fm radio stations can ever be. "
FOR INFORMATION ON SMOKE SQUAD INTERNATIONAL AS WELL AS DTFRADIO CHECK OUT,
www.SMOKESQUADINTERNATIONAL.com And www.DTFRADIO.com
Holla!!!
Robert "Bobby" Du'Vall Humes, Sr.
Director/CEO
Semuh Breeze Promotions
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