Check out the full interview after the jump.

Jots: so tell the world who you are and where you’re from
Jahpan: whaaat up
this jahpan and i am from the infamous providence ri

Jots: and who are your major influences in hip-hop music?
Jahpan: hmmmm
let me see
first and foremost kool herc
ummm
special ed “youngest in charge” was prolly my first ever sooo
krs
dana dane
slick rick
common sence
i could go on

Jots: we’ll cut it there, dope list though
so tell us about this album of yours
Jahpan: ahh “an album called life”
this is my baby…U know this is something that i have been sculpting for maybe years now
not recording
but building up the energy and influence
i mean from begining to end its a very strong and creative album

Jots: sounds ill. Any guest spots?
Jahpan: oh yeah
of course time machine,fedd hill
shhhhhhhhh we got a sneak from mary j blige
umm
my mello beloved
billy malloy from muriel
and mekalek ex produced the whoooole thing
i hope i didnt forget anyone

Jots: haha sounds serious. What’s the general feel of it? Like is it on some classic boom-bap shit or some radio ish or what
Jahpan: i mean i def carries out a boom bap feel but it truely has its variety
i mean i feel there is def some radio(maybe not commercial) but
theres funk flex classics on there
Jahpan: u know a crazy summer album
and thats not to limit it to that season
but uhh the feel of it is strong similar to that

Jots: yeah i know what you mean, like how rza always says cuban linx is a summery album and liquid swords is some winter shit. sounds dope. so you’re out in california right now?
Jahpan: lol yeah
yeah man lovely l.A.

Jots: what’s it like out there? Like weather and shit, but also how’s the hip-hop scene?
Jahpan: the scene is cool
i feel like any “scene” its boxed in
almost trendy
but its fly
and it is l.A.
soooo its a huge mixture
the weather
whoooo
its hot as shit right now

Jots: have you been doing any shows or live stuff out there at all?
Jahpan: well i just linked with pretty much all the serious promoters at the venues out here
and they are feeling my mission
also due to my relationship with p.U.T.S. And time machine and shawn jackson
they know im bout goin in
so yeah we got the release party coming late august

at a huge venue out here called “the airliner”

Jots: oh nice, my man jonwayne just rocked with oh no there like two or three days ago
so what’s working with people under the stairs like?
Jahpan: i actually seen that flyer
ahhhman
first double is like my uncle
and working with hime u better be ready for an alllll nighter
maybe
and thes….He goes so far in_pause______
like he is a workaholic
and im grateful to have been down with them since -
really really cool dudes

thats family

Jots: that’s dope. I’ve been on a puts kick for like months now, they make classic music. You went on tour with them before right?
with time machine
that was a seperate tour
i did go alotta places with them tho
like we just did the reggae/jazz fest at ucla
bonnaroo
and a few others
im hoping after this release i can hit up uncle thes and see whats up with a slot
yeah i did like – dates with tm last year

Jots: nice nice. Alright, so it’s opinion time
Jahpan: lol

Jots: who’s the worst rapper out right now
Jahpan: ahhhh man local or globally
nosa
i just dug a whole
uuum

Jots: hahahaha
the new boys
from l.A.
the “your a jerk” kids

Jots: are those the clowns who did that you’re a jerk song
Jots: yeah
Jots: man
Jots: fuck those guys, haha
Jahpan: i know one of em too
i mean
its like this they young
u know so u cant expect much
but ignorance is neve an excuse

Jots: it seems like they’re just a major label’s attempt at trying to cash in on the cool kids’ hype
Jahpan: well they in fact said thats who inspired em
which is great for the younger generation
they wanna have fun
but rapping….Lol\
i cant stand asher
uuummmm
lmafo

Jots: so speaking of local rap, what inspired you to make that video
Jots: the message to rhode island rappers, i mean
Jahpan: everybody
from being one of those
and watching the scene suffer because of it
i can be direct with the who’s
but im not tryna alienate folks

Jots: you seemed to have some specific words for a hypothetical peacefest that may or may not have happened in ri. So the hypothetical peacefest didn’t let fedd hill rock because of your subject matter?
Jahpan: oh yeah
i mean theres that box in prov
and if u dont fit in u dont fit in
there isnt a balance
and i feel u know u dont hafta invite us
but what other group in our state was as big as mine
movement wise
roulette??
i mean
we are guilty ourselve for potraying that image
but wtf!

Jots: it kind of reminds me of when people protested nas doing that virginia tech shooting benefit show
Jots: but hey, to each his own
Jahpan: very true

Jots: so anyway, what’s your favorite album of all time
Jahpan: its a toss up between ressurection/ready to die

Jots: if you could do a song with anyone, ever, dead or alive, who would it be?
Jahpan: awwman
um m
de la soul

Jots: good choice. Alright, so i think we can start wrappin this up
Jots: when does the album come out?
Jahpan: due date was tues aug th
but we gonna push it back late aug
for proper promo …Etc
vids also
and 1 classic album

Jots: where can people go to buy it when it comes out?
itunes amazon cd baby
glowlikethis.Com
late fall you will be able to make a purchase at the any store

Jots: any shoutouts?
Jahpan: awwman
fedd hill
blockroyal
tm
puts
and everyone in rhode island
and of course yall for taking the time out
Jots: good shit
Jots: any parting words?
Jahpan: “an album called life” …For a change r.I. Lets support huh?
lol
peace!

Visit http://www.myspace.com/jahpan1 and www.blockroyal.com for more information.

The first time I heard the name Falside was from someone telling me about this young guy who was barely 18 and making crazy dope tracks for legends like Vast Aire. I took a listen and thought this guy was insane. The first time I met Falside he kept saying how I should stop promoting garbage. I told him I gotta give a fair chance to everyone, but I did respect the honesty. This interview is all honesty.

HW: For those of us who may not know who you are, please state your name and what you do?
Falside: Whats good. Name is Falside, and I make everything you listen too. Haa

HW: What does your name mean?
Falside: My government last name is Fallon (don’t tell anybody). Since I was younger, cats have been calling me Falside, so I feel that if you listen to what I create, you are on the “fal” side of things. It’s simple.

HW: What are your influences?
Falside: I don’t even know how to answer this man. Those who are close to me, dope music, all around creativity, and real people who are down for the cause. If you fit in those categories, then you qualify as inspiration for me.

HW: What was the first beat you ever made like and did anyone use it?
Falside: My first beat was made when I was 13. It was horrific, and I pity any who discover it and use it.

HW: What is your best accomplishment to date? And why?
Falside: My best accomplishment to date would definitely be hands down be producing a track for El Da Sensei of The Artifacts. I can’t really explain what it’s is like producing for some of your heroes, but its up there with the first time you go raw in a girl you love.

HW: What was the first piece of equipment you baught and do you still have it?
Falside: Ha Ha, Stanton STR8-30 Direct Drive. Bought it for 14$ when I was 15, and I still use it today.

HW: What is the process you use when you start a new beat?
Falside: Process? I don’t have a process. I usually just dig for sounds and ideas I have formulating in my head for weeks and then make something happen that sounds good.

HW: What do you think of the local scene as it stands?
Falside: All I know is this scene. When I moved to Boston for a year and a half, all I used up there was everything I knew and learned from this scene. I am going to make it very simple. There are those who claim to “exist” in the city of Providence as groups or emcees who do not deserve to be a part of anything. There are many crabs, and Providence (at times) can be an extremely large barrel. There are also very talented individuals who make incredible music. I choose to work with them. Enough said.

HW:Â If you had to choose one piece of equipment to use for he rest of your life what would it be and why?
Falside: MPC 2500XL

HW: Who are your favorite producers right now?
Falside: My favorite producers…..Premo(since I was little), Marco Polo, Large Pro, Dilla, Blockhead, Rick Ruben, Pete Rock, Madlib, Diamond D, Rza, Prince Paul, DJ SHADOW, rjd2, dox(haaaa), 9th.

HW: If this career ended today what would you want the world to remember you for?
Falside: My freaky, freaky freaky flow.

HW: Do you have any projects coming out soon?
Falside: I am currently working on my first album. It will be my first release (“City to City, Just in Time”). It will be featuring alot of cats I have been producing for such as Vast Aire (cannibal ox), El Da Sensei (The Artifacts), Reef the Lost Cauze (Army of the Pharaohs/Jedi Mind Tricks/ JU JU Mob), Slaine (La Coka Nostra), Pacewon, and mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnny more spectacular surprises.

HW: If a doctor gives you 3 pills and tells you to take one pill every half hour, how long would it take before all the pills had been taken?
Falside: Trebek, your mother’s a whore.

HW: Any closing lines?
Falside: Stop putting on shows with 450,000 emcees on the bill. Don’t promote for 10 years and have no product to sell, It’s been “coming soon” since I had my first vaccinations. You are all a joke. Buy Esh’s album. Listen to PDP, DOCUMENTARY DAN WHATUP!!

For more information on Falside visit him at: Myspace.com/Falside

He also has a free instrumental album to download (Click here for the link!)

Sbo is probably one of the most slept on emcee’s in the 401 scene right now. The man has the heart to take it to the next level and the talent to bring the heat. I have personally seen the man move and make magic on stage and well I hope you have the opportunity to witness the same very soon, because the man is always doing shows with someone.

ladies and gentlepeople, I present:

SBO

OH NO: [audio:http://www.401hiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/ohnosbo.mp3]

HW: Ok this has been asked everytime but some people will not know who each artist is so, can you state your name and what it is you do? also what does your name mean?
SBO: My name is S-bo , Not s.b.o or espo like I have been called before. It comes from my government name Steve Borges pretty simple, I know alto of underground hip hop names are usually witty and complex but I figured I would save the thinking process for my verses and not for my name. My music is versatile covering soul, old school,boom bap, lyrical and just raw underground styles. I try to bring it different on every track I make to keep it interesting for the listeners.

HW: What have been your influences?
SBO: everyday life for me is the biggest influence for my lyrics, I try to use punch lines from sports, politics, and pop culture for the average person to relate but for the people who listen word by word will gain a greater understanding and respect for the time I put into my verses. As far as music influences right now in my disk changer I got everything from classic Wu-tang albums, Aesop rock, jay-z, Pete rock, and black star. I don’t think my music sounds like there’s but there originality helped for me to find my own style

HW: What was your first show experience like?
SBO: Though the crowd was small my first show turned me from a recording artist to a performing artist. I believe that there is a big difference from being able to record a track and performing it on stage. Honestly I will never forget my first show it helped me grow as a MC and it is the perfect way for free promotion.

HW: What do you expect to get out of this?
SBO: I don’t believe anybody who says they are not in this for a deal. If I could Make music every day for 15 hours straight and get paid then that is what I would do. But I do have two children to provide for. I guess in the end I would like to be remembered for my originality and versatility, though some people wouldn’t see my music as original just goes to prove that they skim over music and don’t take time to listen.

HW: If giving a million dollars right now to write a song for McDonald’s about their big mac would you do it? SBO: Yes, I don’t see that as selling out , who doesn’t love two all beef patties special sauce on a sesame seed bun $$$.

HW: What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
SBO: Honestly my first show would have to be right at the top.I know most mc’s would not say that but It broke the ice and got me involved with the local scene and if it wasn’t for that then I probably wouldn’t of connected with the many people/artist/producers that I have. Also being originally booked for scribble jam 08 was huge but due to a clash of two sides I’m not to sure if it is going to happen anymore.

HW: What do you think of the local scene? and how would you improve it?
SBO: I love about half of the local scene, so many personalities and really dope music being made. Then for the other half I just see the same old shit that has been done a million times and they don’t even attempt to bring it up a level. But overall from the dj’s to producers and mc’s, I believe we are overlooked. To improve it I just wish promoters would break out of their small circle of performers and give up and comers a chance to rock the stage. So many egos and the way that people around here are scared to expand hold us a back and doesn’t reveal Rhode Island true potential

HW: If you stopped rapping tomorrow what would you want the world to remember you for?
SBO: Originality and versatility, and the fact I am not scared to be myself.

HW: Your favorite track you have ever done and why?
SBO: My favorite track is always my latest track . I just did a track with mc’s all from my area, Freddie blackskin, j-verb,afterlife, ney sean and Kb. I was the least ” experienced ” MC , but just wait in till it drops. hopefully soon we can post it on 401hiphop.com to display the talent in Newport. (Editors note: its at the bottom)

HW: What projects can we expect from you in the not so distant future?
SBO: Mixtape massacre volume 1. featuring afterlife and sbo is dropping within the next month. features 25- 30 tracks including 6 solo’s from me and a whole bunch of collab tracks with me afterlife, j- verb, , ney sean, meta raw, advokate and more. I am also working on a mix tape with ney sean. But my pride is the few tracks I have started for my first solo album. Hopefully to be released by December 08.i post alot of collab tracks on my page but my own I will be saving for the album.

HW: closing lines?
SBO: I wanna thank 401 for giving mc’s and fans the chance to voice there opinions, I am always down to collab with any dope artist/producer and am looking to put in work whenever i can with shows, promoting and trying to get 401 noticed anyway that i can. Thank you for listening.

Six MCs – SBo/Freddie Black/Ney Sean/AfterLife/KB/J-Verb [audio:http://www.401hiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/newportmcs.mp3]

To find out more about SBO please visit: myspace.com/sbohiphop

Janks (Formerly of Concious Insanity) has been only involved in the RI scene for a hot minute. I first witnessed his precense when I was on stage and he was (for some reason) filming my performance. I thought this was awesome, because as far as I know he didnt film anyone else that night and I was only there for the open mic, but enough about me, lets talk about Janks.

This man is probably one of the hardest working people in the RI scene right now! He formed Concious Insanity eariler this year and since then has been doing nonstop shows, he cuts, he raps, what cant he do!

more after the jump.

HW:To those that might not be familar with you, please state your name and what you bring to the table.
Janks:”janks the bull” haha janks the rezolution. I bring an appetite for raw original hip hop to the table and i use the turntables and the mic as my vehicle to do so.

HW: How long have you been doing this?
Janks: I’ve been spinning records for about 5 years now, but I have been playing music as long as I can remember. I was in a band as a teenager, “suiciety” and I played mostly guitar, but sometimes i played bass and the drums as well.

HW: What was your first memory of making a track? Also how do you still feel about that track?
Janks: suisoloist was my first professionally recorded hip hop song, and I loved every minute of the process. beat box hooked it up, vertygo oversaw the recording and it came out crispy. I still love that track but im ready to progress.

HW: what are you influences?
Janks: shit I’m influenced by tons of things. music wise, it ranges from james brown, to death, al green, discharge, tribe called quest, the misfits, heltah skeltah, frank sinatra, guns and roses, anything along those wide lines. life wise, my parents, my girl and her kids, bad decisions I have made, drama, politics, movies, and life in general.

HW: What has been your best moment in your time as an artist?
Janks: its a toss up, I have had the opportunity to open up for some heavy hitters, wu-tang, krs-1, big noyd, vast aire, etc, but at the end of the day, all the new people I meet and crews I work with is what makes it all worth while.

HW: Illest moment at a show?
Janks: cuttin for crazy when he came thru last month

HW: What drives you to keep going?
Janks: straight up collecting vynl for the scratching. I have fun doing this, I love it. thats what drives me to keep at it.

HW: what do you think of the local scene?
Janks: the local scene is too divided, everyone is a critic. people spend too much time critisizing and not enough time organizing, to better the hip hop community. people forget that regardless of whether or not you are dope, it takes balls to get up on stage in front of people and do the damn thing. everyone has to start somewhere.

HW: What are you listening to right now?
Janks: right now I am listening to inkwell and rhapsody’s mixtape joint, and the new melting platters by my man sterby rock.

HW: If you stopped rapping tommorow what would you want the community to remember you for?
Janks: remember my passion for this and my work ethic. the fun I have doing this.

HW: what is your overall goal for this?
Janks: to have the most fun I can, meet new people. to make dope music to hopefully teach the youth that hip hop isn’t what you see on mtv and bet ANDÂ most of all keep myself outta trouble.

HW: What projects do you have going on right now?
Janks: right now I am working on a demo for numark. I have a couple of tracks on the new riotous outburst comp.( you can check them out on my top friends at myspace.com/poorfellowjanks ), slowly working on my solo album. and ressurecting ill phonetics.

HW: Closing lines?
Janks: remember why we do this. know your history, know your roots. doint be too quick to pass judgement, BE HUMBLE. everyone is out here doing this because they have a passion for it, regardless if they want to be famous or if they just want to have fun. life is too short, so wake the fuck up and get to work. up the punks!

For more information on what janks is up to please visit: Myspace.com/poorfellowjanks

His name is familiar with some comic hero. He makes monster beats, and whether you realize it or not he is holding down providence, RI. Say hello to Charles Exsavoir

HW: To those that might not be familar with you, please state your name and what you bring to the table.
CX: Charles ExSavior, also called The Professor. Raps and production are my “fork and knife” so to speak.

HW: How long have you been rapping?
CX: A total of 8 years I’ve been discovering my style of rap, and I’ve been producing for almost 4 years.

HW: What was your first memory of making a track and how did you feel about it? also do you still feel that way about that track?
CX: My first track was called “What You Can Have”, and the feeling I get out of the track is self-assurance that I have what it takes to educate people on what a real emcee is. To this day I express the same feelings I’ve encountered on the track. Call it carrying on tradition if you would.

HW: what are you influences?
CX: Everyday situations, whether it’s yours or mine. A majority of my rhymes help the crowd relate to me. To help the consumer enjoy my music more, I’ll use references from movies, cartoons, biographies, politics, games, sports…whatever motivates me at the time of writing.

HW: What has been your best moment in your time as an artist?
CX: The release of my first CD. The reaction I got from my fans, friends and family were nothing short of amazing.

HW: You make beats, do you dj also?
CX: If I do DJ, it is only when I organize my set on a CD. I do my best to make really good blends and transitions when I put a show together.

HW: what goes into the process for you when you sit down and start creating beats.
CX: When I first started, it was easy considering that all I had to do was dig up inspiration…you know, stuff I’ve grown up listening and watching. But lately, my sound has leaned away from sampling, and has been based off of imagination and making sure the melody matches the drums. When I first started, I kept discovering new sounds and learning how to use the program (FL Studio 6). Now it’s all about having a formula I can rely on to make a beat faster and sound more efficient.

HW: what do you think of the local scene
CX: The local scene has very diverse acts, but sometimes, it can be tainted and selfish. Whenever we get good acts from out of town, there will be that one guy hogging all the shows with the same acts he likes to bring along with him. That can get very boring and repetitive.

HW: What are you listening to right now?
CX: Today’s music, I’m really into Blu & Exile’s “Below The Heavens”, Joell Ortiz’s “The Brick”, Bishop Lamont & Black Milk’s “Caltroit” and El-P’s “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead”. When I gotta dig back in the past for something serious, I’ve been listening to Slum Village’s “Fantastic Vol. 1″, Nas’ “It Was Written” and Common’s “Like Water For Chocolate” as of late.

HW: If you stopped rapping tommorow what would you want the community to remember you for?
CX: I will be remembered for my original style, great stage presence, and keeping myself in my own class. I feel nobody can bring what I can as far as Rhode Island goes, so I thank Dante “The Voice” for coaching me on how to win fans, and my brother Tank for showin’ me how to sound raw with the beats.

HW: what is your overall goal of this?
CX: To establish a humble age in Hip Hop, where honest, authentic Rap music can matter once again. It’s tough to reach my goal considering how corporate the music has gone compared to the early 90s, but it always begins with the fans. I win them one at a time, but I’m sure to leave an impact rather than an impression.

HW: What projects do you have going on right now?
CX: I was working on a mixtape, but the recording process didn’t work out in my favor. I guess it’s all about me getting it off the ground again, but I’ve been making so many beats, I oughta make my own “Donuts” (J Dilla) type of CD. Ultimately, I’m working on “A Professor Gone Mad” full-length album to follow the 5 track EP. I’m taking my time with it, ’cause the 5 tracks I put out in 2007 are better than most albums!

HW: Closing lines?
CX: It somewhat pains me that I’m leaving Rhode Island for California after building a start of my rap career here. But I can’t complain because I’m loving my new job to the fullest!
East Side 401k. One love.

Here is a free track from Charles Exsavior

What You Can Have: [audio:http://www.401hiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/01-what-you-can-have.mp3]

for more information goto Myspace.com/Charlesexsavior

and for something extra special Charles just sent me a free mixtape to get out there here is his description for it

For all you smart dumb cats in RI.-Charles Exsavior

Click here to download!

Jotsone has been making the rounds in the Providence scene for a minute now. I had a chance to stop him and talk to him about life and the pursuit of whats dope. interested? good. click the read more link already!!

Jotsone – Hungry
[audio:http://www.401hiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/jotsone-biblical-proportions-vol-1-hungry.mp3]

HW: Let the world know what your name is and what you do.
Jotsone: my name is JotsOne, and i sleep, rapping in time between naps.

HW: What are your major influences.
Jotsone: major influences include the wu-tang, j dilla, the whole native tongues movement, mf doom, immortal technique, definitive jux, but also all of hip-hop in general, both good and shitty.

HW: When did you start rapping? what was your first reaction after making your first track?
Jotsone: i started rapping in high school on and off, but i got serious about it when i was about 17. when i finished my first track, i didnt really have much of a reaction, other than probably saying ‘wow, i’m a rapper now i guess.

HW: Interesting you just knew that this was it?
Jotsone: i just didn’t really even know what the hell i was doing at that point. i did it just to see if i could do it, and i liked doing it, so i made the decision to run with it a bit more.

HW: Ok, ok so tell me What was your first show experience?
Jotsone: I did a show called ’sounds of summer’ in my hometown, which was basically a huge end-of-summer bash thrown in my friend vito’s backyard. I hadn’t even considered shows at that point, but he asked me to do it and i was all over it. i had 19ninty7 come down and rock it with me, and i think it went pretty well – there was an enormous crowd there, and it definitely helped with exposure.

HW: ok what do you feel about the current state of Hip Hop?
Jotsone: while we’ve got a serious problem with the overall image of hip-hop being ruined by the awful mainstream acts calling themselves by that name, i think the actual state of hip-hop really isn’t as bad as it may seem. radio rap sucks, but as long as true hip-hop artists continue to focus on the creation of new and innovative music, our culture will be just fine.

HW: what do you think of the local music scene currently?
Jotsone: i think our scene -and by our scene i mean rhode island and southeastern massachusetts and the like – is going to start garnering a lot more attention nationally very, very soon. we’ve got so much talent brewing down here, it’s only a matter of time before we finally get the credit we deserve. being so close to boston and NY, it’s kind of a given that the new england scene would go under-appreciated, but since i’ve gotten involved in this whole thing i’ve seen a lot of cats make great strides in their music, so we won’t be under-appreciated for very much longer.

HW: ok, ok now what projects you got going on right now.
Jotsone: Currently I’m sort of hard at work on a new solo LP, currently untitled. I’m also working on another Biblical Proportions free mixtape that will probably be featured exclusively online (and if any of you artists out there are interested in throwing one of your tracks on it, email me at JotsOne@gmail.com or get at my myspace and we can talk). I’m also working with Kalamity on our group, The Indigo Kids, but that will probably be more of a late-summer-early-fall thing.

HW: Who are you listening to right now?
Jotsone: i’ve been on a de la soul kick for the past 3 months or so, but in between de la i’ve been bumping zion i and the grouch’s ‘heroes in the city of dope’ a lot. mobb deep’s ‘the infamous’ has been getting some spins lately too.

HW: When your not rapping what are you doing?
Jotsone: sleeping or ingesting mass quantities of alcohol. actually, i’ve made an effort to get serious about schoolwork lately, too, so i’ve been doing a lot of that.

HW: if you died tommorow what would you want people to say about you?
Jotsone: what a weird question. what would i want them to say? obviously i wouldn’t hate it if everyone said that i was the best person they had ever met and that life without me would be completely empty and hollow since they had experienced my amazingness and absolutely nothing could compare, but since that’s a bit unlikely, i’d like people to say whatever they actually thought about me – who gives a fuck, i’m dead, right.

HW:Any closing lines?
Jotsone: peace to everyone who has ever helped me in any way with this music shit, because i’d be absolutely nowhere without you. to all those who didn’t believe in me, thank you, too. if the presidential primaries are done by the time this comes out, either vote for obama or whoever isn’t hillary clinton. be on the lookout for the indigo kids, too!

HW: where can people find more jotsone music?
Jotsone: you can hop over to my personal myspace, which is www.myspace.com/jotsoneproductions, and you can peep the indigo kids at www.myspace.com/indigokidshiphop

Well if you liked the interview and your too lazy to check out the links we got some songs right here for ya!

The Indigo Kids – Superfriends
[audio:http://www.401hiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/full_47f90a104e280e68af3d19e0fa927307.mp3]

You might know him, you might not, but regardless 19ninty7 brings to the table what music needs….originality. Check the interview after the jump!

19ninty7 – Dark Candle Tribute [audio:http://www.401hiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/06-track-6.mp3]

HW:Let the people on the interwebz know what your name is and what is it you do.
97-I am 19NINTY7, but you can call me NINTY7. I independently write, record & produce my own music. Music is something I really enjoy & take very serious. Indie is the term, for the slow heads I’m going to break it down. What I accomplish is based strictly on how hard I work. In order to succeed I must generate a fanbase or following. In order to create a fanbase I have to get out there, physically by doing tours to rock shows, aesthetically with a myspace music page to reflect the art I create. In essence I attack pop culture in every form possible so that I may increase the opportunities I get to capitalize on & opportunity & hard work is a road for success.

HW: What and who are your major influences
97: First off in life, you must possess the will to learn to be successful. Same goes for an aspiring indie rapper like myself. Learning to write my lyrics as I feel them, produce beats as I want them to sound, record songs that hit home & rock shows that inspire others has been a learning experience. So when I take a brief moment to reflect on it, this pops in my head. Look what I have accomplished in such a short amount of time, imagine where i will be in ten years! That idea alone influences me to work harder than ever. like anyone else I have my roots as well. Wu Tang, Lord Quas, J Dilla & MF DOOM are all influences that keep my inspired.

HW: When did you start rapping? what was your first reaction after making your first track?
97: The basement freestyle sessions Started back in my sophomore year of high school, so 2002. I never wrote anything at the time but I spit freestyles frequently. It was mostly for fun. A crew of local kids & myself would record the sessions on this old boom box, low quality but it got the job done. I remember listening to the tapes we made thinking I just might be the illest rapper ever. Then my head shrank down to size. Those were good times. When I finally took up recording a real project it was the summer of 2004. I remember listening to Unknown Accuracy the first track on what would become The Indefinite Voices demo, & having a sense of accomplishment. I also knew I needed to improve, thus my desire to be the best was born.

HW:how was your first show. what did it feel like performing?
97: My first show wasn’t what I expected. Someone from some label called Delusional Records asked me if I wanted to perform. Without second guessing I agreed. The venue didn’t set the mood neither did I. I was a rookie. I had the passion even some intensity, I just had no idea what it really took to deliver a solid performance. It was a good experience because it hinted at the things I had to do to get better. Hands on experience is always the best that was merely the first step on the road to where I am now. Regardless of how poorly I had performed, I still enjoyed it to the fullest extent.

HW: how do you feel about the state of hip hop? how about locally?
97: I feel like the mainstream is overshadowing alot of good music. The Industry is an Industry indeed, its based on money. The only station on the radio I listen to is 90.3 I don’t watch mtv or bet. I would rather dig through some Thrift Store record crates then keep myself up to date on who the new one hitter quitter is today. That said I do pay close attention the local Providence underground. I feel like the scene has been growing for the last year or so in a very positive manor. There is alot of talent from the vets down to the newbies. I enjoy the local shows and am proud to be involved.

HW: what have you been listening to recently?
97: When at home, the beats I have been making on my Fantom X6 or one of the very many vinyl’s I have like my old time radio record, classic material. However when Driving I have had Deltron 3030
in the deck for some while now. It’s a favorite of mine.

HW: When your not rapping what are you doing?
97: Making beats, Ive been on the keyboard alot lately. I follow sports closely & keep myself up to date I also spend time with family & friends on the regular.

HW: have you toured, how was it?
97: Yes I have. It was an experience. Drive all day to the next city, rock a show & then repeat. Tour where the mic leads is my motto. I enjoy Visiting new cities & meeting artists to network with, its a good feeling when people show up to hear you too. If your taking music serious & your independent you have to tour. Putting music & merch in peoples hands is the best way to grow the name & when you do it across the country or even the world your increasing your chances for success. I will be embarking on a short tour in March infact, so I am excited about that.

HW: best show you have ever been to, best performance you feel you have given.
97: This is tough because there are two shows that stand out in my mind. One is Atmosphere with Brother Ali at the old Lupos & the other is KRS 1 at Lupos @ the strand. I will say the KRS show was the best. Apparently KRS had transportation problems getting to Providence. It was getting late & he was looking like a no show. Suddenly BAM!!! KRS 1 is on stage. Lupos lit with energy & his performance was dope. After he finished on stage he proceeded to desend onto the floor with the crowd. Someone from his crew followed with congo drums or something & KRS ripped freestyles with no microphone. That made the show for me. something I had never seen before. As far as my best personal performance there was this one time in Bloomington Indiana.we had been driving all day & tension between everyone in the car was running high. There were arguments & nearly fisticuffs. We finally got into town & all that jazz & I was just on point when I spit that night. Because I overcame some adversity from earlier that day it still stands out to me.

HW:What projects are you currently working on.
97: I am currently recording an EP. It is called “Tight Wire Roads Over Open Pressure”. Featuring Production from Graymatter, Charles Exsavior, Scalene, Patti B & Argon. Theres no official date but around September expect it to drop. Check it, “its worth the listen & the lesson found” (quiz).

HW: where can people find out more information about you?
97: check me out at www.myspace.com/indefart or just Google 19NINTY7

HW: If you died tomorrow what would you want people to remember you for?
97: Just that I did this out of my love for music. Thats real. I’m not in search of fame or fortune. I simply do what must be done to help my music survive & I love every experience I am blessed with. For those graf writer kids though, particularly the ones who listen to krylon zion, tag my name if I pass.

HW: any closing lines?
97:I would like to thank www.401hiphop.com for making me artist of the month & everyone I work with & am associated with for helping me get here.
Peace & Love
Take care
NINTY7

Accidental Supremacy- [audio:http://www.401hiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/12-track-12.mp3]