THE REBEL LIFE

Proph the Problem is the grandmaster sinsei in Cleveland’s hip-hop dojo

Top tier lyricist becomes first independent Cleveland artist to rock a show in Singapore

By GEZUS ZAIRE

Rebel Life Media/www.ClevelandHipHop.net

He’s been a hero for the backpack fans, a member of the short lived supergroup The Titans and a critically acclaimed Cleveland based lyricist.

In a city where many imitate what seems to work for somebody else, Proph the Problem is working on his own thing, a thing that he calls Dojo Flow. It takes a bold man to venture out to his own style of flow and Proph is the right rhyme martial artist to develop it into something lethal.

Zaire: You are headed toward the middle of your first decade as a rap artist in the city. What’s your current feelings on where you are as an artist and where the city stands as of now?­­

Proph: I’m feeling more determined than ever before. I think that for an artist with no mainstream rotation or major looks, it makes a statement when you can remain relevant.

I just became the first [independent] Cleveland artist to perform live in Singapore. That’s 12 time zones away.

I would say that with guys like Chip [tha Ripper], [Kid] Cudi and MGK [Machine Gun Kelly] the Cleveland music scene is beginning to see more attention. I’m proud as hell of the artists in my city who are still striving. It takes a lot of will and a lot of courage to continue on in times where it seems your own city doesn’t support what you do. Hats off to those who don’t give a fuck.

Zaire: You have seen a lot over the years, both good and bad in the city. For the new people coming up right now, what advice would you have for them that wasn’t provided for you at the time you started?­­

Proph: The best advice is not to let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Until you’ve failed and given up – you – yourself don’t even know what you can’t do. Other than that, be yourself and let your audience find you.

Zaire: You came into the game with a strong debut [“The Proph LP” (2007)] and you told me that you would not try to make a better album, but just another dope album. So far you have put together great songs that sound totally different from when you started. Was that your plan or did it just sort of happen?

Proph: I wouldn’t say there was any real plan. When music is made according to a plan you’re limiting yourself. I grew up listening to just about every genre. Coming into my own as a musician, I really wanted to be able to pour all of my influences into my music. I wanted the flow to be compatible with any style. One of the things I wanted to accomplish with [my latest album] “Midwest Fressshhh” was to showcase the Dojo Flow on all levels. Pop to boom bab, lyrical to comical, the Dojo Flow is the name of my flow. It’s all about adaptability, versatility, strength, technique and finesse

Zaire: Dojo Flow, nice name. Are there any other artists in the city that have Dojo Flow?­­

Proph: No one else has the Dojo Flow. This is one of the reasons why you can’t know what to expect from me other than quality.

Zaire: So you’re like the Sho’Nuff of Cleveland and there is no Bruce LeRoy.­­

Proph: Humility is something you learn in a dojo.

Zaire: Well Proph, as usual it’s been an honor. Tell the people what’s next up your sleeve before we wrap this up.­­

Proph: Pleasure’s mine this time homey. “Problem University” is coming next. The music is fresh and inspired. The production [is] crazy. This time is for keeps. Shouts out to Prhymal Rage, West 41st Side, Rebel Army Radio and everyone that’s rocking with us still. Get set to Wreck!

(This interview is the official property of Rebel Life Media and www.ClevelandHipHop.net)

THE REBEL LIFE

Chaunice Japan versus the mainstreamCleveland 16-year-old rap artist wants to add depth to the game’s lyrical output

By GEZUS ZAIRERebel Life Media/www.ClevelandHipHop.net

I pride myself on being able to find unknown Cleveland artist and provide them an opportunity to get an audience. My latest discovery in the vast sea of rappers in Cleveland is a 16-year-old rapper who goes by the name of Chaunice Japan. After making a cameo appearance on Wise Guy’s “Spilled Milk” album, this young lady is working on a project that she assures will encourage thought.Most will agree that collectively women are complicated and the same goes for the mind of Chaunice Japan. Don’t get me wrong – to be complicated is not bad. To be simple – or as Chaunice puts it – to be “mainstream” is bad. Let’s get complicated. Welcome to Japan.
Zaire: Different generations have different things that are important to them. At 16-year-old what is coming out of your pen as a rap artist?
CJ: Strictly me. All me. My surroundings. My feelings. Mostly poetic. I like to use different point of views and also personify things around – and of me – if you get what I mean.
Zaire: OK, so what are your feelings, surroundings and the different point of views that make you worth listening to?
CJ: Hmm. Good one. My feelings are exactly what a young woman my age would feel. I think adding them into my writing will engage [the listener] more – not only into hip-hop but an actual lyrical rapper that’s a female. ’Cause the majority of females who are rappers that young people do listen to, are mainstream. Mainstream as in pretty much nonsense. My feelings are hurt, rage, confusion etc. My surroundings – the followers, haters, wannabes, fakes. And I actually write from their point of view in my notebook. It’s something people especially us young ones can relate to.
Zaire: You have a unique stance on what you like, because most folks under 25 have embraced an era of ringtone hits, catchy hooks and dance routines. What made you rebel against that? 
CJ: I see more of that than more of real music. Real music to me is expression, feelings, personal point of views. Most artists now-a-days to me just write just for the fame to say “I’m a rapper.” And they can do it easily with a catchy hit song.

Zaire: Do your friends agree with your feelings or do they see you as a complainer or better yet a hater for your critical feelings about the current state of rap?
CJ: Oh no! I’m not a hater. Oh no. I’m really gentle about it. It’s not a hate thing. I support some of today’s music. I’m just saying it’s mostly nonsense than real music I can relate to. And yes [my friends] feel quite the same. We like music, we just have a certain fashion, we’d like to bring back to equalize the catchy and the real. Ok, for example “Racks on Racks,” I love that song, but I can’t say I can relate.
Zaire: Is there a planned release date for your first project at all? What are your biggest expectations behind it?
CJ: I have to work on it. I’m going step by step. I’m just trying to get heard. And I expect love, respect and if I’m lucky – actual listeners who like what I’m talking about.
(This interview is the official property of Rebel Life Media and www.ClevelandHipHop.net)

THE REBEL LIFE

Cleveland’s Young Gun shoots the truth

A year after dropping first mixtape, artist has hopes of launching indy national tour

By GEZUS ZAIRE

Rebel Life Media/www.ClevelandHipHop.net

His name says it all. Young Gun is fresh, new and ready to shoot his brand of rap your way. A year after dropping “Cleveland’s Finest” he talks about what may have been the album’s most powerful song “Crackland,” which was an ode to the city’s harsh economic plight. In an era where rap is being accused of being nonchalant about real politics, Young Gun almost crushed that opinion with the hook alone.

Zaire: It seems like Cleveland has a ton of rappers. What do you think inspires most people in the city to pick up the art form? ­­

YG: I think that a lot of people are inspired to be rappers by the money and the fame. I think there is also a good amount of people who really look at rapping as an art form. Cleveland has one of the highest poverty rates in the country and I think that motivates people to find a way to survive and make something from nothing.

Zaire: You have a song called “Crackland” and it references the impoverished conditions of the city and how it forces people to kill and sell poison to their people. Talk about that song and the message you were trying to relay.

YG: I decided to name the song “Crackland” because to me it emphasizes the reputation of the city of Cleveland. Even though there are a lot of people who are not involved in selling drugs, [it] is a name that Cleveland has been given. The title is more so to express the high poverty, high unemployment, high crime rates and poor education that affect the city as a whole. Living in Cleveland, a lot of people get use to these conditions so I think the title, “Welcome to Crackland,” gives a more vivid picture of that than [a title like], “Welcome to Cleveland,” [would have].

Zaire: You dropped “Cleveland’s Finest” last summer. What were some of your goals when you released that mixtape and have they been met?­

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YG: Initially I wanted to go to as many different cities and states as I could to promote my mixtape. I wanted to use my music to network and gain fans outside of my hometown. This was a good experience for me. I feel like I met my goals but this made me have bigger expectations for my next mixtape.

I was able to learn more about what I wanted to do and what I didn’t want to do the next time around. I want to start an independent tour of the USA and Canada. I was able to go to California, Florida, Georgia, Washington, Missouri and I even took some of my music overseas to Amsterdam.

Zaire: How does a Cleveland based artist who doesn’t have the financial backing of a major label put together an independent tour around the country?

YG: It might seem impossible but it just takes a lot of planning. It’s a part of being an independent artist. I think it’s cheaper than people think. The hard part is finding people who are willing or able to travel around the country. A lot of people have responsibilities back home or some people just are not dedicated to put the work in outside of their city.

A lot of artist outside of Cleveland use their music to make the money. If you can sell 5,000 mixtapes for five dollars, that’s $25,000. I know it’s easier said than done but the market is there.

Zaire: What do you love most about being a rap artist in the city of Cleveland?

YG: I would have to say being an underdog. I don’t know what it is about the city of Cleveland but it is a special place and I think it’s motivating to be from a place that is always looked at as negative or being on the bottom. I think that the reason so many people from the city make when they go to other cities is because of the Cleveland mentality. I think it’s like an older brother being hard on his little brother all the time so when he goes out on his own he is better prepared. So I just appreciate the tough love this city has given me.

(This interview is the official property of Rebel Life Media and www.ClevelandHipHop.net)

THE REBEL LIFE

Rain the Quiet Storm starts ride with the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s protégés

Cleveland lyricist to drop Island/DefJam single July 15

By GEZUS ZAIRE

Rebel Life Media/www.ClevelandHipHop.net

Welcome to The Rebel Life on www.ClevelandHipHop.net. The Rebel Life is a rapid but in depth look at the people who contribute to the culture and art of hip-hop in the city of Cleveland. Every now and then we will have some outsiders from other cities who may be able to provide insight on how we can do things a little better as well. Our first interview features Cleveland’s own Rain the Quiet Storm.

A star of Cleveland-based rap motion picture “Rapland 216” Rain the Quiet Storm is now a member of the Brooklyn Zu’s Zu Bulliez. For those of you who don’t know the Brooklyn Zu is a part of the Wu-Tang Clan’s rich list of affiliates due to its connection with the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Rain the Quiet Storm is set to drop her first major digitally distributed single “Dangerous Game” on Island/DefJam. The official release party will be at Club Allure, 75 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, July 15.

Zaire: First off I want to wish you a happy birthday. Not only are you celebrating your birthday on July 15, you are also releasing a single on Island/DefJam. Give the people some insight. ­­

Rain: Well, first, thanks for the happy b-day wishes. The single I’m releasing is a semi-familiar song titled “Dangerous Game.” The song is about the complications in relationships formed at the wrong time. The guy in the song is in a relationship and he is very much interested in his business partner. Though she knows it’s not a good idea, she still fantasizes about being with him mentally as well as physically.

Zaire: Great. Well on the business side of things, how was the digital distribution deal struck with Island/DefJam and what will be the benefits of it?

Rain: The connections that I have bridged with more established artists made it possible. It’s all about the professional relationships you build with others in music that will decide how successful you will be. I was just blessed to have my brothers in the Zu Bulliez behind me to make it possible. The main benefit is digital distribution, which means it will be available to the entire world. This means I will have a release that I can market to anyone anywhere.

Zaire: You have done something that only a handful of Ohioans have been able to do. The most well known Wu-Tang affiliates from Ohio were 4th Disciple, Berretta 9 and Shogun Assassin of Killarmy. You are now affiliated with Brooklyn Zu’s, offshoot Zu Bulliez. Inform Clevelanders about the crew that you are now working with.­­

Rain: The Brooklyn Zu’s, Zu Bulliez is headed by Lord Buddha Monk and includes Dungeon Master, Menace, Judah Priest, The H.U.R.T., Rest, Cash, and the Quiet Storm. These are my brothers, my fam, and we comin’ at you with a new movement. Buddha Monk wants to do something fresh with the Brooklyn Zu.

Peace to the Brooklyn Zu for the foundation. But we just want to make good hip hop and do high energy performances. If you never been to a show, it’s wild! I’m honored to have an association with such a legendary brand and the opportunities are endless. There are so many great producers and emcees. It’s really amazing.

Zaire: At one time, like many hip-hop fans in the 1990s you were a fan listening to cassettes and CDs of the WU-Tang Clan. To now be standing in the doorway of a hip-hop empire has to be a bit astounding when you think about it.­­

Rain: It is again an honor and very overwhelming to know that I have that stamp of approval as an emcee. Most emcees love wordplay and enjoy manipulating the English language to express views, experiences, etc. And I definitely do! So to be acknowledged, seems surreal.

Zaire: Unlike many artists in the city, you have not attempted a career in music out of desperation, imitation or for the need of attention. Give a word of advice to artists in the city who don’t seriously pursue education and financial responsibility. ­

Rain: I have pursued an education because of the parenting I’ve received during development and I came to realize personally how important it is. But one other thing I can say is, this music thing happens for you in its time and you don’t know when that is – or it may not even be for you. You have to make plans for a future. I think so many people don’t believe in the reality of a future, [instead they] worship the present! I think so many people have been through so much that they don’t want to see a future, and life is hard, but if you positively and strategically plan to make things happen – they do!

(This interview is the official property of Rebel Life Media and www.ClevelandHipHop.net)