Black Panther Still Here Still Strong

While searching through one my many social network pages I came across one of the more interesting people I've talked to recently. I now am proud to introduce the Brooklyn born and bread Dj Black Panther, music producer and visionary. He hails from the boro of your favorite rapper's favorite rapper; the home of the emcee. His passion started at age 16 as a singer, and he his now an adult producing classics! This gentleman has written produced and deejayed during his career spanning across 12 years. Black Panther has a view of music similar to that of Neo's view of the Matrix. He strives to constantly produce new sounds and can be quoted as saying,

" I don’t even want to sound like myself on too many tracks."

With that type of sentiment we should see an ever changing and evolving musical artist. Which will always be much anticipated.



Would you tell us a little bit about yourself, and how long have you been in the game?

My name is Michael Eric Hill, but I’m better known as Dj Black Panther. I have been involved in hip hop in many capacities and I feel I have been in the game all my life. I have been officially since 97 when I started Deejaying and doing mixtapes. Before that I was dancing in music videos and doing a little acting so even before 97.

Many producers can play instruments and write songs as well. Can you play a musical instrument, if so what instrument, and do you also write songs?

I wouldn’t say I can play instruments but I have an ear for music and its structure. I can sit down and create melodies, hooks, bridges, Main and lay all parts of a piece of music. And I’m not talking in P. Diddy fashion, whereas he instructs others to play the instruments as he sees, having others bring out his vision. I can sit in front of a keyboard and make something out of nothing, and when I play it for people and tell them I don’t play they think I’m lying. But I have been fooling around and learning the keys in a more traditional fashion so it’s coming. I do write songs, I use to do it a lot more when I thought of pursuing a Career as a singer but I have recently been starting to write again, and have been known to put my "two cents" into a record I’m recording as far as lyrics.


At what age did you first realize you wanted to be a producer?

Well I think ever since I was 16, I wanted to sing, and I was singing in the church choir and I never thought about singing and not producing the material so I would have to say I was 16 when it came to thought.

Many people may have heard a Black Panther track and not realized it. Who all have you worked with and on what songs?

I hear that a lot, it reminds me of Pete Rock. He made so many classic records and so much material and people don’t realize it was him who produces the tracks. I’m not saying I’m on Pete’s Level yet but I’m putting my work in and let the listener’s decided. I have worked with Murs on his Varsity Blues Ep on a song called “The Deepest Blue” I have done a song with Jean Grae called “The Darkest Night Ever!!” I have produced a song for C Rayz Walz called “Camouflage” from his Ravipops Def Jux Debut. I have recently produced a track for Kwote Scriptures Feat. Mr. Cheeks(Lost Boyz) called “You can’t Change the World” I have produced a song for Maya Azucena’s album, a song called “Get It Together” the video is currently in rotation on VH1 Soul and BET J. And I have produce a song for the new Kurious Jorge album as well as a song I did with Umi from The Dead Prez Camp featuring Fred Hampton Jr. for the Black Panther Party.

How would you describe your production style?

I would describe my production style as an incorporation of Hip Hop, Rock, Soul, and R & B told through the eyes of one man’s revolution on sound and purpose. It is designed to be personal and meant to be shared. I’m very drum influenced and it is my favorite part to create in a track, that is where a lot of the passion and soul lies for me. If I would pick just one word to describe my music I would have to say it would be “Meaningful”

Who are or were some of the producers that inspired you and your style?

I would have to say the RZA is a great influence on me as far as soulful music, and great creativity. I have to mention Dr. Dre; he’s a great influence on me. His vision and the way he created a movement and feel with his music, he created cinema with his production and that is something I strive for. I would also mention Pete Rock for his constant musicianship and he’s body of work and Kanye West and Timbaland for there constant Reinvention of the wheel (Their Sound). And last but not least I’m inspired by the that young boy who wanted so bad to be a part of the music and culture, and didn’t know he had it in him to make music that moved him let alone others, me.

Many people are saying that Hip-Hop is dead or on life support. What is your opinion about the current status of the game?

I think Hip Hop as we knew it is dead. And I feel it is going through a phase of growth and new discovery. The park jams of yester year are gone. As well as doing this only for the love. It has become big business, and we as artist have to realize that. We still must have the passion purpose and meaning in our music but we also have to be aware of the Industry and how it is evolving. The whole concept of “I want to be signed” is becoming a way of the past as well as Major Labels. And artist have power and more control over their product and image and the way they deliver music, videos, and information to the listener’s. I feel the old standards of Hip Hop are dead but we must adapt to what music is becoming, as well as pay homage and adhere to the foundation it was built on, for change is the death of the past.

Do you believe that New York's Totalitarian control over Hip-Hop has finally been broken? If so would you say it is for better or worse?

I feel, so what if it has. I’m New York, Brooklyn born and raised and I think it died the moment we started asking if it died. The whole concept of “New York” rap dying is a concept thought up not by the Hip Hop culture but the Executives running these labels. We act as if the south, west coast or Midwest are different planets and are so amazed that they can rap there. Rap is like child growing into a man, it expands and reaches out into different areas and regions. It grows as its audience grows and matures. If I had one thing to say it would be that New York Rap will never die because even as these other regions and countries develop their artist and gain popularity it is New York where this was born. Their success is a shining example of what was built here and we should embrace the future as well as the founding fathers who made this all possible.



What do you use primarily to make your tracks, and how you feel about beat making programs such as Fruity Loops and Garage Band?

What I use to make tracks is my MPC 2000Xl, Reason, Sonar, Melodyne and Sampletank and I’m good. I don’t have a problem with producers using Fruity Loops, Garage Band or any of the other programs. I feel it’s what you bring to the table and how you use the programs that matter the most. I’ve seen some producers I know use a shitty ass program and made some incredible music and some producers using the latest and greatest and made shit so it’s up to the person using it and there creativity.

Many producers have often turned into Hip-Hop artists or record label execs. Is this something in your future?

Well I don’t see myself turning into a recording artist; I’m more of a behind the scenes kind of person. But as for turning into a label Executive I do have a digital label that I put out my last project “My Eternal Winter” on. It’s called Manekineko Pro (duction) and we are developing a few project that we are very excited about and are bringing to the light. We a re-working with Respect Tha God from the Perverted Monks on his solo debut as well as Agent Smith a west coast Emcee on his Debut as well and in the Beginning stages of a new Black Panther record as well.

How hard is it coming up with new sounds, harmonies, and melodic compositions? Do you find yourself ever sounding like someone else?

I don’t think it’s hard to come up with new sounds, harmonies, and melodic compositions, but I do think it takes time to do so. Sometimes, to speak for myself, it can take a few minutes to a few days or more. I feel we are to hung up on "fast food" music and celebrate making something fast instead of making a piece of music good enough to stand the test of time. If you go to any party to this day you will still hear classic joints “The Bridge Is Over,” “Shook Ones,” and so on and so on. That’s because good music will stand that test of time and live through generations. I never find myself sounding like any other producer cause I constantly try to challenge myself and my boundaries. I don’t even want to sound like myself on too many tracks. I can’t stand to feel stagnant and I’m my own worse critic.

Who are some artists that you want to hear on on your tracks R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, or Rock?

I would love to record with Mos Def. I’ve been fan of his ever since I copped the first single “Universal Magnetic”, and with his range I think we could come up with some great music. T.I., I have been a real fan of his of late and I really like how he has developed as an artist and I love the new tone his music has taken. Kanye, even though he is a great producer in his own right I would love to work with him. In the R& B world I would like to work with Keri Hilson I love her voice, Alicia Keys without question one of the most talented singers of our time and I’m sure she will go down in the history books. And Estelle I really love her last record and the way she incorporates Hip Hop in her music with a clear R & B edge is great. Pop music I think any producer would love to work with Justin Timberlake. He is such a gifted artist and is so versatile and he always comes with great records. I would have to also say Adam Levine from Maroon 5. That’s one of my guilty pleasures right there I love that group and I think there music is timeless. This is a new group but The Script, I would love to work with them. They have a song out right now, “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved,” that I really like. In rock I would have to think about that one; no one really stands out to me that I would see myself working with.

Kanye West said on the album "College Dropout," that he was "making five beats a day for three summers." How often you are in the lab and how many tracks do you turn out each day?

I love that Kanye line because it’s so true; you have to lock yourself up sometimes and create and create to get some of your best material. I do at times make three beats a day or more but with me it’s about quality. Even though I do make a lot of tracks I keep going back to them re-work them, and try to bring them out more and more instead of just having hundereds of okay tracks I'd rather have 50 strong songs. But I’m in the lab everyday whether it’s to work on new music, or revamping the older tracks or just finding new ways of using my equipment.

What would you say are the most important skills that a producer should have?

I would have to say the most important skill is to have as a producer is to have an ear for the progression and structure of music. It is the basis of all music no matter what the genre or style. You have to know how to create a full and complete song from melody, to refrains, bridges, and beyond. To understand why certain songs work and how they don’t is essential when your working in the studio with an artist, and your helping them make the best work they need to be able to lean on your ear for input.


Who are your top five emcees and of all time dead or alive?

My top five list would go something like this:

In no particular order

1. B.I. G.
2. Tupac
3. Nas
4. Jay Z
5. Eminem



For those reading this that have heard of you and those that haven't but may have heard a track and are interested in production; how would they get in touch with you?

For all production and other inquires they can contact me at manekinekopro@gmail.com and I also have a link for production inquires at www.djblackpanther.com in the contact section.

Stix Still Flows

Recently, I was afforded the opportunity chat with a good humored emcee from Nashville, TN. This MBA graduate and former Belmont student has grown drastcally as an emcee. Stix has gone from gritty to insightful, meaningful lyrics. This artist now expresses a depth rarely seen by artists his age in this day and time. To put it simply Stix Izza beast!

Whats good Stix Izza? How's life been since Spring Bling?

Life has been cool, moved out of the city and moved back. Put out 8 mixtapes, won mixtape artist of the year in 08, worked with some major artists/ producers, been on a couple tours, just been working, and preparing the release of my new cd now. Although the last three months I have been completly shucking and not releasing any music, which will all be discussed on my new CD.

Stix Izza, when did you throw the Izza at the end? Was it due to copyright infringement from the old rock band?

[Laughs] Nah it wasn't becasue of the rock band, shout out to them. I think they spelled their name Styx though. But I did a song off my first cd titled "Stix Izza." At the time I went to college at Belmont, and my friends used to just call me Izza after that. So, eventually i just put the Izza at the end of Stix, and it just stuck with me

When did you decide that music was the path for you?

I decided music was my path when i was writing songs instead of going to class and got kicked out of school [laughs]. Nah but seriously it was when I was in college and didnt think about anything but music every day. And that it was something I had a passion for and wanted to excel in that. So wit that being said, I just went after it and havent looked back since.

How long have you been writing and rapping?

I would say around 9 years. I wrote my first song in 8th grade. I went to high school at MBA (Montgomery Bell Academy), and played basketball there. On our road trips I used to freestyle on the bus an p**s people off [laughs]. I didn't take it to serious then.

We all know you rap, but do you also produce or ghostwrite at this point?

Yeah, I have just began to produce my own records. Which is a plus for me, and I've been ghost writing for artists/singers for the last two years, and not only hip hop either.

You're from the south and that may come as a shock to some. So what do you think about the current state of Hip-Hop is it dead, on life support, or thriving in the south?

I think it is alive and well in the south, but its seems people are angry because New York doesn't have the game in a cobra clutch any longer.
I think mainstream hip hop should incorporate more real lyricists into the their equation. I don't think hip hop is dead. I think it lives everywhere. It's not that serious to say it's dead. The labels might have watered down the mainstream hip hop but it lives everywhere, and especially in the south.

If memory serves me well I believe you were once affiliated with All-Star, Young Rell, Broadway, and those guys. Is that still in effect, and are you affiliated with any other local producers or artists?

Yeah, I've worked with all those guys. I started off with Rell ,Star, Paper, Fate, Coop, and etc. Broadway produced my entire first two cd's, so shout out to him. I've been working with a singer/producer/party and event planner Mario "Rio" Moore, lately as well. Ocean Jones and myself just recorded a new record with Young Buck. I also just did a record produced by super producer Craig King called "Stay Away," but i work with alot of guys from Nashville, its where I am from.

How would you describe your style?

Izzacredible!!!

In what ways do you believe that you have grown as an artist?

I've matured. I use to rap about a lot of things just to be rapping, for the hell of it. Now my songs have substance, meaning, maybe they help some people get through their day, maybe they don't, but it's about real life. Not just about one subject matter like I used spit about.

Many people have different opinions about Hip-Hop and what it is. It seems to have started in simplicity, however people now think it has to be complex. What do you think defines true Hip-Hop? Is it gripping lyricism, incredible metaphors, colorful stories, or is it just whatever drives a person to create, and spit words to a beat?

I think its creativity honestly, and having the courage to say what u want regardless of what people will think, and how they look at you. It is expressing yourself as a person.

Were you once signed to an indie label, and are you currently signed or in the works of closing a deal?

I used to be in a situation with an indie. Where i moved to Charlotte, NC, but I'm back to Nashville now. I am strictly just Stix Izza. I've been in talks with other indies, but I don't know if that's where I want to take my career right now.

Do you currently work closely with one producer, or do you try to branch out for a more diverse sound?

I have been in the studio a lot with Rio. Who sings as well, but I will branch out. I want to work with whoever wants to work with me and has alot of positive energy and creative ideas. I'm sick of the norm!

Are you currently working with any celebrity DJ's like DJ Drama, Clinton Sparks, Teknikz or Chuck T?

I've done one mixtape with Dj Chuck T called "Gotta Get It" which was a cool mixtape to me. I've been in contact with Dj Smallz and others, but right now I've been focusing on releasing an album more so than a mixtape.

For those that don't know you, what mixtape, album, or song would you say best embodies you as an artist?


Probably "You Should Love Me," I think that's a hard record people should listen to!

There are many legends in the game, of those who is your Top five dead or alive MC's?



Jay z

Eminem

Tupac

Big L

Biggie

The Art of Deejaying

Dj C-Dub, is an up and coming Dj on the club circuit. He is also breaking into the mixtape circuit with his monstrous "TKO" series. This young man is definitely someone to watch. Just come to Nashville, TN or surrounding area to see what the buzz is about. From scratching to artist breaking, Dj C-Dub is about his business and heading for greatness. Stay tuned and keep it lock on C-Dub. You will definitely be entertained. "Dj C-Dub Is The Knockout King!"



Hip-Hop Examiner: So for those that may not know you, who is Dj C-Dub?

Dj C-Dub: Dj C-Dub is the knockout king in Nashville, TN! I have my own creative style and talent. C-Dub, C comes from Corey that is my first name, and the Dub I came up with that from if you look it up in a dictionary like dubbing a tape it means to copy. How I came up with that is from when I travel to go see other Dj’s I see what their craft is, I copy it, create my own style with it, then bring it back home and create something new everybody hasn’t heard yet.

HHE: How did you get started and how long have you been in the game?

C-Dub: I’ve been in the game since November 2006 so that’s about two years. I’ve worked at the skating rink since I was about 16. When Dj C-Lo came to the skating rink to start Djing “Old School Sundays,” and when I seen the actual craft of using turntables I said "that’s what I want to do," cause I liked it. I’d go over his house every now and then, he’d actually show me how to mix songs together and blend two records together. Once that came about I’ve been on my own and every since then he says "I’ve created a monster!"

HHE: How difficult would you say it is to get into Djing?

C-Dub: You just gotta have a love for music, and an ear for music. Once you understand beats per minute and how to mix songs together then you’re good to go.


HHE: In what other capacities do you work other than as a Dj; are you a producer, rapper, songwriter, engineer, or event organizer?

C-Dub: Right now, I call myself an event organizer; I am getting ready to start my company D.U.B. Entertainment. D.U.B. also comes from C-Dub and is an acronym which stands for “Doing it Up Big.” I wanted to try to do something different in Nashville, and try to bring artists in. I have a connection right now with F.L.Y. they sing the song “Swag Surfing,” trying to get them to come in and just start D.U.B. Entertainment off right, to bring something new and something different for everybody.

HHE: As a young DJ in the game who were your influences? I see you mentioned C-Lo earlier.

C-Dub: Yeah, he’s one of them without him I wouldn’t have learned how to work them 1’s & 2’s. As far another influence I’d have to say Dj Ajay the guy that’s over the Derrty Dj’s based out of St. Louis. He works or 100.3 The Beat. He works in the program department, so seeing him work radio he does the five o’clock mixes at the radio station, does the hottest nightclubs at night, does concerts, finds sponsorship money, brings artists in, still runs the Derrty Dj’s, has us come in, he pays us, he gets a lot sponsorship, he’s involved with Pepsi (Pepsi Dj’s), he has a lot going on as far as Dj’s. Also, he works on promoting artists to record labels.


HHE: What would you say a Dj's primary job is and what skills should a Dj possess?

C-Dub: I believe there are two things a Dj should have. One thing is a Dj should break new records. It’s cool to be playing the same Webbie and Lil Boosie, but if you see a song that’s hot that’s not playing in your city that’s playing in another city you should network with other Dj’s. You should want to be the first to break it in your city. So you can say I broke that record right there nobody was that record right there until I started playing it. It makes you feel better as a Dj instead of just copying everybody else and doing the same thing. Another thing is a Dj should be an entertainer. That’s what people paid their money for to be entertained. When Ricky Smiley or Steve Harvey or Cedric the Entertainer gets up on that stage they are entertainers. They are there to entertain the people; the people came to pay their money to be entertained. So a Dj should get up there and entertain. It’s more to it than just playing songs or pushing play. You have to react with the crowd and get them to react back, so when they leave the club they want to say “Dang I had a good time. C-Dub rocked it.” So I feel that’s what a Dj should do.

HHE: I see you mentioned Derrty Dj’s earlier what Dj crew are you currently affiliated with?

C-Dub: Yeah, I am a part of Derrty Dj’s based out of St. Louis, the Futurestar Dj’s based out of Florida, right now though I am doing my paper work for the Core Dj’s that’s one of the bigger crews. A lot of their members do radio or they get on TV. They all network with each other. Tony Neil is over that. That’s my next move, and I am getting ready for the Core conference in April.

HHE: In listening to lots of mixtapes and frequenting clubs I've noticed that the art of scratching seems lost. However I did notice that you and Dj Crisis had a battle of sorts showcasing your skills. It was reminiscent of the "Juice" days and old school Hip Hop. Do you think that the art form is indeed lost or is it just not popular?

C-Dub: Yes, it is a loss, for someone who starts Djing I think they should be taught the art of scratching. When I started scratching I didn’t really know that there are many different types of scratches. There’s like 50 different types of scratches. Everybody thinks that there is just one, but there are several different types. If you go get a dvd or go on the internet and look up types of scratches you’ll see the different types of scratches. I went out and got a dvd about the different types of scratches. I haven’t mastered all of them yet but I am still trying. It is a loss for it. We have a lot of what I call cd players. They go into the club and just press play, and let a song play then when that song ends they’ll stop and do a little talking then play the next song. So I call those cd players not actual Dj’s or scratchers rather.

HHE: As a Dj I know a lot of artists are constantly trying to get music in your hands. Where do you see Nashville's Hip Hop scene within the next 5 years? Do you think it will be a hot bed for artist similar to Atlanta?

C-Dub: Nashville can be like that, but Nashville is closed-minded on music. If they have an open ear to more music it can be like that. Another thing is Nashville doesn’t have that outlet for new music. Besides 101 The Beat, and the reason for that is the way the programming is going over there. Programming is a little better, and the radio station is more community oriented. I feel that the new music can come to the radio before it hits the clubs. But, it’s the other way around the new music hits the club first, then its dead in club by the time it hits the radio, people are like “Man that’s already old.” So, it should be the other way around.

HHE: How many artists have you helped in their pursuit of stardom and are you currently associated with any artist?

C-Dub: Yeah, I’m associated with Rip “Cashville’s Ace” I am his Dj you know getting his thing started and off the road. Also Semi, he’s an artist here I am working with him.

HHE: I noticed that last year about April 5, 2008 “Keys 2 tha Chevy” was reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Single Sales.

HHE: And for all the fans of the "TKO" mixtape series, when will the next installment drop?

C-Dub: Matter of fact I am going to put it on Facebook today. You can get it on Facebook or you can shoot me message and get a copy. I am not going to press up many of this mixtape. It’s the “I’m So Cashville Mixtape.” I’m promoting artists from here that submitted music to me, and I feel that are sufficient enough to move on to the next level. I put them on their and mixed it in with a lot of Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy, and stuff like that. I tried to give you a variety so you’re not just listening to all of Nashville and bore you out. I mixed and blended it together. I’m working on Round 5 it should be ready by the end of April.

HHE: In recent years, there have been several DJs that have reached super stardom. Is stardom and albums in your future as well?

C-Dub: I would like to that. Get some hot producers on there and help produce the artists and also produce myself. Of course, I want to scratch and mix the songs on there. I believe a mixtape is not a mixtape unless you mix the songs together. If I do get that deal and get up there, you better believe that them songs will be mixed blended on the album.

HHE: Not to offend anyone but other than you, who would say is the hottest DJ in the city?

C-Dub: The hottest Dj in the city I’d have to go with C-Lo. If you checked the records there is not a one that says I don’t like him or I can’t stand him. He’s good with the Grown and Sexy crowd, college crowd, or weddings he’s an overall versatile Dj. Not to down anybody but each Dj has their own style. Whether it’s being good at the hood clubs, just good on the mixtapes, or throwing parties to make money, but as far as being versatile for the people I’d have to go with Dj C-Lo.

HHE: Do you have a weekly schedule, if so where can people catch you?

C-Dub: I do not have a weekly schedule. With me being from Nashville, I am busy doing teen parties, or I am doing house parties, or I’m doing weddings, or I am doing 50 year old birthday parties, even though I go to Tennessee State University I am not doing a much there as I should, but I am busy doing other stuff. Like Lane College, I am at Austin Peay a lot; I was up there three times last week. April 3rd and 4th I’ll be in Little Rock Djing for an artist showcase. So I am busy doing other stuff, you just have to call 615-482-8687, you just have to call me cause I’m hot and I’m moving around.

HHE: How do you balance the two demanding schedules of being a Dj and a fulltime student?

C-Dub: I got to! It’s hard, it’s sacrificing. I also have a car note and phone bill. I look at it as do I want to go out of town and network or do I want to pay my car note? Djing is working and paying my car note. Djing is cool but I also have to get out and network with other Dj’s whether you need other records, whether you need advice from somebody that already been there, or if you if you just the upper hand, or if you need a connection or a link to something, whether it’s trying to be on TV, or on radio trying to get a slot on radio. If you’re trying to get anything you need to network and build a relationship with other Dj’s. So when they say Nashville, TN what’s the first name that comes to mind? That should be C-Dub. You should want that relationship with other Dj's. Not to walked around like you got the “big head,” but also be humble and hear what other people have to say.

HHE: Who is your top five DJ's of all time?

C-Dub: Top five Dj’s 1. C-Lo, 2. Ajay 3. Chris Styles out of St. Louis 4. Dj Bryant D and 5. Dj Rage

HHE: In order to really get a feel of the epitome of a DJ who should people check out?

C-Dub: Me, I’m playing but for real though ME! Dj Shakim Bow Wow’s Dj. He’s out of Atlanta and when I was on the Bow Wow tour and he rocked the crowd on the Bow Wow tour, you’d be entertained, like that’s an entertainer right there. That’s something that I’ve always wanted to do was to be an entertainer.