Monday, August 31, 2009
Maestro Knows Episode 6.
In this episode Maestro visits Kellen and his friends from the 7th Letter over at their recent art show in Santa Monica and then hit the streets for a new piece and catch a couple tags.
I'm Sid Q&A With Emilio Sparks.
1. For people who may not know you, or what you do, tell us a little about yourself.
"My name is Emilio Sparks. I was born and raised in SHAOLIN (Staten Island, NY). I want to be a billionaire playboy, an industrialist and a philanthropist. I host a program over at the College of Staten Island entitled The Emilio Sparks Experience (http://wsia.csi.cuny.edu/). I also do a talk/hip hop and rock based podcast through the Dog and Pony Show (http://daps.tv.). In the last year I have consistently been on the NYC scene doing live interviews at shows and in-studio. My video interviews are routinely posted on high traffic blogs such as The Smoking Section, Herfection, NahRight, 2DopeBoyz, ON Smash and RapRadar. To see some of these interviews you can check out http://www.youtube.com/degocast or http://vimeo.com/user413049. My approach and insight has earned me the nickname "The Charlie Rose of Hip-Hop"throughout the blogosphere."
2. How did you begin you career as a radio personality?
"Haha, this story goes back a few years. When I was 12, I broke my arm, and had to get steel plates to fix it. My summer was ruined at that point, so my next door neighbor gave me his old Sony boom box to pass the time. I was searching through the radio dial one day, and stumbled across Opie and Anthony. I was hooked on the show instantly. What they were doing sounded like the best job ever. I remember how great the direction of topics flowed and how easy it was for them to have so many peoples attention with just words. I knew I wanted to make that my career."
3. You're also connected to the media through your blog http://emiliosparks.com, explain how it came about, and what made you create it?
"We live in an age where the computer is a daily necessity and therefore, my boy Callender suggested I blog. The good folks over at the Dog and Pony Show believed in what I was doing and created EmilioSarks.com. My site represents my personality. I touch base on many things. For example, I enjoy girls, comic books, professional wrestling and hip-hop. But the site isn't limited to just those topics. I enjoy the freedom the site allows me to have. I'm a strong advocate of the First Amendment. Freedom of Speech is key."
4. Being a radio personality has its perks, one being you get to interview celebrities pretty often, whose the one person you hope to add to your list, and why?
"I'm gonna cheat and little bit and go all out with this one. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon would be such a great interview. I really believe he's an evil genius. He took pro wrestling and made it a part of pop culture. That's crazy when you really think about it. I would also love to interview Russell Simmons. He is one of the original Hip Hop entrepreneurs. Def Jam was such an important factor in making Hip Hop flourish back then, and a lot of credit goes to Russell Simmons for that. I wish I could have interviewed and drank scotch with Frank Sinatra. He is a true legend and one of New York's most important icons."
5. What does a normal day in the life of Emilio Sparks consist of?
"The first thing I do when I wake is roll over, grab my blackberry, text my girlfriend, check my emails and twitter replies lol. I'll channel surf, check the blogs, listen to tracks that get sent to me, then exercise and then go to work. It’s a dull and non exciting day usually, but sometimes it's fun. I don't do much, but I do it all with style and grace."
6. With you working around music and seeing the influence it has first hand, which artist in your opinion has made the biggest impact in the last 5 years?
"Kanye West. No question. He's made an impact on music and not only in Hip Hop. Kanye West isn't just a hip-hop star, he's a pop star. He embodies pop culture. Kanye West makes music that the masses can enjoy, and he does it in a way that isn't sugar coated or bubble gum. He stays true to himself and it works for everyone. Whether you think he's egotistical or a jerk or whatever people think of him, he's incredibly talented and has the Midas touch when it comes to making music. Flashing Lights is one of the most brilliant songs of the decade. He's got a great mind."
7. I've noticed that you are heavy on the internet, and what it has to offer, name some of Emilio's favorite sites.
"Pretty much a lot of blogs, DAPS.tv, cloudkickeroriginal.com, a few comic book websites and Olivia Munn’s website. I have an unhealthy obsession with her haha."
8. Three things you couldn't complete the day without are:
"KICKS, CHICKS & PORNO FLICKS. That's actually the name of my new upcoming album. It'll be released sometime in September. It's a good one. Definitely."
9. What can we expect from Emilio Sparks in the near and distant future?
"World domination. Haha, honestly...just quality material, whether it's my radio programming or my music. I work to the best of my abilities. Maybe, I'll delve into acting for a bit too. I want that Vinny Chase money."
10. What encouraging words do you have for anyone who may want to follow in your footsteps, and become and successful radio personality/dj?
"You gotta study. You have to know the craft. You must learn about the past and respect it. Know your material. Work hard, and speak your mind. Don't get frustrated. Not everyone is going to gain success over night. To me, conversation is an art form. You have to master it. I don't hold back on anything. If you wanna be risqué, be risqué. There are a lot of things peopleare afraid to touch base on. We are supposed to be a voice of reason. People rely on our voices."
A New Cut.
The Nokia N900.
Sid Ashford: I've always been quite fond of Nokia's products, but I could never put away my iPhone.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The PEN Story.
The PEN Story from PENStory on Vimeo.
Sid Ashford: This is easily one of the dopest stop motion videos i've ever looked upon.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
I'm Sid Q&A With Nando McFlyy.
1. For those who may not know you, or what you do, tell us about yourself.
"My name is Nando McFlyy. aka Nike Nando an artist from Prince Georges County, MD. seeking national as well as international success in hip-hop."
2. What influenced your decision to become an artist?
"Just the overall ability to be able to express yourself. Now there's not alot of artists who can take the music to a actual experience that is relatable. I wanna bring that feeling back and make music for people who just feel it. If people don't like it then it's not for them."
3. Describe the type of artist you are, as well as what you ultimately hope to become.
"A person everyone can relate to. I have flaws just like everyone else. I'm not trying to be "different" like everybody is claiming to be nowadays. It's just wack to me. I rap and im here to spread a message. No matter how long it takes I'll be here to relay the message till someone listens."
4. If you had the choice of a dream setup from, a record label, to the producers you would work with, what would that consist of?
"Idk about labels man. (laughs) But as far as producers I'd work w/ Timbo, Pharrell & Pollow Da Don. The impact that they have is ridiculous, I could easily work with there sound and create crazy records. The chemistry would be out of this world."
5. In a day and age where many artist are commercializing themselves to fit into a certain "system", how do you keep focus and stay true to who you are?
"By making the music I want to make, now what's "HOT" right now. My music is enough to win folks over. I don't think that I really have to try TOO hard. The proof is in the music pretty much. That's all I will say."
6. With this being such a controversial question to everyone, who would you say is the best rapper alive and why?
"I don't really pay any attention to that, honestly. I don't think that there is one."
7. What does a normal day in the life of Nando consist of?
"(laughs) Wake up, brush my teeth, take a shower, write, make some beats, work out and write and make beats the whole rest of the day. Twitter & Facebook in between everything tho. (laughs)"
8. On your most recent mixtape, "Super Nike Nando" you not only spit, but produced the song "Produced By Me." Can we expect more producing from you in the future?
"Yeah, you actually can. I'm working on beats right now for my new project. I'm just looking for my own sound so I can stamp it. I don't wanna do what everyone else out here is doing."
9. With so many rappers starting to fuse genres to make music these days, which genre mostly fits your style?
"I would honestly say Alternative. That fits me. I can come from ANY direction w/ a record. I'm liable to make anything. (laughs)"
10. In 3 words explain you thoughts of http://sidashford.com
"So fuckin ILL! (laughs)"
Sid Ashford: You can follow Nando on Twitter @nikenando, and Click HERE To Download his mixtape "Super Nike Nando."
Supreme FW Collection 2009.
Sid Ashford: Super, super nice! Supreme is quickly rising about the competition.
Giant Bicycle: Bowery FMX.
Sid Ashford: I've always had a love for bikes, and this one is really nice
X-Large x Samurai Magazone Camo Collection.
Sid Ashford: X-Large is one of the front-runners for the Fall season, and this collaboration only solidifies their posotion.
Supreme FW Collection 2009: Outwear.
Sid Ashford: I really like EVERYTHING Supreme has to offer this upcoming season.
Mighty Healthy FW Collection.
Sid Ashford: Wow! Dope! I remember that plaid shirt from a previous episode of Maestro Knows.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Daily 13th Witness: You Send Me.
Sid Ashford: Every installment from this guy never fails to shock me.
MIles Davis Was The Birth of The Cool?
Sid Ashford: I got tipped to look at this album that Miles Davis did called "The Birth of The Cool." Dope! Now we all cool.
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