An interview with Gaknew

By Ackley Kidd

Lets be real for a second shall we? Most of the people the youth of today call MC’s are nothing more than overly hyped, one-liner novelty acts that pale in comparison to the best and brightest that Hip Hop has to offer. Now I for one am not afraid of the future, nor do I carry a pessimistic attitude towards every piece of sonic evolution that crosses my path but, as one of the many fans of a ageing genera, their comes a time when I had to ask myself…is their no one else? Will there ever be another Lyrists that would push my frontal lobe to its limits? Will I ever find a reason to get in my car and actually go to a music store rather than the make believe one that lives in my computer? Will I ever…well…listen again? After doing allot of soul searching I found that the answer to most of my questions would never be provided by a mere radio stations or music label but by that which resides outside of what my normal parameters would be…the streets.

Un-signed, un-tainted and lyrically un-matched, Los Angles very own Gaknew Roxwel is unfortunately a stranger to radio Hip Hop. Though his musical offering can best be describes as a mixture of Kool G Rap with a dash of De LA Soul (post Jungle brothers), Roxwel’s tracks have yet to reach the ears of the masses. Taking time out of his daily hustle to get his art recognized, Gaknew gave Persona a few minutes to pick his brain on the topics of beats, rhymes plus life and in case you were still wondering all my questions have finally been answered. Check it out! Read the full story

Interview with Oveous Maximus.

By Ackley Kidd

Versatility is a word that is often used to explain that which is “many at the same time”. Ok, I know that statement was kind of corny but, in all honesty, it’s hard to truly find examples of such a strong word with such a strong meaning. For example, even when talking about entertainers and musical artists whom you’d think epitomizes creative flexibility you can come up with almost nothing but, sprinkled like minority students at Harvard University, the versatile human appears. Easily accused for being a jack-of-all-trades NY’s, Oveous Maximus, has made a career out of being many things at the same time. OV uses music, poetry, and graphic design as his conduit for creativity but if you thought that’s all this cat has up his sleeve then you would be severely mistaken. Check it out! Read the full story

Muffy Cupcake interview Questions&Answers:

Persona Magazine: Muffy what planet are you from?

Muffy Cupcake: Im not actually Sure.. I must be a emplant from some where funky though .. Where the Dope FLY and Fresh to Def people come from.

PM: How long have you been on Earth?

MC: Only about 100 years… Not really that long enough to understand the complex simplicities of this earth’s beings.. so i just been chillin.. its cool though, im blessed to be here…

PM: Seriously your like a remix of Alice and Wonderland but way cooler, What would you say your Persona is?

MC: Thats Cute and Yummie sounding.. that works for me if it works for you.. But For me my persona is sumthing not to be explained but more to be felt.. But if i Must.. I have to say things are never what they seem at first site.. ie. the Cupcakeness.. Yeah its definitly sweet over here.. but its doesnt all come from the sweetest place… I would say ima Cross between Lil Kim and Erykah BADu and Madonna.. Jus to start you off,, But forreal doe, I am everyWoman..(giggles)

PM: What is a must have in your wardrobe?

MC: Sweats and Hoodies.. i like to be Coverd up for the most part . Unless im Putting on for my City.. COmfy is my style.. Gotta Keep My lil Muffin cozy.. Yah Diggie Pop

PM: Favorite Color and why?

MC: Pink cuz its For Girls duhh

PM: What is your favorite car when your not flying your UFO?

MC:Stolen NOva’s and Buggs.. Im always rideing in Dope Cars But for sum reason i can never remember which is which.. i Guess i really Dont care much.. But i like Cool looking Cars with Dope Colors.. That Ride FAst

PM: What are some of your musical influences on Earth?

MC: Bjork and Erykah Badu..Billie hoilday .. Gwen Stafani.. Grace JOnes.. Kelis.. JOi.. Jonelle Monet.. BEYONCE.. I really Have alot more.. i like most all music.. But these are def in the top..

PM: In a perfect world what would you want to see happen in music?

MC: It continue to grow..and people allow people to make their music and get it heard.. becuz the worlds addiction is music everywhere and every place and so many forms.. even the bugs and the trees and the wind make it.. its everywhere.. so i would like to see those none musical being just step back and be supportive and enjoy instead of make it so political. as Far as sound.. i would never say how it should go becomes the truth is there is not one way.. besides progressive.. and thats what should it should be progressive instead of stumped.

PM: What is your favorite clothing brands to rock on Earth?

MC: BETSEY JOHNSON !!! like Way.. She ROcks.. I Wish I had a Dress from her for ever day of the Year.. i would still wear my favorite tees under them or over em.. but i love her style.. She is definity out of this world

PM: Is Muffy single or involved with A SPECIAL EARTHLING?

MC: Oh how i wish.. im Jus doing me right now.. i havent run into the one Yet.. I have met alot of nice people.. beautiful and successful but none was ever meant for me.. so im alone in this game.. be alone for 100 years i guess.. But im sure they will come a long and it’ll be breath taking.. I just CANT wait..

PM: How long have you and “Grammy Award Winning” Bangladesh been working together?

MC: For about 9 months.. not lOng at all.. We met thru my manager Coach K about 1 year and 9 months ago… I think (giggles) ruffly… Im soo blessed to have met up with him.. He is AWSUM.. I call him My twin.. cuz we got the same sign and a day between our birthdays…

PM: How is the creative process with him when your in the studio?

MC: Wierd.. But Cool.. im still gettin use to him.. but he is nice to me.. I seen him get really mean with sum people in my opinion. but im probably sensitive sumtimes… he is pretty patient with me.. But still very stern on what he wants..

PM: Last question how is a MUFFY CUPCAKE SHOW?, Can you make to LA and bless us?

MC: I cant wait to come to LA..its my dream..I Never been Before.. So im Soo excited.. the Show is full of energy and its sexy and Daring.. Over all its so BAngladesh. You have to see it soon … N e who.. Make sure your readers check out Myspace.com/muffymommy …. “Bangladesh” is on my top friends (giggles) and always remember MUFFY LOVES You

I had the chance to see him perform. “God Bless The Dreamers”. Biggie painted vivid pictures with his words. An urban Hitchcock if you will. Groovey Lou told me “Biggie was a real Brooklyn kid, To the letter”… “Timbos& Hoodies”… Biggie made us believe his vision. No matter what you can acheieve your goals and dreams. I can still see that Coogi Sweater,Kangol Brim, Karl Kani Jeans and fresh pair of Tim’s. I can smell the blunts in a club where the toilets don’t work but you bet your ass the sound system does. I remember it like it was last night. “It was all a dream”….

MACK
Y.O.L.O
“sAvE ThE dReAMers”

Ever since they first meet in the early 80’s at a Run DMC concert, Hip Hop And Rock has been in imperfect matrimony ever since. From the P.E/ Anthracis of the early 90’s to Da shop Boyz and Shwayze’s of today, it seems like Hip Hop and Rock has always managed to keep their relationship going in good times and bad. Persona got a chance to catch up with the new requite on the Cash Money team, Kevin Rudolf, who this year will add on the Rock/Rap legacy, but this time for the better rather than the worst. -By Ackley Kidd Read the full story

 With his new release titled 808’s and Heartbreak, Kanye takes a minor vacation from his proven Hip Hop formula and joins the ranks of grief-stricken singer/song writer. Read the full story

Due to the incredible success of Hip Hop, standards of luxury for urban youth a.k.a black people has dramatically changed over time. Back in the late 80’s it didn’t get any better than a all black, cassette playing, power windows working, 1988 Acura Legend. Read the full story

Fila was a must have brand back in the shady 80s. Crack was selling like crazy, Hip-Hop was young, and your number one kick (at least in Cali) was a pair of Filas. According to alot of cats I know from all walks of life and different area codes, a Fila sweat suit and a pair of those classic Fila kicks (as shown in this blog) was the uniform of bosses. Drug dealers, mobsters, hustlers, and political figures enjoyed the brand one in the same. So if you get the itch, Fila may be what you need. Check out Fila.com