Da Derty South is alive and kickin hard these days. Jacksonville, Florida (904) has a new Rap Legend who goes by the name of Prof. Check out this ultra cool interview with Prof who gives JC Internet Radio the 411 on living and rapping in DUVAL County.
Interview with JCInternetRadio
Isaac: Elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Prof: **** (laughin), I’m from the country nah mean born and bread in back road country a city called Galax in Southern Virginia.G-Town aint have but bout 5, 6 thousand people.It was the kinda spot where you could ride thru the whole thing in bout 10 minutes I mean we had a Wal-Mart and a tiny ass movie theater and that’s it.So they wasn’t nothing left to do ‘cept dope and gun play.The 50 aint have nothin to do up there neither so they used to pull us over **** 5,6 times a week pat downs search the ride the **** kinda became routine but I aint gonna front I caught a few charges from those mufa ****az.Big upz to the G-Town PD bitch ass mufa ****az don’t work to hard nah mean holla at me.I’ll loan yall some money or sometin.Since then I moved up to Cincinnati, Ohio where I hooked up with local artists Stephani, Insight, & T-Robb and really got **** on and poppin.We was trappin every day out the spot take a couple stacks a week easy.I had this busted ass mic ya know those old joints wit just the round almost foam tops get em in the store fa like 9 dollas (laughin).We couldn’t get in the studio and it wasn’t the 60 an hour the studio cost it was the 3,4 hundred dollas we was gonna lose fa bein in the studio instead of the trap.I love that city Cincinnati in ma heart but after 2 years I just packed my **** and bounced came down here to DUVAL ya nah mean love the weather love the peoples I mean this ma city.I hooked up wit local up and coming Production Company & artists the 904 Starz and we gettin it on and poppin nah mean.We doin this fa yall the 904 we puttin DuVaL on the map.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were inspired to do your own thing?
Prof: I mean I grew up bumpin Pac out the headphones; DMC, Public Enemy, UGK, Snoop & Dre ,and I rode to it and I lived like it but it wasn’t them that made me decide to pursue this rap ****.That came from the streets the battles the cyphers.A skinny ass white kid gotta put in double the work to get the respect, nah mean, I used to walk up to cyphers and mufa ****as just laugh me off but after Id start spittin aint a mufa ****a in the spot bounce with out givin me dap.
Isaac: What Artist would you say you would most like to do a collab with?
Prof: I been in talks wit Bun B tryin get him on a track, been in talks wit Plies tryin get him on track so keep ya eyes and ears open fa more on that.But I’d really wanna get a joint wit Kymani Marley poppin.Ay Kymani if you readin this holla at a playa nah mean.
Isaac: Which Artist do you connect with most?
Prof:I wouldn’t say I connect with any artists as much as I do with their music.It aint matter who it is any artist any song if it’s got ma head bobbin I’ll ride with it nah mean.
Interview with JCInternetRadio Part 2
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you’ve written thus far, which song would you say is most meaningful to you?
Prof: That’s gotta be “In The DuVaL” ft ma boy Duval County’s own QB Smoove.It deal with what really go on in this city day to day nah mean from the corruption in local politics to all these mufa ****in cops killin innocent victims.If nobody gonna do nothing about it, we putting the city on blast.Check the statistics Duval County leads the county in police involved killings but everybody turnin a blind eye.Well this track ****, this album “In The DuVaL” is a wake up call not only to the powers that be in Duval but to America.Police brutality happenin everywhere across the country nah mean.When they stop shootin, we’ll leave our guns at home.
Isaac: Which artists do you enjoy from some of today’s music genres?
Prof: I got T.I.’s “KING” in the ride right now that’s a mufa ****in classic.Ya gotta have it if you repersentin the south.Ay Tip hold ya head up homie much love outcha way from the peoples down here in Duval.Holla at me.
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today’s world issues?If so what issue would you speak to and write about?
Prof: Ya already know, OBAMA baby.I aint never had no faith in no politics—democrat, republican, **** all that.I aint believe in the system cuz the system never believed in me nah mean.But this cat Mr.President **** it’s a new day nah mean.He got me syked ya see Chicago the other night that **** was poppin.We all ready fa change and Barrack gonna take us there I believe that.
Isaac: Why should people listen to your music?
Prof: Why should people listen to ma music? Hmm uh cuz it’s Hot (laughin) nah fa real people should listen cuz it’s real, its whats happenin to you or it’s right outside ya window in every neighborhood in the country.They should listen cuz I aint a millionaire I aint just spittin words fa a million dollas I aint 50 I aint Kanye mufa ****az got so rich they lost touch wit the streets.But ****,
I do this fa 5$ a CD fa food money the same hustle the streets on. I am them, they are me and you cant get no realer than that.
Isaac: Your music is smooth, relaxing and chill at times.What inspired you to toss out these awesome flows/lyrics and tracks?
Prof: It goes both ways really I love the relax and chill music cuz I love to relax and chill nah mean.If they a party on the block, I’m that dude wit the Hennessey pourin and the blunts blazin.Hip Hop get such a bad name for all it’s negativity but all we doin bringin the truth to light.This the world’s negativity that they tryin to scrape under the rug nah mean.We puttin the 50 and politicians on blast for whats goes on behind the scenes in the streets that they aint want their supporters to know about.But even in a world gone to **** they’re still hope, they’z still life, so **** we might was well enjoy it nah mean.
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone?Who would your play it for?Would it be a chorus, a verse and a chorus, or a complete song?
Prof: Throughout the album they’re a whole lotta collabs hooks, verses,we do it all nah mean.These cats on the album ma fam cats I broke bread with so I got up most respect fa all yall good lookin much love.
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a rapper/singer/songwriter?
Prof: We all go thru the same ****.This world a ****ed up place and aint nothing bout life easy, but it’s what we got. We all see it thru different eyes different situations and how you interpret that is what makes a great songwriter.
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography
Prof: I wanna say they world-biographical cuz this life aint just me.This life is you or ya neighbor or ya neighbors best friend and it goes on and on.My album is the truth of the streets that we all see and if you aint see it you turnin a blind eye.
Isaac: How long does it take you to process you emotions into songs?
Prof: It really just depends on that, the emotion.Sometimes I go in the booth no pad no pen and come out wit a a full track in 15-20 minutes.Other times might take days to say exactly what I wanna say exactly how I wanna say it nah mean.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Prof: Fa real, I aint never been much for advice, **** most the time somebody tell me to do somethin I’d go and do the exact opposite. I feel like ya learn for ya own experiences but at the same time ya dig ya own grave.And when the chains clink and that cage closes you all alone so it is what it is.
Isaac: Any shoutouts you’d like to give?
Prof: Yealemme give a shout out to ma boy Mike hold it down up there playa, ma boy Chevy, 904 Starz, Ez Geezus, Stephani, Chevy J, last but certainly not least T-Rizz good lookin out this last year I appreciate it fa real, and everybody else that showed me love along the way much love ya nah mean.
Isaac: Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Prof: We just gettin the word out nah mean the debut album “In The DUVAL” drops and will be available all over the internet in the U.S. and Canada.Performances are set fa all the local hot spots, we gettin this money.This album fa Duval, it may be Grit and Grind but that’s what this city is, that’s what hip hop is. We bringin the truth to the people whether they wanna hear it or not, it’s our time to shine nah mean. The album drops November 20th “In The DUVAL” Go out and cop that **** give ya some real HEAT to warm up ya winter.Ay and good look to JC Radio fa the interview thanks fa havin me.For more info on Prof or about copping the album go to www.myspace.com/prof904.
Alexis Vear is in her own element with her music.
She commands immediate attention when one begins to listen to her
songs. The singer/songwriter has a way with words that will instantly
draw you into her world. One of her biggest accomplishments was in 2004
when Alexis released her debut album,
"Never Give Up", which is an acoustic record full of heart and soul.
The CD received major praises and was played on airplay throughout the
country. The CD also received international success.
The Indianapolis, Indiana native now lives in Atlanta, Georgia and has
released her newest release "Let It Go". Alexis has stated that this
project was inspired by her love of John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, U2, and Atlanta singer songwriter Shawn Mullins. Junior's Cave recently caught up with the
singer/songwriter in this exclusive in-depth interview. Please take the
time to get to know Alexis Vear. Enjoy!
Isaac: Elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Alexis: I am a lot of things (smile). I am a singer/songwriter, mother
of two children, wife, and friend. I believe in finding the good in
everything that surrounds us. But I am still learning about myself. I
am still defining my being. I wrote a song called"Know Thyself" and it
is about just that. I am not sure if I will ever know myself 100%,
because every time I think I know who I am. I learn something new about
myself. One thing I know for sure is that I want to keep learning about
myself, and the world, and what gives life meaning! I grew up in
Indianapolis, IN; A few towns away from John Mellencamp (SMILE). I was raised in a very intellectually stimulating home. Both
of my parents were chemists! My parents met in graduate school. My
father was getting his PHD in chemistry when he met my mother who was
getting her MBA in chemistry. Many evening I listened to them speak
about recombinant DNA. Neither was musical. But both enjoyed listening to music. I have one brother who is older than me.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were
inspired to do your own thing?
Alexis: There have been MANY MANY musicians that spoke to my heart in a profound way,
but the one that inspired me the very most was U2. When I was in High School, I went to
their concert.
It was like the 3rd concert I had ever been to in my life. I remember
when it started; I was sitting there watching them on the stage,
wondering, what makes them so special? I mean, I thought they were
really incredible, but I was trying to figure out what it was, that
made them so special. This is, of course, the beginning of the concert.
By the end of the concert, I just was so in Awe--still not able to
pinpoint what it was that made them so different from everyone else.
Then Bono steps up to the microphone and he tells us to get our lighters out. He
said "I am going to sing this song and I want you to keep those
lighters burning, and look at each other" etc. etc. Then He sang!!! My
fingers hurt sooooo bad because of the heat, but I kept trying to keep
that lighter lit, and I just sat their and really cried my brains out,
because I felt something in that arena that was so powerful, and
beautiful, and inspiring, even with my fingers burning and in that
moment, I figured out what made them so special!!! That moment made me
realize that each and everyone of us; in this one life we live have a
choice. We can either live life trying to make the world a better place
if we can or live it trying to make the world a worse place if we can.
It is that simple so I have tried to do my own thing in many ways and
many times through their inspiration. I am not sure if my life and
music has or will have any positive impact on this world but I will
keep trying! (Smile).
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
Alexis: That's a really hard question because their are a lot of people
I would like to duet with. But recently I wrote a song called "Miracle
Of Love" and when I wrote it, I had a vision of Bono singing it with
me. It is a song that is very powerful and needs to be heard! I wish I
could have gotten that song out before this election!!! I hope the song
will really make people think!!!
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
Alexis: I connect with different artists at different times. When I first moved to
Atlanta 3 years ago, I connected with Shawn Mullins. I would go down to the Chattahoochi
and walk 3-6 miles, just listening to that man sing. Then 1.5 years ago, it was John Mayer.
Right now, I am just listening to a mix of everything. I've been
learning a lot of blues chords, so I have been listening to my iTunes
library trying to figure out who uses what chords and why!
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far, which song(s)
would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
Alexis: They all are meaningful to me. They are all personal.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
Alexis: My taste is very eclectic. I honestly enjoy so much of the music of today and
yesterday!!! Right at this moment, I am loving the new Amy Ray CD. I
think the song "Birds Of A Feather" is amazing and beautiful! I also love this song by
Matt Nathanson called "Come On Get Higher". It made me laugh after I heard that song
because it was the first time a song has made me blush in a LONG LONG time!
Isaac: What charities are you involved with or support?
Alexis: I am very interested in supporting charities that educate people in creative
ways. One of my favorite organizations currently is called M.U.S.I.C. Their
website is www.learningfromlyrics.com. They teach children all kinds of things like
history, etc. through song lyrics.
It is an amazing organization, and I hope to be in a position to
support them even more, at some point soon! Another organization I am
interested in learning more about is called "Central Asia Institute".
Their website is www.ikat.org.
Central Asia Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the
mission to promote and support community-based education, especially
for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. My dream is
that anyone that has the desire to learn will be given the ability to
learn!!!
And that the knowledge attained will help to promote peace, hope, and love all over our
Universe.
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today's
particular world issues/problems? If so, what world issue would speak to you the most to
write about?
Alexis: I already have written many songs about world issues and
problems. The world issue that speaks to me the most is the suffering
of children on this planet whether it is from starvation, inadequate
healthcare, hate crimes, war, domestic violence, etc., etc. It just
makes me physically ill to see children suffer! The song "Miracle Of
Love" is about that suffering. But, I also realize that to address the
issue of a child suffering you must first address the issue of the
guardian! In the last year, oppression of woman has been undeniable in
my life's path. As I say this, I have met MANY incredible men that lift
woman and support them. But at the end of the day, oppression of woman
needs to be dealt with. So, what I've listed above are the two issues
they weigh most on my heart!!!
Isaac: Why should people listen to your music?
Alexis: My fans say I have a beautiful and unique voice, and my lyrics make them think about their life. So if you want something that sounds
good with some purpose to it, then my music will be nice to hear!
(Smile).
Isaac: Your music is relaxing and chill. What inspired you to toss out these awesome
lyrics and cords?
Alexis: Thanks For the compliments! (Smile). I am inspired by what moves me. I typically
find myself in situations, where something happens in my life, or this world, that HAS to
become a song!!! It's pretty simple! The chords and lyrics just come together when
they are meant too!!!
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone? Who would
you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and chorus, or a complete song?
Alexis: I usually share my songs when they are finished with the exception of my
children and husband. My guitar and computer are in a room attached to my kitchen. The kids are always
coming in and out of the room as I am writing. They are completely
unfazed by the whole process. They will tell me sometimes I am too loud
when they are trying to do homework! When I finish a song, I will
sometimes share it with one of my girlfriends! I am very lucky to have
some amazing friends that have really encouraged me to move forward
with my music!
Isaac: How much do you let others "mess around with" one of your new songs?
Alexis: I have only worked with producers, and of course they mess around with the
arrangements. And on both CD's I've released, I have made my producer co-writer on
several songs because they messed around enough to want to do that!
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
Alexis: Being a singer/songwriter UN-TORTURES my soul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography?
Alexis: My songs are not just about my life but also about the lives of
the people that surround me, whether personally, or from a far!
Sometimes they are fact; sometimes they are embroidered fact.
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
Alexis: Sometimes I process them instantly. Sometimes they can days, weeks, months, and years.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Alexis: Follow your heart and not your head. What is amazing to me is
that I found; if you follow your heart, your head starts to catch up
and life starts to make sense! Your inner voice will guide you if you
will only listen!!!
Isaac: Give Shutouts to your family and friends.
Alexis: Gosh!!! I have so many people I would want to shout out to! My
wonderful and loving husband and children whom I love very dearly, My
mom for teaching me how to dream, My father for teaching me to overcome
adversity and for instilling in me discipline and a good work ethic. To
my friend Gail, for her constant encouragement, friendship, and for her
business sense!!! Jenny for her life long support, friendship, and
love, Nora, for being my rock in Atlanta, and to Sonya, Lara, Leah,
Laurie, Lorrie, and Donna--Your constant friendship!!! I must say I
would not have survived this life with out my girlfriends! I was not
given a sister by birth but I was given some incredible sisters in this
life! This has been a real long year and the people listed above have
hung in there through all the ups and downs!!!
And a HUGE thank you to Geoff Melkonian, The producer of "Let It Go".
Isaac: Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Alexis: I just finished a song about a woman who overcame oppression! I also finished a
song about Water.
Published: October 30, 2008 9:12 PM EST By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Exclusive Spotlight
Gary Melvin
Gary Melvin
Gary Melvin has the type of voice that when you are listening to it you will instantly fall in love with his music. His catchy lyrics and marvelous tune are simply the perfect combination. Junior's Cave
and JC Internet Radio recently caught up with this talented entertainer
in this exclusive interview/spotlight.
Isaac: Elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Gary: I am the youngest of 3 kids, born and raised by both parents in
California. I grew up in a fairly small town and discovered a passion
for music
when I was 13. I took guitar lessons and played in the high school jazz band. I went to the University of
North Texas and received a bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies, and then
went to the University of Southern California and received a master's
degree in Studio/Jazz Guitar.
I've always been into all kinds of music, and have been working as a
professional musician ever since I moved to L.A. in 2002. I've worked
with lots of different groups playing various styles of music, and I've
traveled all over the U.S. as well as to Guam, Korea and Japan. I feel
that this solo album (my first) is the next step in the natural progression of my journey in music and in life.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were inspired to do your own thing?
Gary: I can't say that there was only one, but I've had a few musical
mentors in school who instilled in me the importance of finding and
maintaining your own voice. Learning from those people was probably the
most valuable part of going to college for music.
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
Gary: I haven't thought about it much, but off the top of my
head I'd say Joss Stone. I'm a huge fan of hers. She has an amazing
voice and I think we would complement each other well.
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
Gary: Well, there are so many that I connect with, but if I had
to pick one I'd choose the first one I ever heard: James Taylor. He's
an incredible songwriter as well as an amazing singer and guitarist.
What's more, he's still writing and performing to this day!
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far,
which song(s) would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
Gary: The most personal song I've written is probably "Line It
Up." It's completely autobiographical and it expresses a feeling that
I've had for a while, and I am pretty sure I'll continue having for a
while. I also think there are lots of people who have had similar
feelings and experiences, so while the song is deeply personal to me, I
think it connects with others as well.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
Gary: I really dig The Raconteurs, Matt Wertz, Corinne Bailey Rae, Joss Stone, The Foo Fighters, Chris Cornell, The Fray, Amy Winehouse, a new band called Carney, Sigur Ros… I could go on for a while :-)
Isaac: What charities are you involved with or support?
Gary: I'm not currently involved with any charities, but I must say
that is something I am looking forward to doing. One of the benefits of
gaining recognition for you music is the ability to communicate about
ideas and causes, and actually be heard!
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song
about any of today's particular world issues/problems? If so, what
world issue would speak to you the most to write about?
Gary: I wouldn't say that I've written about a specific world issue,
but I've written about a general approach to solving many issues,
including large world problems. I'm a firm believer in the Power of
Now, and I slip that concept into my music here and there.
Isaac: Why should people listen to your music?
Gary: People should listen to my music for the possibility to
experience something new, and for the potential to be inspired. Music
has the power to move us, and it's hard to explain how or why. It's
even harder to predict what music/band/artist will move you. I love
what music does to me, and I look to reach people with my music so I
can share the experience. Take a listen and maybe you'll connect with
me!
Isaac: Your music is relaxing and chill. What inspired you to toss out these awesome lyrics and cords?
Gary: It's hard to say where it comes from. I'd have to say it must
come from the sum of all my life experiences, because I tend to write
in the moment. I never really have any preconceived notions about what
I will write about. I either discover a melodic idea, a lyrical idea,
or some assemblance of a chord progression that develops on its own.
Most of the time I feel like an observer rather than the writer.
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with
anyone? Who would you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and
chorus, or a complete song?
Gary: I've played bits and pieces of song ideas for close friends
before, but typically I finish the song before anyone else hears it.
Isaac: How much do you let others "mess around with" one of your new songs?
Gary: Usually not at all. I almost always write by myself, and once a
song is written I like to leave it alone. It becomes a snapshot of what
was happening at the point in time when I wrote it, and I like to leave
it that way. But who knows, I might change my mind and start tweaking
old songs farther down the line :-)
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
Gary: Not at all. I wouldn't consider myself a tortured soul. All it
takes is the desire to express yourself musically by writing and
performing your own songs. I don't feel like there is any prerequisite
to writing songs. They don't have to be about pain and suffering, or
love and loss. Following those kinds of generalized genre
specifications will end up cornering you in and holding you back. Write
about whatever you want, and if people want to listen, great! If not,
no biggy. The reason I am a singer-songwriter is because there is a
unexplainable passion driving me to do it, but I'm a pretty happy guy,
so I guess I don't really follow the mold (if there is one).
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography?
Gary: I'd say a little of both. Some songs are autobiographical, some
are written by imagining myself in someone else's shoes, some are about
stories and situations I've heard or read… I don't restrict what comes
out lyrically, and some of the time I don't even know what I'm writing
about until the song is done.
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
Gary:
It varies, but it's usually pretty quick. Often times I'll have a
melodic or chordal idea, and when I'm inspired by that idea to sit down
and develop it, within a few hours the song is usually done. Maybe it's
more accurate to say my emotions are processing all the time, and when
they have finished doing what they want to do, I sit down and write the
song I didn't know I had already written. Yeah, it's a little
out-there, but that's the best way I can describe how it feels.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Gary: My parents raised me to always think about other possibilities,
options and points of view. Being open-minded is applicable to every
life situation, musical or otherwise, and I've found it to be an
incredible help in understanding why we are all here.
Isaac: Give Shutouts to your family and friends.
Gary: Big thanks to my family for all their love and support, to my
good friends Robin Everhart and Michael Miley for being the sickest drum and bass pairing and helping me out with my record, and to anyone and everyone
who wishes to lend me their ears and grants me the opportunity to play
for them.
Isaac: Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Gary: I'm working on finding people who would like to hear my music,
people who want to get excited about my music and tell their friends,
and enjoying the journey that music has created for me!
