The Mecca of Rhymes: Interview

Here is an interview that is long overdue with The Mecca of Rhymes.  A talented artist with a lot of potential and projects in the works, check out this interview to learn more about The Mecca of Rhymes...

Where are you from?

Eastside of Greensboro, North Carolina

Why a name like The Mecca of Rhymes?

When people refer to a center of interest they sometimes refer to is as "The Mecca of" for example, some people may say NY is "The Mecca of Fashion or The Mecca of Street Basketball.  I feel since I'm very versatile as an artist and can rap in just about any style or subject matter etc.  I wanted to have a powerful name and The Mecca of Rhymes was something that fit.  I was actually given that name in Junior High School by a friend.

How long have you been rapping?

I wrote my first rap in 1998, but didn't record my first solo album until 2006 and from there is when I really began to take it serious.

Why should people listen to Mecca? What makes you unique?

I like to make what I always call reality rap.  I rap about personal life situations, struggles and just the everyday life of a normal person that most people can relate to.  I try to put a message into my music as well and turn a negative into a positive, but I think anyone that enjoys dope Hip Hop music with dope content, and dope beats will enjoy my material.

I read that you have opened up for some very big acts, which venue was the craziest so far?

It's funny because we have these top wildest concert stories, they included The Wild Hare in Chicago, The Rave in Milwaukee, and a few more but THE wildest venue so far would have to go to The View in Louisville, KY performing with Wiz Khalifa.  I think that was the most fun we've had even up until now.

What are some projects that you have released or are currently working on?

I released "Revenge of the Words" in early 2010; next we released our FSM (Flight School Music) compilation "First in Flight, Last to Land" shortly thereafter.  In between we worked on solo projects, features, and stuff like that.  The next FSM project should drop before the year is out and I plan on dropping an EP hopefully in November.

Who are some of your favorite rappers?

Nas, AZ, Common, Andre 3000, Jay-Z, Biggie

What is your one goal to achieve in Hip Hop?

I just want to make timeless music and be an inspiration to someone.  Hopefully one day they can say I'm their favorite rapper and I inspired them to do something positive or helped them overcome something through my music.

Where are your next shows and what dates?

Can't remember the dates off top, all show dates can be found on www.wearefsm.com

Any words of wisdom for the readers?

Follow your dreams, never give up and stay positive...and never make a permanent solution for a temporary problem.

To check out music from The Mecca of Rhymes, tour dates, etc. please click on the links below.

The Mecca of Rhymes @ Bandcamp

Flight School Music (FSM)

The Mecca of Rhymes Blog

J. Nolan - Rounds

You want some classic old school style Hip Hop? The what you need is J. Nolan indeed.  This track has a nice sample going on for the beat, and the flow that Nolan drops is very smooth.  A nice track to kick back and chill with while you do your thing, or just a chill track to cruise to its your choice.

50 Cent - Street King Energy

As I weed out the spam and check the e-mail account after a long time, I decided that there was a subject that irked me some.  First off thanks for still checking out the blog, and following me even as my posts and involvement has toned down tremendously.  With that said and out of the way the topic on discussion is 50 Cent's energy drink.  If you've been living under a rock in the Hip Hop world then you would not know that Curtis is dropping/dropped an energy drink.  Now your probably thinking so what, another way for a rapper to get some cash, but the difference in this business endeavor is that fif has decided to add an interesting twist to his venture.  In this energy drink deal, proceeds will be donated to feed from what I've gathered 1 billion people.  How and when I do not know, but I'am impressed with the nice touch to a rather negatively perceived celebrity.

D-Mac = My Will (video)

I'm being flooded by emails, I've changed jobs, and now I've realized the world keeps moving and going even if you pause.  This song by D-Mac called "My Will" is an amazing song that makes you sit back, think, listen, and realize.  Check it out here...

Dr. Dre is "Under Pressure"

Hey people you still there? To those who have e-mailed me I have fallen behind thanks to work and I apologize.  I appreciate all the artists who have sent me music, and I'm in the process of going through those e-mails still along with weeding out some spam.  This track that Dr. Dre let go a few days ago is how I've been feeling, but the problem is I'm not feeling this track.  Now I have waited on releasing news on many topics but I had to touch this one.  For all the time we have waited this track overall just doesn't have us moving like how we thought we would.  Could we have put too much anticipation on this track? probably and why not, after waiting nearly a decade for this album to drop we get this, a watered down commercialized non west coast rap track.  Oh and since I've rambled on for some and told the truth for others, isn't it funny that after this soft release by the aftermath camp and neutral vibe, we get people from there saying that the track is unfinished and a lot more needs to be done?  I thought our Hip Hop icon and super perfectionist would've already had this done by now...

Dr. Dre feat Jay-Z = Under Pressure (Click Here)

Carlos St. John: Interview

People get ready for an interview with an artist who is on the verge of doing big things.  I was fortunate to get this interview done with Carlos St. John over the past month, and his professionalism was great.  From getting him the questions to getting the necessary content for our readers, Carlos showed me some tracks from his EP and they were complete fire.  Here is the interview and check out what we got for you on his music...

Where are you from?

I'm from Brooklyn NY.

How long have you been involved with Hip Hop?

I've been involved in hip hop since I was 12 years old.

What are your inspirations?

I'm inspired by the fear of failure. I look around and see people who never reached their potential, everyday. I can't be that. That won't be my story.

What projects are you currently working on or preparing for the future?  

I just finished up The St. John Portfolio, we put that out and the reception has been unimaginable so far. And we just started! That's where all my attention is. What's next is next. I'm not even thinking about it, I'm just smiling at the sun.

Why should people listen to Carlos St. John?

People should listen to me because my music is dope. Its simple, I'm not selling anything, there's no genius campaign here. Just dope music and a story to be discovered.

What is the craziest thing you've seen on tour?

If I told you a tour story right now it would be boring. You gotta let people get better acquainted with The St. John Portfolio first.

Who would you like to work with in the future?

As far as working with people. I like my the team I have right now. Azeem and Coach Basic.

What do you find as the most difficult thing to do in Hip Hop?

The most difficult thing in hip hop has to be maintaining your perspective. You make these records coming from little to nothing with only the TV and lifestyle magazines to give you an inkling of what success resembles. Then you get halfway there and drawing on those same emotions become difficult because you stop seeing the cup half empty and start seeing it half full. That's hard.

Here is the iTunes link to the single Champagne Spillin which is certified fire:

Carlos St. John - "Champagne Spillin" (iTunes Link)