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This is my Interview with Solitary 1.. The CEO of Solitary Confinement Records. Check it out!
Interview with Sol 1
John of 5150 Promotionz: Please introduce yourself and your camp
Solitary 1: What up. I'm Solitary 1 of Solitary Confinement Records. We're from Marin. Just on the other side of the Golden Gate bridge from San Francisco.
How did you guys hook up?
We all basically grew up together. We known eachother since junior high.
Why do you call your Label "Solitary Confinement Records"?
Well my first name is Solomon so it ties in like that. When I was around 16, I was at school and this dude said I was a "solitary cat," cuz I was tellin' him how I didn't fuck wit too many people at the school and things like that. I chose to keep to myself and only fuck with a chosen few. Then later when I got locked up, it solidified the name in my mind. I began writin' under it.
When did SCR get started?
It started in 1999. We decided to take the game into our own hands. Alot of cat be like, "1999, and yall just started puttin' out records?" These people don't seem to understand that if you wanna put out quality music, you gotta take your time and do it right. You gotta watch the market and learn, then make moves accordingly. It's like chess.
You are not only the CEO, you are also a Rapper. When did you start rappin'?
I been rappin since I was 16.
Which artists inspired you?
Alot of cats. Geto Boys,LL Cool J, Too Short, NWA, Pac and DIgital Underground, Spice-1, 40 and Legit, Mobb Deep, Nas, Spice-1, Biggie. The producers that inspired me the most are Mike Mosely and Sam Bostic, Studio Tone, Khayree, DRE, DJ Premier, Nashiem Myrick.
Dobad - Rapid Fire is your first release..Tell us a little something about this Album.
It's a hot album, pointblank. Don't sleep. 20 bangers. Featuring Loki, Nutt-so, Mobb CIN, Cozmo, Genenvieve and me. DOBAD's is pretty bayed out but he's definitely on some hip-hop eat you alive type shit. It aint too many cats out here that could hang wit him lyrically. Check this shit out.
What sets Dobad apart from other Rappers?
His versatility. He is multi-faceted to say the least. He touches on a wide-range of topics that most rappers have trouble breaking out. He also is just more lyrical than alot of cats. He's incredibly articulate on the mic. Most dudes have a limited rhyme pattern. He knows no bounds. He will never cease to amaze you. Tell me when you hear him rip that you can't feel his hunger.
How is the Album doing?
Well, officially it aint even out yet, because it's not available everywhere yet, like it needs to be. We pressed up a limited run just to get it buzzin and recoup a lil cash to feed back into the project. At present time we've sold over 300. We should have a distribution deal soon though.
Where and how can people get the Album?
In the Bay Area, you can go to any Tower Records or Rasputin Music. We also got it at select mom and pop stores. Also you can order direct at www.solitaryconfinementrecords.com . Or you can send a check direct to me. Hit me at [email protected] for more info.
How would you describe the SCR Sound?
Quality, dark, cinematic, moving, inspiring. Alot of shit I hear nowadayz has a rinky-dink sound do it. Our shit is rich and crisp.
Do you have your own studio?
I run a pre-production lab right now that I'm preparing to upgrade to a fulll blown lab.
What's going on in the Bay Area right now? Do you think that the Bay is on the rise again?
The Bay has been stagnated for a long time now. Too many wack compilations and terrible albums have killed our crediblity to make good music industry-wide. However the winds of change are blowin out here. There will be a new staple of dope MC's and producers who will usher in the rise of a new era out here. SCR and our affiliates will be one of the camps instrumental in this.
Are there any Bay Area Rappers that you are feelin right now?
I'm definitely feelin my homie Cozmo, Gennnessee and Noble House, Kos Dog, Mobb CIN, Nutt-so. I like A-Wax's shit. My homie Balance is bout to shock the game somethin terrible. Playa Rae with DUGOUT. The Stereotype. FE. San Quinn. Yukmouth.
What's your all-time fav. Rap Album?
Damn. That's a hard one. I'd prolly have to go with Scarface-Untouchable.
It seems the Internet is very important for you..You have your own Forums on www.siccness.net and www.raptalk.net . Do you think the internet is a good way to network with other Rappers and promote Albums?
Yes, the internet is definitely a resource that can and should be used by artists. It provides an intimate medium where artists can interract with there fans, promote, network and share music. It also has it's down-sides too. There are alot of people who like to hate and be counter-productive too. You gotta use it to your advantage.
You also sold Copies outhere in Germany..How does it feel to know people overseas are bumpin' your music?
It's a good feeling to know people from all the way over on the other side of the Atlantic ocean are feelin us. It gives me confidence that we're doin something right if people who for the most part cannot speak English are feelin our music and message. It shows that this hip-hop shit is a universal language.
Have you ever thought about hittin up Germany and Europe and maybe do a couple of live shows out here?
We will DEFINITELY hit up Germany and Europe. I wouldn't miss out on that for anything.
Would you call yourself and Dobad good live perfomers?
We're workin on it. DOBAD is probably a lil better than me. We haven't done that many shows so we're still learning the science of a live show. It's hard to master.
Where do you see SCR in 5 years?
I see us having a major role within the entertainment industry, period. Not just records.
This interview will be posted on Message Boards in the US and in Germany
So Now it's time for a few Shout-Outs..
What up to Junior at Raptalk.net, Vamps at siccness.net, John & 5150 Promotionz, Keith at Killa Valley Entertainment, Tremendous at South-west connection.com ,Playa Rae at DUGOUT Entertainment, Cali Love, everyone else who supports SCR and is down for us thank you all.
Anything else you'd like to say?
Just be sure to cop that DOBAD-Rapid Fire. SOLITARY CONFINEMENT RECORDS. We changin the game one listener at a time.You can peep the whole DOBAD Album @ www.northern-ridaz.com!
Thank you very much for takin time and best of luck to you and SCR in the future!
This is my Interview with Solitary 1.. The CEO of Solitary Confinement Records. Check it out!
Interview with Sol 1
John of 5150 Promotionz: Please introduce yourself and your camp
Solitary 1: What up. I'm Solitary 1 of Solitary Confinement Records. We're from Marin. Just on the other side of the Golden Gate bridge from San Francisco.
How did you guys hook up?
We all basically grew up together. We known eachother since junior high.
Why do you call your Label "Solitary Confinement Records"?
Well my first name is Solomon so it ties in like that. When I was around 16, I was at school and this dude said I was a "solitary cat," cuz I was tellin' him how I didn't fuck wit too many people at the school and things like that. I chose to keep to myself and only fuck with a chosen few. Then later when I got locked up, it solidified the name in my mind. I began writin' under it.
When did SCR get started?
It started in 1999. We decided to take the game into our own hands. Alot of cat be like, "1999, and yall just started puttin' out records?" These people don't seem to understand that if you wanna put out quality music, you gotta take your time and do it right. You gotta watch the market and learn, then make moves accordingly. It's like chess.
You are not only the CEO, you are also a Rapper. When did you start rappin'?
I been rappin since I was 16.
Which artists inspired you?
Alot of cats. Geto Boys,LL Cool J, Too Short, NWA, Pac and DIgital Underground, Spice-1, 40 and Legit, Mobb Deep, Nas, Spice-1, Biggie. The producers that inspired me the most are Mike Mosely and Sam Bostic, Studio Tone, Khayree, DRE, DJ Premier, Nashiem Myrick.
Dobad - Rapid Fire is your first release..Tell us a little something about this Album.
It's a hot album, pointblank. Don't sleep. 20 bangers. Featuring Loki, Nutt-so, Mobb CIN, Cozmo, Genenvieve and me. DOBAD's is pretty bayed out but he's definitely on some hip-hop eat you alive type shit. It aint too many cats out here that could hang wit him lyrically. Check this shit out.
What sets Dobad apart from other Rappers?
His versatility. He is multi-faceted to say the least. He touches on a wide-range of topics that most rappers have trouble breaking out. He also is just more lyrical than alot of cats. He's incredibly articulate on the mic. Most dudes have a limited rhyme pattern. He knows no bounds. He will never cease to amaze you. Tell me when you hear him rip that you can't feel his hunger.
How is the Album doing?
Well, officially it aint even out yet, because it's not available everywhere yet, like it needs to be. We pressed up a limited run just to get it buzzin and recoup a lil cash to feed back into the project. At present time we've sold over 300. We should have a distribution deal soon though.
Where and how can people get the Album?
In the Bay Area, you can go to any Tower Records or Rasputin Music. We also got it at select mom and pop stores. Also you can order direct at www.solitaryconfinementrecords.com . Or you can send a check direct to me. Hit me at [email protected] for more info.
How would you describe the SCR Sound?
Quality, dark, cinematic, moving, inspiring. Alot of shit I hear nowadayz has a rinky-dink sound do it. Our shit is rich and crisp.
Do you have your own studio?
I run a pre-production lab right now that I'm preparing to upgrade to a fulll blown lab.
What's going on in the Bay Area right now? Do you think that the Bay is on the rise again?
The Bay has been stagnated for a long time now. Too many wack compilations and terrible albums have killed our crediblity to make good music industry-wide. However the winds of change are blowin out here. There will be a new staple of dope MC's and producers who will usher in the rise of a new era out here. SCR and our affiliates will be one of the camps instrumental in this.
Are there any Bay Area Rappers that you are feelin right now?
I'm definitely feelin my homie Cozmo, Gennnessee and Noble House, Kos Dog, Mobb CIN, Nutt-so. I like A-Wax's shit. My homie Balance is bout to shock the game somethin terrible. Playa Rae with DUGOUT. The Stereotype. FE. San Quinn. Yukmouth.
What's your all-time fav. Rap Album?
Damn. That's a hard one. I'd prolly have to go with Scarface-Untouchable.
It seems the Internet is very important for you..You have your own Forums on www.siccness.net and www.raptalk.net . Do you think the internet is a good way to network with other Rappers and promote Albums?
Yes, the internet is definitely a resource that can and should be used by artists. It provides an intimate medium where artists can interract with there fans, promote, network and share music. It also has it's down-sides too. There are alot of people who like to hate and be counter-productive too. You gotta use it to your advantage.
You also sold Copies outhere in Germany..How does it feel to know people overseas are bumpin' your music?
It's a good feeling to know people from all the way over on the other side of the Atlantic ocean are feelin us. It gives me confidence that we're doin something right if people who for the most part cannot speak English are feelin our music and message. It shows that this hip-hop shit is a universal language.
Have you ever thought about hittin up Germany and Europe and maybe do a couple of live shows out here?
We will DEFINITELY hit up Germany and Europe. I wouldn't miss out on that for anything.
Would you call yourself and Dobad good live perfomers?
We're workin on it. DOBAD is probably a lil better than me. We haven't done that many shows so we're still learning the science of a live show. It's hard to master.
Where do you see SCR in 5 years?
I see us having a major role within the entertainment industry, period. Not just records.
This interview will be posted on Message Boards in the US and in Germany
So Now it's time for a few Shout-Outs..
What up to Junior at Raptalk.net, Vamps at siccness.net, John & 5150 Promotionz, Keith at Killa Valley Entertainment, Tremendous at South-west connection.com ,Playa Rae at DUGOUT Entertainment, Cali Love, everyone else who supports SCR and is down for us thank you all.
Anything else you'd like to say?
Just be sure to cop that DOBAD-Rapid Fire. SOLITARY CONFINEMENT RECORDS. We changin the game one listener at a time.You can peep the whole DOBAD Album @ www.northern-ridaz.com!
Thank you very much for takin time and best of luck to you and SCR in the future!