Hip Hop Breath magazine #15 Horseshoe Gang, Tayyib Ali cover

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Edito Le nouveau numéro de HHB (#15 – oui 15 déjà – merci du soutien) est enfin disponible.

Découvrez l’interview exclusive du groupe Horseshoe Gang, ainsi que du kickeur Tayyib Ali, du emcee de New York Pearl Gates, de Base Aura, ainsi que du rappeur de Detroit Rhyme Scheme. Réalisées par LadySu. Merci à Uncle Phil pour son aide.

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@LadySuMusic @HipHopBreath

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Sommaire Tayyib Ali … P.8 Base Aura … P.13 Pearl Gates … P.17 Rhyme Sheme … P.22 Horseshoe Gang … P.26 Darrin Mclaren … P.34

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TAYYIB ALI Interview

Hello Tayyib. For those who might be a little unfamiliar with the name, tell us a little about yourself. Who is Tayyib Ali, where are you from and when did you start out in hip hop?

My name is Tayyib Ali, music artist out of Philly. Music was always a major part of my life. I started in High School, but officially released my first project at age 18.

Keystone State of Mind 4 droppin April 14th. Who to have as the featured artists and producers?

As far as featured producers… I have a track with Jonas Vestergaard & Rune Rask (TABU)… Expect

to hear DJ Grumble, 2Astronauts, Ben Rosen & Tay $lay as well…

Tedy Andreas is the only feature on the project. My homie from Houston… He's ill.

How long did it take you to make the project? What was the most challenging aspects in terms of putting the concepts and then recording?

It took me up to 6 months.

Picking and filtering songs to go on the project is definitely the biggest challenge. I came up with about 50 songs. So I really wanted to make the best project that I could possibly make. I just want to spread a good message.

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Were there any particular inspirations for you in making this project, and in a wider sense, what else acts as your biggest motivational factors?

My main inspiration for this project was all my previous success all leading into one project. Since its the 4th album from the Keystone State of Mind album I wanted it to be better than all my older material. Since I moved to LA theres a lot more to say.

Do you have a favorite track from the project? If so, which one and why?

Honestly I love them all. I’m making new music everyday so its hard to fall in love with one song at the moment.

From the days you started out rapping, which artists would you say you learned the most from, those who influenced you the most in developing your own style?

Artist like Lupe Fiasco & Nas but there were so many songs that helped me develop my style in general, I used to listen to Alphabetical Slaughter by Papoose. I love hip hop in general. I remember listening to all types of early mixtapes and albums tapes in high school.

A lot of other genres stuck out though and I listened to everything. Gained my style from Hip Hop artist as well as Bands and Indie Artist that I cant even think of at the moment.

What has been your best experience to date in the rap game?

Signing my first deal with Russell Simmons and Steve Rifkind was probably one of the best experiences.

Touring has been a great experience & meeting some of the artist I look up to has been cool as well.

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Anything else you would like to say to our readers in France / Europe / Worldwide?

Be on the lookout for more new music coming soon!

Shout out to everyone who supports me all over the world. I wouldn't be here without the support.

LadySu

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All DJ LSM’s projects on ladysumusic.bandcamp.com

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Base Aura Interview

Hello Base Aura.

For those who might be a little unfamiliar with the name, tell us a little about yourself. Who is Base Aura, where are you from and when did you start out in hip hop?

Im from the Bronx, Harlem i started to do music in the late 90's.

Can you tell us about "Team Aura" "AuraGammi"?

Team Aura is a as a group Auragammi is my new movement every member started there own independent movement but in a second we will form Aura in it self is very spiritual gammi is the folding paper our term

folding money with plenty of mixtapes ,videos, freestyles you can just Google me now its easy Base Auragammi or aka Base Aura.

Your next project "Whoodie Whoo" drops april 30. How did you decide on the title and also who to have as the various featured artists and producers?

Auramy new single us are old Bronx block calling back then u trying to get attention or call someone I hooked up with my producer he also does some of my videos his name is Young Zack aka Half this Half that.

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Do you have a favorite track from the project? If so, which one and why?

Right now i have 3 singles dropping First April 30 my big single right now over 1.5 million plays mainly on SoundCloud May 1 is a party trak called " The Late Night" then May 19 "Don't Do It" which the video is on YouTube Veevo Soon plus visuals for My other 2 Singles.

Where to check more of your music?

Check all sites Itunes,Spotify, Tidal, Etc...

BaseAuragammimusic.xyz ,Reverbnation,SoundCloud Datpiff, mixconnect etc..

Again just Google LadySu

When did you fall in love with Hip Hop? As a kid.

What is your goal in Hip Hop? Too show my talent and work with some more bigger artist so far i have worked with platium recording artist Tony Sunshine , JHood Formerly from DBlock.

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PEARL GATES Interview

Hello Pearl Gates. For those who might be a little unfamiliar with the name, tell us a little about yourself. Who is Pearl Gates, where are you from and when did you start out in hip hop?

In a nutshell, Pearl Gates is the people. And a dope ass rapper from Washington Heights in New York City. I was barely a teenager when I started rhyming. However, due to my involvement with the streets, I didn't take the craft as seriously as I wanted to until I dropped my first mixtape, "A Star In A Broken Sky" end of 2014.

Tell us about your last project "Diamond Mind". How did you decide on the title and also who to have as the various featured artists and producers?

I decided on naming my EP "Diamond Mind' because I

wanted to express the idea of your mind being a precious jewel that can create unlimited value in any aspect of life. My outlet in this particular case is music, and I felt like it was an important message to convey considering everything going on in society around us.

How long did it take you to make the project? What was the most challenging aspects in terms of putting the concepts and then recording?

The project took about 3 weeks to create. I think the concepts and recording process came together very smoothly, which made creating "Diamond Mind" a wonderful experience. There were no real challenges other than getting the right mix on one of the singles, "Countdown," to which I owe Khrysis and Wordsworth a great deal of gratitude for helping to 17

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get the record where it needed to be. Other than that it was smooth sailing.

Were there any particular inspirations for you in making this project, and in a wider sense, what else acts as your biggest motivational factors?

A big inspiration for this project was everything going on in society at the time, from the media to world events. There are so many things going on around trying to mold your thought process and state of mind, and I wanted to remind people of the true value they still possess. As far as my biggest motivational factor overall, I think its the state of quality hip hop in New York in comparison to where it was, and just trying to add to the legacy of New York rap.

Do you have a favorite track from the project? If so, which one and why?

I love them all, but I think "Shine On" is one of my favorite joints on the project. It's got a great feel and message.

We assume you working on your next project‌ can you tell us about?

I several projects in the works at this moment, but my main focus at this time is my debut album "Live From The First" coming this spring which I'm very excited about. That's all I can say about it right now!

From the days you started out rapping, which artists would you say you learned the most from, those who influenced you the most in developing your own style?

My favorite artists growing up were Nas and MJ, but I would say rocking with my partner and fellow artist Syll Muzik has helped me learn a lot about myself, staying competitive and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Also having the opportunity to develop organic and real relationships with guys like Masta Ace, Wordsworth and Stricklin has been influential in a way that has allowed me to remain true to myself musically. Ultimately i think my style is really a reflection of all my experiences

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as well as the music I've been exposed to throughout my life.

What has been your best experience to date in the rap game?

Getting to tour Europe for the first time was a phenomenal experience for me. Also, being on tour with PRHYME and sharing the stage with eMC for Rocksteady's 38th anniversary concert. So many moments its hard to choose one!

Anything else you would like to say to our readers in France / Europe / Worldwide?

Yes, be sure to check out and buy "Diamond Mind," its available on iTunes, Amazon, Google play as well as other outlets, and be on the look out for my upcoming debut album "Live From The First" as well as other releases and tours in your area! Thanks for all the support.

LadySu

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RHYME SCHEME Interview

Hello Rhyme Scheme. For those who might be a little unfamiliar with the name, tell us a little about yourself.

Who is Rhyme Scheme, where are you from and when did you start out in hip hop?

Rhyme Scheme is a hip hop artist originally from Detroit, Mi. currently living in LA. I make hip hop with a throw back feel that carries a message but is still modern.

Your last project "Progression Ep" realized june 16. How did you decide on the title and also who to have as the various featured artists and producers?

Progression released on June 16, 2015 on the birthday of the Late Tupac Shakur. The project features Armageddon of Terror Squad, Spice 1, Yukmouth of the Luniz, Mopreme Shakur, and Young Noble of the Outlawz. The Ep was to pay tribute to 2pac. The title illustrates my progress in the music industry.

Were there any particular inspirations for you in making this project, and in a wider sense, what else acts as your biggest motivational factors?

Other than paying my respects to 2 Pac, Progression was a reflection of my life. Growing up in 22

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Detroit has taught me about grind and hard work. I took those lessons and brought them to LA where there are opportunities.

I have travelled all over the world and appreciate each place I have been for the different cultures. I am now using those experiences in my rhymes.

Do you have a favorite track from the project? If so, which one and why?

My favorite track from the project is “Business Over Pleasure”. Business Over Pleasure was a lot of fun. To work with two greats like Young Noble and Yukmouth was inspiring. Not only have they worked with legends, they are also highly respected for their music! I knew I had to step up my game. The song also has a deeper meaning, as do all my songs. It is a reflection of what has to be done to make it in this business. There are

sacrifices that need to happen. And there are times when it appears as though these artists have it all. But the enduring ones have a real grind.

What is your goal in Hip Hop? My goal in Hip Hop is to be heard worldwide. I have a voice that needs to be heard by all walks of life.

Where to check more of your music?

My music can be found on all outlets including soundcloud, Itunes, Youtube and my website: www.rhymeschememusic.co m . Also, check out my new single “The Connect” Feat Big Herk and Cean Murq available on soundcloud.

Also, be on the lookout for my next single “Enough” Feat Keith Murray.

LadySu

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Horseshoe Gang Interview

Hello Horseshoe Gang ! First of all, can you tell us a little bit more about the name "Horseshoe G.A.N.G" ?

Weren't you originally called "Untouchable Gang" at one time ?

Yeah. Our group name used to be Untouchable Gang. We would rock Indianapolis Colts gear cause their horseshoe logo looks like a U. We started calling ourselves Horseshoe Gang as a nick name for our group, but it eventually became our official name.

Now let's go back to the beginning of your career. You are brothers from the same mother and your older brother

is Crooked I, a renowned rapper and of course member of Slaughterhouse. How did y'all come up with the idea to form a rap / hip hop group?

Did any of you push more than the others to form the group, or perhaps were more motivated to create, or have all four of you always wanted to do this equally?

Our elder brothers Mad Man and KXNG Crooked used to be in a rap group. We used to rap for them and their friends and they would write raps for us when we were 4 and 5 years old. At some point, they saw how enthusiastic we were, so they suggested we form a group. We've been a group ever 26

since. And we were all equally motivated.

Do you feel any kind of pressure, or competition?

Knowing that you are from the West Coast, more and more rappers are representing the West Coast right now.

Not at all. No pressure. We love the hype surrounding the West now and we feel it's long overdue for the West Coast rap scene. If we all work together, we could bring West Coast HipHop back to it's former glory.

Mainstream and underground.

The first thing that we noticed when we listened to your music is the old school vibe.

We felt like we were going back to the roots of what Hip Hop is. The quality of the lyricism is incredible and you’re dropping an album called “Anti-Trap Music”, when trap is one of the most

common musical styles around right now. How do you feel about the current state of Hip Hop? Thanks. We appreciate that fact that our album gives people that feeling you described. We feel sometimes Hip-Hop needs to be reminded of it's essence.

Similar to the way Jay-Z did with his song speaking against auto tune.

He wasn't necessarily dissing auto tune...

He was just reminding the culture that HipHop is not supposed to be overly gimmicky.

We're doing the same thing with our album Anti Trap Music. Trap Music is running rampant. Too many rappers are aiming to be the next Trap Star.

Let's not forget the fact that drug use is still the cause of a lot of negativity In our communities. Our album is an example of how music shouldn't be one-dimensional.

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How long did it take you to make the project? What was the most challenging aspects in terms of putting together the concepts and then recording?

Well, some of these songs we've been sitting on for a while. We let our listeners hear a few snippets on our Mixtape Monthly Vol. 12. But the rest of the songs didn't take much time to record. Once we know the direction of an album, we zoom to the booth and knock it out.

The challenging part is knowing which songs to pick and how many songs the project needs.

Sometimes an artist will put together an album that could've been a classic had he/she taken off 3 or 4 songs.

What is your favourite song on your latest album “Anti-Trap Music�?

Either "Intro" or "Poor Swagg".

A lot of people say "Shoe-icide Squad" stands out the most though.

Which is understandable.

Can you define your latest album with 3 words?

Anti Trap Music (haha).

You come from the underground scene and you’re currently making your own music and becoming more and more popular. A lot of people think artists should be one or the other, either stay underground or become more mainstream and popular. How do you personally feel about this transition?

Glad you asked. That is an excellent question. We feel like that's a big problem and extremely unfortunate. A lot of people who are fans of underground artists, subconsciously prefer that these artists only obtain moderate success. They feel they have an intimate connection to the underground artist and they feel they'd lose that connection if the artist gains mainstream success. This is why some underground artists lose some of their core fans once they gain mainstream attention. We feel that as long as artists keeps the essence of their artistry, they should keep all of their original supporters whether they become a mainstream artist or not.

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died broke and never enjoyed consistent success. That's an artist's biggest fear.

For one year, you released one mixtape per month. Also, you are known for your work ethic and your lyricism. That’s the first thing that we noticed when we heard you.

The subjects treated in your album are really diverse. You talk about the stress any human being can face in life in “Stress Relief”, and then you have this funny song that might please the ladies “Broke Ass Nigga”. How and where do you find your inspirations when you write, and what kind of things tend to motivate you the most?

Yeah, our mixtape series Mixtape Monthly is one of the best examples of our work ethic. We live in the studio. We draw inspirations from life experiences. Art imitates life and we have four lives to use to pull inspirations from.

Sometimes we sit in the studio and bounce ideas off of each other for hours. Some ideas work, others don't. And sometimes we'll have an idea or

song concept that didn't work the first time we recorded it but turned out perfect the second time. Which could be years later.

How is it working/writing with your brother? Is it easier or are there difficulties involved?

If you consider it easy racking your brain to create the best verse you've ever written? Then yeah. It's easy haha. Working with KXNG Crooked is always fun though. We'll choose the song we want him to feature on, then he'll tell us he's not gonna go super hard. Then he walks in the booth and proceeds to kill everything moving haha.

The song “Shoe-Icide Squad” reminds us of N.W.A’s “Fuck the Police”. Lots of mainstream artists have decided to take a stand and denounce police brutality. Some people say that it is just a trend and these popular artists are just following it. But in your personal case, is it something that you’ve always wanted to write about?

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Absolutely! We understand the power of music. So if there's something going wrong in this country or across the globe, we feel it's important to bring light to it. Our song "Shoe-icide Squad" is an extreme form of protest. We hope everyone properly understands the message we were trying to convey.

Talking about N.W.A, you have an entire song on your album paying tribute to some of the greatest rappers and contributors of the Hip Hop scene. Do you feel like upcoming artists are not really paying tribute to elders or dont show them enough gratitude for what they've done?

A lot of these new artists are disrespectful. They don't care to speak on the Hip-Hop legends who paved the way for them. Even if you're a young artist who don't know much

about this culture or its legends, you should make it a priority to learn about them.

There's this new thing called Google that you disrespectfulass rappers need to utilize haha.

The album releases on Seven 13 Entertainment. Are you signed to a label for the longer term, or would you like to have that kind of arrangement with a label?

When it comes to the business side of this industry, we play everything by ear. How we proceed is usually on a case by case basis.

If it makes sense for our brand, we rock with it. If not, fuck it!

Can you cite your favourite rapper?

For some of us it's 2pac and for others Jay-Z. So for the sake of giving 1 answer as a group, we'll say Pac-Z haha.

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How do you see yourself as a group in 5 years?

Feels like a job interview question haha.

Seriously, though... We see ourselves being viewed as the best group of all time in a few short years.

If you consider the impact of 50 Cent's first 2 albums, or 2Pac's short Death Row run, an artist could make a huge impression on Hip-Hop in a short time period.

Anything you want to say?

Go buy KXNG Crooked's album Statik Kxng. Go follow our bro Mad Man on Twitter and Instagram @ungradiostation if you are an up-and-coming artist. Support Karelezz album Space Time when it drops.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Horseshoegang.

And shout out to Hip Hop Breath for showing us so much love. God bless!

Phil / LadySu

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Darrin McLaren Interview Hello Darrin. For those who might be a little unfamiliar with the name, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, where are you from and when did you start out in hip hop?

Good Day to you, I am Darrin Mclaren. International artist, and global ambassador of American Music, Sports, and Business. Detroit, Michigan is city where I was born and raised. I began rapping at the age of 8 years old.

Tell us about your last project "Winter Is Coming".

How did you decide on the title and also who to have as the various featured artists and producer?

My latest project “Winter Is Coming”, was released last year during my tour in Italy.

It was inspired by the H.B.O Series Game of Thrones. The phrase “Winter Is Coming”, representes the mysterious seemingly invincible frozen creatures “ The White Walkers”. Made of Ice, they are feared, because with one look and touch, they turn everything to ice. So when ppl hear "Winter Is Coming" I want the same reaction! I felt my music displayed the characteristics of being a captivating, yet an indestructible force.

The production is very rich for a project! Material from A few super producers Young Chop (Big Sean, Kanye West, 34

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Chief Keef), Project H.O.F (Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill), up and coming producers Junel Rubio (We The Best Music Group) Kevin Williams (Chicago), and Johnny Yayo (Chicago).

How long did it take you to make the project? What was the most challenging aspects in terms of putting the concepts and then recording?

The project took me a few months to complete.

However, I used a few older tracks and combined them with up to date music I was recording. The tracks were recorded in Chicago and Detroit. The challenging aspect was to use music that fit the concept of Game of Thrones.

Were there any particular inspirations for you in making this project, and in a wider sense, what else acts

as your biggest motivational factors?

The actual series Game of Thrones inspired my entire project. After watching 40 episodes in one week, I saw many events that were parrallel with my life. So as I was receiving instrumentals, I began to write and put more of the concepts into play.

My biggest motivational factor is legacy.

It’s important to me because as an artist and public person, I understand that music last forever! Every song I record, and promote is a reflection of myself, my family, and my supporters! I want to promote myself and artistry as positive as possible.

Do you have a favorite track from the project? If so, which one and why?

I dont have 1 favorite song, I have a few! FcukNika [Pro. Young Chop], Got It All [Pro.Project H.O.F], and “I 36

Love This Song ft. Micky Cohen’. International flavor from South America! These are my favorites because they generate the best responses I've seen on tour.

Seeing the crowd happy makes me happy :) We assume you working on your next project… can you tell us about?

Yes I am working on my next project! I’m filming & recording the majority of the project now in Italy! With a few new producers from France, and even in America.

It will be my biggest project to date :) From the days you started out rapping, which artists would you say you learned the most from, those who influenced you the most in developing your own style?

There were 2 artists who helped influence me in my style. L.L. Cool J, and Jay-Z. I learned how to conduct

business from watching the moves of those trendsetters, they still inspire me to this day!

What has been your best experience to date in the rap game?

My best experience to date was to performing live on tour with Big Sean, Migos, Slaughterhouse, and Pleasure P! Generating a nice buzz in the states, I want to transfer over to the European, African, & Asian Markets.

Anything else you would like to say to our readers in France / Europe / Worldwide?

I want to give my condolences to the country of France from the recent terrorist attacks! I have many supporters there, and I look forward to visiting and performing. I believe in being an example to the world ppl who love music. My main 37

goal is to use my music to help inspire and give back to the less fortunate. Through progression, I’ve been blessed to visit nearly 20 countries. To make a world sound that you can enjoy please register your email at my new mobile website to get new music, world vlogs, and concert info :) www.DarrinMclarenMusic.co m LadySu

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