Hiphop and Books!

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When many artists are feeling the pressure to confirm to a popular style in order to make it, 29 year old Kevin Lipsey has set out on his own path with his eye on the prize. A native of Canton, Mississippi he now lives in California and is getting major attention for his new single "Mississippi Po Boy". Being a student of the business, Lipsey is dedicated to perfecting his craft yet remaining true to himself, knowing that looking ahead will guarantee him the success he wants.

Lipsey is a proud supporter of the 25-state "Hiphop and Books" initiative that kicked off in April 2008 with the purpose of encouraging reading and the importance of staying in school. Look for him to join the project when it makes stops in Arizona and California in July 2008 (see http://www.hiphopandbooks.com for all the details.)

In this interview he talks about how his love for music began as well as why he takes nothing for granted when it comes to his career.
 

What started you in the path towards the entertainment industry?
My uncle use to work with the Canton Spirituals, and occassionally he would let me in on the studio sessions. I was only about 5, but that's when the bug bit me. I ran with it. When I was 13 I hooked up with my friend's big brother Gino. Gino was working with Ghetto Boys and some other artists. He had a home studio before it became popular. So he gave me my first lessons on the equipment.

Have you been surprised at how quickly your single "Mississippi Po Boy" has taken off, resonating with so many people?
Yes... It is a surprise. Not so much surprised about how it is taking off but how fast it is taking off. The song was released as a mother's day dedication. And it connected far past Mother's Day. I have been getting messages from a variety of people who have connected with the song emotionally. It's a real life song that many people can relate to.

For many artists success is defined by radio play or being on television.
What is success for K. Lipsey?
I've had previous radio play and in 2006 I made my BET debut as a video director, which I also played the role of one of the characters in the gospel music video "You Held On Even When I Let Go" by Eddie Ruth Bradford. Even after that I didn't feel like I had achieved my goals. In 2002, I walked away from a career as an Electrical Power Engineer to start my musical journey. So my standards are extremely high. My success will be measured by the leverage I create as a company. The leverage that will give me the clout and finances to give other creative artists an outlet. So to accomplish that goal, I must first take care of some of the objectives like: how many lives we inspire, how many units we sale, and making sure we stay true to a quality brand of music and entertainment that will stand the test of time. It doesn't happen over night so, I'm in it for the long haul.

Being from Mississippi do you think the state gets a bad rap when it comes to its reputation?
Most definitely... Even with my life experience and college education, I find myself having to go above and beyond to prove my points. I even had people tell me that they thought I couldn't handle big city marketing repsonsibilities. It threw me for a loop for a minute. It's not my personality, but sometimes I have to get ugly to get my point across, even after I have proven myself.

What about musicially? We have produced some of the most talked about artists, from Leontyne Price, B. B. King and David Banner. Do you find that the love is there for these accomplishments the way you want it to be?
I like them all... I been a supporter of David Banner since the beginning simply because he was reppin the Sipp. Now looking at my situation, I feel I'm getting similar support. We just want to see someone from Mississippi make their mark in today's culture. So I can't complain. I say "Thank you" as often as I can. THANK YOU.

I contacted you after hearing your song in rotation on a Mississippi station about the Hiphop & Books project. As you know, it's mission is to encourage reading among lovers of the hiphop community. You have taken up the charge of joining our cause of encouraging reading and the importance of staying in school. Why do you think these are important, especially for our young people?
First of all we have to realize that the entertainment industry is still a business industry like any other industry. A sound education will give you a foundation when an opportunity presents itself. Investors feel more comfortable knowing that you have some sense of direction for you or your company. To stay up on the trends of the industry I'm constantly reading. I read the Billboard and other industry publications on a daily basis. It helps me be a better marketing professional within the industry. I always encourage people who want to be in this industry to learn the business. That comes from picking up books that explain the diffent components of the industry and when you're done with that one, find another one. If you don't understand a subject matter, do research on that subject until you have enough information to make you comfortable.

Kevin, after such a hot debut I know you have alot of events planned to promote your music. Where can we go online to find out more about you and the work you are doing?
I'm online at www.kLipsey.com and www.myspace.com/kLipsey

Thank you for your time. What would you like to say to your fans and
those who might be just learning about you through this interview?
Thank you for your support. This one is for the HOME TEAM. So let's push forward together.

His love for music began when he was just in middle school, however, Eddie Bennett,28, (aka “E”) has made sure that what was just the enjoyment of music has turned into a career that includes not only becoming a recording artist but owning his own studio as well. With two years of college behind him, this Jackson native has worked with local artists such as Jewman, Benz and David Banner as well as national ones such as Nappy Roots, Petey Pablo, Timbaland and Grade A.

In spite of ups and downs when it comes to the music industry, his journey has come full circle with new music and a positive outlook on life. Confident, grounded and ready to take on the world, E is here to stay---and eager to show others what it takes to have a career in the industry.

(Rapper/Producer E is one of the artists lending his talents to promoting reading during the "Hiphop & Books" tour. Details can be found at http://www.hiphopandbooks.com)

When did your interest in music began?
It began when I was young and in middle school. I wanted to be in the band real bad because I always loved music. But being from a lower middle class family education is the most important thing and finances were really tied up for bills. So from there I always had a passion for music.

Who were some of your earliest musical influences?
Outkast, Leaders of the new School, Dr Dre, Timbaland, DJ Premier, You know, the legends.

A lot of times recording artists will say that the music they make has to do with the lives that they live or have seen. Is that true with you?
Yes for the most case. I always try to go outside the box also with my music to show others that I can do other things like tell a good story or inspire you with struggle or even just make something crazy and catchy. You have to be able to do all things with the music that you do.

When it comes to music, is there any genre that you like that might surprise your fan base?
I will just put it to you this way. The only genre I haven’t really gotten into yet is country. But its coming. Believe me.

Tell us about the making of your first cd or compilation that you were a part of. What was the name of it, walk us through the process of it coming together and if you were pleased with the finished project?
The first Cd I actually made was for one of my firsts artist when I was living in North Carolina. His name was GAME. It was funny to me too when the new one came out. But the process was fulfilling. It was just a bunch of hungry individuals wanting to do something they loved so much and didn’t care what anyone else felt or thought about it. I was pleased with the outcome of it because it was my first one. So just to complete it was accomplishing alone. But from there I realized that I had a long way to go. But I was determined to do it because its just something about music that I cannot walk away from right now.

When we last talked in 2006 you were releasing your second mixtape. What have you been working on since then?
Working my self to death trying to get where im comfortable with my music and in the industry. Formed a new prodoction team, got a lot of new work going on and its just one big ole bag of blessings coming to me right now. At the same time I am working on a new mixtape due to be released this summer. All original production on this one.

Do you think the music scene in Mississippi has changed much since your last release?
Yes it has changed dramatically. The crab in a bucket syndrome is slowly dwindeling away from the inner city music and the networking and get money by all means legally necessary attitude has been picking up in a lot of people and areas in the state.

Do you think we are really as behind on the music side as people seem to think we are?
Are we behind? Not by a long shot. material we have has always been taken and reworked by others outside of our state lines. We have what it takes. The door is just closed to us right now.

Who would you say your music most appeals to?
My music appeals to people who think about the other things that go on in the streets. You have your story livers and your story tellers. I am a little bit of both and the people it appeals to most are the one who can not only relate but can also say they know someone that it has happened to and they have lived it through them.

Living in Mississippi, there are so many cliché when it come to what people like. Is it your goal to cross over to appeal to a larger demographic?
The Ultimate goal is to just get noticed on a national level. As long as you keep your music true to yourself and the people who it relates to where you are from, I fell everything else will be handled in the turmoil. Because believe me with success, comes turmoil.

Mississippi has produced some bright stars and there are many more trying to get to the top. what advice would you give new performers as they begin their career.
If you value sleep and rest and no stress. Do not get into this game. You will lose sleep if you want to make it. It is a must. It is not possible to do it a few hours a day and make it happen. This is a life and a lifestyle for some people around here. It pays my bills and keeps me very comfortable. I put in over 80 hours a week on just music alone. At the same time persuing a degree. Success comes in a lot of forms. I just don't know which mine will be in yet.(laughs). So I will try them all and see which fits me best.

There has been much discussion as to the affect of hiphop music on today's youth. What is your take on it?
Do you think that the music a young person listens to influences what they do in their lives? Kind of. I don’t think it really does the complete job of influencing the youth but it does a little. Some more than others though depending on the demographic of where you are. Because not everyone feels the same when they hear music that they like. Or don’t like.

It's one thing to be an artist, but you have also taken an active role in the production of music as well. Talk to us about the process you went through to begin Causin' Drama Entertainment and who was it created for?
Causin’ Drama Entertainment was created for myself and a group of friends that I began with. It was a rough process and people lost a lot of things and gained a lot of things. Hell I lost my whole studio and had to build it all back from scratch. But the process was ongoing. Even today the process is not complete but it moves a lot more smoothly than what it used to and you can see the history of things that I have completed with Causin’ Drama Entertainment. From production, to engineering I have had a hand in more than 50 percent of not only my own artists music, but a lot of the music that the city of Jackson hears right now.

What do you want people to know about the music that you choose to make?
I make what I know works, not only for me but for a vast amount of people. Most live outside of Mississippi though. But that’s cool with me.

Since we are in a political season I have to ask you about the politics of the music industry. Do you think it is really so much about talent today as it is about generated hype?
Its really a little bit of both. Just look at the presidential elections. Its just April and you wouldn't know it the way they are marketing the new elections. (laughs) Same thing applies in music. Just in a different concept. Its strange but true. Not everyone is made to be marketed. Some people just have to rely on talent and prayer. And some slide right through the door selling their sole and publishing in the process.

When it comes to you, how do you remain relevent on the scene while maintaining your integrity?
By looking at myself and looking at my life. I havent made it yet. But I am happy. And I try to pass that on. My reputation for having a super hard work ethic has preceded me for many years. Now its to the point where I have to keep focus and eliminate negative people away from me and out of my life. That is how you stay relevant. Surround yourself with people just like you. And you will gain ground and prosper. When I am on the scene, I am the man that gets the job done. Whatever you need I will facilitate you or try to with the best of my ability and supplies. But when I clock out and go home, I change into my natural self: laid back and open minded looking for the next big thing. Its just a big dream to me. I never knew what I would accomplish last year. And I dont let my gaining ground go to my head. I stay grounded. I remain a regular person. Just like everyone else. Thats what people want. To feel like you are just like them. And I am.


Visit E at www.causin-drama-entertainment.com

 "I’m involved with the Hip-Hop & Books project, because I want all children to have access to books and learning. This program provides an environment and opportunity that instills the importance of reading. The biggest advancement in our society was learning how to read and write. Literacy is the one fundamental skill that breaks the walls of poverty and brings a source of empowerment and understanding to all people.. My goal with the organization is to make sure that reading is the number one past time for all children.  I have the greatest respect for the founder/author Cyrus Webb for him to give of himself to benefit others, this is a great cause and I’m proud to be affiliated with Hip Hop & Books.”

Jon Boy, Rap Artist

Vh1 The White Rapper Show  http://www.myspace.com/jonboyceo

 "I'm definitely excited about participating in the Hip-Hop & Books Tour," says Josh Gates. "Its important to read because not only should a artist know how to perform but also read. For me reading is essential because I'm also a actor and I have to read scripts and be able to kill auditions."

--- For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/itsflame

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to welcome Miami, Florida rapper/producer Big G to the Hiphop and Books Coalition.

At the age of 18 he is already making his mark in the music industry, having been involved in the business for over three years of his life.

When asked why he thinks music lovers should remember the importance of reading, he responds by saying "Because in order to live a great life and work and have an education you need to read and stay in school. Also people who write music like I do need to read to learn words that way we can use them in our music and better express ourselves. Reading is a big part of my life".

Big G believes that the entertainment industry can do to help encourage reading and staying in school by starting and promoting more projects like Hiphop and Books. He also believes the media can do much to promote more positive opportunities for kids.

So out of all the organizations he could allign himself with, why Hiphop and Books? Big G answers this way: "Hiphop and Books can take out the negative side and stop all the negative views on music nowadays and show a more positive side to the media. We should take away all the talks about hoes, drugs and alcohol and change it to picking up a book reading and going to school. It can help lower drop out rates alot because kids are influenced by what they hear and see in songs and videos, so if they hear songs about reading books and getting an education to make good money then they would want to do just that, so this project and more positive projects are a great thing for the entertainment industry and the world."

To find out more information about Big G, visit him online at http://www.myspace.com/spikevolleyball4life .

 The 29 year old rapper hails from Queens New York yet grew up in Port Charlotte Florida and has been in love with music as a performer since he was 13 but has only been recording for about 4 years.

I-Beam has been influenced by the likes of BIG, Pac, Nas and Jay-Z as well as T.I., Lil Wayne, Plies, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Slick Rick, Goodie Mob, Outkast and others. Though his career in the business is just beginning, already he has shared the stage with Nas, Slick Rick, Ja-Rule and Foxy Brown as well as been featured by OZONE MAG, HOOD MAG and WWS MAGAZINE.

"I've always felt that hip-hop was the voice of the hood," says IBeam. "I grew up with eviction notices on my door. The hood is where we generally have less or have nothing. And many look at rapping or basketball as the only way out. As I've grown I've learned that isn't necessarily the truth. We have so much more that we can accomplish. If somebody told you as a child that reading was the staircase and knowledge was on the rooftop. Wouldn't you just start climbing them steps! That is what Hiphop and Books is about, and that's why I support it. So I could try to help all the little ones to start climbing them steps."

For more information about I-Beam, visit him online at www.myspace.com/941beam or www.blogtalkradio.com/ibeam. You can also email him at 941beam@gmail.com.

www.myspace.com/jackmoveent