Interview w/Slug of Atmosphere
By: Justin Weleski & Justin Rizzio

Whether you love them or hate them, there is no denying that Atmosphere has become a driving force in the post-90’s wave of independent music. While staying true to their Midwest roots Atmosphere manages to gain more fans from all over the globe each year. Now, with a new album and a slightly different sound, Atmosphere is out to show fans the many dimensions hip hop can evolve to. Recently, while backstage at a packed show at Philly’s Trocadero, we caught up with Atmosphere’s front man, Slug, for a very impromptu interview. Not bad for an on the spot interview. Enjoy (or hate.)
To Purchase the new Atmosphere album; Click HERE
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Interview w/Nelz Gomez of The Gomez Brothers (G Unit/Shade 45 (Sirius Radio)
By: Justin Weleski

When setting up the DJ Cosmic Kev interview I got the heads up that we were going to be hanging out with Kev and a bunch of his friends. One just happened to be Nelz Gomez from the hit Sirius radio show, The Gomez Brothers. In addition to that I also got the heads up that Nelz was a vital part in helping 50 Cent take over the mixtape market since the beginning. He puts in a lot of work over at G Unit Records. So hanging out with the crew I learned more about the man behind the scenes and talked about what goes on in both his worlds and what the future has in store for both radio and record label marketing.

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Interview w/DJ Cosmic “Strictly Skills” Kev (of Power 99/Come Up Show)
By: Justin Weleski
Download a FREE classic DJ Cosmic Kev mixtape “Jackin For Beats” Vol. 22 (1997) - Click HERE , AND to comment and look at track listing Click HERE

While growing up in Philly, listening to hip hop (way before the internet) we had very few outlets to hear what we wanted to hear. It was either requesting a music video on The Box or tuning on Power 99 on a late Friday night or if lucky enough coming across a DJ Cosmic Kev mixtape. On a website titled 215hiphop.com it’s only right that we finally got a rare opportunity to sit down with an innovator of both urban radio and the 215s hip hop DJ culture…DJ Cosmic “Strictly Skills” Kev. So in what may very well be his very first online interview we went all the way back to his days at WKDU through how, in 2008, he is still very much as relevant to the radio as he was when he first came onto it. So enjoy the read of not only the history of Cosmic Kev…but the history of urban radio, mixtapes and to the city known as “the home of the DJ.”
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Interview w/Del The Funky Homosapien & A Plus
By: Justin Rizzio

Del Tha Funky Homosapien; this man really needs no intro. But, for those living in seclusion their whole lives, here we go…as a founding member of Hieroglyphics, Del has been putting out records for almost 20 years. (Yes, 20.) Del has long secured a spot as a permanent staple in the underground hip hop community. He also enjoyed some commercial success with his first album because of the hit single “Mr. Dobalina” and also as a collaborator with the platinum selling group, The Gorillaz. Now, eight years after the release of his last full length, Del finally gives his fans the new record they have been more than patiently waiting for. With that out of the way…onto the interview that took place at the North Star Bar.
To purchase new album Click HERE

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Interview w/AZ
By: Justin Rizzio

When I hear the name AZ, the first thing I think of is his verse on Illmatic. That was 1994. Well, it’s 2008 and the man with one of the most memorable verses in hip hop is still hard at work. With one gold, and two platinum albums under his belt, AZ has enjoyed both underground and mainstream success. In an industry that has turned its focus on “the next hot commodity,” AZ refuses to abandon his lyrical talent, which has garnered him critical acclaim worldwide for the past 14 years. While in Philly doing some press for his new album, Undeniable, we managed to get a quick Q & A with the man. While he may be short on words for an interview, trust me, you can never say that about his records.
To purchase new album Click HERE

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Interview w/J.Period
By: Justin Rizzio

J.Period, a mixtape DJ, what could you possibly want to read about a mixtape DJ? In most cases, that would be a very appropriate question. Not this time though. J.Period is not your average mixtape DJ and he doesn’t put out your average mixtape. You won’t hear his name shouted on every track. No sound effects either. Instead, J.Period brings you cohesive collections of new, classic and remixed material that does more than compliment each artist he works with. From being requested by major labels to work with their most established artists to landing spots on movie trailers; J.Period relies on much more than mixtape hype to push his career to the next level. Now Philly can get a chance to see what I’m talking about on April 5th at Tasty Treats (Fluid Night Club) when J.Period will be sure to put any doubts to rest. Until then, here’s a little something about the man to get you started… AND visit jperiod.com

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Interview w/Andrew Papoutsis (Pedestrian)
By: Justin Rizzio

We’ve interviewed rappers, producers, DJ’s, & promoters. Now it’s time to switch directions towards something a little different. A major part of hip hop culture has always been the gear that goes with it. From Starter jackets to Timberland boots, countless fashion trends have been started by hip hop. Why am I telling you this? Well, it all leads up to our following interview. With who? No, with what? A store. Not just any store, a clothing boutique that prides itself on being on the forefront of today’s cutting edge of fashion. And more importantly, it’s in Philly! So, we talked to Drew, the store’s owner to put us down on how to stay dipped. I won’t say names, but a few of ya’ll out there need to pay attention to this one…
To visit website; Click HERE

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Interview w/Amanda Diva
By: Justin Weleski

When looking at the name it may come to you as a new one, but chances are that in some shape or form, you have already come across Amanda Diva’s work. Whether you read an article in XXL, saw her face on cable television, saw a painting in a New York art gallery or, possibly, you saw her on stage. The girl simply puts in work. While she was here in between sound checks, helping out in an outreach program, buying records at Cue, and explaining to DJ Aktive why he can’t have 20 back stage passes, we got a chance to meet up with her at the Latest Dish on South Street right before she hit the stage at the TLA opening up for Lupe Fiasco. Click HERE to buy her debut EP (or on I-Tunes) and Click HERE to check out the ever growing resume of work.
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Interview w/Ali Vegas
By: Justin Weleski

The name may be a new one to some but those who had their ears to the underground in the late 90’s will remember this name over a few Trackmaster beats floating around. Well the very same Ali Vegas, who was bubbling hard in both the mix tape market as well as the battle scene up in New York, is back with a new label and a new path he’s building. We got a chance to catch up with him while he was in Philly doing a promo run promoting his new album that features everyone from Nas to DJ Premier.

myspace.com/alivegas

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Interview w/C-Rayz Walz
By: Justin Rizzio

Ever meet someone who makes no sense and the most sense all in the same sentence? Well, meet C-Rayz Walz. Walz is a veteran battle MC who has been making his presence in hip hop known since the late 90’s. He started out with his crew, Stronghold, then moved on and more recently has been dropping albums on labels like Def Jux and Babygrande. (Fun fact: C-Rayz went to high school with Mobb Deep ). In 2005, Rayz also appeared on MTV’s Made, helping a young white kid how to live his dream of being a battle rapper. Now, with no record label to call home, this Bronx bred MC continues to put out quality material and refuses to give up his legendary status.

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