Check out the newest Clear Label Signees, San Diego Vets DEEP ROOTED and their sick new single, CRAZY:





Their Self-Titled Third LP drops January 26, 2009.
You can holler at them at THE DEEP ROOTED MYSPACE PAGE or www.clearlabelrecords.com.
REAL HIP HOP STAND UP!!!

HHNLive.com Sean Berard sits down with Tajai of Souls Of Mischief to discuss Hiero, the indie business, new projects, legacies and much more.

Tajai on indie music: "support independent music. If you download it, come to the show...We don't have million dollar budgets, we can't rent a lambo for a music video, you know? Hot chains and shit (laughs)."

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Sean: So Tajai, where you at right now?

Tajai: I'm just down in LA workin.

S: Taking it easy before touring this summer?

T: Yeah, yeah, July 11 through October 5th very much.

S: Very cool, what's the tour called?

T: It's freshly dipped man, it's basically we're launching the Hiero jeans line, we got a few buddies that run some clothing companies too and we're just trying to deal with how hip hop and fashion intersect and just show off some cool product and give back to our fans. I mean it's our 10th anniversary as far as being independent, so it's basically a celebration of all of that...launching a new product line...all the fan support...Opio's got a brand new album out coming out on July 15th called Vulture's Wisdom Volume 1 so you know, just thanking the fans, getting them familiar with Musab, and Knowbody, and Prince Ali, and you know getting out there man you know, we built our foundation on touring so...we gotta get out there whenever we have a project.

S: Very cool, let's get into some background information about Souls of Mischief and Hieroglyphics. How did you guys first get together?

T: I've known A-Plus literally since kindergarten or first grade so like 25 years, 26 years...28 years, something like that. Yea Del and Casual also so we all grew up and sort of had a mutual interest in music so as things progressed you know, Del did his own thing, Ice Cube is his cousin so we found him, and me and A-Plus, Opio and Phesto followed along. I met Phesto in Jr. high school, and Casual and Opio from Jr. High School and we all hooked it up then, you know? 15 years later here we are.

S: So I hear you're a Stanford graduate too? Is that true?

T: Yeah I graduated in '97.

S: How did you balance making music and actually getting an education at the same time, and what made you feel that was necessary?

T: As far as my family was concerned it wasn't an option for me not to go to college. And also, you know, fax machines and internet was just starting up and a lot of people were helping me on campus taking notes for me and sending me assignments and stuff so it wasn't hard because of the technology you know?

S: Yeah I hear you. Do you feel like having that experience has helped be able to better run Hiero Imperium?

T: Yeah, in several ways. I think running Hiero Imperium is basically an experienced based thing. I mean accounting and all that stuff is simple math, just plus and minus stuff, but it has helped me in other ways, its helped me mix my money into opportunities and things like that. But you know, I don't think it's a prerequisite, I mean Dom (Domino) did a little bit of school and he does a good job with running the company before me so you know.

S: So how do you think Hieroglyphics has stayed so influential and so relevant over the years with the constantly changing styles of hip hop?

T: I think our whole thing and our whole gimmick is just being original. Originality doesn't get old, you know? Things may change but as long as you try to do that, it doesn't get old. And we came out at a such a young age that you know that our fans grew up with us. I mean we were all fresh outta high school when we came out.

S: Now you've done several albums with Souls of Mischief, you've done two hieroglyphics albums, and your solo album, so what do you like doing best, working as a solo artist or with the entire group?

T: I mean Souls of Mischief is fun because we've been working together forever so we know each other and know what each others thinking and the songs come out cohesive and everything. Hiero's fun because it's less work because theres so many other people but that's also like a double edged sword because trying to work when you have seven rappers is kind of crazy. And solo stuff is cool because I can kind of do that in my bedroom you know?

S: So tell me about SupremeEx and your projects Projecto: 2501 and Nuntype. What are those all about?

T: Basically man, StinkE, the guy who created the hieroglyphics.com website is also a very dope producer, and I was like, the style of beat he had kind of brought out this concept and everything. When he gives me a record, it's all put together, he's got the sound bytes, and all that and you just basically carve something out of the concept you know. Those are the records that are a lot of fun to do, it's just that going that far out you gotta take your time so you don't just sound like some mad man babbling.

S: I heard that the Anime films Ghost in the Shell and Serial Experiments were big influences for Projecto 2501, are you a fan of that stuff?

T: I think just technology, and biology intersect and are real interesting. They're both creation you know, and at a certain point creation takes on something intelligent you know. So just the concepts of those things more than the actual movies and all that. It's always been sort of a fascination of mine you know? And it's interesting to deal with that you know.

S: So how about your new group Crudo? How's working with Mike Patton and Dan the Automator?

T: That's incredible man. It's a whole different audience. Mike Patton is kind of like how Del is, how he has like a cult following that follows him from project to project, and the fact that he's able to make music off of so many different levels and so many different styles gives me inspiration to do more than do just what I do and push the envelope a bit. And it's just something that's fun and Dan, I've always respected Dan as a real ill producer, so I'm just trying to participate and hopefully I'll be able to do more projects with them and work them more on a live basis plus hopefully studio.

S: So no plans for an album or anything for that group?

T: No, no plans right now, I'd really like to but I don't want to say much because we don't want to have our fans waiting for something that could take years to make. But I'd like to work with them definitely.

S: I heard there's a new Souls of Mischief album in the works with Prince Paul from De La Soul.

T: That albums done. We're just working out contractual stuff and you know, just putting together all the marketing kind of stuff. It's a dope album that Prince Paul helped us with and that's the biggest compliment, the fact that he chose to work with us, and on top of that was pleased with what the outcome was like. I mean, that's an honor to work with someone whose so poignant in rhyme development and music development in general, and then to actually have that person pleased with the project we worked on was the biggest compliment ever. It was just a great thing.

S: What was it like working with Yukmouth? I heard you on that East Oakland track off of Million Dollar Mouthpiece.

T: Oh man, Yuk used to live with us bro. I've known Yuk for like 15 years, an he wanted to unite the whole East Oakland an reach out and show that East Oakland isn't just Rich, or Weeda, or Delinquents, or Hiero, he wanted everyone on there, it was an honor to do that too, you know? I mean a lot of people world wide, especially our fans, don't understand that we all listen to different separate music...its all one movement. You know what I'm saying, its kind of weird because our fans are like "I like you guys because you're not like them", but I mean like me because I'm not just like backpack rappers too you know? It's just weird because like, I remember when Too Short was underground you know? So when they act like that's the mainstream shit and our shit is different is like obviously you're a new booty you know?

S: Twenty years down the road from now, what do you hope people remember about Hieroglyphics, Souls of Mischief, and what kind of mark do you hope to leave on the industry?

T: I just want people to look back and see how much influence we had you know? Like, I'm not trippin on sales, I'm not trippin on no hip hop honors or nothing, you gotta look at it like the most prominent people around, built their whole blueprint off the shit we did, you know what I'm sayin? And that to me is interesting because you don't think you're going to be doing that when you're 16 asking your mom for lunch money so you can go spend it on albums. To me, just looking back on our influence, people are able to do that when they have the benefit of hindsight, you know? I mean our company has been a blueprint for the Def Jux's and Rhymesayers stylistically, and you talk to Pharrell, or Outkast, or Kanye, or Lupe Fiasco, and all these people will tell you they're huge fans of ours and listen to our music and stuff and I think that's great the fact that we've been able to influence popular music in that way. I mean you look at James Brown, and he had fantastic music, and you look at everything else [he influenced] and you can say we have hip hop because of him. The fact that we're kind of obscure, but still popular is cool with me because you know, I just don't want history to forget... I mean like Eminem is a big fan of ours, and you can tell by the way they do their thing, all those dudes so, I just don't want anyone forgetting our DNA, you know. That'd be the legacy. And just as far as friends trying to make a business and making it work, and the shit having the longevity because that to me is a testament to friendship.

S: So Tajai, what do you think you'd be doing if you weren't rapping?

T: Shit, I don't know, probably just finding a project that people like and selling it, you know? I mean I think I'm not a salesman, but a product developer or somebody who would look for things that people would be interested in, that's it.

S: Are there any more independent projects, or hieroglyphics albums we should be looking for in the near future?

T: Yeah, the Souls of Mischief Album is untitled, I got a product called THC produced by P-7 with A-Plus and AG, that's coming soon...I have another album coming out that I want to have a whole movie to go with the project, we're trying to work on the new Soul's album now and make up for lost time. You know, I got my label, Still Label Records, and I'm putting out Beeda Weeda, Baby James, Chris Marsol who's an alternative artist, just trying to put out quality projects. I've got my three albums on my computer right now.

S: Anything else you want to leave us with?

T: I just want to say, support independent music. If you download it, come to the show. Buy a T-shirt, you know? I got college tuitions and high school tuitions to pay, think about my kids. Support independent music because it's not a level playing field. If you like something support it, and that doesn't mean just independent records. We don't have million dollar budgets, we can't rent a lambo for a music video, you know? Hot chains and shit (laughs).

Man! This year has been INCREDIBLE. Quick update of what I have been doing:

First of all thank you to everyone who has had my back over the years and especially the last 7 Months. If I do not take the time to thank you all on a regular basis please forgive me, I truly appreciate everything you do.

NOW...

I am pleased to announce that I have finalized a few moves that will hopefully add on to the plethora of good music and vibes out there. I recently signed San Diego's own DEEP ROOTED to my CLR label. Their Self-Titled third album is bound to be a classic. Please check them out and show your support, they are upholding the craft Y'all!!!


BABY JAYMES is putting the final touches on his latest opus, "BUZZ RECORDS" We are getting major love at home as well as overseas and this album promises to be a SLAPPER.


BEEDA WEEDA has not one, not two, but THREE projects coming in the near future. The young man stays busy, and plans to drop "The Thizness" on SMC/THIZZ/CLEARBEAT On August 26th. Also, he and DJ FRESH have a project called "Base Rock Babies" in the works. Some Golden Era throwback music fa sho. In addition, BEEDA has been finishing up "Turf Radio," his second official album. I don't want to spoil anything, but it will be full of surprises from some of your favorite MCs in the game. And of course, he and the Demolition Men just released "Talk Shit Swallow Spit" - the all-original mixtape full of BANGERS. Pick it up NOW!!!


CHRIS MARSOL, my ace in the hole has just finished his album, "Butterflys, Lipstick and Hand Grenades" and wrapped on his video to his latest single, 3AM. He should be getting out on the road soon so check for him. His acoustic set is NASTY. Open your minds, good music is UNIVERSAL.


Last but not least, I have been working with some young cats from Outer Space via Oakland, called LEAGUE510. These dudes are fantastic and their music is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Make sure you check them, they are getting love on all sides of the game. They are really creating a new genre with their own style of music, TOWN TECHNO.


As for me, I am completing a few projects of my own, but right now it is all about the FRESHLY DIPPED TOUR 2008!!!

Make Sure Y'all Catch us out here. We are having a ball!!!






Check us out at FRESHLYDIPPEDTOUR.COM!!!

This guy's work is AMAZING! If he has an exhibit in your area please make sure you check it!

Just Opened up a Record Store. Come Check us out RIGHT HERE!!!

"ON LIKE SHIT" From BEEDA WEEDA's "HOMEWORK" Out Now!!!

Finally! After years in the Vault, the Supastars' album, "Hood Famous" finally hits the streets. COP THAT!!!

 

Hey all!  Volume 2 of CLEARLABELRECORDS.COM is up now. BEEDA WEEDA is the cover feature. SHAKE DA MAYOR's new company, PALM TREE EYEWEAR is also featured as well as an article on CLR's newest addition, Soul singer BABY JAYMES. Brand new songs added to the player, plus a FREE download of Beeda Weeda's Infamous Mixtape, ORIENTATION (Mixed by KMEL's DJ Backside) is available.  Slide through NOW!

Peace All,

Accomplished scholar and researcher Dr. Grace Carroll (who also happens to be my mother), has entered the world of cyberspace with her first installment from the "Musings of a Mad Matriarch" series. 'M.E.E.S. and Me : Musings of a Mad Matriarch' is a thought-provoking foray into the intersection of race and stress in our society. It is a quick, informative read, and is available through her myspace page. Please check it out!

Dr. Grace Carroll
Myspace.com/mees_musings