Artist Profile & Music Review: Tevin Dantrell

In this world of copycats, funk fakers, and gimmick artists, Tevin Dantrell strives to be an original. Here at Nogo Street Beat, we love straight hip hop with no chasers. His latest creation “Purple Sky Nights” will drop on November 19^th. After getting a chance to hear his music first hand, I got a chance to talk with Tevin Dantrell myself at the Fountain square Starbucks in Waukegan, IL.

Tell our readers about yourself:

My name is Tevin Jenkins. “Dantrell” is my middle name. I started going by Tevin Dantrell probably about four months ago. I used to go by the name Supastah Gutta and I just grew out of the name because I had that for awhile--since the eight grade. So, I was like, why not go by my birth name?

I’m from uh--

I don’t really like to say I’m from the city, like I claim Chicago because that is where I was born, and that is where my family is, but my whole life, I lived everywhere.

I have lived in North Chicago, Zion, Aurora, Kenosha, Chicago--like all around the Chicagoland area I guess you could say.

I don’t know what else to say about myself, except my birthday just passed on October 16^th.

　

　

Happy Belated Birthday.

　

Thank you, thank you.

Alright, let’s talk about your music. Define your style of hip hop.

　

My style, I don’t know, I guess it’s like a “streetish” style--a street like storytelling style. You know, I don’t like to rap about anything that’s not really going on in my life. Everything is 100% true. And I don’t rap about money cause I don’t have like a lot of money. It’s real, I guess you could say my style is real.

　

　

Where do you get your inspiration from?

　

[I get my inspiration] Usually from music that is out right now. Like some of the top people that I think are out right now like Kendrick Lamar, or Kanye West, or like people who are just real storytellers cause that is what I aspire to be. Like J Cole, or someone like that.

And I think the music itself, the actual beat itself, inspires me probably the most out of everything. Because I listen to the beat first and then write the song around it. Like the mood of it. So that is what inspires me the most--the beat.

　

What sets you apart from the other local artists that maybe out right now? What gives you your unique sound?

　

I think it’s the realness actually. Because a lot people that I’ve actually heard locally talk about stuff that I know they are not really doing. Umm--talking about cars or something. Like I know you don’t drive a lot cars.

I actually heard a song like this before.

I think actually the things that I do, the type of music I choose to do, & the type of beats I actually use is probably different. Like now on this new mixtape, Purple Sky Nights, I do have stuff that can actually bang in the clubs because I want to go perform. And that’s the reason I did those. But if you listen to some of my past mixtapes, it’s more hip hop style and a lot of freestyles with me just telling what is going on at the moment.

So, I think that’s what set me apart: my content and choice of beats is different.

　

　

　

How many mixtapes have you put out there already?

Officially I put out 4 with one on the way. And unofficially, like 8 from when I was younger.





How old were you when you got started though?

I think I was like 8 years old when I started rapping. The first song I ever rapped over was the Ludacris and Germaine Dupri song “Welcome to Atlanta”. That was the first actual beat I ever rapped over.

The first time I was recorded was in 2008, when I was a sophomore in high school with two of my friends Maine and Derrick.

Who else do you listen to, what else do you like other than hip hop music?

I don’t think I have an ear for anything other than hip hop music. Hip hop and R&B, of course. Sometimes I hear a song from a different genre that I like drift off to. But, I don’t have like any other genre that I really like. Nothing I can think of, but there are other songs and other genres that I have actually heard and liked.

　

Explain your song “Suicide Note” . I thought the song was dark, twisted, and interesting way of looking at that subject.

“Suicide Note”, hmm! When I made my last mixtape “Tin Man Heartless”, I was going through a lot of things then. And when I am going through things I can’t really put them out, I can’t talk about them, & I can’t rap about them. So, now that I am out of that, I am in a better place. You know, I was going through some bad stuff. Just stuff going through my head so I thought I would just put it in a song.

Do you recommend hip hop or writing as a way to vent your emotions?

Definitely, I do. It is a really good way to do it. It is a stress release. It’s fun to me, so it relieves a lot a stress. For me, it is way to actually talk about something without actually talking about it. I could say more on a song than I could say in person. I know I’ll put more in a song, and really people still don’t understand that my music is real stuff that I want to say about real people. And people around me, they still don’t get it. They just think it’s music. But, maybe they will. So, I think its good way to vent without people knowing you are venting at the time.

　
It was refreshing to meet an artist that is dedicated to being humble and honest about himself and his craft. The music in Tevin Dantrell's "Purple Sky Nights" is some of the best I've heard in a while. 　

Tevin most definitely has skills as a lyricist, and he definitely is not afraid to take his listeners on an emotional journey with his storytelling.  In Tevin Dantrell's music, we have the harsh reality of a young man who is not afraid to tell us like it is.  My favorite tracks from "Purple Sky Nights" are "Suicide Note","ten times" , & the oddly titled "Bill Nye". 

The album drops November 19th.  PURPLE SKY NIGHTS                                     Check out his FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
  
Trust me, you will love what you hear.

OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR by BLOCKLIFE Mixtape Review

     It has been a while fellow street beat readers, but the beat goes on.  I have been so busy with my own projects that have neglected this blog.  For that, I apologize.

     Right now, I am listening to the latest release from the BMG Blocklife Music Group.  Yes, Blocklife (his last release was Sex and Cereal), has done it again.   His latest mixtape is entitled "Objects In The Mirror", plays like a street hustler's anthem.  With thirteen individual tracks, this mixtape debuted on October 11, 2012. 

The music in Objects in the Mirror is the same kind I have come to expect from Blocklife:  Hardcore, money earning, ego driven, street living & reality spitting--no more, no less.

     Always representing North Chicago and Lake County to the fullest, Blocklife has produced another banger.  The beats sound hard and homemade.  And all the tracks are lyrically tight.  However, don't take my opinion for it, if you like underground hip hop/gangster rap music, if you want to hear something you wouldn't on the radio and if you tired of that bubble gum BS masquerading as rap in the mainstream, get hip to Lake County Illinois' local music scene.  And tune in for more articles right here on NOGOSTREETBEAT before the end of this year.

 

Ya heard! 

 

 

BLOCKLIFE REVERBNATION PAGE

NEW!!! Artist Profile/ Mixtape Review: True P

Right now, many artists in Lake County are on their grinds both illegally and legally, just trying to be heard.  Everyone has to crawl before they can walk up right and call themselves a true creative individual.  Real talk, real hip hop (in this humble bloggers' opinion) is a dying art.  But, it ain't over til the fat lady chokes.

Right now, real hip hop still lives in Lake County, Illinois.  Submitted for your approval:  True P.  True P is a writer, a rapper and a Spoken Word artist from Waukegan, IL.  According to his Reverbnation bio:  "True has perfected the art of writing in depth; describing in full detail the plight of a young, black, self-aware 23 year old.  As well as having the Edge that it takes to create a commercial Banger.(the non-corny type). "

After reading that snippet and listening to the tracks from his latest endeavor  BE TRUE:  VOL 1 (available for download now)  on www.datpiff.com, I had to see the man for myself, sit down and talk to him for real, for real. 

TRUE-P-Be-True-Vol-1-mixtape

So on Tuesday, April 17, at 2:30 pm, I sat down with this maverick young artist and found myself completely captured by the answers he gave to me.

How long have you been writing music as far as hip hop lyrics and how do you balance that with your poetry?

TRUE P:  Well, honestly, I can say I have been writing lyrics since I began writing period.  Because, every poem, every word, every lyric is in turn, my soundtrack,  my life story.  So to add music to it, basically I can say expanded it, you know.  Um, I've been doing this since about sixth grade and I am twenty-three now going on twenty-four.

What is your main inspiration and motivation as far as how your own creativity flows out of you? 

TRUE P:  I would have to say that my main motivation is the truth and good music.  Music with meaning so that people can actually feel it and music that you could say connects universally with everybody. 

What about making music makes you happy as far as your balance, your zeal, your zest for living?

TRUE P:  Honestly, it's a way to vent.  Most definitely, it's a way to bring a finished product from the thoughts that I manufacture.  I don't think like the average person.  I think on levels.  I guess, you could say more intricately than most others would thought or think--multiply that a thousand fold and then I apply that to my records.

Out of all of the things you've created, I know you have a mix tape out right now--what typifies that last statement, what shows your best talent out of all your songs?

TRUE P:  Well, the name of my mix tape/album is called BE TRUE: VOLUME 1.  It's my first solo mix tape, make sure y'all go and grab that, it's very deep.  Um. Honestly, I would say every track.  Not to sound typical, but every track I guess you could say brings out or touches on different sides of me.  Cause, as a multi faceted thinker, you know, you want every side to be portrayed to it's fullest potential, and I believe that every track does it.  Every track on there is my favorite track.  If I could point out the one track that people seem to float the most too, it is track 2 "The Fear".   

And what about making music makes you not so happy?  There is a business aspect to it, and it is hard to be seen and heard, especially when you have something relevant to say.  So what is the toughest part for you about making your own music?

TRUE P:  I have to say the toughest part of manufacturing my own music without major help or backing would just be limited amounts of networking at times.  And being from this area, I could say limited resources and information.  You definitely have to do your research on your own and make sure that you have everything down pat and correct.  Otherwise, you are not going to be viewed as a professional entity, because you are the rapper but at the same time your name is your brand.  So, within building your brand, I guess you could say it's more about increasing the impression that you make on everyone else.  Making sure that you can relate to the people.  What I hate is weak rappers or non lyrical people who don't make music that you can feel.  It's almost a hollow shell where the song should be.  I really don't appreciate that.  (laughs)

Like they did something to you?

TRUE P:  Exactly.

Alright, mainstream or Indie music?  Why should people invest in underground artists?

TRUE P:  Of course, I would have to say Indie Music.  Because you get more variety.  Honestly, if radio wasn't so polarized towards a few different corporate owners, I would say that you probably would hear more music out there on the airwaves.  But in this generation, it is more so via Internet.  So, you basically have a pathway to millions of different artists on a world wide scale.  I believe that more of those artists should get backing from major labels, but it's all a game of puppeteers.  You know, supply and demand, and control.  Most definitely.

Who would I find in your collection of music?  What do you listen to that I would be surprised to hear or see?  Any genre, people might not associate you with?

TRUE P:  Well, I actually listen to every type of music from indie rock to hard rock, to rap to hip hop of course, Soul music, R&B, Gospel, Folk music, and I actually have a few East Indian on my MP3 player.  A few groups that you would be surprised that I listen to are System of a Down, KORN, Sum 41, who else can I honestly say . . .  Well, that's all I can think of on the rock side.  You can definitely listening to something old school like Anita Baker or Toni Braxton, that's a definite.

But, what my favorite albums or artists that you catch me listen to most often would definitely be NAS and JAY Z, BIGGIE, A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, Q-TIP, some J-DILLA, COMMON and I got to top it off with YEAH.  ROSS doing his thing out here.  And OLD WAYNE, shout out to OLD (lil) WAYNE.

Real Talk.  True P lyrically is the  bomb.  The Be True: Volume 1 Mixtape is the bomb from the Intro to the end and rewind that shit again.

But, don't take my word for it.  Be True to your own ear and listen for yourself.  I don't think you will be disappointed.  As for me, I can't wait for volume 2.  However, my favorite tracks are Track 3 "The Truth" "INSPIRATION" (track 8), and track 6 "I Need Your Love featuring Cass".

Visit

http://www.datpiff.com/TRUE-P-Be-True-Vol-1-mixtape.327770.html

for download.

Visit Revebnation to Fan TRUE P at

http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/whostrue

And like his personal Facebook fanpage:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/BE.TRUE.now

G.O.V. Government Officials:Barack Obama, Vote or Else

It is now the year 2012, and Americans live in a poisonous political climate.  A lot of things have people all over this country and the world on edge.  Case in point, it has been 4 years since this nation en mass, spoke as one to elect our first black president, Barack Hussein Obama.  

Right now, in the city of North Chicago, the social and political climate is particularly hostile and it is the opinion of this blogger that it will get worse before it does get better.  People, now more than ever, need to get out and vote.  Nationally as well as locally, our voices must be heard. 

I have always voted.  I felt that it was a right of passage for me as an American of African descent.  I know my history, and I know people bled and died for the simple privilege of checking the box next to a candidates name.  Our history is what it is in this nation.  A lot of it is not pretty.  Most of it is quite ugly, but it is the good, the bad and the ugly times that made America the great nation that it is today.

 These ideas are not lost on the men of G.O.V.  Their latest single is called "Barack Obama, Vote or Else".

This blog was not meant to endorse any political candidate or social point of view.  This blog was and is meant to expose and inform the world about the talents of regular people here in North Chicago, IL.  It would be foolish of this blogger to gloss over this song simply because on the surface it is serves as an endorsement for a political candidate.  However, it is the opinion of this blogger that what this song is, is simply a call to action.

 

That said, I invite all who listen to hip hop music, and all who read this blog, to watch the video and really listen to the lyrics of this song.  Leave your comments below and try to be respectful of each other whether you agree or disagree. 

NOGO STREETBEAT NEW ARTIST: Welcome to the SWAGG KAMP!!!

AND the hits keep coming.  March is the month for local hip hop in Lake County, IL. 

That said, I want everyone who reads and/or follows this blog to take some time out and listen to this video single.

The artist is called Swagg Kamp, and the song is called "Long Time Coming".  The aura is nothing but positive with this groove.  When you striving to get yours, strive to be number 1.


Nuff said.  Follow this group on twitter @SwaggKamp and like their facebook page.

Real talk, I put nothing but the best on this blog from my community and for my community.  So I expect great things from these brothers.  Show them some love, please comment below.

Tweet @SwaggKamp

Hexx "After The Green".Dir By Hilario And Deejay

www.myspace.com/DAHEXXAGON

Check out this groove by one of Waukegan's finest. the man's name is HEXX and he is down with GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

I predict that this summer the music will be hot in Lake County.

But, in the meantime, if you love indie rap watch the video and let the artists know what you think.

Leave comments below.
Out.

Get Spellbound by checking this artist out on REVERBNATION.

NOGO STREET BEAT MIXTAPE REVIEW: Sex and Cereal (anyone?)

This month has been tragically slow and nonproductive for me readers and for that I apologize.
I have a day job, however.  And it is a job that I intend to keep.
 

Just celebrated his birthday. 
Here's to Blocklife!

Blocklife Music Group continues it's grind into legendary Lake County music status.  Their latest mixtape, called Sex and Cereal, is up for grabs on  www. soundcloud.com.  I am listening to it as I type this right now. 

For all you hip hop heads, this hot off the presses mixtape is also available for free download.  So, if you like what you hear, (as I do) these 14 tracks are yours to download for nada, zero, zip!  In other words, it's free!  

Right now, I am really feeling the mellow sound track 14 IT AIN'T OVER.  But, fans of the hardcore will be grateful to know this album is in no way soft.  Blocklife goes as hard as they come.

Still I had to ask the produce of the mixtape (Andre "Mr. Blocklife" Johnson), why is this mixtape called "Sex and Cereal"?

He answered:  Sex and cereal are my two favorite things.  They go well together.

Well, I am lactose intolerant.  But I love my local hip hop music.  So go figure, I may have to try something with some lactose free milk and some Wheaties.  

Click here for Sex and Cereal Download