Elle Varner

Interview by: Mrald Johnson

ERM: Hi Elle. My name is MRALD, it’s a pleasure to meet you.

ELLE: MRALD, nice to meet you.

ERM:  I know you are on set so thank you for taking this time out to talk to me

ELLE: No problem

ERM:  So many wonderful things are happening for you....you did the song, “Give it to You” with J Cole and you just completed a tour, right?

ELLE: Yeah, I was touring with Estelle.  It was great!  I learned so much on tour. Especially from her.  She’s such a pro. She has great stage presence...it was just a great experience.

ERM: That’s amazing.  Where all did you go?

ELLE: From Oakland, Los Angeles, and back to the East coast, everywhere.

ERM: Nationwide!

ELLE: Yeah

ERM:  More and more people are recognizing your talent.  You are definitely on the fast track heading to the top.  What has the ride been like for you so far?

ELLE:  It’s been crazy and things are moving really fast but I’m excited to finally be getting closer and closer to where I ultimately want to be as an artist.

ERM:  Where is that?

ELLE:  The Number One Artist! (laughs)

ERM: (Laughs) Of Course.

ELLE:  I have already been working towards that goal for years so to finally see that...

ERM: Of course. I often tell people that what most people consider an “overnight success” is usually 15 years in the making.

ELLE:  Absolutely. I definitely thought when I first started,  “It’s going to happen tomorrow” (chuckles) but you definitely need every bit of the process to develop and get stronger.

ERM: You have a new video single, “Refill”.  What was the inspiration for that song and video?

ELLE: The song came from the feelings that I felt listening to it... I almost felt drunk while I was listening to it.  So I thought, “how can I translate this feeling into a song and be clever about it?”  The whole song is about wanting a refill of someones time .... the video is about a crazy night playing the part of a cheerleader in New York City for the first time nad I sneak out of the hotel and get in trouble (chuckles). The plot goes from there.

ERM:  Nice.  I like that there is like a hidden meaning and a twist to it.  It sounds like it was a lot of fun.

ELLE:  Yeah...definitely a lot of fun.

ERM: So you have a new album coming out.  Your CD is set to be released very soon....I’m sure you’re excited about that.

ELLE: I’m very excited.  I know a lot of people are anticipating it, but I’m waiting for the right time and the right amount of exposure.  So many are people are still discovering me and you don’t want to release an ablum for people to discover you, you want them to know who you are so they want to by it. I think this video [Refill] is going to help do that.

ERM:  We are going to be supporting you in that and doing what we can to get the word out.  I’m sure the many lives that you have touched already are definitely spreading the word and supporting you.

ELLE:  Thank you.

ERM: Speaking of touching lives, what are some of your favorite causes to support?

ELLE:  I started a foundation called “Diamond In the Rough” it’s a program for under privilaged youth.  When I was in high school, Mary J. Blige came to my school and spoke to my class and it was a life changing moment.  I know that if I could do that for kids I would and get other celebrities involved.  I support the Big Brothers / Big Sisters organization,  American Cancer Society...really anything for kids...I’m big on charity.

ERM:  That’s awesome.  I love the fact that you started an organization.  It truly only takes one to touch the lives of many.  I commend you on that.

ELLE:  Thank you so much.

Mixed tape: Conversational Lush

Twitter: @ElleVarner

Amadeus

Interview by:  Jacqueline Wah

When I hear the name Amadeus I think of Mozart. What made you choose that name?

That’s exactly who I had in mind. Amadeus was a famous classical composer who created thousands of masterpieces in his time. He was young and very well respected for his musicianship and his compositions. In grade school, I had the privilege to watch the movie in my music class and didn't really pay attention, but I got the idea. His name I always remembered because I thought it was a weird name. I never knew that one day I would become a record producer and use the world famous name of Amadeus.

 Growing up, what drew you to music and what made you want to become a producer?

As a child, I was always exposed to all genres of music. Every Saturday my mom and dad would get up early, put on music nice and loud, and clean up the house. I heard everything from The Bee Gees to The O'Jays to Grandmaster Flash to Hezekiah Walker and The Love Fellowship choir, so I developed a love for music at an early age. I also had the privilege to attend Catholic school which allowed me to study a musical instrument; and that instrument just happened to be the drums. My story being similar to a few others, I thought I was going to be the next big hip hop artist; but one day I had a moment of reality in which I realized it was not going to happen. With some great advice I transitioned to behind the scenes and pursued a career as a record producer.

How did you get connected with BadBoy and The Hitman?

I was actually connected with the BadBoy family through one of my mentors, Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, who was one of the original BadBoy/Hitmen years ago when I sold my first track to artist Nucci Reyo, who was signed to MCA Records. D-Dot took me under his wing and guided me in my production career. He kept me with him in the studios, at events, the office, etc., introducing me to Harve Pierre who was the VP and to Bobby Springsteen who was the A&R at that time. I built relationships with them both, earning me an opportunity to go into the studio to work alongside the late, great Heavy D for about 2 months. In that time I met pretty much everyone that was behind the scenes at BadBoy Entertainment and maintained the relationships. Years later after producing for over 50 artists, I got the attention of Dalton Hernandez who worked for Fran Spero and managed all of the BadBoy/Hitmen producers. At the time I was looking for new producer management, so we all sat down and came up with a plan and strategy that got everyone on the same page. We were all excited to move forward and on that day I was made a BadBoy/Hitmen producer. 

When you were starting up your production company, Platimum Boy Music (PBM) what were your original goals and vision for the company?

Platinum Boy initially was the name of my publishing company under Ascap, and as I grew as a notable record producer it transitioned into a production company consisting of artists, producers and songwriters. I wanted my company to be a team of extremely talented, motivated and passionate individuals who had a dream and wanted to devote their time and energy towards making the dream one day reality. I want us to be one of the most successful companies ever known for creating superstars, creating amazing music, and inspiring the world.

I was checking out your Twitter and saw that you posted a picture of one of the greatest rock bands, Jane’s Addiction, concert. What other recording artists in that genre, or any genre outside of hip-hop and R&B are you into?

I love all types of music. I listen to artists such as Cold Play, Mute Math, David Guetta, Adele, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp, Evanescence, and The Doors to name a few.

You’ve worked with artist such as 50 Cent, Tyga, Chris Brown, Trey Songz and may more. How do you keep the creative juices flowing to deliver a fresh new sound for each artist?

It’s simple. I just do me! When I create music, I create totally off of feeling however I’m feeling at that moment, and that’s what you get. If I’m pissed off you will hear it in the track I create. I believe that’s why artists get on my tracks and talk that real talk because the emotion in the music inspires them to do so. I always said to myself I have to love the tracks I create in order to be able to convince the artists and the audience to love the music as well. 

Are there any new artists that you’re interested in working with and why?

Definitely interested in working with Machine Gun Kelly, Frank Ocean, Marcus Canty, Kendrick Lamar and Asap Rocky to name a few. I feel they’re extremely talented, unique and passionate about their artistry, and I love creating music with artists like that!

When you produced Foxy Brown’s “My Life” for the Cradle 2 The Grave soundtrack, what mind set were you in back then compared to your mindset now?

WOW great question. I was in a great space creatively back then which was probably about 10 years ago because I wasn't really dealing with any politics at that time I was just able to do what I loved to do which was to create good music. Now the game has definitely changed and not for the better, but because I love music and I love creating music I stay in it regardless. I’m an adult now, so life has definitely changed. I have a family in which I love very much and that I must take care of so it’s serious for me now. It’s more than just a hobby – it’s my life and my career so I take it sooo much more seriously now.

Who are some of your role models and why do you consider them to be role models?

My Dad, my grandfather, President Barack Obama, Sean"Diddy"Combs, and Shawn"Jay-Z"Carter to name a few. My dad and grandfather gave me that work hard and take care of your family spirit that I have. Our President is black and showed the world that you can do anything you want to do in this world; you just have to work hard and never give up. Diddy proved that you can grow up in the hood, not have a father and still make it in life and become one of the wealthiest people in the world. Jay-z proved that you can start off bad by selling drugs, living a street life and not doing the right thing, but make a change in life and end up being another one of the wealthiest and most successful people on earth.

Everyone has his or her opinion on the state of hip-hop. Some artists who have been in the game for years say that it’s dead, but the new group of artists say that it’s evolving into something great. What is your take on it coming from a producer aspect?

Music is expression so I feel people have a right to do and say as they please, so I respect it all. Now from a producer’s standpoint, the state of hip-hop is not in a great place on the business side. So many people are making beats, calling themselves producers and working for free so now instead of artists investing and actually paying producers like they use to do, they go ahead and take beats from the up and coming producers and from us for free. Now we have all artists putting out free music on mixtapes and not paying producers but doing shows off of these records and making money. I’m not mad at mixtapes, I just feel like we took it too far. I consider mixtape albums for artists because they can tour off of mixtapes. I feel that we need to get back to the artists and the labels respecting the producer because that has gone out the window. 

What are your top ten favorite records that you produced?

This was very extremely difficult but here you go!

1. Justin Bieber "Christmas Eve"

2. Foxy Brown "Get Off Me" -Eve Diss

3. DJ Kayslay featuring Tony Yayo, Llyod Banks, Jim Jones, Papoose & Rell "Men of Respect 2"

4. Tiffany Mynon featuring Fred The God Son "Dance The Night Away"

5. Lil Mo featuring Miri Ben-Ari "Yeah Yeah Yeah"

6. Fabolous "Raw"

7. 50 Cent "It Is What It Is"

8. Young Jeezy featuring The Clipse "Im Illin"

9. Keyshia Cole "Where Would We" 

10. DJ Kayslay featuring Lil Cease & The Outlawz "Bury The Hatchet"

What advice do you have for up and coming producers?

Only go after this if this is something that you love to do and are passionate about because if you’re not this is not the business for you. Become a producer to give the world amazing music, don't chase the materialistic things such as money, cars and jewelry because it doesn't last – but your name on album credits will last forever and go down in history. On the creative side, keep an ear out to the streets and the radio to get an idea of what’s happening musically and what sound is hot at the moment. Don't mimic what you hear but create your own version of what’s hot. It took me years to do that, sometimes being too different will have your tracks sitting in your computer instead of being on albums and you don't want that LOL. BE YOURSELF. It's the best way to be. 

You’re a Ceo, producer, music director and drummer for Trey Songz. When do you have time to relax?

I have to force myself to stop working from time to time, but even as I’m resting my mind is constantly in motion thinking about the next move. I'll relax when I know for sure my kid’s kids and their kids are taken care of because of my hard work and labor. I do NEED a vacation though. I probably will be taking one soon LOL.

What new projects are you working on for 2012?

Since being back home from touring with Trey Songz, I’m back in the studio creating that new heat so stay tuned to hear some new Amadeus tracks on some of your favorite artists. I’m also in the process of finishing up my artist Tiffany Mynon "The Angel of R&B" album as we speak! She currently has 2 singles out right now, “Dance The Night Away” featuring Fred The God Son and "I Know How To Love You.Com", both produced by myself. So stay tuned for Tiffany Mynon's project coming soon and to all the readers out there stay connected  with us on twitter @ProducerAmadeus & @TiffanyMynon. Also be sure to check out our website daily for updates http://www.platinumboymusic.com

Beadz Jones

Interview by: Ashley Renee

Beadz aka “The Real Face of Chicago”,  bka Beadz Jones needs no introduction to the music community. This talented artist has been on his grind in “ghetto land” Chicago ever since his his high school years. While away at college, Beadz joined forces with three other artists to form a rap group.   That group experience  was short lived so he decided to  pursue his goals of becoming a solo artist. During High School, Beadz remembers having mic clashes with several of the top artists in Chicago to include world renowned emcee Lupe Fiasco and the upcoming Mic Terror. The truth is that he was giving lessons to the other emcees about the streets he grew up in, the notorious Wild One Hundreds, famous for being filled  with poverty and despair. The WGCI Clear Channel Radio Station Chicago Idol Contest was turning point for Beadz  and helped to launch his career.  On his journey to be the best,  Beadz stated that he had to be the “Realist”, which is the staple for his new mixtape ,“The Realest Nigg* In It” , hosted by none other than the number one record breaker throughout the South and chief of Real Nigg* Radio Mix Tape Series, Bigga Rankin. His 2007 single “D Boy” was the song that provided Beadz the energy to push even further. The song received thousands of online hits as well as club play and  mix show plays. Following other less known single releases, including fan favorite “What It’s Hittin 4” and “South Side Party” in 2008, Beadz turned his grind up another notch.  He performed at almost every major local hip hop event in the city as well as the surrounding states in the Midwest. Beadz has been featured on many mixtapes during his grind including TjsDjs CD Exclusives, Southern Record Pool Conference Mix Tape, This Is the Remix Mixtapes, Coast -2- Coast Mix Tapes, The ATL Record Pool Conference Mixtape as well as Demand and Supply from Dj Head Bussa and Dj Smoke Mixtapes. More recently his tracks are seen on Chitown’s own Dj Big Pat’s and Dj Shaun T’s mix tapes as well as NYC most respected Dj Blazita’s Club mixes. Beadz has performed with every blend of hip hop artists from Keith Murray, Young Buck, Slim Thug and Fat Joe to hometown artists including Twista, Shawna and Crucial Conflict. For his efforts he was saluted by many interviews and reviews including Hood Magazine, Tha Hood.net Magazine in Germany, Vancouver Hip Hop, The Source Magazine, Ford Magazine, Sir Magazine, Makin It Magazine, Street Talk Newspaper and Ozone Magazine. His most recent singles include the club bangers “Super Bad” and “Celebrate” as well as  his working single “Wild Out” featuring Bo Deal and Waka Flocka. There is frenzy in town. There is frenzy all around. Get “Wild Out” with Beadz. Other hot singles on the latest mixtape includes “Monsta” and “Amy Whinehouse” World y’all better wise up to this new boss in the music game. Beadz aka “The Real Face of Chicago”,  bka Beadz Jones needs no introduction to the music community. This talented artist has been on his grind in “ghetto land” Chicago ever since his his high school years. While away at college, Beadz joined forces with three other artists to form a rap group.   That group experience  was short lived so he decided to  pursue his goals of becoming a solo artist. During High School, Beadz remembers having mic clashes with several of the top artists in Chicago to include world renowned emcee Lupe Fiasco and the upcoming Mic Terror. The truth is that he was giving lessons to the other emcees about the streets he grew up in, the notorious Wild One Hundreds, famous for being filled  with poverty and despair. The WGCI Clear Channel Radio Station Chicago Idol Contest was turning point for Beadz  and helped to launch his career.  On his journey to be the best,  Beadz stated that he had to be the “Realist”, which is the staple for his new mixtape ,“The Realest Nigg* In It” , hosted by none other than the number one record breaker throughout the South and chief of Real Nigg* Radio Mix Tape Series, Bigga Rankin. His 2007 single “D Boy” was the song that provided Beadz the energy to push even further. The song received thousands of online hits as well as club play and  mix show plays. Following other less known single releases, including fan favorite “What It’s Hittin 4” and “South Side Party” in 2008, Beadz turned his grind up another notch.  He performed at almost every major local hip hop event in the city as well as the surrounding states in the Midwest. Beadz has been featured on many mixtapes during his grind including TjsDjs CD Exclusives, Southern Record Pool Conference Mix Tape, This Is the Remix Mixtapes, Coast -2- Coast Mix Tapes, The ATL Record Pool Conference Mixtape as well as Demand and Supply from Dj Head Bussa and Dj Smoke Mixtapes. More recently his tracks are seen on Chitown’s own Dj Big Pat’s and Dj Shaun T’s mix tapes as well as NYC most respected Dj Blazita’s Club mixes. Beadz has performed with every blend of hip hop artists from Keith Murray, Young Buck, Slim Thug and Fat Joe to hometown artists including Twista, Shawna and Crucial Conflict. For his efforts he was saluted by many interviews and reviews including Hood Magazine, Tha Hood.net Magazine in Germany, Vancouver Hip Hop, The Source Magazine, Ford Magazine, Sir Magazine, Makin It Magazine, Street Talk Newspaper and Ozone Magazine. His most recent singles include the club bangers “Super Bad” and “Celebrate” as well as  his working single “Wild Out” featuring Bo Deal and Waka Flocka. There is frenzy in town. There is frenzy all around. Get “Wild Out” with Beadz. Other hot singles on the latest mixtape includes “Monsta” and “Amy Whinehouse” World y’all better wise up to this new boss in the music game.

ERM:  How are you these days? What’s a typical day like for you? 

BEADZ:  Everything has been going well.  A typical day for me is to wake up in the morning send a prayer to the most high. After that, I take care of home and family needs. Then I’m off to a workout.  Once all of that is done, it’s all business, studio, writing, shows etc..

ERM:Your name came from what the girls called you for wearing beads. Do you ever think of having a “Diddy crisis” and changing your name? 

BEADZ:No I don’t think I ever have the “Diddy crisis”.  I think Beadz will stick FOREVER.

ERM:What makes you the Face of Chicago? 

BEADZ:The fact that I embody the Reality of Chicago through my music. I'm the typical person who went through the pain, struggle and harsh violence Chicago can offer a young black male.

ERM:Are you still with Manatee Records? 

BEADZ:Yes I'm still in partnership with Manatee Records.

ERM:When you first got in the game, who was the ultimate record label to be signed with in your eyes? Why?

BEADZ:A few labels went through my mind. I originally wanted to sign with either Universal Records or Atlantic Records. Then when the major artists in the industry started signing artists to their labels, I wanted to team up with Nelly. I felt like Eminem had 50Cent and Jay Z had Beanie Sigel, so I felt I would of had a great opportunity with Nelly since those three where on top of the game at that time.

ERM:Is there love in the game? Amongst other rappers, do you all show love to one another or is there a lot of beef? 

BEADZ:It’s both in my opinion. There’s a lot of love to a certain extent. When you on top of your game and you're making major moves, some 

artists who's on the top and get threatened by your success. I feel like they fear you passing them on the success ladder and their fear turns to hate in some cases.

ERM:So you recently did a concert, how was it? Who was your favorite performance?

BEADZ:I been on a roll dominating shows as of late lol. My shows been real dope with a lot of energy and crowd participation.

ERM:You direct other artists? Any new artists coming out under your care? 

BEADZ:Yea besides me being a part of Manatee Records, I have my own crew of artists called Dowg Mobb. I also have a younger crew of

 artists under my umbrella called One-Forty Dowg Mobb.

ERM:Your music is raw. I like the feelings that come from them. Where does your inspiration come from? 

BEADZ:Thank you! Life itself inspires me to create the music I make. I draw off life experience and feed off the emotions.

ERM:You remind me of rap/hip hop before big money is introduced. What I mean is you sound like the real product before copies are made to be mainstream and content is watered down. Would you ever change your style, your sound, your lyrics to appeal to an even larger audience? Is there a dollar amount that could make you change?

BEADZ:No. I think success comes with being true to yourself. Nowadays there’s  a lot of flashy, colorful pop rap, but the rap music with substance tends to have more longevity. An artist with today’s style of rap usually doesn't last after their third single, some careers end after their first single. The reason why is because they're trendy rappers and once the next trend kicks in, they're old news. An artist such as myself can adapt.

ERM:Do you believe that money changes people? Has it changed you? Are you still the realist in the industry? If so, how?

BEADZ:Money can change some people and money can change a person’s way of living, but  not necessarily  that person. When an artist starts making the type of money they're not use to having, majority of the time, there's a lot of negative people trying to get you for that money.  You may have to change some of the places you go and things you were use to  doing when you were less wealthy. I haven't changed as a person, I’m the same old me, but I have slightly changed how I move around and I will remain the “Realest In It”.

ERM:What are you up to currently since being in Source? What projects are coming up? 

BEADZ:I currently just dropped four videos in four weeks. I’m currently working on my next solo project.  The Bottom Line 4 scheduled to drop June 5th. I’m currently in the may issue of HHW Magazine & the April Issue of HHW Magazine.

ERM:Mixtapes or albums? Football or basketball? Groupies or Wifey? Twitter or Facebook?

BEADZ:Albums over Mixtapes, Basketball over Football, Wifey over Groupies. It use to be FB over Twitter until the started that new time line, tagging people in shoe ads & adding us to them damn groups lol.

ERM:If people want to keep in touch, how can they find you? 

BEADZ:I can be contacted on Twitter @Beadz1st or facebook.com/Beadz1st

Maja Morales

Interview by:  Ashley Renee

ERM:Where are you origianlly from?

MM:I’m Serbian but I grew up in Germany. I went to school and lived there for 12 years.

ERM:What is your favorite sport?

MM:My favorite sport Is football!

ERM:What are some of your hobbies?

MM:Aerobics and a lot workout. I have 2 dogs, so I am always on the move. I also travel a lot.

ERM:What was your first playboy gig?

MM:It started with the Croatian edition. I met the Playboy photographer Stephan Lupino who has also worked in New York with Naomi Campbell and many other famous models. Stephan Lupino is the best Balkan photographer so I was delighted when he offered me the opportunity to work with him. It was quite funny because we met in the gym! The First Playboy (issue) we did  was in Rovinj,a small place on the Croatian coast,in a luxury hotel.It was very interesting because he wanted to do the photos without Any stylist or make up artist. He wanted to make totally natural photos. The Playboy (issue) was one of the best editions in the Balkans ever.

ERM:How was your experience with playboy?

MM:I had a great experience. After the Croatian isssue, I did the Serbian issue, which was in Macedonia,Slovenia and the Balkans pronounced me as the best Balkan playmate.  I went to Greece where I did photos for the Greece edition and was in the running for the Greece playmate of the year. After that I was in several Balkan reality shows,worked on television and did few music videos. The latest one called “Zaplakat ces ti zbog mene” which won an award for best music video.

ERM: If you had a choice what would you like to accomplish in the next 5 years?

MM:Many things, But I want tell till I make it! [:)]

ERM:Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

MM:I don't know where I am going to be tomorrow! I hope I Will be succesfull wherever I am.

ERM:Have you been to the U.S?

MM:Of course! I have a lot of friends there. I love New York and L.A.! I  go to the Cannes Film festival every year with my friends from LA who are in the movie business so I am very happy because the film festival is very close so I will see them soon.

ERM:What is your goals for the future?

MM:I told,I have many many plans, but I want tell till I make it!

Mush Millions

interview by:  Ashley Renee

ERM:How did you get the name Mush Millions?

MUSH:It came from some of the homies in my hood (K-Town). I already had the nickname “mush” ever since a I was child. When I started rapping, they started calling me millions because they said I would be a millionaire one day.....so I became Mush Millions.

ERM:What do you think about the Chicago music industry and how its changing on a growing scale?
MUSH:Honestly, I really don't think about the Chicago music industry!!!

ERM:How did you hook up with the legendary rapper Twista?
MUSH:We met at a party and he heard one of my songs. He liked my song and asked to work with me and it was history from that point on!!!!

ERM:What was considered your first break?
MUSH:When I moved to California for a recording contract with Warner Brothers at the age of 14.

ERM:Your part of a growing roster.  What is it like working with M.I.C. and Princess Nauwisa?
MUSH:By me being the oldest out of all of us, it’s a lot of responsibility musically and outside of music because I have to set a good example for them.  I have to be a leader!

ERM:Where have you traveled outside of Chicago?
MUSH:I’ve been to a lot of places. I’ve traveled to New York, Cali, Miami, ATL, Free Port Bahamas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Detroit and a lot of other places...I get around. Lol

ERM:What words of inspiration can you offer today's youth?
MUSH:Your dreams are just as important as reality .... Dare to dream big and conquer your goals !

ERM:Who are your musical inspirations?
Twista, Eminem, 2Pac, Mystikal.

ERM:If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?
MUSH:I love all types of music, but it definitely would be pop if I had to choose.

ERM:What hidden talents do you have?
MUSH:I'm a handy man. I can fix electronics very well. My second hidden talent is that I talk one the phone and make a beat (at the same damn time) lol

ERM:Who does Mush Millions have in his ipod today?
MUSH:I have some Tank, Brandy, Future, Cory Gunz, Jazmine Sullivan, Jessie J, Twista....and myself of course.

ERM:What advice can you give upcoming rappers who strive for success?
MUSH:Don't be afraid to be yourself!!!!

ERM:How was it growing up in city of Chicago?
MUSH:It was wild as hell,but for the most part it was fun to me.

ERM:What do you think about the Tupac Hologram?
MUSH:I think it was a great idea. Makes me wanna spend some money and put my dead homies on the stage with me. I can't wait till they do Michael Jackson!!!

ERM:Any new projects coming out?

MUSH: Be on the lookout for "Blank Check" And "Check Cashed" coming very soon!