Cause
9th Annual Rap/Hip-Hop Album Nominee
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Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
Mission X Records
www.causemusic.net
HOMEBASE/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States of America. My father was from Ethiopia, and my mother is of Ugandan decent.
ALBUM NOMINATED: The New Golden Era
WHERE WAS ALBUM RECORDED? It was recorded in various studios, but mainly at a studio I used to work at Brooklyn, in a basement. Amazing sound quality for a basement, right?
WHICH GENRES BEST DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC? I’m a Hip-Hop / Rap artist, but my music is best described as being a fusion of Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop. Occasionally, you’ll hear some hints of Rock, Soft Rock, Electro, and Club. I like to mix it up.
IS THERE A THEME TO THE ALBUM? The theme to this album was accidental, but there is a slight theme. I basically feel the theme is exactly what the title states: I’m “The New Golden Era.” I feel like I’m meant to usher in the new generation of artists who represent the culture correctly, and takes the genre to new heights.
WHAT UNUSUAL INSTRUMENTS OR TECHNIQUES DID YOU USE ON THIS ALBUM? This album, being my first album, I didn’t put anything off limits. I can’t say anything was strange or out of the ordinary for me, as it was my first recording experience. But, I can say I made sure not to be afraid to use my voice in different ways e.g. singing melodies, maybe doing some harmonizing on hooks, and writing melodies for the featured R&B artists on the album. This album, all in all, was a great experience.
WHERE IS YOUR MUSIC AVAILABLE?: You can now find me on iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, AmazonMp3, eMusic, Sonicbids, Myspace, Reverb Nation, Ourstage, and a couple of other sites, but those are the main sites. To find links to all of those different sites, all you’ve got to do is visit me at www.CauseMusic.net
DID FANS HELP FUND THIS PROJECT? Not this project.
WHO IS SITTING IN YOUR AUDIENCE? Other than being the “greatest”, I’d use the word “diverse” to describe my audience. You’ll come to my shows and see a wide age range – depending on the venue – and all different races. That’s the beauty of the type of Hip-Hop I involve myself with, it’s open to everyone’s successes and struggles, and it tells my story in a way that most people can relate.
WHAT MAKES YOUR FANS UNIQUE?: The above paragraph describes it all.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY? Webster Hall in New York City is my favorite place to play at the moment. Gramercy Theater in NYC is another favorite. I’m really picky so those two are holding supreme rank right now.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Definitely winning a Billboard Songwriting Award in early 2009. I had decided to give my music career a serious shot in 2008, and had worked extremely hard that year developing my craft and learning the ins-and-outs of the studio. I felt like receiving that award in 2009, inspired me, and gave me the confidence to continue to pursue my dreams and visions.
WHAT’S IN THE WORKS FOR 2010? I recently released my second album, I Am Us, (now also available on iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc.). So far, I’ve been blessed to get an amazing response from the supporters and from people hearing of me for the first time. I’ve just been out on the road promoting that project. I’m also getting ready to release my first official single, “Go Go Go” at the beginning of spring which I’m really excited for! It’s a song I really believe will take my career to the next level, and introduces the world to “CAUSE!” So get ready world!
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS… What you make it! Dream hard and work harder to make those dreams a reality.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS? Achieving the goals you set for yourself. If you can set realistic goals for yourself and actually achieve them one by one every day, you succeed in every day.
WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD THAT WOULD SURPRISE YOUR FANS? Oasis. I posted a tweet the other day quoting some Oasis lyrics and I got some great, yet shocked, responses. Those dudes are great (PS – if you’re on Twitter, feel free to hit me up at Twitter.com/Cause).
NAME SOME ARTISTS YOU ARE CHAMPIONING: Too many to list, honestly (I hate leaving people out). I’ll just take this time to congratulate some dope artists I know personally for their recent successes. Music Artists: 3OH!3 and The Blue Scholars. Visual Artists: Joshua Clay and Drew of ARTEK Design Co.