What's For Dinner? The FatBoy

Greatness is unmistakable. You know it when you see it, and you quietly whisper to yourself "I knew it" when you see/hear it again. What do you remember most about your favorite film? The collectable movie poster, or the hour and a half your spend watching the "best movie ever" with stale popcorn stuck to your ass? Keep that in mind while you listen to "Ice Cream Sunday" the debut mixtape from my compadre' The Fatboy. One listen from "ICS" and you'd agree he deserves the sterotypical references he so often recieves (Rick Ross, B.I.G, etc). But not because of his looks or weight. Nope. It's because just like Ross, FatBoy has a swag and stage persona that can't be denied. Simular to Big, FatBoy's lyrical versatiliy is a gem to a industry flooded with lazy emcees.. So how do you define greatness?

Kobain: Since coming on the scene in 2010, you've enjoy a generous level of success in the local region and beyond. What have you done to introduce you brand to a larger market..

FatBoy: Well I've been looking into doing more traveling in 2014,and covering places outside of the areas that I'm already working in. Up until now I've primarily relied on the power of the internet to reach out to a growing fan base, however I know the key is to create a memorable experience with the fans and supporters. After the response that I've gotten from the streets, the people, and even DJ's & promoters on a local basis overall, I feel I'm ready to take my music on the road and create a new and expanded legion of fans.

Kobain: Ok, no doubt. I read that you opened for DJ Unk a while back, a future guest on "The K.O. Theory". How was that experience?

FatBoy: It was cool. It was the first time I'd opened for anyone who was even affiliated with the industry so I was excited and looked forward to rocking the stage. I talked to him [Unk] briefly at the after party, and he's a real cool, down to Earth dude. Even poured me a drink lol. 

Kobain: In modern times to be a successful artist you have to wear several different hats.. What other ventures are you investing you time into?

FatBoy: I'm currently wearing the TV host/producer hat while I work on "Word of Mouth". I've been given an amazing amount of creative control, and i'm putting together the entire format of the show with the help of show creator, Brian Grindin. Later in 2014, I hope to be putting on more of a managerial hat and helping two other artists within my small camp (BreedTheMonster & Treble) get their respective projects out. Other than that I'm always switching between the booking agent, publicist, performer hats that I must wear on a regular basis

Kobain:  That's what it is. I see you staying busy. That's respect.  Your from Greensboro though, if I'm correct. What draws you to the Bull City music scene..

Fatboy: Yep born and raised on the North Side, whatup! lol.  The city of Durham has been some what of a testing ground for my talents, and tactics and is slightly more of a challenge than Greensboro, as far as, what the people like and will respond to musically. It's also a great place to find talented like-minded individuals. Beyond that Durham has a rich heritage of musical icons spanning decades.

Kobain: Congrats on recieving the 2013 Bull City Music Award for Male Hip-Hop Artist of the Year.. what was it like to win this award and what does it mean to you..

FatBoy: Honestly the award came at a time when I was doubting myself as an artist. Not sure if my efforts were as effective as I'd like them to be. For at least a couple of months before the actual award show, it was a push to get the fans and the votes and I just wasn't mentally sure I'd be able to pull it off. The award recipients weren't announced until onstage that night so winning it really came as a "COMPLETE" surprise. For me it proved that I could earn my spot and gain the recognition that I felt I deserved. At the same time it was like beating the first level of a game. I was proud to be moving up, but I know there's still a lot more to do, and learn to gain the success I truly work for. All in all though, this couldn't have happened without the support of great fans.

Kobain: I read that you have a televison project coming soon.. care to share a word or two in that?

FatBoy: Of course! Created by Brian Grindin' of Karono Networks, "Word of Mouth" is a music video television show that I like to say caters to no audience, or every audience. We want everyone from college students to grandparents to be able to tune in at some point and hear their jam (laughs). We want to keep you entertained without the excessive VJ prattle. It'll be airing in 10 cities across 4 or 5 states, (including Cali & Nevada) and we look forward to putting on a great show and expanding nationwide.

Kobain: What does "The Fatboy" bring to the table that the game is missing?

FatBoy: Honesty, man. I'm not one of these cats that's rhyming about driving Lambos while I'm riding the bus. I'm fat, I'm funny looking and I make damn good music (laughs). I'm quick to tell cats that my life is my greatest inspiration to write. For me it's all about the craft of hip-hop and getting it out to as many people who want to hear it as possible.

Kobain: Anything to say to your already steady growing fan base.

FatBoy: I do this for the nobodys man. The people who everyone is too busy to notice. The kids sitting alone at the lunch table; the people who have a voice (because everyone does) but may not be able to, or know how to express it. To them I say, be yourself, because everyone else is already taken!

We appreciate The FatBoy for stopping by and giving us another exclusive on "The K.O Theory".  Follow my dude on Twitter and Instagram @imthefatboy.

Thanks for reading, and as always: To see the movie, you gotta follow the moves!

Instagram: @capcity_iyah

Twitter: @steelxo

Facebook: The K.O. Theory & Iyah Kobain

Raw Electricity: Luminaughty

Only the strong survive. A statement definitively sound when describing my guest for this edition of "The K.O. Theory". LuMiNaughty, born Jazmin Despaigne is a model for perseverance through adversity. A survivor of cancer and proud veteran of the armed forces, Lumi has been through a lot in life, but through her music she proves that her best days are "undeniably" still in front of her.

Kobain: Alright Ms. Lumi, first question.. When we first met last year, I didn't wanna embarass myself by asking so I did a little research to find out what "LuMiNaughty" actually meant, but a few of the fans might not u does it mean and where did u get it from?

NAUGHTY: Good question, you’d be surprised at the misconceptions. LuMi, stands for LuMinary, one who inspires others and my luminous personality along with my smile. I also love things that bling & lights of all sorts. Naughty, now that’s more self-explanatory. I have my sensual, sexy and spicy side. You know all good ladies have naughty side. I was just thinking I needed something that can define me.

Kobain: What's you real name?

NAUGHTY: My real name, the name I was born into this world with is Jazmin Despaigne. People butcher my last name, so for all those that may not know how to pronounce it [lol] its French so just like Champagne the ”gne” makes the same sound.

Kobain: What's Luminaughty like @ home? What are your hobbies besides recording and performing?

NAUGHTY: At home I’m chill, I like to spend time with my princess, my daughter, Sha’Mya Rene. Other times I’m writing, rehearsing and working on my dance and choreography for upcoming videos and performances. Females have always held a spot in hip hop, since the beginning with acts like Salt N' Pepa, MC Lyte. Fast forward to today, Femcees are headlining national tour, Nicki Minaj, Azalea Banks. Where do you fit in with the femcees that are taking over, and how do you stay relevant?

NAUGHTY: As for where do I fit, I honestly don’t want to ”fit”. I’m creating my own path, my own sound a NEW sound. I see the direction I’m going in more like being steps ahead of what is out now.  As for doing that, and staying relevant; I stay relevant by using current musical elements and mixing and incorporating them with my own sound.

Kobain: Talk to us a little about Electechnology, your new project. First who produced the record?

NAUGHTY: My BANGIN’ single Electechnology was produced by the one and only Dox Kingdom of DoxKingdom Studios LLC, and distributed BY Got What U Need Digital. Featuring my girl, Ashley Mar Shell & Mica Swain. Electechnology is also doing numbers in the overseas sector, the UK and it's pretty much everywhere. Check it out on ITunes, Amazon, Spotify, Google Play, Juno Records [UK] and more.  So to all those reading, show love and cop your copy we’d greatly appreciate the support.

Kobain: What's the concept behind Electechnology, and how did the collaborations come about?

NAUGHTY: The concept is, ”We’re fly all the way around, and It's TIME TO ROCK THIS PARTYYY!” This is most def, a high energy track. It’s fun and speaks on having a blast at the club, being out with your girls, and peeps and how you get it poppin’. As for how the collab came into existence, I gotta give all the credit to my producer, DoxKingdom. He created the track and had a vision for it, and it involved Ashley Mar Shell & Mica Swain. He knew this collaboration would make numbers and Its doing just that.

Kobain: I've heard the record and its dope, what sets it apart from your previous projects?

NAUGHTY: This track was the first track that had more of an international sound and reach to it. It was also one of the first exclusive Pop tracks I’ve recorded.

Kobain: Lumi is more than just hip hop! What other genres do you record and how do you relate it to your core (hip hop) fans?

NAUGHTY: I wouldn’t limit myself to Hip Hop, but I can say it is a huge part of me. I’m more of a multicultural artist, with an international sound. My music ranges from Pop, Dance Hall/Reggaeton, Hip Hop, to mixing musical elements to create a new sound. As for my hip hop heads, my music covers my everyday situations.  My producer is from the hip hop era of music so he incorporates a lot of the hip hop essence into my commercial sound.

Kobain: Whats next for Ms. Lumi?

NAUGHTY: What's next? Well I’d say a TAKE OVER. My album, "UNDENIABLE" prod. by Dox Kingdom will be dropping 2014. "UNDENIABLE", because it has a big sound and will reach several different markets and audiences all at the same time. We have the album preview being hosted by NYC’s Finest Cutmaster-C, along with brand spankin' new music video! #TeamLumi is always looking for dedicated sponsors to join us on our journey towards success. If you know anyone or may be interested email serious inquiries to gwun.music@gmail.com. We are also casting (four) fly ladies for my official music video, ". If you’re interested please email a head shot to Doxkingdomproductions@gmail.com

Kobain: To the readers, and your growing number of fans and followers, what would you have to say to them ?

NAUGHTY: Just wanted to say thank you for having me on "The K.O THEORY", and huge thank you’s to all my supporters and new supporters for believing in me.TRUST SUCCESS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! Below are my links, CHECK YA GIRL OUT!

We over here @ TKT support #TeamLumi and we wish here well in everything she do. She's truly a motivation to men and women everywhere to stay grinding no matter the difficuties life bring about.

www.luminaughtyhiphop.com

www.twitter.com/luminaughty1 

www.reverbnation.com/luminaughty

www.instagram.com/luminaughty

www.youtube.com/LuMiNaughtyTV

BOOKING EMAIL: info@luminaughtyhiphop.com

MANAGER: Lashon Jones gwun.music@gmail.com
capcity_iyah
And as always to see the movie, you gotta follow the moves...

Instagram: steelxo & capcity_iyah

Twitter: @steelxo

#MileMarker252 #FuckYoAreaCodeEdition

The two guests on "The K.O. Theory" tonight I feel like are older brothers of mine. I look up to, and respect these guys as artists and friends and I'm honored to interview these veterans.

Bakeeba Ruffin a.k.a Tef Kaluminoti, is a well-respected student of the game, and damn near the mayor of Rocky Mount, N.C.. His unmistakable lyrical prowless, and commanding stage presence has garnered alot of attention across the U.S., opening for acts like Yung Joc, Gucci Mane and more..

Dirty Nickel$ a.k.a. Christopher Sherman, is the product of a proud following. Hailing from the 252, his witty flow, and definitive tone bring the beast out on his trunk rattling street anthems, and leave the fans anxiously awaiting for the next listen. It's never a long wait though.. Dirt is a model of consistency. ..

Kobain: Ok Tef, you've been a relevent figure in NC Hip-Hop for sometime now, how do you remain connected with your core fan, and still produce music that grips the younger generation of fans?

Tef: I never lose touch of who I am, and where I came from, by me doing so, my core fan base will be satisfied, and by me staying in touch with reality on what's going on today, I will reach the younger generation by speaking their language, which at the end of the day keeps me relevant.

Kobain: When you google Tef Kaluminoti, up pops page after page of your accomplishments? What are you most proud of as an artist to date..

TEF: To be honest I'm proud of everything I done, so it would be hard to pick just one, but if I had to choose one or two I guess my liquor deal, and my movie, Streets Is Still Watching.

Kobain: Tef Kaluminoti is becoming a household name, your number #4 in the hip hop charts in NC. Congrats in that! What's the key to maintaining a strong following..

TEF: Thanks bro, and the answer is simple , grind and more grind, but also staying consistent and never being content. No matter what people say or do. Also it's about be a trendsetter, giving the people something and someone to believe in. You must do what others can't do, and do what hasn't been done.

Kobain: Tef Kaluminoti has opened for some of the biggest names in hip hop! Which of the many is you most memorable performance?

TEF: Opening for Jay-Z, I would say is one of the most memorable shows I've done, the next one I would say would be opening for Rick Ross. 

Kobain: You had a show recently in DC, tell us a little about your experience there, was the crowd feeling the way we do it down in NC?

TEF: D.C. was crazy, they showed me so much love like always. I been doing shows there since 2003, so my fanbase has grown alot over the years, but this recent show we did was epic. Me an Bash Waliss respresented hard for Carolina

Kobain: No doubt, bro speaking as a N.C. artist, we definitely appreciate that. So, what's in Tef's cd player right now? Who are you listening to?

TEF: To be honest, I really try not to listen to a lot industry artists, but I do have a little Drake, Future and Kendrick Lamar, but mostly indie artists like Fat Trel, other then that mainly I'm focusing on my own music.

Kobain: That's respect, and S/O to Fat Trel. He been making major moves as of late. He just signed with the boss Rick Ross and MMG, so that's a good luck.

Kobain: When it's all said and done, where do you see yourself positioned in hip hop?

TEF: I see myself being one of the most influential artists in Carolina history, someone known for being a great artist,as well as, one of the most powerful business men in the industry.

Kobain: "Streets is Still Watching" , the movie got pushed back a little? When can we expect the movie, and some new music from Tef?

TEF: I'm pushing for a spring release in 2014 for the movie "Streets is Still Watching", also my new cd, "Blue Magic 1.0" will be out by Feb, with the first single dropping January 2014.

Kobain: Anything you wanna say to your fans?

TEF: I would like to say to my fans, thank you!! For sticking with me through the years, y'all keep me motivated. Get ready for the movie "Streets Is Still Watching" and the soundtrack coming next year 2014. I promise you will not be disappointed, "Blue Magic 1.0" is on the way. We appreciate the love you always show us over here at #DayOne, and UDH. We wish you luck in all your new projects in 2014.

TEF: Salute !!

Make sure you follow Tef:

On Twitter: @iamtef

On Instagram: @iamtef

On Reverb Nation: search, "Tef Kaluminoti"
       
                  And check out his site:

                    www.IAMTEF.com

Kobain: First question for you Dirt. For your birthday, you threw one of the best industry parties Raleigh's ever seen. IGRIND247.com was filming the history NC artists made that night. What's your relationship with the crew over there at IGRIND and magic obama?

NICKELS: Ah man. My birthday was a night to remember. I love my team at IGRIND247. I basically got plugged in wit them through my man, Terrence Moore of Elite Graphics. Him and Gwood got their thing going with the website, and they were there set to push us NC artists, really artists all over on their grind, you know. I met Magic from performing at different spots, and he always supported me.

Kobain: You and T-Gunz, have a new mixtape coming out called "Nickel Plated Gunz", a clever title. Have you guys picked a single yet?

NICKELS: "Nickel Plated Gunz" was actually a track me and Tommy did on my first project I released back in 2004. We both been working on other projects, and just decided to go ahead and give our audience something together. Tommy also is working on another mixtape, "Tommy Tooliano", where he is broadcasting more of his own beats. Be on the lookout for that project too.

Kobain: Definitely gotta cop that T-Gunz joint.We can expect from you two on this project.

NICKELS: "Nickel Plated Gunz" is gonna be a mixtape to take hip-hop back to the essence of what music is supposed to be. We have the lead single, "Stay Up In Yo Lane" that's getting buzzed up as we speak. already getting placed on mad mixtapes dropping. It even got blasted by my dawg Mac 11 Murf, on dat NBA 14 wit Mac 11 Murf TV and the video is on the way. And to top it off, we got Skee Monee of 101.9 Kiss FM hosting the joint.

Kobain: You been working with tgunz for a while, but there's a lotta gem ls on the somg roster.. what do you guys bring to thw tabke that may be different then other labels in the nc area..

NICKELS: Yeah, Tommy and I been working together since like 2000. He went to school wit my lil bruh B. Sherm, and he would always come home telling me about Tommy spitting. I got locked and came home, me and Tommy was recording at the same studio. We linked up, and the rest is history. Yeah, we have other artists on the roster like RockSta Jones, Nino a.k.a. Mark, O-V Da Enforcer, my bruh B. Sherm, and Young Flames. I also have a producer, DJ Matt Money on my squad and another producer, Moe Bandman of Optimus Beatz Music Group that I work with heavy. We all come together form like Voltron to give you, the fans, the best music we can dish out. All while trying not to sound like anyone else. You know?

Kobain: I heard rumors you recently been working with some "surprises" with a certain philly artist... care to shed some light on that..

NICKELS: Yeah, God has been blessing ya boi with placing me around a lot of important, big names in the game right now. I can't believe it myself, but it's just showing me that dreams do come true, If you work hard enough, they become reality. Real talk

Kobain: "As Dirty As I Wanna Be" was a classic in NC, and a notable debut effort. How do you feel you've advanced as an artist since it's release?

NICKELS: "As Dirty As I Wanna Be" doing numbers, and that's with little promotion behind the project. I really was shocked when my management (I Believe Media Group) sent my the demographic report. I'm working the album the way I am for a reason. Watch how sales and everything pick up when I get these videos done, and start releasing them. That's how I feel like I have advanced. The videos will elaborate the story I'm telling in my rhymes.

Kobain: I can definitely dig that Dirt. What's the most important thing you've learned since coming on the since in the early 2000's?

NICKELS: The most important thing I've learned is you gotta stay humble out here. You can't get too cocky or bigheaded. The main thing, you gotta stay real and keep it a hundred at all times. Stay consistent, and give the fans great music to rock out to.

Kobain: I couldn't say it no better bro, so when can we expect a new solo effort from Dirty Nickels?

NICKELS: Right now, I'm building my beat stash up for, "As Dirty As I Wanna Be: IN HU$TLE, WE GRIND PT. 2" but I haven't started writing it yet. I'm focusing more right now of working Pt.1, and that means getting my radio edits done,  releasing videos for my lead single, "Shawty Got Me Open", finishing up the video for the single "Lame", and the last single, "Monsta N Da Trunk". Plus videos for alot of other material. So it may be another year before I drop Pt. 2. 

Kobain: Outside of maintaning the day to day of Set One and recording, what else does Dirty have his hands into?

NICKELS: Shoot we (Set One) got a t.v. show in circulation on channel 23 for Suddenlink subscribers, "The Grind Time Show" hosted by Sallah Dolla. We got a part in the movie my bruh DL Glass and the team at First Time Films dropping, "Hood Classic Heat pt. II". Pt. 1 is currently in the hoods now. I have a part in the Unsigned Giants movie. Really basically just trying to network this music, and get to them M's you know. Besides working the music scene, I also work a 9-5. I do the paperwork and take calls for my people bail bonding business, and I'm going to school working on a business management degree. So as you can see, I DON'T DO MUCH!! Lol

Kobain: When you decide to retire, which I would imagined would be no time soon, what's the most important thing you want the fans to remember?

NICKELS: The most important thing I want the fans to remember is no matter how much they say you can't do it, or that it can't be done, put your foot down to show and prove them wrong!! Screw what haters gone say, because not everyone is gonna like your music. Still continue to do you and keep it funky!! NO MATTER WHAT OBSTACLE LIFE MAY THROW AT YA!!!

Kobain: My dude I don't think I could explain it any better. I appreciate you taking the time out to respond to some questions from me and the fans Thanks bro!

NICKELS: It's been real. Its been gravy. 100 bro, and thanks for all your support of #Dirty Nickels and #SOMG

Kobain: No doubt.. it's always a pleasure!
.
Make sure you follow the homie Dirty Nickels, and the movement #SOMG

On Twitter: @set1muzikgroup

On Instagram: @dirtynicks

On Reverbnation: search "Dirty Nickel$"

Boiling Point: Hood Fever

For my introductory entry, I went back to the first artist I ever interviewed for my Riot Radio Internet show, my dude, and Greenville native, Hood Fever. If your an artist in NC, is hard not to know Hood. The penman behind the the hit singles, "Cuz She Bad ", "Ferrari ", and the new single "#Already " produced by Young Kade, Hood is stacking hits and branding a remarkable sound that will have labels calling his mom house for sure. With all the hype building in anticipation for the single "Already ", I hit up my dude for a couple questions...

Kobain: How many projects do u have total?

FEVER: Currently I have 3 singles I'm pushing. Ferrari, Cuz She Bad; now #Already. One of the primary reasons I love being underground is that the music never gets old. I can take one song & push it in this market, and once its buzzing properly I drop another one in the same market, but while the new one is bubbling, I can take the old one to a whole nother market and do the exact same thing at the same time.  It creates a chain and timeline which in turn will always keep my brand relevant!

Kobain: Any notable collabos coming soon?

FEVER: Right now I'm focusing on the 'Hood Fever' brand, and increasing my fan base.  The #Already remix, is slated to release 1st quarer next year and with the amount of support we have pouring in I guarantee were going to catch you by surprise with the artist roster for it.

Kobain: What was it like hooking up PRODUCER Yung Kade for the single, #Already?

FEVER: Working with Yung Kade is like a breath of fresh order! We have a connection like no other, and its almost like he can read my mind when it comes to creating the perfect beat. Lebron and D-Wade lol.

Kobain: Alright money question! Ferrari was a great single, so why do u feel like #Already is the one?

FEVER: The energy that #Already brings is incredible. The melodic chorus will have you singing it after the first listen.  I really feel as if this will be the one to get us to the larger platform.  The marketing for it has already begun, and the viral support presence is increasing everyday at an alarming rate.

Kobain: Why Thanksgiving? Anything else you want the people to know?
Its slated to release on thanksgiving because that is the day we pay thanks to everyone we love, and I feel I owe my supporters who have been rocking with me a reward. #Already is not only a song to me its my gift to my fans and I really hope everyone loves, and appreciates it...

Well we loving the promo over here brother @K.O.Theory and we know everything Hood do, gone be major. We wanna thank Hood Fever for giving us some time and wish him luck on his success....send all questions for K.O. & Hood Fever, or for a digital copy of this interview; write me @>>>> THEKOTHEORY@GMAIL.COM ...

THANKS FOR READING!

You gotta follow the moves to see the movie!

Follow Hood Fever:

Twitter: @hoodfevermusic

Instagram: @hoodfever

Watch the exclusive #Already promo now before the single drops Nov 28th!