Everyone wants to be heard and S&H is honored to be a “Mountain Top”. These are the answers from our winners, Give a listen to the pulse of the underground because S&H Public Relations is here to give voice to our own Hip Hop Community. Here are the answers to the questions we asked from our Nobel Contestants, Mag G and Rello Hill.
When did you know you wanted to be an entertainer? Give some examples of experiences that shaped your path.
Mag G: I think I’ve always known I wanted to be an entertainer. I would freestyle in my mom’s bedroom after watching Video Music Box, making up new songs. I’d add my own verses to other emcees songs coming up. It was just what I always wanted to do.
Rello Hill: I knew that I wanted to be a performer the first time I heard Distortion of Static by The Roots. In 4th grade, I performed that song at my talent show and I rocked the crowd, or I thought I did. Furthermore, throughout high school I was a teen-advocate at a youth organization in Philly where I used to perform throughout Philadelphia High Schools. That indescribable feeling that you get is like no other; it’s like a natural high you get during your set,
Where did you grow up?
Feel free to name names of who you’re connected with in your hood and the industry.
Mag G: I was born and raised in the Bronx, Right on Creston Ave. For the most part, I kept to myself. I had a small circle of friends growing up, but people started moving away. The neighborhood got dangerous. If there was an industry name to mention, it would be Buckwild. He saw what I was doing and gave me some guidance early on. Going to his studio and seeing the Biggie “Life after Death” platinum plaque on his wall was a game-changer for me.
Rello Hill: I grew up in Philadelphia but relocated to Greenville, NC in 2009 after graduating college. While in Philadelphia, I had a chance to work with James Poyser (The Roots member), Corey Latif Williams (former Motown recording artist and song writer) and Zukhan Bey (producer of Ludacris “Pussy Popping” and Jim Jones “Ballin”‘). Khrysis (1/8 of 9th Wonder’s Soul Council)
If you could do your own Intro, How would it go?
Example: Coming to the stage is…
Mag G: an artist who makes music from his heart and soul and continues to move the culture of Hip-Hop forward.
Rello Hill: Representing NC by the way of North Carolina I bring you Rello Hill
Name your influences and why?
Mag G: There are so many to choose from. Jay-Z, B.I.G., Kanye West, Nas, Andre 3000, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Lupe Fiasco…and that’s just Hip-Hop. Nirvana, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan…I could go on and on.
Rello Hill: I have many influences but the two that stick out the most are Andre 3000 and my brother Jamar Davis. I said Andre 3000 because if there had to be a model artist, it would have to be him. It starts from the way he rides the beat, the emotions he conveys, concepts, diction, syntax etc. To me he has to be the dopest, hands down.
I said my brother because he taught me everything I know about the streets. He molded my perception to be true to myself no matter what it may cost me. He kept me focused and well grounded. I would like to think my confidence and demeanor was molded by him. What up Mar!!
Name some accomplishments big and small that you’re proud of.
Mag G: Being engaged, I believe, gets the top vote. Doing this interview as a finalist in the National MC Contest is an accomplishment. Getting selected by Talib Kweli to be on his Community mix tape, Being selected by AMP from Jamla/IWWMG to be a part of his compilation. Recording at the Converse Rubber Tracks studio in Brooklyn was amazing. Performing with Torae at S.O.B.’s in 2007 is always a highlight of mine and graduating high school with a scholarship.
Rello Hill: I’m proud that I graduated from College with Cum Laude honors with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. I’m proud that I’m a 3x All-American in boxing with the silver medal in nationals. I’m proud that I put out my first complete mixtape “Rellovant.” Shit, I ‘m proud that throughout all the obstacles many of us undergo growing up in the inner-city, that I have a chance to talk about what I’m proud about.
Freestyle a short flow (6) bars] regarding your experience with our contest.
Mag G : Appreciation is in order/Bring in a recorder and some bottled water for the performance that I’m giving that’s made to order/Shout-out to S&H for the great chance I was given/And shout-out to Rello and Yahzilla/We all gifted/
Rello Hill: The obstacles of brick walls I break down to build up the fortress of these architects I sketched out, this crown is for the taking so I reach out my arms length, defensive offense, cut from a different cloth my stitch is flawless. A young educated brother separated the apple from the Eve with no paw prints
Favorite quote or rhyme.
Mag G : “Eagles and flags/American style/While in our world/The ghetto stays incredibly foul/Watching for paint chips/Don’t want no lead in yo’ child/But them gangstas put lead in ya’ child/” – Nas “No Ideas”
Rello Hill: Oh yes I love her like Egyptian, want a description, my royal highness So many plusses when I bust that there can’t be no minus Went from yellin crickets and crows, bitches and hoes to queen thangs, over the years I been up on my toes and yes I seen thangs like Kilroy, chill boi because them folks might think you soft talkin like that, man fuck them niggaz I’m goin off and comin right back, like boomerangs when you throw em With these old ghettopoems, Bankhead is better for em When they can let they throw em, down from hitchikin and bitin niggaz until the temple they call the body, now everybody got it Had it, talked about it amongst they friends Comin around my crew lookin Jazzy, wanna pretend like you Ms. Goodie, Four-Shoes, even Bo knew, that you got poked like accupuncture patients while our nation is a boat Straight sinkin, I hate thinkin that these the future mommas of our chillun, they fuckin a different nigga every time they get the feelin to, I’m willin to go the extra kilo-meter just to see my senorita get her pillow on the side of my bed where no good ever stay House and doctor was the games we used to play but now it’s real Jazzy Belle.. ~Andre 3000
Who would you like to work with and why?
Mag G: I actually have a mini bucket list of cats I’d give my left hand (not the right, that’s the dominant hand) to work with. But, if I had to pick one, it would be Pharrell. I just think sonically and musically, we’d be able to make some really incredible music.
Rello Hill: Old or New? A veteran that I would like to work with is Andre 3000 because he’s my favorite artist. It would be fucking retarded not to work with my rap idol. A new artist that I would like to work with is Kendrick Lamar; that homie has a gift.
How will you know you’ve made it?
Mag G: When I can quit this 9 to 5. Jon Favreau had a quote in Esquire Magazine that went something like, “I don’t have to look at how much things cost on the menu when I’m ordering food anymore.” Yeah, something like that.
Rello Hill: I don’t want to make it because then I will no longer enjoy the ride getting there.
Name any enterprises you would like to promote, like web sites, social links etc.
Mag G: I’m currently finishing up my “Freedom” project, hosted by Mick Boogie and sponsored by RCRDLBL.com I am working on this AMP compilation and a project with producer/emcee Maverick, You can find my catalog at mrmag.bandcamp.com, hit me on twitter@MrMaG254, or get at me on Face book at www.facebook.com/thisismag
Also, if anybody is in NYC, I perform as part of the Melting Pot Band, every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Pianos (158 Ludlow St, New York, NY) in the upstairs lounge. The show is free and starts at 7PM.
Rello Hill: Follow me on Twitter@Rellohill
Datpiff.com Mixtape “Rellovant”
Shout Outs
Mag G: I just want to shout-out everyone who’s supported me and the music. My fiancé Tiffany Rose, my brother D, my mother, the Melting Pot crew and a quick shout-out to Jason Thome at Converse.
Mag G: I can’t leave without shouting out SNHPR.com for the support, and for the opportunity. It’s definitely appreciated.
Rello Hill: I just want to give a shout out to SNHPR.com, HipHopwired.com, Torae and Big Pooh for the good look. Keep putting and promoting good music.