July | 2008 | Amalgam Digital Blog

Gloria Velez Raw & Uncut Artist: Gloria Velez Interviewer: Ralph Dalton

Gloria Velez Raw & Uncut

Gloria Velez Interviewed by Ralph Dalton 7-23-08

AmalgamDigital.com: Do you think people take you seriously as a rapper or that they just look at you and are like “Oh, she can’t rap”?

Gloria Velez: Um yeah. People always do a visual and they think a female rapper has to look like a Foxxy Brown or a Trina, you know what I mean? They haven’t seen a latin rapper or a pretty girl. I don’t think the female rappers have been pretty. They’re really kinda manly-looking. I mean that’s my opinion. People think pretty girls can’t rap or pretty girls can’t fight. They got this stigma…especially females that do music videos or magazines. That all they’re good for is standing there and looking pretty. But we’re smart and educated. We can do way more than just shake our booty. And we definitely gotta take out that stereotype when it comes to blondes or just women period. We’re way more than that, than just a pretty face. We can do it all. I don’t think a majority of male rappers are really marketable, but they make it. They do it. So why can’t a woman do it?

AmalgamDigital.com: If you could change one thing about your physical appearance, what would it be?

Gloria Velez: (Laughter) That’s a good question. Nobody has ever asked me that. I wanna be a little bit thinner. A lot of people would hate me for saying that! It’s because now I’m looking for an agent for movies. I’ve been getting a lot of scripts but they keep giving me the stereotype of playing that hoochie mama or some stupid ass role. In movies, you usually got to be a size four and I’m a size six. A little bit thinner, you know. I know my fans would be like, “Don’t lose any more weight.” They think I lost too much already. But I eat so I would be in shape. It’s not like I’m dieting. I eat in proportions but I work out. So a little more of a smaller stomach…not so anorexic skinny. I’d be built skinny like Janet Jackson. Not as skinny as she got before but healthy.

AmalgamDigital.com: If you had to choose between Obama and Hillary, who would you choose?

Gloria Velez: Awww! I don’t want to say. I like them both. It’s such a hard question because a lot of my fans try to ask me that in e-mails. That’s really a touchy subject and I don’t wanna be too political. I’m definitely going Democratic. We need a change. We definitely can’t have a Republican, for sure. Cannot! It’s my first time voting. I mean, I’m 29 and I haven’t voted but it’s serious right now. I think if it’s a Republican we’re all doomed, for real. We need a Democrat in office. It can get worse and that’s the thing. It’s scary. It’s really bad. They’re making the middle class poor, the poor even poorer, and the rich richer. What is that? The economy is really, really bad. It’s really crazy, so I’m Democrat all the way.

AmalgamDigital.com: Regarding Game’s video, “You Wouldn’t Get Far,” that you were in…when Melyssa Ford and Vida Guerra were vocally against the song and didn’t want anything to do with the track, did you feel any responsibility to be in solidarity with them and say the same thing?

Gloria Velez: No. I’m no follower, I’m a leader. Me and Melyssa are cordial. Me and Vida are…well, I don’t really care for her but he was talking about some women. I didn’t feel offended because he wasn’t talking about me because I know I don’t do that. I didn’t even know him. So the first time I ever met him was on the set. He called me and was mad cool and we’re still cool. We talk and he’s a real down to earth guy. Even in interviews he always bigs me up. I think he’s a good guy. Music is music. You can’t take it too seriously. People take things so seriously. It’s entertainment. You laugh it off. I don’t take it seriously. He wasn’t talking about me. If he was, I would’ve kicked his ass! (laughs)

AmalgamDigital.com: Who do you think are some garbage MC’s nowadays?

Gloria Velez: (Laughs) Oh wow. I don’t wanna call them garbage. Like the “Patty Cake” music. I mean, the kids love it. My son loves it. I can’t really call it garbage. I like lyrics, you know? I like things that mean something. What’s that song? I love the chorus….ummm…“I’mma do me”. But if you listen to the verses, holy sh*t, he’s talking about nothing. It’s commercial and it sells. They’re doing ringtones…million dollar ringtones so I can’t hate.

AmalgamDigital.com: Now you talk about ringtones. As far as wallpaper, do you have an exclusive contract with anyone.

Gloria Velez: Actually, I’m negotiating deals. I definitely gotta put this out too because I definitely support females in this hip hop game, especially models. You gotta be careful with these magazines, I wanna put that on blast, fuck this. They give you a model release form, just for the magazine. I’m not hating on all magazines, just a few urban magazines, I don’t know what other magazines are doing it as of yet, didn’t see them do some grimy shit as of yet. You think it’s a waiver to picture yourself in the magazine but actually you are signing away your download digital rights. They are using your pictures for digital and they get all the money and you get nothing. So I’ve been negotiating with a couple of downloads for my voice. You can text me, I’ll text you back, stuff like that. There’s so many of them out there. There’s a lot of scams out there too. So a lot of people have to be careful and do their homework with these digital rights people. There’s too many out there because there’s so much money to be made. I just want the females to be careful. When you do photo shoots, bring your own modeling form and if they want you to sign it right there, say “No. I don’t sign nothing without my lawyer.” A lot of girls don’t have people to help them or tell them, “You don’t have to sign it.” They’re gonna do the photo shoot anyway because they spent all that money on make-up, hair, location, and photographer. They’re still gonna do the photo shoot. Don’t worry about it but just bring your own model release form to cover your ass and if they want you to sign theirs, say “I’ll have my lawyer look at it.” You just gotta be extra careful. I’m in negotiations with a couple of people, it’s going really good but you just have to make sure you’re not signing away your life and your name. A lot of these girls need some type of guidance. Women, we gotta help each other. For me too. No one told me which way to go or who not to talk to, “Be careful with that person,” no. I had to learn myself and I believe me and a couple of other girls who’ve been in the game for a long time need to help and guide some of these females. I don’t see why not.

AmalgamDigital.com: Do you have any current beefs with anyone in entertainment or in the music industry? If so, why?

Gloria Velez: I have a few. I’m not gonna front. I’ve said a couple things about some people because they had comments or wanted to scuffle a couple of times with a couple of chicks, but that’s old. That was like four years ago. I talk about it now because I got over it. I beat their ass or said their name in a mixtape, you know what I mean? It’s real catty. They need to grow up. They underestimate pretty girls. They feel like ugly girls can fight. I’m not one to hold my tongue. I don’t understand why a pretty girl cannot rap or be street still. You don’t have to be looking ugly to be street or go through things in life to be hip hop. What does hip hop look like? I don’t think there’s a certain look to hip hop. It’s in your soul, how you feel. Females in the hip hop game, some of them are growing up. Me and Trina squashed our shit, we cool, cordial I should say. We say “hi” when we see each other. The chick that’s going to jail [Remy]…she’s nobody’s friend as you can tell. She shot her best friend? So we had our little scuffle. She’s not even loyal to her friends, her crew, her ex- crew. You didn’t have a job, they took care of you, they housed you, they put food on the table for your kids and look at your loyalty. A few other chicks, they’re intimidated by me coming into the game.

AmalgamDigital.com: No problems with any guys? You get love from all of them?

Gloria Velez: Yeah. The only person everyone knows I don’t like is Luke. He’s like an old man. He’s older than my mother. I just don’t like him because of what he did with the whole DVD thing. You know what, though, it’s gone and I turned a negative into a positive. I’m 29 and I was 19 years old at the time. That was a long time ago. I still don’t respect a man who uses women to make money and manipulates them. I can’t respect that. You were like thirty-something when I met you and I was 19? You manipulate chicks. But, you know, you live and you learn. I think that was a learning lesson. I take it as a positive but I still think he’s scum. That’s it. And I don’t speak to my son’s father. Other than that, I’m cordial with everybody else. I have no problems.

AmalgamDigital.com: You’re portrayed as a sexual women, whether it’s in videos or magazines. Are there any limits in what you will or won’t do?

Gloria Velez: (Laughter) As in lyrically? As sexually…what I won’t do? Funny. Ummm…I mean, I tried a lot of things when I was young. I was one that explored sexually. People usually explore sexually or with drugs but I never did drugs. So my thing was sexually. Things I wouldn’t do…I would NEVER do it in the butt! Maybe when I’m married I might try with him but other than that, HELL NO! I don’t think it’s supposed to go there…not at all.

AmalgamDigital.com: How do you want people to remember you when you retire and are out of the industry?

Gloria Velez: Well I’m not even at my peak yet, you know what I mean? Just humble, cool, down to earth, and reachable. Giving back to the people, charity events stuff like that. Not the stereotype that we as women have in our industry. Hopefully, make a change, you know? Just positive…nothing negative. You can be sexy and still be smart. You can do both. You can be a sexy mom. They have this stereotype that you have to be covered up all the time to be a mom or walk a certain way. It’s tacky. And hopefully, I’ll be very successful in movies and everything that I do. Hopefully in a positive light. b

Aire Time Artist: Vast Aire Interviewer: Conor Loughman

Aire Time

Vast Aire Interviewed by Conor Loughman 07-23-08

AmalgamDigital.com: The New York underground was the spot when you got your start as a teenager coming up in the rap game. Do you think things are different now or is New York still the place to be?

Vast Aire: Oh of course, I mean New York is always the Mecca always and forever. There’s no other city that will ever be able to take that credit. There is always an extreme amount of creativity coming out from this city. Always the place to be. Buildings fall down, it’s still the place to be.

AmalgamDigital.com: If you could collaborate with anyone out there, who would it be and why?

Vast Aire: I would get up with Kanye, Lupe Fiasco, I always work with Wu Tang. A lot of dudes. There’s a lot of artists that do a caliber of music that I can honestly tolerate. There’s a couple of kids out there putting it down now hard. Little Brother, Oh No. I love working with Oh No, that’s Madlib’s little brother. When it all comes down to it, man.. I’m feelin a couple of people and I would get up with all of them and rock out. Guilty Simpson, he’s mad nice. Those are the dudes that I would collaborate with.

AmalgamDigital.com: Dueces Wild just dropped June 24th, what are you hoping to express with this album?

Vast Aire: I wanna express that real hip-hop never really went anywhere, so shut your mouth and stop complaining. Go out. Go out and support. Go to shows. Get the records. Stop downloading everything and then start respecting it. There’s so many of these kids who didn’t really get it until they saw it live. They had to see it live and now it grew on them. Stop being a computer hip-hop head. If you want to be in the culture, go to the shows and represent.

AmalgamDigital.com: How would you describe the sound or the theme of the album?

Vast Aire: The theme of the album is, if I had to give it a theme it’s almost like hip-hop superhero-ish. The whole respect of the card game and how life’s a gamble and you gotta play the cards you’re dealt with. The sound of the record is definitely like nostalgic, I want you to have a futuristic but yet nostalgic, reminiscent feel for this sound. I don’t know how to put it in words. When I put this album on I immediately think of 1984, you know what I mean, but then I’m also thinking of 1972 which is before my time because black exploitation was a huge influence on me, so its deep. Its Into the Dragon meets The Bill Cosby Show; you gotta somehow figure that one out. It’s hard for people to figure out sometimes but once you get it, it clicks. It all makes sense when you hear it.

AmalgamDigital.com: You’ve got Vordul Mega featured on one of the tracks. I have to ask, what is the deal with Can Ox? Also, how often does Cannibal Ox get misinterpreted?

Vast Aire: That’s my homie and we’re always gonna rep each others’ projects. I know everybody wants another album and yes, it’s possible, but the bottom line is if we do it we’re gonna do it on our terms. Definitely always look out for us to create. That’s my man. We’re always gonna be in the lab creating. A whole record? I don’t know. There is no problems with Can Ox, we’re just us. We definitely should’ve had a follow up record, but there were some issues with Def Jux and had to figure some stuff out ourselves. If we do want to put a record out, it would just be us sittin down and making up our mind. It’s not impossible. There’s nothing that’s hindering it. We were never meant to be the Captain Crunch box of cereal. We did a project together. Now everyone wants one every Tuesday. There’s a plot, a scheme, and a plan so it’s robotic just to be like let’s do it just because. No let’s do it when we feel comfortable, not because oh you know we’ll make money if we put something out with our name on it. We want to make the music we love. And yeah, a lot of people thought it was a cow eating another cow. Our ox is not a cow per se, it’s a razorblade. So our name is really cannibal blade, but we use the ox with the horns as just a double meaning and a symbol.

AmalgamDigital.com: What going on with One Records?

Vast Aire: Yeah, I’m on One Records right now. I have a 2-album deal with them and if we go beyond that we go beyond that. I like what they’re doing with me and I respect how they feel about me and what they’re doing. This is just a set up for the next album which is going to be gigantic. I’ve loosely been calling it Aire Plain, but that might be changed. That’s my tentative title right now and I have another record called Joyful Noise. Peace to One Records, IGC Recordings. That’s my studio, production company, and label.

AmalgamDigital.com: I have to admit, the first time I ever heard of you, you were quoted in Immortal Technique’s anti-vegetarian diatribe “Beef and Broccoli” What is your relationship with Immortal Technique?

Vast Aire: Immortal Technique is a brother of mine. I was actually with him last night. Peace to Immortal, our albums dropped on the same day. That’s really big for indie hip hop fans. 24th wisdom culture. That’s big, and RZA too actually. That’s a lot of good music on one day and you’ve got people complaining about hip hop. Yo, go and rep. Buy them three albums and then say nothing came out. We’re fam. It’s all groups that are intertwined inside of each other throughout the years and he’s family I love that kid to death. We need that kind of attitude right now. The kind of music we’re making we’re setting a new standard, a new level.

AmalgamDigital.com: Album wise, you’ve been all over the place. The Cold Vein drew comparisons to both Wu Tang and A Tribe Called Quest. Look Mom…No Hands was riddled with guest appearances while on The Best Damn Rap Show it was just you and Mighty Mi. Who are some of the key players that went into making this album?

Vast Aire: Well I mean I always have an interesting group of guests that are with me and everybody played their role. Every voice and beat that’s on this record is here for a reason, because they came with it. They busted they ass and they came with it. They had a level of music that I could love and respect and that’s why they’re on my record. Definitely say Gecchi Suede, he’s a mentor of mine. Genesis. Huge the joint me and him did. I’m happy that he reunited with me in 2005-06 and we started going in and we got a lot of music. Everybody on “When Starz Fall,” everyone played a major key, that’s why they’re on the record. I respect and I love these kids to death I think they’re geniuses at what they do and that’s why I wanted them all to be a part of this. From Pete Rock who is incredibly successful and famous all the way to Thanos, an unknown producer that’s just comin up. I’m lookin out for my family. Everybody was a nobody at some time. No one knew Premier at some time. Nobody knew RZA at one point. You gotta give the new dude a chance but the new dudes gotta come with it. They gotta be honest about getting shit done. Don’t just talk shit and you’re not working hard. It’s a craft. Thirteen songs and I think 5 of them have vocal features so everyone is there for a definite reason and they’re all holding it down. Much respect.

AmalgamDigital.com: On the track “The Man Without Fear” you make some ultra-specific pop culture references (Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse, Star Wars, and even one about Jefferson Starship.) Do you drop these in with intended purposes or do they just come out?

Vast Aire: The specific purpose was just to get my point across so I use pretty much things that I like to get my point across. I wanted to make a point that I’m a real Jefferson Starship fan because I was there when they were airplane. I’m trying to make little points like I am your father, but also like I’m the father of the rap world, which also equates me to Darth Vader. It’s using a lot of similes, metaphors, and it’s allegoric, but it’s still the same classic cocky MC vibe. That’s what it is, let’s be real. I can talk about being poor, the corrupt government, but I can also talk about how I got more girls than you and how I party harder. That’s the fun, machismo part of it. Obviously we need to talk about corruption of government and issues like that, but we also need to be able to rhyme about how we can have a good time and enjoy ourselves.

AmalgamDigital.com: Anything else you’d like to say?

Vast Aire: I think the album needs to get the respect it deserves. I wanna send a big fat F U to all my critics that have basically given me a royal headache all these years that I’ve been putting music out. This record is shutting all of them up and it’s gonna make them go to all my previous records before this and show them the development and honest growth that I’ve gone through all these years putting out this music that I love. This is my greatest work that I’ve put out. Nothing tops this body of work and I’ve got more music coming out that’s going to top that.

Rest in peace Camu Tao.

A Privileged Powerhouse Artist: Chani Christie Interviewer: Tania Celestin

A Privileged Powerhouse

Chani Christie Interviewed by Tania Celestin 07-23-08

AmalgamDigital.com: How do you keep yourself from spreading too thin with all the ventures that you take on, including singing, acting, modeling, and writing a book?

Chani: My parents have always prided me on working hard and having drive and determination. Those are two big factors in the professional aspect of my life. So I think other than that, just staying grounded and staying focused. It gets hard sometimes and I’ve had days where maybe I just didn’t want to sing that line or was too tired to do a photo shoot or whatever it may be, but at the end of the day, this is what I want to do, and with everything comes sacrifice. Writing my book is my gift to the youth and everyone. I put my heart and soul into my music, my acting, and now my book and I feel God’s greatest gift to us all is life and I want to live mine to the fullest and do good things always. I’m very blessed.

AmalgamDigital.com: Why did you decide to continue on in the world of reality television show and expand from “Committed” to your spinoff “Coming Up Christie”?

Chani: Because I wanted people to get a chance to see me, in my own light. People will get to see what it’s like being the daughter of an NBA player and most of all being a teenager in this business. I don’t get any special privileges, I have to work just as hard as anyone else because at the end of the day, my mom or my dad can’t go up on the stage and sing for me or do my routine for me, it’s all me. So now people get the chance to see what I’m all about and judge for themselves. And I hope they realize that I’m just like the girl next door.

AmalgamDigital.com: What made you get involved in charities and organizations, such as the YMCA Youth Outreach and HIV/AIDS Awareness?

Chani: I’ve always wanted to help people and get involved, so when my parents were approached with this opportunity, we were all very honored. I think that HIV and AIDS is a tremendous and devastating epidemic and if I can spread the word to as many teens, and people in general, as possible then I have done my job. It’s just as easy as 1, 2, 3. Go in, get tested, and know your status.

AmalgamDigital.com: Describe your sound and what separates you from the countless other current R&B singers.

Chani: I think that I have a different and unique sound. It’s like soulful yet soft yet I can go and do the unexpected as well. I can do a lot with my voice, and I’m still learning! So I think that puts me at an advantage because it sets me apart from everyone else. Not that others can’t, but I’m going to try to learn as much as I can about my craft to always improve.

AmalgamDigital.com: Were you the first artist signed to your parents’ Jean Rah Fiya Records?

Chani: Actually I was the second! There was another artist, named Brandon Kane that was signed first.

AmalgamDigital.com: What is your response to those who believe that you only have a deal or only receive exposure because of your father, professional basketball player Doug Christie’s fame?

Chani: I think everyone’s going to have their own opinions and that’s okay with me. If you take the time to watch my reality show, you’ll learn a lot about me. Not everything, but a lot. I’m not spoiled. Yes I’m privileged, but as I said, I have to work as hard as anyone else out there if not harder, because I have to both prove myself, and then I have to go above and beyond expectations to stay on top and stay relevant.

AmalgamDigital.com: Where would you like to see yourself in ten years?

Chani: Well I hope to have a couple Grammys, a few Oscars and a book shelf full of my own books that I’ve written wouldn’t be bad. But I just see myself still doing this… Singing, dancing, rapping, acting, modeling… being a good role model, person, and daughter. I plan to travel the world bringing awareness to all about our world health and life issues, and also, by then, I plan to have branched out and started clothing lines and perfume lines and a lot of things! I want to be a renaissance woman.

AmalgamDigital.com: Has being in the spotlight at such a young age negatively affect your childhood or made it harder to relate to others your age?

Chani: Being that my dad is who he is, people would think so but I don’t. Maybe it’s just because I was born into this, so I don’t know much else. But I get to do normal things like go hang out with friends and go shopping and all that. I have a Sidekick LX so I’m always in contact with everyone! I have such a busy life now so that’s really the best avenue for me. I’m like ‘Just text me!’ So, no I don’t think it’s had a negative effect on my childhood.

AmalgamDigital.com: What do you think is the stereotype of privileged children and how do you think this portrayal relates to you?

Chani: I think they’re portrayed as spoiled little rich kids, and yes, that can be true in some cases but most of us are normal everyday teenagers, We get acne and we get grounded and we have to do chores and things like that. There are so many examples that I can give, but at the end of the day, everyone has their own perception and sometimes we just can’t change that. Just because our parent(s) may be privileged doesn’t mean we are.

AmalgamDigital.com: As of right now, what is your favorite song off of your album, “My Dream”?

Chani: Wow! I have so many! My favorite this week is probably… “Crush.” I love the feel of it and the beat goes hard in the car! It’s summer time and it’s just an all around hot song!! It’s my single that’s out right now playing on the radio stations and I’m getting a lot of good responses so I’m happy!!