012 West Coast Jewish Hip Hop

In this feature I am going to introduce you to another Judaen exile making his musical mark on the planet who hails from the West Coast of the United States of America. I stumbled upon his music on Myspace a few years ago and have I have followed his career since and today I am happy to be able to introduce him and his arts to you.

[mp3_embed playlst="http://jewishmayhem.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/dailyoperationz.mp3"]

MC Arson Wells

JM: Who are the Jews in your family? Both Mother and Father Jewish?

I get my Jewish Heritage from my Father’s side of the family. All of my family on his side are of Jewish Descent.

JM: Any interesting Jewish family? Interesting lineage?

My Great Grandfather was a Russian Jewish who came to the US when the Czar was kicking Jews out of Russia. The story of Fiddler on the Roof is a lot like what happened in my family. My Great Grandfather made the Journey to the US on a freshly painted cattle boat. The fumes were very toxic and everyone was sick the entire trip from what I understand. He actually was traveling through the woods to stay off the main roads because he was with another family who had a sick child that was crying and they didn’t want to be caught. They missed the first boat because of the detour. Thank God they missed it because the first boat sank and everyone on it drowned. I wouldn’t exist if it were not for that detour.

JM: How do you define yourself? A rapper? A hip hop artist? Producer?

An MC

JM: Where did your “name” come from?

I used to just go by the name Arson or the Unknown Arsonist. I was signed to a local independent label along with an artist RicaSShay. One day he said “yo you should go by the name Arson Wells” an ever since then that shit just stuck with me.

JM: Are you signed to any labels?

I am independent/unsigned right now.

JM: How many CD’S/Albums have you released so far?

I am just about to finally release my debut project “ The Trials and Tribulations of Arson Wells ”

JM: Who were your biggest musical influences when you started?

Geto Boys, Ice-T, N.W.A., Above The Law, EPMD, Organized Konfusion, Digital Underground, Public Enemy, 2Pac, KRS-One & LL Cool J. That was my era. To me it won’t ever get better than that.

JM: Whose music influences you today?

Local San Diego Artists who bring heat time and time again and are still under estimated in the Hip-Hop world.

JM: Where did you grow up, where were you raised and where is home for you?

I was born in Southern Oregon and then moved to South San Diego California. Both of these places I will always consider home. I’ve got a lot of homeboys that live in both places that I got a lot of love and respect for.

JM: Is Tupac really alive?

NO. When you get blasted there ain’t no coming back.

JM: Whose music rubs you the wrong way?

I can’t stand most of the rap music that comes out today. I won’t even call it Hip-Hop because that shit is dying. I can’t stand the D4L’s and all that other glitter and glam cornball bullshit you hear on the radio. That shit makes me sick. They have destroyed something I have cherished and loved since I was 12 years old and made a mockery of it. Real Hip-Hop is found in the streets and neighborhoods and underground clubs. The airwaves are filled with the same commercial bullshit. “It’s the Ice age and nobody realize what they doing to Hip-Hop’s gonna make it die”

JM: How did you get to where you are now? What were the big breaks and events?

I’ve been writing rhymes and rappin since I was like 12. I been in a few different crews; the shit always falls apart do to one thing or another whether it’s jealousy, lack of commitment, money, etc. That’s why I’ve realized it’s all about me now. I’ve wasted so much time Fucking around, waiting for other cats to fulfill they part of the bargain and do they thing, and to come with there part of the money to put out projects and this and that, I’m just over it. I been making chips on the streets for years, so I guess I got no one to blame but myself. I could’ve been put my shit out a long time ago, I just keep getting caught up in another hustle, and another hustle. You know. My album is 11 songs done right now. I only need like 4 or 5 more joints to finish up and I got popped with a case. Now I’m f acing two felonies and the pigs got my ass for like 14 g’s. Its all good though, I’m trying to beat they bullshit case, I got me a dope lawyer on the mix so I’m crossin my fingers. But listen to my music, its real life shit. What I say in my music is real talk. I do what I say in my rhymes and that’s just the game we play in.

JM: Has there been anyone who has mentored or really helped you along the way?

There have been a few cats, but I won’t mention names because I did a lot for these cats to and in the end they all just snakes in the grass. Backbiters and backstabbers.

JM: When did you first start getting into the performance side of music?

Around 2000

JM: Who do you hang out with, anyone noteworthy?

Mostly my patna RicaSShay and Ceke Blanko from Bike Choke Family. Also my Engineer Steelz.

JM: What song has had the biggest impact on you personally?

Geto Boys- My Minds Playin Tricks On Me

JM: What do you write about in your songs?

I write about the hood, my hood and what I’ve seen coming up, hustling, revolution, anti-government, anti-police hardcore money motivating HIP-HOP!

JM: What bothers you about the music business?

It’s so commercial and nobody buys records anymore. Everything can be downloaded. Fuck it, I do it to. Shhhhhhhhhh…….you gotta love this shit to still do it

JM: How has being a Jew or in other less popular words, has having Jewish blood in your veins made a difference in your life?

It’s shaped who I am as a person. Once people find out you’re a Jew they can act like it doesn’t bother them, but I think deep down inside most of them they have a astigmatism about our people. The negative stereotypes, which are utter bullshit, always come up so whenever you have a run in with someone they are quick to bring up your heritage. Right off the bat “the stingy or greedy Jew muthafucker did it”. People start trying to throw the same old shots like “your people killed Christ” as well as a long list of other derogatory bullshit. I always know that no matter what the only people that will ever understand our people is our people.

JM: Is being a Jew important to you? Please explain.

Like I said it defines who I am as a person. We as Jewish people all know who we are and what is expected of us. The Torah is set in stone. Whether we choose to follow it or how strict we follow its laws are our decisions. I wouldn’t say I am the best example of a practicing Jew, but I try to my best and keep my head up while living in this dog eat dog world we reside in.

JM: Is there anything today about Judaism and the Jewish world that really affects you or really bugs you?

The thing that bothers me the most is all the end fighting between our people. No matter what synagogue you go to or what sect of Judaism you follow, you’re still Jewish. That means represent your people to the fullest no matter what. We all came from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Period…end of story.

JM: What do you do for beats?

I work with a few different local producers as well as a producer in New York for my beats.

JM: Do you play any instruments?

My voice.

JM: What is your favorite city?

Sunny San Diego California

JM: Have you been to Israel?

Unfortunately no. I am going no matter what within the next couple years. If your Jewish, you have to make that excursion sometime in your life. It’s just a necessity.

JM: Do you know what tribe you are from? Levi, Judah?

My Grandfather told me we were from the tribe of Levi.

JM: Do you pay attention to what is going on with Israel?

Yes. It’s a shame to see all of the fighting over OUR land. Things seem to only be escalating. It has been this way since Israel was declared a nation. Right away here comes Egyptian fighter planes trying to bomb us. Then it was Syria I believe. We are surrounded by the Enemy. All we want is our land. The whole Middle East is filled with Islamic countries. We deserve our place. Israel will always need freedom fighters to stand up and represent the Jewish people like David Ben-Gurion and Simon Weisenthal. If you’re a Jew be proud of it. Stand up and speak up for your people no matter what criticism you’ll get.

JM: What’s coming up for you?

I’m coming close to dropping my album “ The Trials & Tribulations of Arson Wells”

I just came out on DJ Green Lantern’s newest mix-tape “Myspace Invasion 3” as well as having 2 features on RicaSShay’s album Enough is Enough. Which just dropped this month. I am also featured on the new Proof of Life mixtape coming out later this year

JM: What’s your favorite piece of musical equipment?

I like stringed instruments. If used right over a hard drum track you can make a banging ass beat.

JM: Any tours and if so, with who and where are you touring?

Everyone on the Proof of Life mix-tape will be going on a West Coast tour to promote the album and radio station. Proof of Life radio can be heard Wednesday nights between 9-11 PM Pacific Time at the following address: proof-of-life.net/radio

JM: Which one of your songs do you like the most and why?

Man I have a lot of favorites. It’s hard to tell which one I like the most. It changes every time I do a new song that becomes my favorite until I top that with something even better.

JM: How do you feel about the state of the world, life and shit?

I think the state of the world is fucked up. The Middle East keeps getting worse and worse. As for my neighborhood muthafuckas is broke, starving, strung out and shit. Cops stay harassing me and my boys. It’s like every week another one of my boys gets locked up, or catches another case; including myself. We wouldn’t be out there on the street doing what we do if we had better ways to feed our kids and shit. We all just stay hoping that this music grind pays off in the end and we don’t have to put our lives in jeopardy no more. The economy’s all fucked. Everyone losing there houses and shit. Unemployment’s at an all time high. When cats can’t get a job what the fuck do they do to get dough….rob, steal, sell drugs, whatever the fuck. That’s just life.

JM: Have you been in the media yet, and if so, how so?

I’ve had small little spots in magazines hear and there. Getting a little pub from time to time. Nothing to major. I’ve been on local television a couple times. I get a lot of love on the Internet. I have met a lot of contacts by having writes up and features on different sites out there. This year I just barely stepped my myspace game up. One of my boys was trying to get me on that shit for a couple years. I wasn’t trying to hear it. To caught up in the day-to-day struggle to be dealing with games and shit; but then I opened my mind and just started politickin and have gotten a lot of love and response from the myspace joint as well. www.myspace.com/arsonwellsmusic

JM: Are you a spiritual or religious person?

I would not say that I’m religious by any means. Religion is just another way for organized groups to try and control people and brainwash them into their way of thinking. As for being spiritual; definitely. Life would seem hopeless if I didn’t have faith that Elohim was watching over me. I see so much negativity all around me that I have to go to synagogue just to release some of the pressure and get some of the pain off my chest. It’s a good counterbalance to the rest of the world that eats away at your soul on a daily basis. I try to observe the high holidays, eat kosher, and live righteously as much as possible. It’s just hard when you live in Babylon society.

Thanks

Joshua Andrews

###END####

012 ALBANY LOU – Underground Hip Hop

Underground Hip Hop Albany Style

“Albany” Lou Samberg, cousin to SNL’s Adam Samberg, is a hard working young Hebrew from New York State, who likes to bust out rhymes about his life and what’s important to him to the sound of hip hop beats.

JM: Who are the Jews in your family?
AL:Both Mother and Father are 100% Jewish. My Fathers last name is Samberg and my mother’s mother was Cohen. I had a crash-course Bar Mitzvah when I turned 13. I never did understand the tradition of tossing candy at the Bar Mitzvah Boy. My Father recalls me chucking it right back at people HARD…lol

JM: How do you define yourself? A rapper? A hip hop artist? Producer?
AL: A rapper, entertainer, dogman, father, businessman. I havn’t realy dabbled in production aspect of Hip Hop. I believe I could do it, but I’m more about the verbal expression.

JM: Where did your “name” come from?

AL: Growing up in Albany NY, people knew me as Lou/Louie/Casino/White Lou/Lou the Jew/Snozz/Boss. The name Albany Lou came about when I started going out of town to get money. It was then that I started advertising my game-bred pitbulls in various dog magazines under the alias “Albany Lou”. When I began taking the music seriously, it was natural for me to keep that name.

JM: Are you signed to any labels?
AL: I have not signed any papers at this point though I have had offers from some smaller labels. I’m a little uncomfortable with signing anything besides autographs. I am lucky that my cousin is an entertainment Lawyer that can help.

JM: How many CD’S/Albums have you released so far?
AL: 3 released and one on the way SOON. I have only one actual album at this point. I feel the mixtape route is a much better way to accumulate a buzz. Once I’m in the public eye a bit more then I’ll start droppin more albums.
1. DEAD GAME(the album)
2.DEAD GAME vol 2 hosted by the mix-king DJ Life
3 Back in the box
4 comin soon

JM: Who were your biggest musical influences when you started?
AL: I started listening to hip hop when the west was real popular (Snoop, Dre, Ice Cube, Cypress hill etc. Then came Wu, Biggie, Mobb Deep, Outkast, Big Pun, Twista, Jay Z, Dmx, The Lox, Eminem, etc. It would be hard to say which artist influenced me the most though.

JM: Whose music influences you today?
AL: Honestly, the people around me that I grew up with are all worthy Mc’s and they probably shape me more than anyone else. We all kind of build off each other, although at this point they dont realy persue the music the way I do. As of lately, the rappers outside my circle that I listen to are Necro and ill bill, I’m feelin that new Hellraiser and Shabazz album, but not a lot of rap I hear inspires me the way it used to.

JM: Where did you grow up, where were you raised and where is home for you?
AL: I was born in Chinatown (NYC) but my family moved to long island a couple years later. My mother and I went through some really tough times and tough years. I stayed with my grandfather for a couple of years and then moved to Albany myself. Albany is definately my home. I’ve been here since I was ten and I know everyone.

JM: Is Tupac really alive?
AL: Josh your a jerk(smile).

JM: Whose music rubs you the wrong way?
AL: I don’t really ever get rubbed the wrong way by music, even when maybe it should at times. I’m a little mad at Eminem for not putting on another talented white rapper. Em, we are out here and yes we had it hard too!

JM: How did you get to where you are now? What were the big breaks and events?
AL: Haha, I’m still lookin for that big break.

JM: Has there been anyone who has mentored or really helped you along the way?
AL: I have great support through friends and family, but my answer has to be no. I do it mostly on my own even when they say it’s not possible!

JM: When did you first start getting into the performance side of music?
AL: When I was eleven, three of my friends and I performed Bobby brown’s “Get away” in the school lip sink contest., after that it was house party. I think performing is somthing that has always been in my blood.

JM: Who do you hang out with, anyone noteworthy?
AL: My 1st Cousin Andy Samberg is real popular on SNL. I’m also close with DJ Life (Blockburners/streetsweepers/BLACKFOOT ENT. He’s like Albany’s Kayslay and his name is known heavy in NY, and in Jersey.

JM: What song has had the biggest impact on you personally?
AL: What song of mine? I would say my Dead Game song because of the creativity that went into makin it and because of the effect that it had on other people. It gave me my original fan base.

JM: What do you write about in your songs?

AL: Life in general. I’m not the type of artist that sticks to the script. No one is one-dimensional. If I feel happy then I make a happy song and if Im angry it also shows in my music.

JM: What bothers you about the music business?
AL: The same thing that bothers me about Life. Not enough loyalty, too much ego, and very little truth. Plus, its’ all about a buck. Deserving artists that make real authentic music are the ones who should be reaping the benefits.

JM: How has being a Jew or in other less popular words, has having Jewish blood in your veins made a difference in your life?
AL: It’s made all the difference in many ways and yet no difference at all in others. First of all, let me say that I did not grow up around Jews. My mother and I celebrated Hanukah every year. When I was young I used to get into fights because I was constantely ridiculed for being Jewish but I was always proud. I was never afraid to stand up for myself the same way my grandfathers did when they were alive. I also got a lot of love from certain people. My friends often said “Lou ain’t white, he’s Jewish.” When I was young that phenomenon made me feel accepted.

JM: Is being a Jew important to you? Please explain.
AL: Absolutely. Although I am not religious, being Jewish is a big part of my identity.I wouldn’t want to be anything else. A part of me feels very special to be a part of something so ancient and strong!

JM: What do you do for beats?
AL: My brother Legacy from the Dead Game video, he also produced the track, and my dawg Damian. Both childhood friends and both great producers. Other than that I jack other peoples beats for my mixtapes.

JM: Do you play any instruments?
AL: No, but I can sing.

JM: What is your favorite city?
AL: Vegas is the shit, NYC is mind blowin, Atlanta is beautiful, Beacon is quaint, but Id have to say I’m the most at home in Albany.

JM: Have you been to Israel?
AL: I had the opportunity to go when I was younger but I was so rapped up in my own chaotic life to accept the offer. Now i regret it. I do plan to go one day as I have family in Israel.

JM: Do you know what tribe you are from? Levi, Judah?
All I know is my grandmother was a Cohen.My family came from Russia, Lithuania, and poland to the united states in early 1900.

JM: Do you pay attention to what is going on with Israel?
To be truthful I hardly watch American news or Tv at all for that matter.I am behind my people 100%, though,I would really like to visit Israel and see it for myself.

JM: What’s coming up for you?
Well I sent Necro my Cd i havnt heard back fro him yet.i kinda want o do a song or two with phsycological.im supposed to be touring with Gym class heroes next summer. Right now its about sellin cds and tryin to get more shows

JM: What’s your favorite piece of musical equipment?
AL: Microphone hands down.

JM: Which one of your songs do you like the most and why?
AL: Their are so many that I love but iI would have to say Only Human, because it was from the heart. I listen to it for inspiration and it reminds me that I can do, it if he can do it. I also like Electricity, its the opposite of Only Human, but somehow has the same effect.

JM:Have you been in the media yet, and if so, how so?
AL: Well right now The PETA people are on my ass.

JM: Are you a spiritual or religious person?
AL: Definitely spiritual, not religious, for some reason I only pray when I’m High though (4:20).

JM: How and where can people listen to your music and watch your videos?
AL: MYSPACE.COM/ALBANYLOU

www.youtube.com/user/ALBANYLOU

JM: Where can people buy your music?
AL: MYSPACE.COM/ALBANYLOU I have a paypal. Other than that, come to Albany and I’ll sell you one personally.

JM: Who made your videos?
AL: I made every single one! I must say that for the limated resources I have they came out Damn good. All I have is a digital camera SRAIGHT RAW !

JM: Any shoutouts?
AL: First of all JEWISH MAYHEM MAGAZINE!!! Second of all my Mother (the strongest woman alive!) my Father, my Son who is my everything and my Fiancé, and of course everyone that I consider family!! .

Infinite love

Thanks,

Lou

###END###

011 Hiphop Mayhem SACRIFICIAL OFFER – RIVIERA REGIME

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Riviera Regime

RIVIERA REGIME JUST DROPPED THE NEW SINGLE ON THEIR PAGE:

www. myspace. com/rivieraregime

THE NEW VIDEO FOR THE NEW SINGLE IS UP. “SACRIFICIAL OFFER” DIRECTED BY TOM VUJCIC.

OFF THE NEW ALBUM “REAL SOLDIERZ RIDE” OUT AUGUST, 19TH 2008. TRACK PRODUCED BY KLEE MAGOR.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH THE HIGH QUALITY VERSION:

NEW SONGS ARE UP ONLINE AS WELL. THE NEW SINGLE “SACRIFICIAL OFFER” IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD. GET THE TRACK AND BUMP THAT SHIT IN YOUR CAR, HOME, WORK ETC. SPREAD THE WORD AND PROMOTE THE MOVEMENT. ALSO 10 NEW SAMPLES ARE OUT OFF THE ALBUM. EACH TRACK ON THE MYSPACE PLAYER HAS TWO SONG SNIPPETS IN IT SO WHEN ONE SONG FADES OUT, A SECOND ONE STARTS. CHECK EM OUT AND PROMOTE.
SHIT IS BRUTAL!!!!!

WATCH THE OFFICIAL COMMERCIAL FOR THE ALBUM HERE:

THIS IS THE TRACKLISTING FOR THE NEW ALBUM. BE ON THE LOOKOUT THIS SUMMER.
COP THAT SHIT!

TRACKLISTING:

1.
U WANNA GO TO HELL WITH ME?
2.
CHECKMATE
3.
SACRIFICIAL OFFER
4.
CONTRACT KILLER
5. GET YA DOME SPLATTERED (FEAT.
SEAN STRANGE)
6.
HOOD PROFESSIONALZ
7.
WHY’D U HAVE TO KILL HIM?
8. DESPERADOS (FEAT.
NECRO & DANNY DIABLO)
9.
IN THESE STREETZ
10.
REAL SOLDIERZ RIDE
11.
IT’S NOT A BIG DEAL
12.
GOLANI BRIGADE
13. WATCH HOW U SCHEME (FEAT.
Q-UNIQUE)
14.
2 MAN ARMY
15.
SEND U TO A DEEP DARK PLACE
16. DAT MURDER SHIT PT. 3 (FEAT. MR.
HYDE)
17.
NO ROOM FOR THE WEAK
18.
A PORTION FOR FOXES
19.
FINCH WEST G’Z
20. HURTIN Y’ALL (FEAT. H.E.C.
)
21. INTERNATIONAL HOOD CONNECT (FEAT.
CYNIC OF STREET PLATOON, CEEKAY JONES, NEMS & VK)
22.
NO TOMORROW
23.
ON POINT
24.
WHAT IS IT GANGSTA
25.
EVER HEARD OF THE MAFIA?

011 Hardcore Underground Rap / Hip Hop Artist – Lord Ezec (Danny Diablo)

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Hardcore Underground Rap / Hip Hop Artist

Danny Diablo / Lord Ezec
Hardcore Underground Rap / Hip Hop Artist

Heavily tattooed, New York based, underground hip hop recording artist Danny Diablo a.k.a. Lord Ezec, is a hardcore Jew that I am proud to introduce you to. Who is Lord Ezec / Danny Diablo you’re wondering? Well in 1994, Lord Ezec / Danny Diablo who’s real name is Daniel Singer, formed the critically acclaimed New York Hard Core (offshoot of the NYC punk scene) act Crown Of Thornz under the moniker Lord Ezec.

In 1995, Lord Ezec branched off with members of NYHC act Madball to form Skarhead. Skarhead epitomized the hardcore lifestyle, living day to day, hand to mouth in an unforgiving world filled with drugs and violence. Skarhead toured with The Misfits, GWAR and Hatebreed. Skarhead toured around the United States and the world and peaked at the 1999 summer Warped Tour alongside acts such as Suicidal Tendencies, Eminem, Sevendust, Ice-T, Dropkick Murphys and Blink 182. Skarhead eventually called it quits in 2002 because the idea ran its course. The moniker Lord Ezec would give way to Danny Diablo as he began to explore hip hop.

Danny went on to found the multi-MC collective, the Shotblockers along with Danny Boy of House of Pain, Slaine, Big Left, Hoya Roc, Prince Power Rule, Panic, G-Fella, Puerto Rican Myke and Damian Burnz. Danny is the head of the pack with the world wide crew called the Dirty Money Syndicate. Danny is also involved in a project with Underground juggernaught Necro and Toronto based gangster rappers Riviera Regime called Jewish Gangsterz which is an all Jewish MC group.

Who are the Jews in your family? Both Mother and Father Jewish?

Both my Mother and Father.

Any interesting Jewish family? Interesting lineage?

My Grand pa’s family on my father’s side came came from Poland. He was a second or third cousin to Isaac Bashavis Singer, the famous author.

How do you define yourself? A rapper? A hip hop artist? Producer?

I am an all around entertainer but most of all an underground artist.

Hardcore Underground Rap / Hip Hop Artist Where did your “name” come from?

My street name is Lord Ezec which comes from the biblical name Ezekiel. I used Ezec as a graffitti name and then for my early bands as a stage name. I now use Lord Ezec when I produce music. I use Danny Diablo now for stage and screen.

Are you signed to any labels?

I have my own little underground label called ILL-ROC Records. I am also in a band called Icepick with Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed and we are signed to Stillborn Records. I am now signed as Danny Diablo to HellCat/Epitaph Records which is owned by Tim Armstrong who is in the band Rancid. I am also affiliated with Suburban Noize records which I put a record out last year and Psychological Records which I have a group called Jewish Gangsterz with Necro and Riviera Regime. I almost forgot, I am in a group with Grizz Rock which we represent Ruff Ryders. The group is called Kaos 13. I think that is it with the labels.

How many CD’S/Albums have you released so far?

I Have been putting records out since 1995. With all the side groups and bands I don’t even know!!!

Who were your biggest musical influences when you started?

Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags, Leeway, Run D.M.C, Schooly D., Beastie Boys, Bad Brains, Black Sabbath, The Fat Boys, Kool G. Rap, Celtic Frost, Megadeth, Hell Hammer, Sheer Terror,Arron Neville, Ray Charles, Linda Ronstandt, Ron Isley, Neil Diamond, Eazy E, Carnivore, Eric B. and Rakim. The Force M.d.’s and The Cure.

Whose music influences you today?

Psycho Realm, Everlast, Hatebreed, Cypress Hills, DMX, Chino XL, Deftones, Rancid… I can keep going for days.

Where did you grow up, where were you raised and where is home for you?

I was born and raised in Jackson Heights, Queens!!! N.Y.C. I am proud to say that I am from Jackson Heights. Don Rickels and Gene Simmons are 2 other Jews you might of heard of who grew up in Jackson Heights. My Cantor who actually prepared me for my BarMitzvah was the Cantor who performed the marriage service for Don Rickels. His name was Cantor Yahniff. I now live in Los Angeles and I miss New York every day.

Is Tupac really alive?

Was he Jewish???

Whose music rubs you the wrong way?

There are only 2 types of music. Good and Bad. Bad music rubs me wrong. Fake music that is put out by big money rubs me the wrong way. No soul!!!

How did you get to where you are now? What were the big breaks and events?

I have always toured. No matter what I do I work hard and put out good music. I flood the underground with my music so kids can have new music. People want to hear new shit all the time. All my fans love the fact that I put out real street music and that I appreciate the fans. If it wasn’t for the fans I would be no where. I push the Dirty Money Syndicate and the artist who belong to the crew.

Has there been anyone who has mentored or really helped you along the way?

Danny Boy and Jamey Jasta have helped me big time. I would also say Necro always looks out and treats me with respect. Estevan Oriel and D110 have helped me too.

When did you first start getting into the performance side of music?

My first show was at C.B.G.B.’s 1990 with my first band Discipline.

Who do you hang out with, anyone noteworthy?

The all mighty D.M.S Crew, Soul Assassins and P.L.R.

What song has had the biggest impact on you personally?

“We Gotta Know” by the Cro-Mags.

What do you write about in your songs?

I write about the struggles and strifes in my life. I also talk about street shit.

What bothers you about the music business?

People are greedy. They are fake ass people who know nothing about music and don’t care about real music , only about checks.

How has being a Jew or in other less popular words, has having Jewish blood
in your veins made a difference in your life?

I am a proud Jew and I represent it in my music through my lyrics. MY whole style and the way I carry myself has to do with being a proud Jew.

Is being a Jew important to you? Please explain.

Like I said before, I am a proud Jew. Being Jewish is important!!!

Is there anything today about Judaism and the Jewish world that really
affects you or really bugs you?

When Jews don’t take Israel’s back!!!

What do you do for beats?

I use beats from my own D.M.S camp. Damian Burnz, LDEE and D.J. Spae are my main dudes. I also use D.J. Stress, Nigel Starr, D.J. Muggs and D.J. Lethal. Those last 2 dudes are LEGENDS.

Do you play any instruments?

I started playing Bass guitar. I can play a little guitar and piano also.

What is your favorite city?

NEW YORK CITY by far!!!

Have you been to Israel?

Yes I have and I love it. My sister and her husband live out there in Rehovet. I was in Israel when Tupac got shot and killed in Vegas. It was 1996 I think…

Do you know what tribe you are from? Levi, Judah?

Levi like my Dad.

Do you pay attention to what is going on with Israel?

Yes, my mom and Brother in Law are always schooling me on Isreal and what is going on in the politcs out there.

What’s coming up for you?

I am releasing my new solo record for Danny Diablo. It is called ” International Hardcore Superstar”. It will be on Epitaph Records. I am also doing a Kaos 13 street c.d. and a ShotBlocker street c.d. this year. I will be touring the U.S.A. and Europe. I want to play Israel so bad. If any promoters see this and want to bring Danny Diablo overt to play Israel please hit me up!!!

What’s your favorite piece of musical equipment?

Bass.

Any tours and if so, with who and where are you touring?

Touring with Rancid with Danny Diablo. Will be playing shows with Necro also all over the world. Doing Europe with Psycho Realm and The Subhoodz.

Which one of your songs do you like the most and why?

I love doing “Livin’ By The Gun” cause it brings smiles to peoples faces when ever I rock it on stage!!!

How do you feel about the state of the world, life and shit?

I want the world to live together in peace. Life is such a struggle nowadays. We need to find a better way to live with one another. Need to treat humans and the Earth better.

Have you been in the media yet, and if so, how so?

Been in the media a few times!!! Good and Bad.

Are you a spiritual or religious person?

Yes I am. G#d save us all, please.

Thanks

Joshua Andrews

www.myspace.com/dannydiablo

009 One Of The Men Behind The Music That You Love

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Nasty Little Man

Interview with Steve Martin, President of Nasty Little Man

By Dustin Herlich

Jewish Mayhem had the opportunity to chat a bit with the Beastie Boys recently before their concert in Brooklyn, New York. The press conference was organized by Nasty Little Man. Nasty Little Man is a New York based public relations firm that represents a pretty impressive set of clients. From Jimmy Eat World to Beck, The Foo Fighters and of course, the Beastie Boys, musical acts big and small know they can turn to Nasty Little Man.

Steve Martin is the founder and president of Nasty Little Man and guess what, he’s Jewish too! Jewish Mayhem was lucky enough to secure a little of Steve’s time for an interview. You can read it all right here.

Jewish Mayhem: For the record how about your name and position at Nasty Little Man?

Steve Martin: Steve Martin. I started and own the company. Not really big on titles but I guess that makes me president.

JM: Can you tell us a little bit about what you do there, and what your company does overall?

SM: I run the place basically. I sign the clients, come up with the strategies and targets for the campaigns. As for what we do overall, my company’s function is to look after the media profile of my clients. This means pitching and/or deciding what they do in the magazines, newspapers, weeklies, zines, blogs and late night tv shows.
JM: Nasty Little Man is an interesting name for a PR firm. How did you come up with that?

SM: It was something really ridiculous that someone said to me at the first and only record label job I ever had. The company had been purchased by Sony and was starting to put out a lot of crappy music. I was getting grilled about why the crap wasn’t getting as much positive press coverage as the good stuff that I’d been working on before. I told them in all honesty: because it was shit. Someone said “you don’t like anything! You’re just a nasty little man!” Which I thought was hilarious because I knew for a fact that I had a bigger and more diverse knowledge and collection of music than anyone in the room. So I quit really soon after that, sort of drifted a little, played some music for money here, did a bit of writing there and ultimately started getting excited about a few artists who were up and coming–this was pre-Nevermind, mind you–like Helmet, Ween, Smashing Pumpkins and Guided By Voices. I incorporated under the name nasty little man when the company became a full time thing.
JM: Your client list is fairly impressive. Beastie Boys, Rammstein, Beck, Radiohead… why do you think such big ticket names turn to you for your services?

SM: Some turn to me, some I chase. Honestly I never go after the biggest flavor of the month or whatever. You mention Rammstein. I went after them in 1997. I had no idea their first U.S. record would sell so much.

I think at this point whenever I sign a new client, which isn’t that often, it’s because they know that they’re one of a kind on my roster. Know what I mean? They also know that my firm does really quality work for a select few clients. It might sound elitist but I only want the best. I’m honored to work with Radiohead, Beck, Beastie Boys and all my clients. That has a lot to do with why I have no interest in working with the “next” Radiohead, Beck or Beastie Boys when people try to pitch me clients as such.
JM: Can you tell us a little bit more about how you got involved with the Beastie Boys in particular? I understand they were with you from very early on.

SM: I would say beastie boys were the pivotal client that turned Nasty Little Man into a full time enterprise for me. I knew those guys in a couple of different contexts. I would see them around when I used to play music back in the New York hardcore days. Then, when I was writing, I did a few major pieces on them. Finally, in the Check Your Head days, Mike D just called me at home one day and asked if I was still doing the PR thing. They were looking for an indie firm. The company that had been repping them was run by a mutual friend who was folding her company. So anyway, we met up during that tour, like ’92-93 and before I knew it, things were in full swing. Working the set-up for the ill communication record, Luscious Jackson, Ben lee, the whole grand royal label and magazine. Crazy busy times…
JM: What’s the best part of what you do? What keeps you doing it day in and day out? Is it still fun?

SM: The best part of what I do is achieving the biggest goals. Getting a client their first major feature or magazine cover, or TV show. Saturday Night Live in particular. Growing up watching that show and being turned on to so much great music by it, there’s a magic about seeing my people up on that stage in that studio that never goes away.
JM: I understand that you yourself are of Jewish heritage (which is a big reason for this interview in particular). Do you feel that this has factored into your success in any way? Some of the people claim that having Jewish heritage is part of the “required street cred” for your side of the business. Some joke that if you’re a star and you’re not Jewish yourself, your agent has to be.

SM: [[laughing]] that’s something of a cliché’ I’m afraid. Sure there are plenty of Jewish people in high places in the entertainment business. But, in my experience, it hasn’t really been a factor. The majority of the members and managers of Radiohead, Foo Fighters, AFI, Spoon, The Strokes aren’t Jewish, neither are Ryan Adams, Damon Albarn (Gorillaz, The Good The Bad & The Queen). So honestly that stereotype has never held true in my professional experience.
JM: Any other thoughts on your heritage, or how it affects your life? I hear a lot that growing up immersed in Jewish culture taught them the values of hard work, learning, etc. Any thoughts on that?

SM: I can relate to that. There was definitely a big sense of Jewish work ethic in my family, emphasis on education and so forth.

I’d say the biggest impact it had on what I wound up doing with my life was the sense of being the underdog. Maybe some of that came from just being an outsider altogether, which I definitely was in my musical tastes. I think the Jewish experience played into that as well–like being in Hebrew school on Saturday mornings when the goyim were watching cartoons! Whatever the case, I’ve always felt most comfortable on the fringe; doing my own thing, not working for anyone else’s corporation, not letting anyone tell me what music I have to work.
JM: You’re probably saturated with music day in and day out, do you ever actually listen to music any more?

SM: Oh hell yeah, I listen to music all the time. Whether it’s discovering new stuff and rediscovering classic stuff, I’m always listening to music. I choose the clients I choose because I love their music so you’ll always catch me listening to them and going to their shows. As for what I’ve been listening to lately… Over the last few days, on these flights and at the hotel: Bob Dylan, Beatles, Ryan Adams, Steve Reich, Uncle Tupelo, e-40, Arcade Fire, Beck, Modeselektor, Blitz, Ulrich Schnauss, Spoon, Beastie Boys and advances of the new Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World and PJ Harvey, among other things I’m sure I’m forgetting. I guess I have musical ADD and I guess that’s a good thing.
JM: You’ve got your share of A-list clients, but what about the “little guy” do you still work with any lesser known bands? Do you still find it fun to work with them?

SM: Oh sure. One of the most gratifying parts of my job is that discovery process, then taking someone from total or relative obscurity to some kind of profile. There’s usually one a year, give or take. This year I’d say it was Andrew Bird. In the past it’s been Sigur Ros, Rammstein…
JM: Any words of advice for inspiring musicians out there?

SM: Just be yourself. Don’t try to be someone else or some hybrid of some other artists. Do what comes naturally. And do it for the love of music, do it because it’s all consuming and the only thing you can do. Otherwise you shouldn’t be doing it at all.
JM: Have any advice for those out there who’d like to get into the business side of music?

SM: Not really, other than that my advice to aspiring musicians goes for would-be businesspeople too. The business is changing, shrinking. It can’t afford to support the number of fair-weather types it once did

Here are some select campaigns nasty little man has run:

1992-1993
Helmet: Meantime
Smashing Pumpkins: Siamese Dream
Luscious Jackson: In Search of Manny
Guided By Voices: Propeller, Vampire On Titus
Jawbox: Novelty
Shudder To Think: Get Your Goat

1994-1995
Beastie Boys: Ill Communication
Foo Fighters
Helmet: Betty
Luscious Jackson: Natural Ingredients
Shudder To Think: Pony Express Record
Sick Of It All: Scratch The Surface

1996-1997
Foo Fighters: The Colour & The Shape
Beastie Boys: Aglio e Olio
Cibo Matto: Viva la Woman
Luscious Jackson: Fever In Fever Out
Sick Of It All: Built To Last
Atari Teenage Riot: Burn Berlin Burn
The Tibetan Freedom Concert

1998-1999
Beastie Boys: Hello Nasty
Foo Fighters: There Is Nothing Left To Lose
Rammstein: Sehnsucht
Rancid: Life Won’t Wait
DJ Shadow: Brain Freeze
Asian Dub Foundation: Rafi’s Revenge
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros: Rock, Art & The X-Ray Style
Rockstar Games
The Tibetan Freedom Concert

2000-2001
Radiohead: Kid A, Amnesiac, I Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings
Jimmy Eat World: Bleed American
Sigur Ros: Agaetis Byrjun
At The Drive-In: Relationship Of Command
Alkaline Trio: From Here To Infirmary
Rammstein: Mutter
Aphex Twin: Drukqs
Supergrass
BS 2000: Simply Mortified
Dark Days
The American Astronaut

2002-2003
AFI: Sing The Sorrow
Foo Fighters: One By One
Radiohead: Hail To The Thief
Coheed and Cambria: In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3
The Mars Volta: De-Loused In The Comatorium
Sigur Ros: ( )
DJ Shadow: The Private Press
Alkaline Trio: Good Mourning
Cursive: The Ugly Organ
Rancid: Indestructible
Sparta: Wiretap Scars
Supergrass: Life On Other Planets
The Directors Label: The Works of Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry and Chris Cunningham
Andrew W.K.: I Get Wet (Island-Def Jam)

2004
Beastie Boys: To The 5 Boroughs
Jimmy Eat World: Futures
The Blood Brothers: Crimes
The Comas: Conductor
Junior Boys: Last Exit
Rammstein: Reise, Reise
Probot
DJ Shadow: In Tune & On Time Live
Sparta: Porcelain
The Good Life: Album of the Year
Now It’s Overhead: Fall Back Open
Beep Beep: Business Casual
Son, Ambulance: Key

2005-2006:
Foo Fighters: In Your Honor, Skin and Bones
Beck: Guero, Guerolito, The Information
Gorillaz: Demon Days, Demon Days Live shows and DVD, Slowboat to Hades DVD
AFI: Decemberunderground, I Heard A Voice DVD
The Strokes: First Impressions of Earth
Thom Yorke: The Eraser
The Mars Volta: Frances The Mute, scabdates, Amputecthure
Jimmy Eat World: Stay On My Side Tonight EP
Alkaline Trio: Crimson
Mates of State: Bring It Back
Bob Mould: Body of Song
At The Drive-in: This Station Is Non-Operational – Anthology
deadboy & the Elephantmen: We Are Night Sky
Shooter Jennings: Electric Rodeo
Alexi Murdoch: Time Without Consequence
Phoenix: It’s Never Been Like That
Peeping Tom
Blood Brothers: Young Machetes
Rammstein: Rosenrot
DJ Shadow: The Outsider
THE DIRECTORS LABEL (Series 2): The Work Of Directors ANTON CORBIJN, JONATHAN GLAZER, MARK ROMANEK & STÉPHANE SEDNAOUI
Beastie Boys: Awesome… I Fuckin’ Shot That
Cursive: Happy Hollow

CURRENT CAMPAIGNS 2007:
Arcade Fire: Neon Bible
Ryan Adams: Easy Tiger
Spoon: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Andrew Bird: Armchair Apocrypha
Beastie Boys: The Mix-Up
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Albert Hammond, Jr.: Yours To Keep
Dax Riggs: We Sing of Only Blood or Love
Cortney Tidwell: Don’t Let Stars Keep Us Tangled Up
Rammstein: Volkerball

COMING 2007-2008:
Blaqk Audio
Foo Fighters
Jimmy Eat World
Radiohead

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