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“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
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!! .
Directed by Don Capria for Onetencrew films. A short remake of True Romance with Danny Diablo & Natasha Nicholson. “Give me a chance” is the first single of Danny Diablo’s long awaited Hellcat records release of ‘International hardcore superstar’ available now.
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?
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.
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?