I know the beats, not so much the story behind the genius that creates them. When Davy D beats blare through the speakers, I hear the south and all of its flavor. It’s like adding the right spice to any masterpiece that a lyricist is trying to create. Davy D beats is the missing spice. I was granted brief access into the mind of one of Atlanta’s most promising and rising producers. I present to you this KHARMA’S WORLD EXCLUSIVVE: Davy D: Real Street Producer

How long have you been doing music? When did it start for you?

I started when I was about 12 or 13.  I had just left my mom in Dayton, Ohio to be with my pops. At the time I wanted to be a rapper.  My dad’s girlfriend’s son, (I call my brother) Mike and I had this one instrumental. We kept rappin on it over and over. We probably made 100 songs to that same beat. Then a guy introduced me to this software he had called, Frooty Loops. It was like, Frooty Loops 2 or 3. I just went on from there. After I got my hands on that I didn’t want to rap anymore.

Seeing how Atlanta is known for having some of the nation’s finest Higher Learning Institutions (ie. Emory University, Morehouse, and Georgia Tech). Why did you decide to attend college  in Dayton, Ohio?

At 17, I got locked up for the first time and caught a major charge.  I was just hanging out with the wrong crowd and it cost me a lot of time.  That right there was a strike of me growing up and why I don’t accept a lot of excuses from people. This is very motivational; you know what I’m saying? I got locked up, I got out, and then I got a job at Panera Bread. The whole beat thing kinda slowed down a lot at that time.  I had gotten my own crib and had a roommate. Then my roommate ended up going away to prison and that left me with nothing. I wasn’t talking to my dad like that and I didn’t have any other family in Georgia. So I was like, Shit…. I’m going to have to go back to Ohio where my mom and  family are and try to change some things around. Even then, I didn’t have a High school diploma. I studied hard and took my G.E.D test and got high scores. That got me grants so that I could go to college. So I took them and went to college on my own. I earned bachelors in Audio Engineering. There are a lot of entertainers out here that went to school. They just don’t advertise it because that’s not the image that they want to portray but, you have to have some sort of knowledge to be in this industry. Don’t think that you can just rap and make money off of it and everything’s all good. That’s not what’s happening for real.

What was your hustle game like getting through school?

During that time, I was surrounded by a lot of people who would get their financial aid refund checks and they would just BLOW THROUGH IT. Everyone was trying to get a pack or go shopping and do this and that. I felt that I could make more money off of the refund check I received and honestly, at that age, I wasn’t sure when I was going to see an amount of money like that at one time again. I was 18 years old. Every time I received a financial aid check, with my sister’s help, I invested it into my own studio. I got the equipment and rented out an office space and paid someone to build my booth up. The growth of my studio started by a few people knowing about it at school. Then the news traveled word of mouth because I was the only one bringing that southern style in my beats and EVERYONE was eating off of it. The money started coming in quick for beats and studio time. I knew what I was doing. It got to a point where I knew I was getting people off the street selling drugs, or not having anything to do, or doing stupid shit. Everyone came to my studio and we all made music. I feel like I gave a lot of people Hope. Not glorifying myself, but that’s what it was. It gave Me Hope as well. People were looking up to me and they were behind me and supported me and that made me support others.

What brought you back to Atlanta?

One day, while in Dayton, I get this phone call from Universal and they ask me, “is this Davy D”? They told me that I needed to come back to Atlanta because they were interested in signing me. It wasn’t the HNIC of Universal but it was a branch. I was like “COOL”.  So, I just packed up some of my stuff and came here. I met up with a couple of people. Based off of a song i produced for an artist named Black Jack, they wanted to sign me to a multi-production deal. When I got here some things got twisted and turned then I started dealing with an artist named Napoleon. My friend Keese (CEO of STP- Strip Track Production) was driving me everywhere to make these big meetings. I would play my tracks. We would also have budget meetings and would discuss different projects and things like that. Later on they cut me a check and I ended up getting this manager and moved to Decatur. About six months later, Universal took the contract back and I had to pay all the money back. That was the start of doing something major. Even though they took the money back, it was a good lesson that I learned. It was an experience I went through. It got my mind straight forward and I grinded harder.

What other Artists have worked with major or rising?

I was there at the beginning of temper boy. Temper boy is a well known, rising artist from the North side. I produced his first mixtape, “I am who I am”. I also produced his second mixtape titled off of his hit single “Been reppin this”. We were actually supposed to do a remix of that track with a few artists from Brick Squad. I also produced a lot for STP including their first mixtape, “No Coincidences” and some of their second tape, “the Jihad”. I did have a break in with Gucci Mane and Young Vito in 2009/2010. Mike Fresh as well. I guess at the time, which I kinda feel bad for but, I don’t really regret it: my mindframe was stuck on NOT BEING COMMERCIAL. I wanted to make music for the streets. I wanted to remain underground. I was being really stubborn at the time, but it worked for the best. I had a lot of artist at the time from: Florida to England and Germany, Ohio and here all buying beats from me constantly. I would say Temper Boy would be one of the main ones and STP. As a part of STP, I produced some of their main singles such as: “Shell Business”, “Kill Yourself”, and “Remember me.” I also worked with Sean Teezy. He’s the singer for Hot 107.9’s Battle Grounds theme song.  He’s done works with Waka Flaka as well (Turned up to the Max). Sean Teezy collaborated with STP, on major song called, “Rockin over here”. Also, I can’t forget, Los Debos And The Bill Collector. For Los Debos, I produced his hard ass banger called “on yo face ass” (OYFA) and the hood anthem “allota”. I produced such song as:  “get ur spin on,” “for the low, for Bill and “Duce Bricks” for and artist named, Eloh the G.  There’s a lot of people that I put in for in the streets.

So you have worked with Young Vito and have produced some of his MAJOR songs. Have you received any backlash in being connected to him now that he is the accused gunman in the Murder of the late Slim Dunkin?

I have received a lot of hateful and threatening messages. Some of them via Youtube. And Twitter. It was crazy because I didn’t even know about it at first. Some one called me and asked me if I had seen the news. I was informed of what happened. I then looked further into it myself.  It seems like right when I seen what was happening on the news with my own eyes, that’s when the messages started coming.  The media is crazy. Whenever you Google his name “Young Vito”, there are so many websites, and even more popular hip hop websites that pop up. They’ll write a brief bio on him and then from there, they’ll go into his situation with the murder of Slim Dunkin. Right after all of that, they’ll post up a music video for a couple of songs that just so happens to be beats that I produced. My name is on the video. It’s funny because it started out not really being directed towards me. People would post messages saying things like, “That’s that nigga Vito, he needs to turn himself in”, “He a fukk nigga”, “He’s a dead man walking!” Then the next week, I start getting messages on my YouTube channel from a video that I posted with Young Vito and Gucci Mane, which I produced. Then I started getting direct messages saying, “You’re his producer, you’re a dead man walking!” I didn’t even respond to it at first. I just deleted them and let them be. In fact I don’t even want to speak on that too much. I will say this though: Young Vito is a grown man just as I am a grown man. No one has control over any one in this world unless if you’re dealing with a parent/child situation. As far as Vito goes, I know him through business. From what I know (and I can’t even say that I know him personally), he’s was a cool, laid back cat. He was always about his business first. There’s been a point in time where I sold him a couple of tracks and he would always call me and tell me there was something that he didn’t like about the track. I would always have to go back to the drawing board and have to speed it up, or slow it down, or add more claps. He was very determined about his work. He was very in particular about how he wanted his work done. I know the studio where it happened at was one of his goals that he was trying to accomplish for a while. When he told me before he had it that, getting one was one of his goals, I knew he would get it.  When he finally got the studio, I had gotten a call from him saying that he had a space for me and that it was time to go to work. I didn’t get to make it there at the time. I was working a lot plus we’re on two opposite sides of town.  He was a real, cool cat though. A lot of people around me who met him can vouch for me on that one.  I wish the best of luck to him and his family. Keep ya head up….

At the end of the day, what do you want your legacy to be?

I want to be seen as a person that was very determined with their music. I never wanted to do this for fame or money. I work a job and get that. I’ve done that and came a long way doing that. NO EXCUSES! I feel like there are no excuses for anyone who has up’s because we all have a story to tell and the next story could be worse than yours. This is the way I came up and went about becoming a producer. Stay strong and determined no matter what.

To get a Davy D, email him directly @: davydbeats@gmail.com

Follow @davydbeats

Written by: BlaqKharma

The reign of the South’s, Field Mob is one that’s INCREDIBLE. It’s crazy because in recent times, i’ve mentioned the name, “field mob” to a few friends, and everyone responds like, “yooooo, what happened to them boys?!” Field Mob made their debut onto the hip hop scene with their classic first album, “613: Ashy to Classy”.  This album was a triumph for so many reasons, The New south (New to the world that is) was finally emerging more strongly than ever.  Ashy to Classy was also the first Southern Hip hop album to be release from a New York Based Label (MCA/geffen)

their style is one that is identifiable. they talk about real shit vs. a bunch of craziness that the average REAL WORLD MF can’t identify with. They made you laugh with their wild punchlines and silly videos. One thing that Smoke and Shawn Jay did consistently that I loved was, they showed that they were battle rappers, never afraid to sensor themselves or hold back their talents. Even when they were rappin’ silly, they went IN.

Field Mob put Albany, Georgia on the map. Outside of being the Pecan Capital and home to Albany State University(HBCU), many people only knew just the name of this city. Albany is  all of this in addition to being the genesis of the movement that is: Field Mob. In songs like: Georgia, they gave you a glimpse of what life was like in the deep south, while paying homage to “the field”, the essence in which they came from. You hear pieces of that very essence in their voices, delivery. and tones. Their style further diversified hip hop, giving the culture another side. A more gritty, southern, soulful side.

Shawn Jay and Smoke both grew up in Albany. They became brothers after continuously out rhyming each other in rap battles at school. Under the name, Field Mob, they got their first deal in 1999. They have been in and out of the public eye ever since switching several record companies. In 2005, it seemed like the duo found a fitting home for them on Ludacris’s, Disturbing The Peace (DTP) Label. They released only one project on the label: Light Poles and Pine Trees in 2006. The project proved to be the most successful project that the duo has produced to date.  The  album ranked #7 on the US Billboard 200 and #2 on the Top RnB/Hip hop album charts.

Shawn Jay and Smoke split from DTP in 2008. Since then, it seems like these two were on hiatus until In 2010. they released a mixtape  in February of that year called, “brotha to brotha”. The mixtape featured some silly songs like: “Shaneka Applebum” and “Keyshia Cole”.  It also featured a song called: Stack a Million. In the song, they state how former labelmate and CEO of DTP, Ludacris was doing some shady business dealings, mainly not breaking bread for Jamster ringtones that Field Mob was selling.

Ludacris fired shots back on his Mixtape 1.21 Gigawatts, released in November of 2011. In his song , “Say it to my face” Ludacris basically admitts to rippin them off. He says:

“You know where I be, you know where I stay I ain’t that hard to find/All up on my D, when the DTP boy you sweeter than a valen…tine How can you call yourself a man boy (man boy) You’s ludacris number one fan boy (fan boy)/Then you left and you’re gone “goodbye” lazy eye dont miss you/Then you signed to a n*gga, who signed to a n*gga, who signed to another n*gga (what the f*ck?)/Smart move, boy you dumb as h*ll/You should take your soul and have a end of the summer sale/But all your records are my theme song (why?) ‘cos am still shopping off your ringtone“

ugh, that’s UGLY…

The beef doesn’t stop there, Shawn Jay literally ETHERED THE FUKK  outta Ludacris in his response track, “Pussy Boy” Nearly every line was a lyrical ass whippin….

the reason behind this beef is kinda fukked up. However, in today’s current malnourished state of hip hop, BEEF IS NECESSARY. No one puts their talents to the test anymore. Throughout the years there have been rumors that Shawn Jay and Smoke split up. I can’t confirm that. However, I can say that: HIP HOP ISN’T A VEGETARIAN SPORT… PERIOD.  And if they did split up (Which I doubt) then they need to get some counseling and work it out. These two are needed. With all that being said, I hope to see one more Field Mob album.

They are now signed to Nappy Boy  Entertainment (T-pain’s label)

Sources:

http://www.sohh.com/2011/11/field_mobs_shawn_j_bombs_ludacris_w_pssy.html

Premiers: November 14th @9pm on VH1

Season 1 of Vh1′s  love and hip hop brought us A LOT on the first season. The show chronicles the lives of four women who are somehow connected to the music industry. Somaya, the female rapper trying to find her place respectfully in the industry; Olivia, the Rnb singer that’s trying to reinvent herself and rebirth her career; and last but not least: Emily and Chrisie, the leading ladies of rappers fabulous and Jim Jones. Season two includes two new faces: Kimberly “Kimbella” Vanderhee who is best known as an “urban model” and Juelz Santana’s babymama. and Jim Jones manager Yandy Smith.  Season one was the shit and season two looks like the show is only going to get better seeing the familiar faces and new additions. Check out the trailer.

For bio’s on the ladies and clips from the up and coming new season of Love and Hip Hop, check out: www.vh1.com

Written by: BlaqKharma

In 2011, in America how much has the country changed for the betterment of our people?  The Dr. King Monument was just made official with an unveiling ceremony on October 12th 2011. The monument is supposed to serve as a staple, a reminder of where black people have come from within our struggle, and where we are going (Sankofa). However, it’s hard for me to see the “big beautiful picture”.This new monument is supposed to symbolize so much for not just the black struggle, but STRUGGLE… STILL… the outcome of  the Troy Davis case was a giant SMACK IN THE FACE.

I tuned in to the local news around 7:00 on Thursday, September 21. Troy Davis was scheduled to be executed at 7:08pm. It was then that I learned that the execution had been delayed until further notice. I watched the jubilation of so many people of all different races and creeds hug and thank God in unison over the great news. I literally watched church outside of the prison on television. This brotha’ would once again be spared… However, the joy was short lived. Troy Davis was put to death by lethal injection in Jackson, Georgia at the time of 11:08pm. Exactly three hours after his original scheduled time…

The Dr. King monument was originally shown in August. Inclement weather kept the ceremony from happening when it was originally supposed to happen but that didn’t stop the world from seeing the statue before the “Official Official” unveiling. Since that’s happened, The Troy Davis situation blew up in the nations face. I’d be lying if i said that I’m not bothered. I pride myself on the knowledge of the strength of black history. Black is beautiful. The black mind is AMAZING However, there’s still so much more work to do and there’s still such a great distant to travel.  The execution of this innocent man was a huge reality check for me. Race did matter…

the fact that one of the “greatest” nations to date is crippled over bullshit like racism blows my mind every time i think about it or converse with someone about it. Are we really ready for a monument like this in Washington D.C, in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? Is the legacy behind it truely being served? Jena 6, Sean Bells, and the Troy Davis case still makes my heart heavy with uncertainty.  I SAY NO MORE…

THANKS FOR READING MY PROSPECTIVE

–BlaqKharma

Kandi’s is looking for talent!!

The famed Atlanta born singer/songwriter/producer/artistic extraordinaire is out to find the next  pop sensation.  You must be at least 18 years of age in order to enter, have talent, and a few minutes to go through the application process.  The deadline is October 24, 2011 so HURRY. For more info, check out:  http://www.mycastingnet.com/agents/applyingCastingCall.aspx?callId=Njg0

pic credit: www. fullhairstyles.blogspot.com

Written by: Blaqkharma

It was the fabric of  our lives at one point. Powering cars, providing outstanding nutritional benefits, a natural painkiller, paper production, the list goes on and on and ON… I can talk about the positive uses and properties of this wonder plant  for hours. I decided to do a post on Ganja (one of the many names used for marijuana) because it’s been long overdue. LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS SHIT!!!

In the early days, ganja played a major roll economically, politically, and industrially.  The Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper. It is  also  rumored that both George Washington and  Thomas Jefferson grew ganja on their own land. ganja made better quality paper. Automobiles where also fuel by it. It has also been proven to be gentler and cleaner on your car engine.   Ganja began to be used less industrially in the early 1900′s.  Now we have funky ass fossil fuels depleting the earth’s O-zone layer. lumber and petroleum became a replacement to the powerful plant. Things really changed when major lumber and chemical corporations were birthed.  Things like  paper from wood and gasoline where now being produced. There’s no need to even elaborate too far on fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuel in our everyday lives is known to be one of  the culprits for “global warming”… hmmm…….

The newer argument is the use of marijuana medicinally.  The practice of using this herb for healing properties have been  practiced throughout humanity for EON’s.  Dr. OZ did a show on the medical uses of ganja, a couple seasons ago the show really brought about a lot of conversation on the issue. I remember watching this episode when it first aired. It blew my mind to sit and watch talk show host Montell Williams talk about how  he uses it daily in his fight against multiple sclerosis and it’s painful and crippling  affects.  All I could do ask once again  is “Why is this herb still illegal?”  What really makes this herb such a threat NOW? If the use of this herb can set people who are battling pain disorders such as MS free, why is it so controversial?

The support of the argument for the legalization of medical marijuana is one that is growing. However, it shouldn’t just stop there. History and man have both proven that the benefits of this plant clearly outweighs any “negative” affects… If global warming is an issue and we know that both bio diesel and hemp fuels are bother cleaner and safer for the environment, why haven’t we converted… BACK? Planting trees and patch grass isn’t enough to rescue this beautiful planet that humanity has crippled slowly.

Check out Ganga part two: The Final Act

Written by: Blaqkharma

The laws began to change more against ganja in the early 1900′s after it began to be used less industrially. The 1937 Tax act was a major act that basically penalized people for selling it and not paying taxes on it…umm…

This act was established after many smoke houses and opium lounges began to pop up EVERYWHERE. With Ganja not being used for things like paper production and fuel purposes, the plant wasn’t considered to be as valuable as it was in the earlier industrial ages.

The final act that made Ganja completely illegal is: the 1970 Controlled Substance Act. This act classified ganja as a schedule 1 drug.. Schedule 1 drugs are drugs that are classified as having no medical value. They are also categorized as being highly addictive. May I personally say now… IN ALL MY YEARS OF LIVING, I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYONE BATTLE A GANJA ADDICTION…

It’s funny how the same plant that the US government  encouraged American farmers to grow during WWII is now a menace to society.

Check out the finale, Ganja part three: The future

For over ten years, I’ve frequented lil 5 points ( one of Atl’s most popular arts districts). Lil 5, is one of those places in the city where you will always see something artistically off the wall or just…. CRAZY. For me, this place is a break away from popular culture. Lil 5 is home to wacky shops like: Junkman’s daughter, and psycho sisters. It is also home to Wax n Facts, an all vinyl record store and criminal records. It is the home of natural hair salons and small boutique  selling some of the most unique fashions that the rest of the city hasn’t caught up with yet. This place screams Independence, creative control, and free artistry. Independent artists of all kinds often flock to this  safe haven.

Over the years, I have watched this one particular emcee hustle the hell out of his music. He starts by simply asking, ” excuse me, do you listen to hip hop?”

I present to you: Cipher Kenni

During the spring of 2011 I accidentally stumbled across an artistic paradise located off of Campellton road, Avow Body Art. My home-girl and I decided to go and check out this new shop the day before “Judgment Day” in May.  I was supposed to be getting something small, instead, I ended up leaving with a sleeve (I know, ain’t NOTHIN’ small about a sleeve…). the tattoo artist, “Sketch” free handed a flower vine from my wrist to my elbow. I was so impressed with the quality of service, and witch sketch’s knowledge and skill, I went back to get another large piece on my back  about a 6 weeks later.

sketch

BK: How long have you been tattooing?

Sketch: Almost eleven-in-a-half years.

BK:How did you get into tattooing?

Sketch: Somebody fukked up my first tattoo and it made me mad. I didn’t have any intentions of becoming a tattoo artist. I learned to do it out of spite. I didn’t like the way my tat came out. I felt Like I could have done it better. My goal was to make sure that dude could not tattoo  where I lived and he would be broke…

BK: What is you favorite thing about tattooing?

Sketch: Honestly, i like doing something different, somethings fresh. I like tattoos when they are done well. They look cool as fukk. I like the aesthetics of tattooing  and how different different people’s tattoos look, you know what i mean? Some artist’s see other people’s tattoo and sometimes they’ll be like, ” I could have done that different or better”. It’s really not that because you aren’t them. I like to see what people’s tattoo’s look like. What’s even cooler is how you can have a person that may go to like, three different tattoo artists to get specific types of work done, it’s like  the art all flow together on that one body even though they are THAT much different.

BK: How would you say a tattooing experience with you is different from say, Joe Blow at the tat shop down the street?

Sketch: I enjoy competition. It makes you better. But what makes me different is that i’m me and you’re not. It’s that simple. Like… I really feel like tattooing should be done like the wild wild west. Meaning if a person felt that they needed to or wanted to challenge another artist, they should be able to do that for sportsmanship.  Or if you’re doing it for spite like I did, you should be able to challenge another artist like, ” you suck,  put down your gun.” It’s not a game. There are so many people that I wish I could challenge that I think really suck. They just don’t have the spirit to be good at this, you know? Like, if you’re a hustler, it’s in you to hustle regardless of race or gender. You’re a hustler. BUT, sometimes, people aren’t good at tattooing and I don’t think that they should be doing it.  That’s what makes me different. I’ll do a tattoo that’s worth $500 for $100 because I like doing it. Some people would frown upon that but for me, I enjoy it. It’s like breathing, so I don’t mind. It’s not difficult to where I am sweating and it’s really hard work. It’s pretty easy. I draw faster than most people blink . I can draw a full image in 5 minutes and that’s with detail. I can give you outline or full shading, however you want it is how i’m going to give it to you.  I am a Master tattooist  because I can just draw with ink. No picture, not stencil, just my mind. That’s my style…

BK: What advice do you have for people that think they may want to become a tattoo artist.

Sketch:  There’s two. one: I I don’t think you should tattoo if you can’t draw and two:  just because you can draw doesn’t mean you can tattoo. If you can understand that, you’re not going to argue with that. Break it down yourself and you’ll figure it out. that doesn’t mean that you can just going around destroying other people’s skin. If you can’t figure out how to learn, then you need to have somebody guide you.  Everybody doesn’t have the gift for picking up things the right way on their own.  They don’t know their limits. If there’s something that you cannot do, don’t do it.  I understand sometimes you may need money, but don’t do it. Just say “no”. Even if you can do it but don’t have the right supplies, don’t do it.  I’ve done that before, i’ve had to learn that one the hard way. If you don’t have what you need to do what you need to do, just let it go.

One thing that I love about sketch is that he loves what he does. It shows not only in his finished product but through the process. My arm took two hours to do. In those two hours, this brother educated me on this art that he loves so much. He school me on everything from how to know if the needles is sterile to bad energy that can be transferred into your art depending on the kind of artist you use. I never realized how much really goes into this art form until I started getting my tattoos done by sketch. I was no stranger to ink before I met him however, I am now more informed and appreciate this art form so much more now because of sketch.

Avow Body art

1728 Campbellton Rd suite A

Atlanta, Ga

404- 755- 1134

official site: avowbodyart.com