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Devin Burgess On Hip-Hop In Ohio, “Trash”, Hip-Hop Hot Takes & More [Interview]

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Cincinnati’s own Devin Burgess isn’t your average emcee, live shows dressed in robes, he even called his latest project “Trash”. The packed LP though is anything but and as was calculated by Burgess himself, these are only tracks that didn’t make it onto an upcoming project. I had a chance to sit down with the Cincinnati standout to talk about “Trash”, the power of Ohio Hip-Hop (because I’m tired of ya’ll sleeping) and what a live Devin Burgess show is like.

Dead End Hip Hop: For those who don’t know who is Devin Burgess?

Devin Burgess: I am a 24 year old emcee/producer/audio engineer from Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m a rapping ass, self loathing, goofy ass sadboi that really cares about my art and craft.

DEHH: Now tell me a bit about growing up in Ohio and the Ohio Hip-Hop scene. I try to explain to people but cats really do be sleeping on what we’ve done over the years.

DB: I mean sh*t. Cincinnati has had a crazy and interesting ass run over the last 20 years. From like the scribble jam era to “BadAzz Battle” era, which was more of the harder, more aggressive Cincinnati sound, to now. Uptown is DEFINITELY running sh*t. I really didn’t become apart of the Cincinnati scene til like 2015 for real. That’s when I started to do shows on a more consistent basis. But yeah, Cincinnati is literally a melting pot of styles musically. I guess that’s perks of living in the midwest. Majority of the uptown artists here have their own niche, their own sound/style and I think it’s beautiful. Cincinnati was kind of going through a period where a lot of artists were trying to sound like someone else. It was apparent in the music. Granted, you’re going to come across that a lot, but now a days, I feel as if the artists here have their own sense of individuality. That is, when we’re not being so clique-y and politic-y. Lol I run into that a lot as well. That’s the beauty of being a solo artist here with no ties or affiliation to anyone. I’m neutral, and cool with just about everyone. I feel like that has something to do with my visibility here.

DEHH: Why “Trash”?

DB: Lmao well, aside from me calling these songs my “throw away” tracks, I thought it’d be funny to call my project Trash because its reflective of the climate. We live in this era where digesting music and giving an opinion on it happens SO RAPIDLY. When you talk to people about music it’s either one of two things. It’s fire and they love it, maybe even a classic, or it’s just trash. No context as to why, it’s just trash. So being the goofy individual I am, I said fu*k it.. Imma just call this Trash. I also thought from like a consumer standpoint. The things we dislike tend to get talked about more than the things we actually like. I see more people talking about how trash something is opposed to how much they love something. In my mind I thought, if I’m scrolling down to hear or see someone talk about how trash something is, I’m probably going to stop to see what they’re talking about lol. Like maybe folks would be like, “why is he calling his OWN album trash?” It was my attempt to spark interest if you’d never heard of Devin Burgess before. Granted, saying I’m trash may not be the best first impression lmao but hey, whatever works right?

DEHH: This is a compilation of joints left off other albums or projects, how were you able to mesh everything together and to still be able to present this as an album?

DB: Man I don’t even know lmfao. I’m actually proud of how I was able to do that honestly. I’ve been putting out bodies of work since 2012. My first ever project was called The Elegant Project and that bitch was like 19 tracks or something lmfao. So I’ve always put my focus into a body of work instead of a single. Like whenever I do projects, I don’t have a single in mind. I’ll just put out whatever feels right. That’s another part of it too. Feeling. As I was getting closer to the release date, I was conscious of fall approaching. So I tried to capture autumn sonically. Trash definitely feels like Fall to me. Anyways, since I was always the type of artist that cared about the body of work I was releasing, transitioning became important to me. I feel as if I understand what it means for a project to be cohesive. Being my own engineer helps with that for sure. So with trash, I just took my best songs (which honestly, i have more i could’ve put on it. it was originally gonna be like 18 tracks lmfao) and sequenced them perfectly. I’ve NEVER created like this before, and it’s probably my best, most organic, cohesive body of work to date.

DEHH: You collaborated with a ton of people on this project, how do you choose who you wanna work with and helping that chemistry shine on the mic?

DB: Yeah! I have a big thing for voices. Like whenever I hear a beat or I have an idea for something I can automatically hear someones voice on it with mine. I tell people all the time, I don’t force collaborations. I’m a believer in everything happens for a reason and If we haven’t worked together, then dammit it just isn’t our time to yet. I also wanted to let my city shine as well! Damn near everyone, (except Miir on Sundaze. She’s from Columbus, OH) is from Cincinnati. This was also my attempt in showcasing our talent and how versatile we are. Everyone brought their own element to these records and they were placed perfectly. As long as everything feels right, everything sounds right, then we’re gucci. I love collabs.

DEHH: I felt like an important part of your marketing campaign was doing live shows, I felt like every time I turned around you were performing somewhere in-state. Can you talk about the importance of live shows and what a Devin Burgess show is like?

DB: MAN LISTEN. COME TO A DEVIN BURGESS SHOW AND IT’S GON BE A NIGGA IN A ROBE DOING A LOT OF MILLY ROCKING, A LOT OF YELLING INTO THE MIC, AND YALL CAN WATCH ME GET HECKLED. How a nigga get heckled at his own rap show when niggas come to see me ON PURPOSE? lmfao I wear a robe because I am retired. I’m the only actively retired rapper in Cincinnati (probably the world) and caint no one take that title away from me lmao. My whole thing is comfort. I’ll pull up in some pajama bottoms and some houseshoes on. The heckling comes from me saying I’m trash or I’m retired, and the audience STRONGLY disagreeing lol. Live show performances are essential because it doesn’t matter how many followers you have or what ya IG numbers say, my nigga if you caint put on a good to decent show AT LEAST in ya home town, you can’t really expect to be getting booked else where, let alone niggas coming out to your event. So I always try to have fun. I’m very ME on stage. I’m me where ever I go, hence the lack of a rap name.

DEHH: You’re pretty open on social media so I was wondering if you could give me a couple of your best hip-hop hot takes

DB: Lmao aight. Yeezus is my favorite Kanye album, it’s perfect to me. Nas was never nicer than Jay-Z. The “Views” album by Drake was actually NOT as bad of an album as niggas made it (especially when comparing it to things he dropped afterwards). Streaming is the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to music. I still wanna hear this YAHNDI album. Producers should be more famous than some of these nut ass rappers. Engineers don’t get enough credit, like AT ALL.

DEHH: I’m actually really interested to hear your answer to this one but when people are done listening to “Trash” what do you want them to walk away with?

DB: I’d like for people to walk away confused. lmao confusion is like my whole marketing stragegy. It keeps people on their toes and it makes what I do seem somewhat interesting. lol No, but idk, I’d like for people to finally recognize my city’s potential. I’d like for people to recognize that I’m not here to play around. The fact that I can put a solid body of work without really trying says something. I feel like I’m one of the elite here, and I’d like for people to know that leaving trash.

DEHH: If “Trash” is a compilation of tracks left off of other perspective projects can you give us a hint into what’s coming next. I birdie told me you might drop something in December

DB: Of course! So yes, in December, hopefully no later than February I plan on putting together an album ENTIRELY produced and engineered by me. It’s going to have all the Cincinnati creatives on it. It’s my attempt to once again showcase the talent here. I put 2 instrumental albums out over the last 2 years, so this would be me killing 2 birds with one stone. After that, I have a project called DreamState I’m going to release and that’s my more melodic, and love side. I call that sh*t cuddle/cuffing music for sure lmao. Following that will be a project called I’m Retired. I was promoting that before Trash. It will be entirely produced by Denver, CO producer no_fvce (pronounced no face). And that’ll be my next BIG campaign. As far as trash goes, visuals are coming. I’m getting my merch together, and I got some shows lined up out of town. I’m trying to travel more. I’ve literally done a show in about every venue you could possibly name here in Cincinnati, including Bogart’s. So it’s time for me to take my talents to long beach, and other places lmao

Devin Burgess: “Trash” [Album Stream]

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Cincinnati’s Devin Burgess has been on a tear this year performing all over the Northeast, conquering stages. All of these performances led to the release of his album “Trash”. 15 tracks deep and full of guest appearances, Burgess puts on for his city and presents one of my favorite albums of this year.

Now I’m still digesting this garbage but off a few listens this marquee lyricism my friends. The production is wavy and immerses you in the experience while Devin Burgess flows with such precision and sharpness you can’t help but applaud his execution in a time where some are making half-baked music. Burgess came out and said that the guests were meant to put Cincinnati on and it works with vocals and help from Miir, Siri Imani, Dxnny Dolphin and more. You can peep the stream below and get ready as we’ll be talking to the Cincinnati artist soon.

 

Jean P the MC Talks & Premieres His Fourth Album “All Is Good” [Interview & Album Stream]

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I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and following Canton, Ohio emcee Jean P the MC’s career for almost a decade now. While some artists fade into obscurity after that much time Jean has adjusted, adapted and is flourishing in a music climate that some claim is about singles and playlists. In his fourth full-length album “All Is Good” Jean brings us much needed positivity given these times. I had a chance to sit down with the Ohio to talk about his impact on the community and why “All Is Good”.

Dead End Hip Hop: Jean P the MC it’s been a minute, but rumor has it “All Is Good”?

Jean P The MC: All is truly good my man! I can’t complain. My legs are sore as hell but I made one my best albums to date. I say that every go around but for real. This album is really good. Sto you’ve been there since the beginning. 2009 I think? Time truly flies.

DEHH: For those who still don’t know who is Jean P the MC?

Jean P The MC: Well let me tell you about Jèan-Pierre Johnson first. During the hours of [7:45]-6PM I’m “JJ”, a city carrier assistant otherwise known as a mailman at New Market Post Office. When that is over I’m a father to a seven year old named Amir who is my entire world. He’s in his curious asking me questions every five second phase of his life so that’s another job. I am also a caregiver for autistic individuals a few days of my week. Luckily I get rot rest at this job due to the fact that I work at a home. When I have gaps in the midst of my hectic schedule I’m Jèan P The MC a twenty eight emcee representing the great city of Canton, Ohio.

DEHH: You’re coming off an album release party for your new album, how was that?

Jean P The MC: It was an experience that I will never forget. I got inspired by the GOOD Music listening parties and wanted to have one for myself. I rented out a local art studio called The Hub Art Factory so people could embrace literal art along with the audio art I create myself. I was in awe how people gravitated to the new album. I sold physical copies prior to the release so several people who came to the party already knew the words to my songs. I had close friends, family and new fans come through. A magical night.

DEHH: You’ve been active in the Canton community for a long time, can you tell me a bit about what you’ve done and why it’s so important to active like this.

Jean P The MC: Community wide I would love to do more for my city. A few years back I taught the youth an introductory class on Hip-Hop. I pray my platform can allow me to do more for my hometown. People in the city are aware of presence but a lot of people are JUST finding out about me. The city is slowly but surely making changes with programs like Arts In Stark and First Friday. My goal is to one day start a label with high school students and instead of record contracts they receive music opportunities such as shows and studio time based on grades and community service.

DEHH: I’ve been following your career for a minute, we’ve seen you have some ups and some downs. Where are you right now in your artist career?

Jean P The MC: “All Is Good” (laughs). I am content in knowing that life has its good and bad and I know how to handle it this time. I realize that when you give good positivity out it comes back. I have a lot of patience in certain situations and it’s a gift and a curse because people can take advantage of that. I am resilient, aware and happy with where I am. My respect is finally being given to me. People are telling me my songs are changing their lives and it’s a wonderful feeling.

DEHH: “All Is Good” what is it? What inspired it and tell me a bit about the artwork you’ve paired with it.

Jean P The MC: “All Is Good” is a greeting I say when people ask how I am. The artwork (designed by Katie Frasier) is inspired by Shel Silverstein’s book Where The Sidewalk Ends. It’s one of my favorite books. The cover depicts me creating my own path in life even when other tells me I shouldn’t take that route. A group of people are behind me scared that I will fall but I have my beagle and my music which are two of the many things I cherish.

DEHH: Can you give me a bit of insight to the recording process? You’re not in huge studios making these records, you’re do a lot of this yourself, can you speak on that?

Jean P The MC: DJ iShine made me appreciate the bedroom studio. I have records twenty something projects that have all been recorded this way. The only time I was in an actual studio was when I recorded for J Rawl’s album (laughs). I don’t think it matters where or how music is recorded as long as it’s good music and the quality is the best. You would be surprised how many albums aren’t made in high budget studios. All I need is an email of beats and I am straight. I would love to do an album with a band though on some The Roots shit.

DEHH: What’s next for this record, will we be seeing any music videos? Will we see you performing this on a small tour or something?

Jean P The MC: I’m going to keep it all the way 100. Music videos are not cheap and the post office hates when I even dream of calling off so if I go on tour someone has to pay me (laughs). I have a song on the new album called “Playa Pimp” that may need a nice visual though no lie.

DEHH: I want to dive a bit into the artist life, I feel we both have met and dealt with artists who are more focused on clout and getting posted than the actual art, what are some tips you can give to those looking to break into the industry?

Jean P The MC: In these days artists are getting recognized for antics instead of music. It’s unfair but rap is more of a entertainment genre. Regardless of that and though it may be discouraging I am a firm believer that there is a market for everything. I have a following anticipating an album I didn’t drop a single or music video for. I sold out of cd’s in two days when people told me nobody buys cds. Believe in yourself, have fun, don’t listen to these industry people who steal shit. You see Camilla Cabella of whatever her name is locked my cover. You’re welcome, ma.

DEHH: What’s next for Jean P to close out the year and for 2019 and sheesh are we ever going to hear on the producer tip again?

Jean P The MC: I’m chopping samples as we speak 🙂

Jean P The MC: “The Story Of JJ”

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Canton, Ohio emcee Jean P has been a veteran in the game for a while now, however that doesn’t stop him from remaining consistent and coming with that work. On Father’s Day he released a brand new freestyle “The Story Of JJ” where Jean recaps where he’s been and how he’s been working.

To be honest I’ve been kind of waiting for this Jean P to show up on the mic for a minute, confident, aggressive and ready to take out all doubters. Take a listen below and let me know what you think. Jean P’s album “All Is Good” is coming soon.

Joey Aich On “If Money Grew On Trees”, Ohio Hip-Hop & Fan Interaction [Interview]

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photos taken by Annie Noelker

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Ohio’s Joey Aich perform live a couple times over the last decade, one of the most passionate artists I’ve met, the standout just released his album “If Money Grew On Trees”. Today we sit down with him to talk about his journey in music so far, what spawned the idea of “IMGOT” and much more. Take a read.

Dead End Hip Hop: For those who don’t know who is Joey Aich?

Joey Aich: Joey Aich is a 24 year old hip-hop artists from a small town Woodmere Village, Cleveland, OH. I’m currently based in Columbus, OH after moving down here last spring. I’m a pretty low key guy. I smile a lot, drink ginger ales, and rock with sports and stuff.

DEHH: Now I actually met you way back in 2010 I believe for OUHipHopalooza, can you give just an inkling on where you were with music then?

JA: I believe it was 2015 my junior year at Denison University. At the time I was still outside of the pool, but I was sticking my legs in to test the waters of the music game if that makes sense. I had just released a project “College D.egree” the previous spring and started getting shows and showing up on blogs and what not. I had two songs “40oz” and “Smooth Hardcore” that people knew me for and I was selling out of my highly sought out “40oz” tees around campus. I was working on AichFiles but I didn’t have a clear concept yet just a few songs written that eventually made the project.

That show was actually hella cool. It was one of my first times actually at OU besides numbers fest and stuff. I was super close to going to OU for school and it was always a place that I wanted (and still want) to perform at. I met some cool people like you, Dj Smit, and Jean P the MC.

DEHH: Fast forward eight years and released a number of projects, performed & headlined for a number of acts and festivals, how did you get here?

JA: Honestly as cliche as it sounds a lot of hard work and consistency. I was always curious to learn and educate myself on the music industry and how to stand out. I spent hours on hours researching bloggers and their emails and then another few hours sending out press releases for singles, videos, and projects.

One thing that I did to seperate myself from others was selling a tremendous amount of tickets and proving to the venues I could bring a crowd. At the time I was getting played financially because it was the whole “sell x amount of $10 – $15 tickets and make 20% (sometimes less if the show didn’t do well) of each. I used to hustle them. I would gas my car up and make rounds. I would travel from the eastside of Cleveland to the westside just to get tickets off and create a bond with the people who bought them. Sometimes selling a ticket would turn into a 20 – 30 minute conversation about anything and I think people enjoyed that personal interaction. Sometimes I would do my own promotion days like buy a ticket today and get one for free. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t but it opened people’s eyes that I was a hustler and I was going to make sure it was bigger than a local showcase. As far as performing I always bet on myself so I knew once I got the people in there and the venues heard 100 people chanting “Joey Aich” along with a energetic set they had to book me for the next one or when a big name came into town.

DEHH: We’re definitely going to get into the music, but I feel like Ohio is an underrated hip hop hub, tell me a bit about Ohio Hip Hop and what you bring to the table as an artist?

JA: I love Ohio hip-hop and we are absolutely underrated. I feel like it’s only a matter of time before people realize how important Ohio is to not only hip-hop but music in general. One thing I will say and I’ve said it before but I think Ohio listenership has to improve. Not to say people are sleeping or whatever but if you support someone don’t just say it scream that shit. There has always been talk that Ohio artists don’t support each other and all that but we really do and we don’t always have to hop on each other’s songs to show that. I think once listeners in Ohio realize what we have in the backyard and embrace being fans we can show the world what we have.

I feel like I’m in my own lane as an artist. As far as content I tell my story and my story isn’t like anyone else. I’m very comfortable being myself and rarely compromise for others. I know people laugh cause I show up to a venue or in a music video with Crocs on but its me and it’s authentic and that how I write and promote myself. I bring a new age of traditional hip-hop (Storytelling, bars, boom-bap) and above it all I’m charismatic and strive to inspire people every time I rap and perform.

DEHH: “If Money Grew On Trees” is your latest release what was the motivation behind the album and the theme of money?

JA: I had just graduated from Denison University (2016) and I told everyone that I was going to do music and just music. That was my aim, but I found out it was a lot harder and I kept trying to find the root to my struggles but I couldn’t. I was getting booked and I inspiring people but I wasn’t financially secure or able to create more with a minut budget. I was asking my Mom (God bless her) for loans and telling her this loan is going to be the one that propels me. I finally realized money was my issue. I’m not a materialistic person so I never pay close attention to money, but as I was sitting in bed one night I just thought how easy this would be or how many cool things could I do if money was just there. However, on the other side of things I found myself doing weird shit just to get money. I was a part-time uber driver and at one point I asked one of my homies who his plug was cause I was about to sell a little dope to fund the rest of my project instead of just getting a job. So I started asking myself the same question but what would I do. Would I sacrifice my integrity for it? Would I do the things I say in my raps if my circumstances were different. I don’t know what I would do, but I hope to find out. Last, I just wanted to propose that question to the people. Before they even hear my album they ask themselves If Money Grew on Trees I would do blank.

DEHH: There’s a myriad of different sounds on here, lofi, trunk bangers and more. But I feel you match and fit every sound and beat on here to perfect…how are you able to chameleon yourself into these different moods and sounds?

JA: I feel as though I am versatile and different production pull different strings for me. My guy Alzeus (met through Soundcloud) from California makes me wanna rap everytime he either posts or sends me something. When Arkutec sent me a packet of beats I immediately thought these sounds like anthems and that how I got Rope Break. More times than not the production drives where I want to go. I listen to a lot of music and I’m not always inspired by one style/genre so I’m able to adapt to the production and float with it.

DEHH: When people are done listening to “If Money Grew On Trees” what do you want them to take from the project?

JA: First, I want them to embrace their story. Something I really wanted to make clear is that this is my story. Metaphorically, each song is a branch or an experience that makes up my “tree.” I want people to realize and embrace their branches. I feel like its important in finding self satisfaction.

Like I said earlier I want people to ask themselves what they value. What’s important to them. For me, it’s inspiring people, specifically the youth, through telling my narrative and loving myself and sharing my light with others.

Last, I wrote an essay that I posted on my website with the album but to sum it all up I want people to grow like trees. I want people to have and notice these experiences. Be a home for their goals, dreams, and wildest aspirations. Them ultimately be the the inspiration for the next generation.

DEHH: I’ve had the blessing of seeing you live twice and your energy on stage is unmatched, what goes into your live show and passion you bring to your performances?

JA: Thank you. I’ve been an entertainer my entire life without really noticing it. Besides being in the choir, school musicals, or even sports I’ve always been a character and enjoyed the spotlight. I’ve wanted to make people feel some type of emotion whether its laugh or be astonished. When I started performing it was just like doing everything in my life except I have a microphone and instead of getting everyone’s attention I have their attention already. Anyone that knows me is fully aware of my high motor and rarely off.

Something that motivates me is personal interaction. When I’m on stage I want people to leave feeling like they can do whatever they put their mind to. Its like anything I guess. When a good teacher is executing their lesson plan they should inspire their student to WANT to learn ya know. I just want to light that match in someones life to help them get to where they want to be. It’s important to me and that’s why I’m super passionate every time I have the honor to be on stage.

DEHH: 2018 is just getting started and I know you just put out your new full length but what can we expect from you this summer and for the rest of 2018?

JA: First, you can expect an daily improving Joey Aich. I want every day for me to be a better day and a more improved version of me than the previous. Next, expand and travel to different places. We have some plans to take the Joey Aich show on the road and meet some new people this year. Last, more features and new material. I feel really good about where we are headed and what the next few years has in store.

Tieran: “Side To Side” [Music Video]

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The life of an artist has always been romanticized & glamorized, however Columbus hip-hop artist Tieran decides to take a more realistic approach to the grind in his latest music video “Side To Side”. Directed by Koishik Ahmmad, “Side To Side” has our hero struggling with the responsibilities of the 9 to 5 adult while chasing a music career. The track addresses the amount of stress that comes along with pursuing said music career and simultaneously trying to keep yourself together. Tieran uses the club as an escape, only to find that it too is filled with loneliness just like the artistic grind he’s been on.

The soundscape produced by sLeh enters a darker and slower pace as the track comes to a close. Tieran finds himself losing control, both in the club and in his journey through the music industry. Our troubled hero vents the last bit of his frustrations to us in the closing seconds as the video comes to an abrupt end.

“Side by Side” is the standout track from Tieran’s EP “Never Had A Choice” which came out during the summer of last year. Tieran has shared the stage with a number of acts including Pouya, Shakewell, Ramirez & more and has been featured in the likes of 2DopeBoyz, Fly Paper Magazine and other platforms.

You can stream Tieran’s “Never Had A Choice” below.