INTERVIEW WITH MAYNE ISHU
As always we'll start things off with the introduction. Who is Mayne Ishu?
Mayne Ishu is a problem for the industry, lyrically. To break it down
further, Mayne Ishu is me, who's always been considered a problem,
considered an "Ishu" to society. The "Mayne" comes from me standing
out from all others.
Why hip hop? What got you started in making music?
When I was a kid, my dad was in a reggae band, so that was my first
taste of music. As I became a teenager I was considered a problem, so
as a result I began writing lyrics and this is where my career began.
Ever since then I have been putting all thoughts into my music, making
it an art to me, something which I take very serious.
Who or what are your biggest influences in life and in the music industry?
I am definitely influenced by the Rastafarian culture, as I grew up in
a household that held those beliefs. These beliefs have allowed me to
witness a lot of discrimination first hand. So I took those hard times
and struggles and put it to words in my music.
As far as the industry goes, my main influences are Bob Marley, 2Pac,
DMX, Busta Rhymes, Tracey Chapman and Lauryn Hill.
What is your opinion of hip hop in Toronto?
I feel like there is a lot of hunger in Toronto. There are a lot of
guys in this city that are hungry to succeed. I feel that in the
coming years many people will make it into the game and make a strong
impression.
Talk a little bit about your team, Living Proof Enterprises?
Living Proof Enterprises is my production/management/promotional team.
Last but not least it is my family. We all have known each other for
many years and we all possess different skills that combined together
create a complete company.
You dropped a couple of mixtapes (The Warning Part 1 & 2) this year, what has the response been like?
The mixtapes were launched over Caribana weekend. Part 1 was being
given out and available online, and Part 2 was available for free
download, at www.lvproof.com, only.
The entire downtown area was buzzing from the debut release. Everybody
had a mixtape in their hands, whether it came from myself or from my
promotional street team. It was a good promotional blitz that was
successful in my eyes, as well as Living Proof's eyes. Since that time
I've had lots of requests for collaborations and questions as to when
my original material will be coming out.
You're currently working on your album, is there anything you can tell us about that? What can we expect?
The mixtape that I am currently working on consists mainly of original
production from King D, my producer, as well as from various upcoming
producers in the GTA. Right now the title is "Got What U Need".
The street smash off that album is called "Hold It Up" and features
reggae recording artist, Everton Blender. It is produced by King D and
the concept of the song is holding your head up high through these
trying times in this world. It combines reggae and hip hop, which is a
sound perfectly in tune for Toronto.
We are also in the process of getting radio play as well as doing
numerous music videos. We are also working with Legacy Sound Crew on
their mixtape projects as well.
Where can people check for your music?
I am available on many websites. To start, www.lvproof.com - Official
site of Living Proof Enterprises. You can catch me on MySpace at
www.myspace.com/mayneishuonline as well as on ReverbNation at
www.reverbnation.com/mayneishu. I also have a Facebook page, Mayne
Ishu, and I also have numerous videos on You Tube, so just search for
Mayne Ishu and my videos will come up. Also big shouts out to
www.trunkhustlers.com and www.thepeopleschoice.info for all the love they have shown me.
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