I had the pleasure of attending a special once-in-a-lifetime concert event where Alicia Keys literally shut down Times Square. With special guests including Nas, Jay Z, John Mayer, Q-Tip and Questlove, it truly was incredible. Read my full review here via BET.com.
Interview with 8ky (Formerly of LMFAO) for XXLMag.com
A decade ago, SkyBlu teamed up with his paternal uncle, Redfoo, to make music together as the duo LMFAO and the two ended up going on to experience quite the decorated career, full of antics and accolades. From selling almost 10 million copies of their hit record “Party Rock Anthem,” to being nominated for a Grammy Award, among a plethora of other awards, to blazing stages across the globe, the iconic party rockers have a permanent place within music history.
But that was then and now 8ky (yes, that’s Sky) has a hell of a lot of music left in him to create and release as a solo artist. Breaking away from the group dynamic to follow his own path hasn’t been the easiest feat, considering his connection to such an established group, but for 8ky, it was inevitable. With the organic progression that comes with having both creative freedom and an intrinsic need to create, 8ky found himself in a new position to make the music he wanted, by no one’s rules but his own.
8ky, who has deep roots in spirituality, reflects on his journey to this point with his new album, Fxck Yeah: Chaos to Consciousness. Songs like “Synchronicity” (“I stay up on my chakras and I’m still a party rocker”) touch on the path he’s traveled and where he’s headed. On the LP, the rapper further establishes his place as a subtle motivational speaker within the rap game, inspiring others to live their truth by just living each day to the fullest.
While he’s all about creating a self-sustaining lifestyle in and out of his music post-LMFAO, 8ky hasn’t killed off the part of him known for having a good time and partying. Instead, he’s celebrating his many facets and encouraging listeners to do the same. On his new album, all sides of himself are highlighted, making for a refreshingly honest and well-rounded project that doubles as a fresh reintroduction.
It’s clear 8ky is in a new chapter as a career musician. Although, he’ll offer he’s been here all along, but it just wasn’t his time to break through yet. The 8ky today is wise, humble, prepared and open-minded for what’s next, making for exactly the type of rapper you need in your playlist, sandwiched between Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and even a little throwback LMFAO, you know, for good measure.
XXL speaks to 8ky about his Fxck Yeah: Chaos to Consciousness album, life after LMFAO, a disappointing run-in with Kanye West and evolving.
Read full feature here.
My first digital cover story, featuring Ty Dolla $ign, exclusively for The Rap Fest
Originally posted on TheRapFest.com.
Ty Dolla $ign is Low Key the Motivational Speaker You Didn't Know the Rap Game Needed.
Words by KC Orcutt
Photos by RuKo Photo
Even after putting in over two decades of hustle to continue advancing his career in the music game, Ty Dolla $ign is the type of person who'd tell you, with a grin on his face and a joint in his hand, he hasn't worked a day in his life.
As exemplified by the 31-year-old musician, when you enjoy what you do for a living, putting your all into your passions comes as natural (and as necessary) as breathing. Growing up the son of a musician, Ty knew from an early age he was meant to do this and has no intention of ever slowing down. Inspired by his surroundings in sunny Los Angeles, the singer is equal parts the type of guy you want to turn up with in the club one night and the next introduce him to your parents at family dinner, making an argument he's one of this generation's most interesting tastemakers.
With the sounds of his new single, "Campaign," filling the Moroccan Room's ornate interior, Ty Dolla $ign's energy upon arrival immediately made up for the fact that he was running on rap time, about two hours late for our interview. Jumping right into the conversation, we asked Ty does he enjoy the creative process when collaborating with other artists, which he replied, "It always fun to just share space, ideas, create and come up with a f**king puzzle out of nothing".
Fresh off winning his first MTV VMA award for Best Collaboration, Ty Dolla $ign is eager to share his sophomore album, Campaign, which is slated for a September 23rd release. From meeting Tupac, his self-declared favorite artist, as a child via tagging along on his father's studio sessions to pulling up to a day of work in a white 911 turbo Porsche days before setting his new album free, one could argue that Ty was destined for this life. However, greeting each new opportunity with gratitude has allowed the musician to become one of hip-hop's most unexpected motivational speakers. With his music representing the same feel-good vibe that he as a person emulates, Ty Dolla $ign is always thinking bigger picture.
"It always fun to just share space, ideas, create and come up with a f**king puzzle out of nothing".
- Ty Dolla $ign
Drawing inspiration from Jay Z, Ty is as interested in lucrative business endeavors as he is interested in making music. Even during our conversation, he casually mentioned he would love to collaborate with PlayStation to create a game encouraging the youth to record music on a new platform. He went on to say, "Playstation should come out with a new program to make beats on like back in the days. That would be cool...". Speaking such goals out into existence, it wouldn't be surprising in the least if in a year's time, not only is his music soundtracking the video game but his name is in the title too.
"Of course I play PS4. Fifa on the tour bus for sure... I suck at all video games but I'm good at music though. Ha."
- Ty Dolla $ign
In addition to finding appeal in the business end of developing a video game with PlayStation, the musician also shares that one of his biggest fears is his 11-year-old daughter, or his younger family members, never having the opportunity to discover what they are passionate about or what they want to do when they grow up, and he's dedicated to making sure that doesn't happen. Such a video game idea would foster creativity, and that speaks volumes regarding the artist's genuine intentions found in every move he makes. He even collaborated with his younger brother, TC, on a single, successfully overcoming the obstacles of him serving a life sentence in prison to make it happen. Other collaborations he'd love to see happen musically are just as diverse and compelling as his video game idea, citing the likes of Beyoncé, John Mayer and Meshell Ndegeocello as people he's looking forward to working with one day. Groomed to have a seasoned ear and a student's curiosity, the musician is always learning and adapting, much like he feels Tupac would if he were still alive today.
"I'm on my campaign everywhere I go,"
he says, before whimsically pressing a few keys on the grand piano.
"I'm always spreading my message."
In honor of Ty Dolla's first 'Dolla Day' Concert in Los Angeles, Playstation has curated a special Spotify playlist for the event happening September 25th.