interviewed by Sose for H2O
info@h2omagonline.com
Once a Bad Boy Records intern, D.C. native Ti’Jean has definitely maneuvered through the ropes of the industry. He’s a self-described innovator of a sub-genre of Hip Hop, called Hip Rock, which as the name suggests, is a sonic blend fierce rhymes delivered over Rock music laced with Hip Hop production. Find out about his experiences in the business, a different view of D.C., and how you can experience his brand of music for yourself.
H2O:
We noticed that your style of music is called Hip Rock, in which you blend elements of Hip Hop and Rock music together. We, never hearing of this new genre of music, are curious to know; Are you the inventor and pioneer of this new style, or is it an existing movement that you’ve become hip to?
Ti’Jean:
Well, I like to consider myself a innovator of the movement called “Hip-Rock”. I consider myself a Hip-Hop artist but I’ve been extremely inspired by Rock music’s rawness, passion, style and honesty. There have been Hip-Hop artists who have successfully blended the two genres together. For example; Run-DMC “Walk This Way”, Eminem “White America”, and Jay-Z’s whole project “Collision Course” with Linkin Park. But just like Hip-Hop I embrace this as my culture and I’m taking it to another level creatively.
H2O:
An interesting fact we learned about you from your website is that you were once an intern at Bad Boy Entertainment, owned by Hip Hop mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. How did you manage to land such an awesome gig, and what did you learn from your experience that has helped you professionally as an artist?
Ti’Jean:
When I was in DC about to move back to NYC to pursue my dream of being in the music industry I met one of the members of the street team and just asked “How can I be down?” Then he just said when I move to NYC to call him and I can start. So basically I called him, joined the team and hung up posters for months. Then after putting in work I asked Shawn Prez (Senior Director of Promotions) can I go up to the office and intern… so I got the internship and worked my way through almost every department even at Daddy’s House Studios and just learned the game from some of the best.
H2O:
You hail from our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., which has traditionally been known as the mecca of ‘cut throat’ style politics and high security, but also unfortunately a city of high crime and poverty. As an insider, tell us something about D.C. that you want the public to know that might change negative perceptions of Washington.
Ti’Jean:
There are many successful, educated and accomplished Black People living in the DC area. As we know it’s not rare for you to see crime and poverty here but it’s also not rare to see wealthy Black People who drive nice cars and live in big houses. I’m very proud that I grew up seeing both sides of the tracks… it was very motivational and it inspired me in many ways.
H2O:
We read your interview with ILiveHipHop.com, where we learned two cool and interesting things about you; a) You have started a youth foundation which helps kids through music, and b) You are developing your own online magazine. How is your progress coming along with those ventures and what is the most important lesson you’ve learned from the experience?
Ti’Jean:
Everything is going great with these ventures! It doesn’t even feel like work when you’re doing things that you love and its even better to give back at the same time. The magazine will be launching this year and the foundation is always getting involved in many events here and abroad. But what I learned from this whole experience is that everything starts with an idea and one person can make a change in anyone’s life.
H2O:
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that few people know. We’re curious.
Ti’Jean:
I like Korean BBQ and I’m really ticklish. Haha!
H2O:
What are your musical goals for 2010?
Ti’Jean:
To capture the hearts & souls of my listeners. Also, to take my career to the next level, release my album and continue to make creative & passionate music.
connect with Ti’Jean at his website:
www.iamhiprock.com
For the original article: http://www.h2omagonline.com/_root/index.php?content_id=5304
