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Cook Thomas

Going through my random Artist search online, I came across another artist from the North. Representing the T-Dot (Toronto, Canada), Cook Thomas is definitely an artist you want to watch out for. Currently working on his upcoming mixtape Forever & Ever, Cook Thomas is releasing music every week that is just straight Fiyaaahhhh!!!!! With tracks like “No Parachute,” “It’s Time,” “Gimmick,” “Big Amounts,” & “96 Chicago Bulls,” people are finally finding out what the entire buzz is about. Checkout the interview, then go checkout Cook Thomas at http://www.youtube.com/user/CTHOMASTV & www.myspace.com/cookthomasmusic

Mr. Bess: Who is Cook Thomas?

Cook Thomas: Cook Thomas is a rap artist who makes the food the people need. Rap music in my opinion has been boring in the past 5 years, so I’m just bringing some good classic honest music to the table.

Mr. Bess: When did you start rapping?

Cook Thomas: I started rapping when I was 16.

Mr. Bess: Did you have a good life or a bad life growing up? How has that influenced your music?
Cook Thomas: I can’t really complain about my life growing up. Even though I only had my mom around and the conditions of living weren’t the best, she worked hard so we didn’t suffer. I always had food and a roof over my head so I can’t complain.

Mr. Bess: Who are some of musical influences?

Cook Thomas: some of my musical influences are Notorious B.I.G, Nas, Lenny Kravitz, and Jay-Z

Mr. Bess: What set’s you apart from other rappers trying to make name in the game?

Cook Thomas: What sets me apart from 85 % of these guys is that I’m actually trying to talk about honest things in everyday life. When I write, I try and bring a message, a concept and something refreshing. Every time I hear a new song its “swag this swag that”, “I Got Money”, “I wear Louis, Gucci”, “I Got Hoes”. Don’t get me wrong I love all those things and have fun with them myself, but when all your songs are about the same shit, it gets boring for all of us, and that’s what seems to be the problem to me right now. Shit is real generic.

Mr. Bess: Is there an album or mixtape in the works?

Cook Thomas: I have a mixtape in the works currently titled Forever & Ever.

Mr. Bess: When is the release date for the mixtape and what can we expect from it?

Cook Thomas: I’m looking to drop around Christmas time, but I record on a daily basis and leak songs on a weekly basis, so you can check YouTube at CTHOMASTV and www.Myspace.com/cookthomasmusic for my music.


Mr. Bess: So you sing and rap?

Cook Thomas: I’m more of a shower singer LOL! I usually have problems with singers taking too long to record a hook, so I just do it myself. I’m not trying to be a singer or trying to get better in that field, sometimes it just helps portray the story of the track better or the beat might have a certain feel to where I’ll sing something on it. For example I sing on a song I have called ’96 Chicago bulls. I’m singing low because I can’t hit high notes. I am NO singer.

Mr. Bess: The west coast has been dominate, the east coast has been dominate, and the south. What will it take for the north to have that same kind of dominance?

Cook Thomas: In order for the north to dominate, we’ll need to come together and support each other. Here its like producers want to charge an arm and a leg for a beat to an up and coming young rapper, then you have a circle of people who make a little noise in the city, but they don’t want to help anyone else, because they feel bigger than they really are. Also I feel we don’t have enough talented people at the front reppin’ us. The north has a lot of talented people and it’s just the politics are bullshit so the world gets to see bullshit artists…so we look corny. If we can change those things, we can definitely take over.

Mr. Bess: What is the Canadian hip hop scene like?

Cook Thomas: The Canadian hip hop scene is very underground. Like I said before, there’s a lot of talent here, we’re just working for our dominance.

Mr. Bess: Out of the Dominate mainstream artist who have made it out of Canada such as Drake, K-OS, Kardinal Offishall, and Swollen Members. Who do you see yourself working with?

Cook Thomas: I would say K-OS because he has a sound that is so unique. He switches from hip hop to rock to pop, so I feel like that would be an interesting collaboration.

Mr. Bess: Everyone gets asked this question, but name 5 albums everyone should own?

Cook Thomas: Jay-Z – The Blueprint / Lil Wayne – Tha Carter 2 / Nas – Illmatic / Michael Jackson – Thriller / Notorious B.I.G – Ready To Die

Mr. Bess: What is your music making process?

Cook Thomas: I usually just listen to some beats, then write based off the feeling and vibe I get from the beat. Anything I write about is usually real rap, so the process is usually real easy.

Mr. Bess: What can we expect from Cook Thomas in the future?

Cook Thomas: You can expect tons more music and some music videos in the near future.

Mr. Bess: What is the message you have for the world in your music?

Cook Thomas: My message is basically my life story. I’m just being true to myself and the world.

Gio BasiCali- "Nobody Cares" Music Video

BASICALI - Nobody Cares from Reza & Co on Vimeo.

"This Video was shot in the Apple Store to reveal the songs relevance to our pop culture. We live in a world of fast media that gives little thought to how it’s message will effect the world. We conceived, recorded and edited the video all in less than 24 hours due to our lack of time and money. This video represents all that BASICALI is about, making way out of nothing by using creative thought."

- Gio Basicali

SHOUT OUT TO THE HOMIE GIO BASICALI........THUMBS UP!!!!!!!

THE LYTICS

Such Hip Hop acts like, Drake, Kardinal Offishall, K-OS, & Swollen Members, have all emerged to become breakthrough from Canada. The next group to surface from the North is Canadian Hip Hop group The Lytics. The first single “Big City Sound Girl” created a huge buzz on the internet on major Hip Hop sites such as HipHopdx.com, and received high ratings, all across the boards. It was the first track I heard from the group and I had to know who they were. With the door cracked open, The Lytics have busted through, and made a lot of noise with their self-titled debut album. Hailing from Manitoba, Canada the trio of emcee’s (A-Nice, Ashy, Munga), just want to have fun, work hard, and put out good music. With tracks such as Big City Sound Girl, Stay Humble, Try Hard, I’m Here, The Lytics Album is a must buy. Go to ITunes or http://www.thelytics.com/ today and purchase your copy!

THE INTERVIEW

Mr. Bess: Who are the Lytics?

The Lytics: The Lytics consist of three emcee's A-nice, Ashy and Munga. A producer, B-flat, and a DJ Action Rick

Mr. Bess: How did The Lytics come together?

The Lytics: Well A-nice, Ashy and B-flat are brothers, but A-nice met Munga in '03 and decided we could make a little music. Ashy joined the group soon after, and B-flat was producing around the city anyways so it only made sense he'd let us use his beats. Action Rick joined the group in the winter of '08 and has been backing the group on the tables during performances. Now it is what it is.

Mr. Bess: How did Ashy get his name? Did you not use lotion as a child? (I'm not taking a shot at you!)

The Lytics: Damn Skippy, boy was crusty, and you know how nicknames go, it's usually the ones you don't like that stick…Hahahaha!

Mr. Bess: Mainstream stars such as Drake, Kardinal Offishall, K-OS, Swollen Members, have all emerged to become breakthrough artist from Canada. Where do the Lytics fit in?

The Lytics: Hopefully right alongside, with the right work ethic, and the right ears hearing us anything is possible.

Mr. Bess: What is the Canadian Hip Hop scene like?

The Lytics: Well you named some of them already, but I would say it's emerging. I believe we're about to make some noise soon, and if it is Gods will we'll be part of it.

Mr. Bess: Who are some of your musical influences?

The Lytics: They come from all over the place, from Tribe to Souls of Mischief, Slick Rick, Nas, Etc.

Mr. Bess: Who do you hope to work with in the future?

The Lytics: Umm, there are a lot, and our doors will always be open.

Mr. Bess: What is the message you want people to know through your music?

The Lytics: That the industry is changing, and people will have to start putting out good music to stay up.

Mr. Bess: What is the inspiration behind your debut album?

The Lytics: Just trying to put out good music, love, hard work, and fun. You know, just the kind of things that will get you through every day, and make tomorrow worth living.

Mr. Bess: What is the music making process like?

The Lytics: Well B-flat comes up with the beats and then emcee's and producer find a suitable hook. From there we get the verses straight (who's writing what etc.) and then we hit the booth and put it down. Mixings all done in house then we hit up our mastering guy Jay Malloy, and call it a track.

Mr. Bess: Name 5 albums everyone should own?

The Lytics: 1.) Illmatic - Nas, 2.) The Tipping Point- The Roots, 3.) Medians Relief- Median, 4.) Wolfgang Amadeus- Phoenix, 5.) Below the Heavens- Blu & Exile.

Mr. Bess: I couldn’t agree more with you on the album choices

Mr. Bess: What is Life like outside the Studio?

The Lytics: School, Work, Girls, I don’t know, that sort of thing….hahaha!

Mr. Bess: What does it take to be successful in the music industry?

The Lytics: Hard work, good music, and a little faith.

Mr. Bess: What do you think about President Obama calling Kanye West a, "Jackass?"

The Lytics: I don't know him personally so I wouldn't call him a jackass, but it definitely wasn't cool what he did.

Mr. Bess: At the end of your album you guys play around with Auto Tune. What is your dislike toward auto tune?

The Lytics: None what so ever. We found a plug in for it so we just started playing with it. We thought it was funny so we just tossed it on the record.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE LYTICS AT SITES:

http://www.facebook.com/thelytics?_fb_noscript=1&v=wall

http://www.myspace.com/lytics

http://twitter.com/THELYTICS

Dear Life Pt. 3 (Myspace Started It All)

The Time is 4:32 PM and it is currently 97 degrees in my Part Arizona on September 18, 2009. I’m sitting in basketball shorts and wearing my Summer League Basketball T-Shirt from 1999, while cooking Steak, Rigatoni, & Portobello Mushrooms. My mind began to become pregnant and I decided to compose a small letter to Life today. Here is a small excerpt from the letter. In the next couple of days you’ll see each passage of this 3 part letter regarding my internet addiction....ENJOY!

September 18, 2009

Dear Life,

Well you may ask, what Led to the Twitter and Facebook addiction. Well it all started when Tom introduced me to Myspace. Myspace blew my mind and I was hooked! It instantly became a part of my daily routine, and took up so many hours of my day. I couldn’t wait to get home from school just so I could get on Myspace. I began taking multiple pictures of myself in the bathroom mirror, and I had to keep a camera on me 24/7 so I could upload new pictures on Myspace. No One had my friends than, because within a 24 hour period, I would at least have a minimum of 567 friend request. Not to brag, but I was up there with Tom the creator. I would try to Holla at every girl on there no matter where they resided.

You always had to keep your page fresh with dope graphics, a hot song, and a fly saying. The drama, humor, and time wasted started it all for me! With all the advancements it has be so hard to stop. Please Help Me!!!

Gym Class Heroes - New Friend Request

Dear Life Pt. 2 (Facebook Confessions)

The Time is 4:32 PM and it is currently 97 degrees in my Part Arizona on September 18, 2009. I’m sitting in basketball shorts and wearing my Summer League Basketball T-Shirt from 1999, while cooking Steak, Rigatoni, & Portobello Mushrooms. My mind began to become pregnant and I decided to compose a small letter to Life today. Here is a small excerpt from the letter. In the next couple of days you’ll see each passage of this 3 part letter regarding my internet addiction....ENJOY!

September 18, 2009

Dear Life,

As if you thought my twitter addiction was bad it gets worse from there. It has gotten so bad that I have connected my twitter account to my Facebook account. Not only do I want everyone to know my business of twitter, but I feel my Facebook friends should know has well. Facebook is so amazing, because you can poke all the girls you want and they don’t even mind. You have your choice from 1 or 10, but you can poke them all. I love the fact that I know everything my friends are doing, from comments they leave on friends pages, picture uploads, profile changes, and status updates. I know it’s wrong, but I just seen one of the girls I’ve been waiting to talk to for a long time, just switched status to “single” 5 hours ago. I love taking pictures and then tagging people in the pictures when I catch at there worst, but they end up un-tagging themselves eventually. I’m really addicted to the “Like” button. When click on that button you receive a notification every time someone leaves a comment on the picture or status update.

The real reason why I can’t reduce my time on Facebook is because all of the application request I have accepted and must constantly keep track of. I have people constantly trying to jack me for my goods in my Mafia Wars App. I have to keep track of all my animals in Farmville, and I’m always trying to level up my hero abilities. I wish I could take a break, but I’m always getting challenged in scrabble, tetris, beer pong, and poker. I can never say no to all the cause invitations every 4 hours, because I want to be a supporter of all the great causes taking place during my time. Everyday I do a quiz to see how well I know my friends, then to see what Disney Song best fits me, and then I end the night by seeing which female friend will be my secret crush.

Every time I receive a new friend request it is only right that suggest my new friend to all my other friends. I add some really great people and I feel that all my friends should have the opportunity to meet these great people I met online. I know I can call and text my friends but I rather use Facebook chat because it makes a cool popping noise every time you receive a message.

Every time I try to sign off Facebook, one of my friends says something funny and I just have to comment. I will lose sleep at night because I will never back down from a game challenge. I can never pass on the days where 87 people are on the Facebook chat, because it is a Party for my fingers! How do I tell Facebook no?

Dear Life pt.1 (Twitter Addiction)

The Time is 4:32 PM and it is currently 97 degrees in my Part Arizona on September 18, 2009. I’m sitting in basketball shorts and wearing my Summer League Basketball T-Shirt from 1999, while cooking Steak, Rigatoni, & Portobello Mushrooms. My mind began to become pregnant and I decided to compose a small letter to Life today. Here is a small excerpt from the letter. In the next couple of days you’ll see each passage of this 3 part letter regarding my internet addiction....ENJOY!

September 18, 2009

Dear Life,

It is Me, Myself, and My Mind writing to you today because I have a few questions for you regarding these addictions I have. Rather it is my phone or my laptop I am constantly on the Internet, and when I’m not on the internet, I can’t wait to get on the internet. It has become the new millenniums crack cocaine. I’ve been injected with some many tweets I’m constantly telling people my every movement, location, who I’m with, what I’m eating , etc.

WakeUpMrBess Right Foot, Left Foot, Right Foot, Left Foot…….I am now in the Kitchen

WakeUpMrBess I am currently in my car driving with left hand on the wheel while tweeting

WakeUpMrBess I have arrived at Jack in the Box. What Should I eat?

WakeUpMrBess I should have never ate the Tacos…..#2 in progress…Sorry toilet bowl

I get so excited when I get a new follower. I must always send them a personal message letting them know I appreciate them following me, and I must let them know about http://www.wakeupmrbess.blogspot.com/. I’m sending @replies at people I don’t even know and Re-Tweeting other peoples quotes on a regular basis. I can’t sleep well at Night If I don’t tell all my followers Good Night before I sleep, and Good Morning when I wake up. I lose sleep at night because I stay up thinking of statements that will get the most @Replies, LoL, & HAHAHA’s! It’s so addicting Mistah Fab made a song about twitter(Music video below).

I didn’t want to become addicted, but now I crave twitter everyday. How do I reduce my cravings? Must I go to rehab for twitter? Is there a patch of some sort I can wear?