“No Time For Clowin’ Around” - Basswood Lane (Carnival Beats) INTERVIEW
“No Time For Clowin’ Around” - Basswood Lane (Carnival Beats) Interview By: Mike Recka
Basswood Lane - Ciabatta Bread
myspace: www.myspace.com/basswoodlane
TXRap: The name “Carnival Beats” ring bells all across the country, especially
after producing such hits as “Still Tippin,” “Back Then,” & most
recently “My 6-4″ for Mike Jones. But the name Basswood Lane is still
virtually unknow outside of the Central Texas area even though you guys
have been puttin down in Austin, TX for a long time now. Introduce your
selves & explain exactly what u bring to the group for those that dont
know.
Ice B: We all have different styles. As far as myself, I’m the “deep
voice” that brings a versityle Texas style that nobodys ever done or
heard b4. I try not to copy anyone else. That’s what makes me so
different.
Razi: I go by Razi aka “OZ.” Razi is actually my middle name. I took the
1st letter in my 1st name, which is Omar & I took the “Z” in Razi &
putt’em together to make “OZ.” I from Bryan, TX but I came out to Austin
& met the other members of Basswood Lane, the realsest niggas I know. I
bring that spontanious, “neva know what’s gonna happen” presance to the
group…..plus I bring da hoes (laughs)
Tony Wayne: Its Tony Wayne, the Texas King Kong. What I bring to
Basswood Lane is RAW ASS ENERGY!
Jamie Lee: I’m Jaime Lee…I’m the leader of the group. I bring a
creative R&B side to the group.
What exactly does “Basswood Lane” stand for & how did the group come
together?
Ice B: “Basswood Lane” is a loyalty, family & hood thang. Its actually a
real street Jaime Lee & Tony Wayne we’re raised on by they’re grandma.
After we formed the group, we all stayed in that house for about a year
& a half recording songs everyday. That’s where all the insperation came
from.
TXRap: So how did the production deal with Carnival Beats come about?
Tony Wayne: Our buzz was gettin hot in Austin around the time “Still
Tippin” was blowin up & DJ Kurput introduced us to Salieh & the rest is
history.
TXRap: For those that don’t know, can u explain exactly what a “production”
deal is as opposed to an “artist” deal?
Ice B: Basically, our deal is structured to where we have free access to
tracks produced by Salieh & Tomar Williams which would normally run an
“outside” artist up to about $80,000. Our goal is to keep makin “hits”
so we can bring major label attention to both the The Basswood Lane &
Carnival Beats imprint so we can secure a label deal.
TXRap: In the past, there have been alotta artist who sign production deals to
established producers like how The Clipes were signed to The Neptunes.
The Clipes have been quoted as saying they always get “1st section” when
it come to Pharell’s beats. Is that the case with you guys when it comes
to Carnival Beats?
Jamie Lee: We don’t necccesary get “1st pick” but we always get the
beats we like.
TXRap: With all the success outside artists like Paul Wall & Mike Jones have
had by purchasing tracks from Carnival Beats, is there any pressure to
live up to the expectations of being backed by who some consider the
most talented production team in Texas?
Tony Wayne: There no pressure on me personally because I know what I’m
capable of doin & I know what my group is capable of doin. We are the
BEST group in Texas witta capitol “B!”
TXRap: Recently, you guy leaked a pretty hot record called “Ciabatta Bread”
produced by Tomar Williams of Carnival Beats. Was that supposed to be an
official single for an upcoming album or was that just something you
guys just threw out there to test the waters?
Jamie Lee: that was just something we put together real quick. We didn’t
even know Tomar was gonna push it like that.
TXRap: With Carnival Beats’ amazing track record, you would think local radio
stations such as 104.9fm & 93.3fm would be a little more willing to add
your records in regular rotation. Is that the case? And if not, what do
you think is stopping them from playin more local acts like yourself?
Jamie Lee: 1st of all, I gotta give up to DJ Grip because he does what
he can by playing us on his “Screw @ 2″ show on 104.9fm. I really can’t
speak on other DJ’s & radio stations because I don’t really know the
politcs of how the radio station works.
TXRap: Your mixtape presance in Texas has been pretty heavy lately, due to your
relationship with Austin DJ heavyweight DJ Grip & various appearances on
early Rapid Ric mixtapes. Are there any plans of releasing a nationwide
album anytime soon?
Razi: Look for a new Basswood Lane album early next year.
TXRap: Houston has been a hot bed for talent over the past few years, and just
recently, TumTum from the DSR camp has exploded on the scene puttin
Dallas on the map with a huge single & video in heavy rotation on both
MTV & BET. With that being said, do you feel like you guys are gonna
carry the torch for Austin & finally bring the “Cap-City” its share of
nationaly exposure? & Why?
Jamie Lee: Yes because we’ve done songs & performed with all the top Texas artists; for example we’re featured on DJ Grip & TumTum’s new mixtape called “Caprice Music.”
TXRap: Its a proven fact that when the hottest artists in each city band
together & collaborate its can turn out to be a pretty successfull
formula like the cats in ATL do. Are they’re any other artists in Austin
that you’ve already worked with or look forward to working with in the
near future.
Ice B: We’re well connected in Austin so we’ve pretty much worked with
everyone that doin anything out here already.
TXRap: In the November 17th 2006 issue of Austin’s #1 newpaper, The Austin
Chronicle, you guys we’re fortunate enough to grace the front cover
complete with a full article surrounding the new wave of Austin rappers
making noise in the Hip Hop scene. How did that feel & what impact has
that had your careers so far?
Jamie Lee: It was a blessing! It let more people know that Hip Hop is
ALIVE in Austin!
TXRap: Through out the history of “Hip Hop” there have been numerous groups
like Outkast, Wu-Tang, Geto Boys & various others that have branched off
to persue “solo” careers. Any talks of droppin any solo mixtape or
albums in the future or do you guys plan on ridin it out as Basswood
Lane till the wheels fall off?
Ice B: Of course we gonna branch off to to do solo projects to get more
money & more exposure but we’re always gonna be Basswood Lane.
TXRap: Now alotta people view Austin, TX as a “party town,” especially with all
the clubs & bars lined up along side the world famouse 6th St. With that
being said, do you care to share any interesting or funny “groupie”
stories?
Razi: We have a lot of groupies stories but I’ma leave that for the
Basswood DVD “Live From The Lane” when it drops so yall can SEE!
TXRap: A few year ago, MTV brought they’re hit relatiy show “The Real World” to
Austin for a whole season. On the 1st episode that aired, one of the
Real World roomates got his eye socket broke in drunken brawl downtown
on 6th st. Would you say thats a pretty accurate depiction of what
really goes down in Austin’s streets?
Tony Wayne: Uh….not really. Actaully its alotta worst than what you
seen on TV (laughs). So if you’re ever drunk on 6th St. make sure you
got yo click with you (laugh)
TXRap: Thanks for ya time guys. Any last words or shout-out b4 we wrap this
thing up?
Ice B: Shout-out to TxRap.com for doin yall thang. Shout-out to ATX &
all our niggas. And shout-out to all the ladies that keep callin us.
Razi: Yea I wanna say shout-out to my niggas in Bryan City & all my fam.
What up Killa B Ali! My lil brother & Angelica from Killeen. Its goin
down! Fuck with us! 07 is the hit number….you know what that is!
Tony Wayne: Shout-ut to the whole Central Texas movement. E-35, Gutta
Gang, Greencity, Mr. 512 aka Gerald Geezy & Bavu Blakes.
Jamie Lee: I wanna give a shout out to my momma & the whole Carnival
camp for believin in us. And aspecial shout out to all the fan that buy
our music.
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