INTERVIEW QUESTIONS WITH MYKESTRO VOL. 42
How long have you been working in music?
What career accomplishments make you most proud?
I didn’t cut corners. I did the demos. I earned my following the hard way. Me and Terrance in his garage in 1999. Hundreds of shows for free. Me and Glasses renting venues and packing em out. Hundreds of features for free giving my best efforts if I did a verse for Snoop or an up and coming artist. if I was on stage opening or the name on the marquee if always added value to anything I’ve been involved in. Bad mics, janky house systems, pay to play gigs, talent contest to open for summer Jam, spending my own money pressing whiltw labels to service DJ pools, sitting outside mizner meetings with my vinyl trying to make a way for myself radio drops in song format. Dorsey Fuller and Tawala Sharp both formally of 100.3 the beat both did a lot for me in my early stages allowing me to visit the station as often as i like just being there came with lots of opportunity. All experiences that molded some of who I am today.
Looking back at the bodies of work I’ve created with minimal assistance outside of production, no machine, no financial backing .. I’ve written, recorded, arranged/sequenced every album / mixtape / Ep I’ve released since I started. I’ve handpicked every beat, constructed every song. Picked every featured guest by every skit. I didn’t waiver with the tide or chase anyone’s sound. I own my identity. I put the work in. I haven’t and wont compromise the integrity of the product I put in the public. I’m proud that I’ve have remained myself thru it all.
What are your greatest weaknesses?
Tell us about a difficult situation in your life and how you overcame it?
Do you play any live instruments?
Describe your family members musical interests and abilities?
Who was your first inspiration in music?
Kriss Kross as a kid.. Then as I became serious in pursuit of it all ,Kyrot quickly became my favorite MC during the wake up show days where he would rap 10 mins straight felt like back then. We used hurt and find something to tape over so we could record it. S/o to the Legend Kurupt the Kingpin.
Have you ever made a mistake onstage while performing?
Do you still get nervous before performing or any competitions or anything?
What advice would you give someone who’s just getting started in the music industry
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
We know that your daughter has had multiple surgeries how is she doing now?
She is doing Good. She just turned 2 yesterday.
What measures have you taken with your daughter in order for her to have a healthy recovery?
I Love London with everything I have. Everyday. I encourage her daily, going above and beyond to keep her in good spirits and I’m there for everyday thru the good times and the bad. She has multiple therapies a week as well a daily regimen of 15 plus medications outside of her scheduled feedings via Gtube. We pray for Gods will to be, we pray for strength, patience and the poise to persevere thru it all. We believe our prayers are being answered and we move fwd daily thru all that comes with. Some days are extremely overwhelming. We navigate the best we can to be ok so we can be who need to be as parents. Complete team effort with London.
What changes have you had to make since her surgeries?
Our lives have changed in such dramatic fashion you could do a separate article on that alone. It’s a Ton.
How do you balance your music with other obligations? I’m a Father b4 any of the music stuff. I’ve occasionally missed a night of work or 2 at the gig in pursuit of my goals with music. I record at home, I have for over 15 years, and i record myself and mix. That eliminates me having to be in someone’s studio on their watch or at mercy of studio hours. I shoot vids when I can. Some times on Lunch break at 3am… Ask Dah Dah he will vouch. Whatever it takes. I do try to take some time out to dedicate to what I love doing. It’s hard when it’s not paying any bills or supplying and means to feed your family. I have to make a decision daily when I get in from watching London, Eat, Sleep, Record, Watch the Game etc. Trying make the most of my 24 hours.. 16-20 of it goes to work and being a Father. I sleep at 3am on my Lunch and may get a lil rest somewhere thru the day. Not often tho.
What do we have to look forward to on your next or current project?
Perspective. Poise. Perseverance. Pain. Experience. Adversity. Ambiance. A1 production across the board decorated with Vocal arrangements that grab your attention and keeps your locked in for the duration of the album.
Where can we find your most current music?
I Have 2 singles out “Rents Due” and “Don’t Be late” available on all steaming services. There is also my Debut solo Album titled “King Arthur” available everywhere u can stream music and a collaborative Album with Compton Barsmith Columbo Black titled the “BARtenders” – Pocket Check where you can hear some of the most dynamic word for word exchanges ever created. Our 3 offering to the game. ( the other tapes and all my bodies of work you can find at www.skillzstillappeal.com & www.skillzstillappeal.bandcamp.com
if there is anything that we have not asked please feel free to fill us in and that will all be included in this interview for this issue featuring your brother we thank you so much for your time your energy your efforts and I look forward to sending you over a copy of the issue thank you so much. Sharon Perrin, CEO
