Artist Background: Alski is the CEO and Executive producer of Soul Gemz Entertainment. Soul Gemz Entertainment is quickly building a reputation as a record label that has a new sound and feel.
The labels first single Bout That Money was released June 2015 has been heard nationwide and abroad. Alski has been on the rap scene for some time, his roots go back to working with the Legendary Sample Kings( Busta Rhymes, DJ Premier) in the late nineties.
After a record deal snafu, He took a hiatus from the Industry. Returning In 2014 with his own label and publishing Co Alski has worked with Funk Flex, Producer Toni Jacques{ Hopsin, Dizzy Wright and Producer, M Stacks ( Wiz Khalifia, Bun B) and DJ Young Cee.
1) Talk to me about the making of your latest project. What was the inspiration behind it?
I was looking for a track to make a statement and My Producer Toni Jacques brought the track to me and I was instantly interested, I went in the studio and it just flowed, I wrote the verses and my dude June B. came in and sang on it. After hearing it back in the studio, I knew it was banging!
2) With the music industry tanking and record sales falling, how do you currently make money as an independent hip-hop artist?
Artist have to be creative today, we are doing live shows and we also offer fans the opportunity to purchase tee shirts, Hats, Bags with the labels logo or some other sayings.
3) From a business point of view, which artists in the game do you think are really pushing the boundaries and changing it up?
Currently Im really impressed with some of the newer voices in Rap such as Young MA because she is Unique. Ninoman, also is a new rapper , I think he is dope . while rapper A Boogie is good as well.
4) What business lessons have you learnt from the music industry so far?
I have always remembered what I was told coming into this industry. Show business in 90% business and 10% show. Meaning handle your business.
5) What do you love about hip-hop music?
Hip hop has the ability to bring nationalities together, I remember being in Germany years ago and the German kids didn’t know much English, but they was going crazy for American Hip Hop, the music is universal.
6) What still surprises you about hip-hop?
Hip hop surprises me daily, How rappers are developing new flows and hooks. Its great.
7) If you had the power to change one thing about the hip-hop industry to help independent artists – what would it be?
I would change the radio format, allowing independents artists on major radio stations instead of the rigid format most stations currently adhere to.
8) Who do you think are top 3 rappers doing it at the moment?
In terms of popularity and sales Currently my top three would be Drake, Future and Jay Z.
9) So what are your plans for the future?
I plan on changing the game by making myself a household name with dope music, videos while continuing to develop new artists Such as YG Musa and King Asar.
