One To Watch: Blackwell

Hailing from Ohia, USA, aspiring Hip Hop artist Blackwell has released the ‘Un4givable’ EP through independent label, Alamo Records. Tracks taken from the EP include the remix of ‘I’m Ya Puppet’ originally sang by James & Bobby Purify. Blackwell flows exceptional well on this track, and delivers a smooth musical persona throughout the classic masterpiece. The title track ‘Un4givable’ was produced by Mister KA and C-DOC from Chuck D’s label Slam Jamz Records, of Public Enemy.

Representing a musical gift that was influenced from family genes, Blackwell is the great nephew of Otis Blackwell who wrote for Elvis Presley. Having continued to develop his musical craft over the last 15 years, credits include supporting established artists across the US and features on a promotional CD conducted for the Safety Kids Organisation which raises social awareness to youths nationwide.

1. When did your musical aspirations start and how did you begin to pursue them?

I was listening to the record from the Sugarhill Gang, “Rapper’s Delight”, when I was young and the mix of R&B and Rap really grabbed my attention and I could relate to the song’s theme. Right there I wanted to create music like that and rhymes like that that appealed to everyone.

2. Where do your musical inspirations come from?

I have listen to a lot of Stevie wonder I love the keyboard arrangement, a lot of old school hip hop like Rakim, 3rd Bass, Public Enemy, Heavy D and The Boyz, and how they got a message across without all the cursing, bragging, and not downgrading women.

3. How would you describe your music?

A mix of R&B and Hip Hop and present a lyrical content dealing with issues everyone has neither experienced or can relate to.

4. What projects have you been working on?

Currently releasing a mix tape late January titled, “Unleashed”, which features myself and a gang of new upcoming artist, my next CD, “Therapy” comes out May 27th this year, and working with a new female hip hop mc Lil Dynomite that comes out this summer.

5. How have you been promoting your projects?

The web helps a lot I been using Myspace, backpage.com, craigslist.com, postaroo.com, plus I’m on amazon.com, emusic.com, local music magazines placing ads, and hitting tons of open mic nights.

6. What projects/collaborations have already been released?

Recently released my latest CD “Un4givable”, which is available on amazon.com and sunsetmusicstore.com, and features soundclick.com #1 beat maker Mister KA and from the rap group The Impossebulls producer C-DOC (who are signed to Slam Jamz Records which is Chuck D. of Public Enemy’s label).

7. What’s been your biggest musical achievement to date?

That I had the opportunity to open for Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Kanye West, Ghostface Killah, and record with Dave Matthews, and finally signed to a label.

8. What’s on the musical agenda for 2008?

Both my new CDs, working on releasing my book, “Therapy”, named after my next CD which tells about my growing up trying to get in the business, releasing a new CD from a new female mc Lil Dynomite this summer I produced, and a mix tape in January that showcases new talent from around the world.

Upcoming shows include:

Jan. 18th at Café 4 U in Ohio at 7pm for Open Mic Night,
Jan. 27th at the Quicken Loans Arena opening for Chris Brown, show starts at 7pm
Feb. 14th at the Yeowza Resort in Dundee, Ohio, show starts at 8pm and $5 admission

For further information and updates on Blackwell please check out his webpage at www.myspace.com/thanyceone612

Interview by: Nina Carmela