brandUn Deshay Interview

Coming from the city of great musicians such as Common, Fallout Boy, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Alkaline Trio, Nat "King" Cole - could go on forever - comes progressive hip-hop artist BrandUn Deshay. We have been following x chatting with this cat for the last year and 1/2, and watching his progression as an artist is simply amazing. We had the chance to catch up with Deshay while he is between a busy tour schedule - who was once dubbed "the next big thing out of the Chi since Lupe x Kanye." I'm telling you world...dude is truth.

TTV: Yoo, Mr. DeShay, thanks again for taking the time out and letting us catch up with you.

BrandUn DeShay: "Whaddown Phillip. Its def mutual."

TTV: So for those who don't know, where are you from - and how has your geographic location influenced your musical aspirations.

BrandUn Deshay: "Im from the westside Chi. Home of Lupe Fiasco, but I can't say it influenced my music at all. I'm really too stubborn for that haha."

TTV: When we first heard a track from you a little over a year ago, it was in an editorial review of Vol. 1! - For the Money that quoted something like "BrandUn DeShay - the next best thing out of the Chi since Ye' x Lupe." No pressure or anything haha, but how does that make you feel?

BrandUn Deshay: "That’s incred. I love both of those artists, and I feel I'm more than capable of holdin' down the title."

TTV: How would you describe your sound?

BrandUn Deshay: "Its me, its Hip-Hop, its Indie Rock, its Classic Rock, its Jazz, its Electronic, its Video Game. I could go on forever.."

TTV: How did music come about for you?

BrandUn Deshay: "It jus kinda bit me really. I wasn't into music til '07 really. I jus wanted a normal life. Rich, but norma haha. God really set this path for me and it was too temptin' to turn down."

TTV: Who are your influences in the music world?

BrandUn Deshay: "Anything great, any genre, any art-form, anything that catches my heart. Nature. television. my friends, emotions, whatever."

TTV: Now for those who are up on you, you are very versatile when it comes to your sound - The Grizzly Bear track x Livin' Life are a daily jam over here - what plays a part in your growth as a progressive artist?

BrandUn Deshay: "I watch what the greats are doin' and study the blueprint, then adjust to my own taste. I mean, Christians follow Christ, Musicians follow Music. Whoever is doin' it right. Also, stayin' in touch with the pure me. Stayin' child-like as far as imagination and possibilities go."

TTV: With Hip-Hop progressing more and more by the day, I think it's safe to say that most artists and fans don't define music in genres as much anymore due to the well-roundedness artists bring to the table now-days. What do you think of that, and where do you hope to see the collection of genres in the music community in the future.

BrandUn Deshay: "I agree. Theres def. an Indie Hip-Hop genre, a Rock Hop genre, what have you. Its grown', but we’ll always have labels/comparisons. I jus wanna see more variety in the mainstream someday cuz its not fair how people are getting short changed from great music cuz its not “radio-friendly.” Mark my words, satellite radio WILL be the future. Underground won't exist anymore because of it."

TTV: Top 10 MC's x Producers

BrandUn Deshay: "right now: Lil B, Kanye, Lupe, Lex Luger, Rick Ross, brandUn DeShay, J Cole, Drake, Boi1da, Surf Club, Diggy Simmons and that’s more than 10 lol"

TTV: We caught the recent Lupe Fiasco - I'm Beamin' remix you produced - beyond dope - do you only produce beats for your work, or are you infiltrating the game as a producer as well?

BrandUn Deshay: "I produce for myself, of course. Most of my songs I did the beat for. More than anything tho, I wanna come in as a producer jus cuz thats what got me HERE, what made me fall in love wit bein' an artist."

TTV: You always seem to have some dope collabs - Dom Kennedy, TiRon, Casey Veggies, Charles Hamilton x QuEsT to name a few, - who can we expect to see on the next drop?

BrandUn Deshay: "Jus Rockie Fresh and Snoop Dogg’s DJ BatteCat cuz im doin' projects wit them both. I'm really kinda fallin' back, working' on an iTunes release, and jus becoming a better producer for now. Doin' shows and all that too. I did enough music as a rapper for now."

TTV: On "Volume: Three! To Get Ready!" it is more then obvious you put in overtime on the album, and seems like you are verbally letting the world know that you are the truth, especially to those who may consider you as an underdog. What was your mindset going into the studio, expectations for the album prior to it dropping, and overall attitude towards all the praise and dope feedback from this album?

BrandUn Deshay: "I jus wanted to create a polished, all-around great project cuz I KNEW I wasn't going to be doin' another one for a long time. I loved the final product. It was exactly what I wanted as far as direction goes. The feedback has been great, and I love how its one of those long lasting projects. Imma be able to sit on this for awhile and still gain listeners."

TTV: When can we expect another drop? And what can we expect from it?

BrandUn Deshay: "Im doin' a project wit Rockie Fresh out in the Chii, my home, his home. Comin' in October likely and that’s it really. Like I said, imma be laying' low on the rap tip for a bit. Jus doin' shows and playin' missionary."

TTV: Any upcoming tours on the list?

BrandUn Deshay: "Nothin' official but NY, DC, Toronto, and ATL are on the radar for this year."

TTV: Any shout outs x artists, producers x MC's we should have on our radar?

BrandUn Deshay: "Shout out to Rockie Fresh, we goon' REALLY fxck up the game wit our project. Shout out to my manager Dom and my mentor Chris Cuben for pointin' me in the right direction, and the TTV Crew. I promise things are bout to be BIGGER from here on out. God is great."

Interview by Phillip H.

PH

Stay True

Visit BrandUn Deshay at:

brandundeshay.com

brandUn Deshay on Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube x Bandcamp.

Local Artist Interview: Jamil Kelley

As Dallas' underground hip-hop scene ventures through a arduous, but slow flourishing journey to break into the masses comes a promising x upcoming artist by the name of Jamil Kelley to help put the lyrics back in Dallas hip-hop. Kelley just isn't your typical "Dallas" hip-hop artist, as this Philosophy student fills his tracks with conceptual lyrics x versatile production for listeners show why he is a legitimate, progressive artist on the scene.

TTV: Jamil my man, thanks for linking up with TTV today.

Jamil Kelley: "No problem guys, It’s my pleasure."

TTV: So take us inside the mind a Jamil Kelley; where do you get your passion and vision not only as an artist, but for hip-hop?

Jamil Kelley: "Wow, I’m afraid if I take you guys inside you won’t be able to find your way out.. I’m such a labyrinth of sorts, I’m still discovering myself everyday. Each second presents a new moment to experience what it is to be ME. I think I get my vision from the dreams I’ve gathered as a kid. I always knew I had something to share with so many people.. I just didn’t know what it was.. I think my passion arrives from that same point as well.. Humans inspire me to progress.. I see where we are as a people, and I want better for us."

TTV: Listening to your latest tape "Flomogenic," what was your view for the album? What do you want listeners to take from it?

Jamil Kelley: "I want listeners to gather an experience from it. Something intangible they can take away from it.. I feel that’s where a lot of new music is lacking these days… real feeling.. I knew it was only my first studio project, but I expect much out of myself and striking the cavities of each persons mind and soul (if possible) when they hear the music is important to me."

TTV: You are extremely versatile, and definitely fit in the genre of "Progressive" hip-hop. Now we don't like genres or categories at all here, but how would you describe your sound?

Jamil Kelley: "I think my sound is purely cinematic. I try to tell stories with my lyrics and finding the right atmospheric tune and sound is an important asset. Im definitely hip hop influenced. All the emotion is soul and hip hop derived, but the sounds are as chaotic as a Bjork record as well."

TTV: I was blasting your "Flomogenic" tape in the car the other day, and my buddy said you had a "Mickey Factz appeal, but with more soul." How do you feel about comparisons in today's hip-hop game, when artists strive to break themselves from a certain mold.

Jamil Kelley: "Word? Mickey Factz? I can dig that lol.. I enjoy a lot of Factz’ records.. I think comparisons only serve to disadvantage the artist, but they are there to serve a purpose in the masses consciousness so they have a frame of reference to describe what they’re hearing.. I can understand that.. I try to extract different emotions and vibes from a slew of people, man.. Nas, Chuck D, Bjork, the feeling of MJ, Andre 3stacks.. All these artists are responsible for incorporating themselves in my sound.. I can only hope to do them justice."

TTV: Who, and what are you influences when it comes to music?

Jamil Kelley: "Michael of course… Nas, the vocal range of Bobby McFerrin, Flying Lotus, Madlib, Lupe, Bjork, Saul Williams, and a thousand more I’m probably leaving out by accident."

TTV: I notice you are a very artistic cat when it comes to the visuals. Would you say if you weren't an MC, you would be involved in something along the lines of artwork?

Jamil Kelley: "Absolutely, I originally went to school for filmmaking until I realized it would’ve been best If I went to a trade school for it instead. Now I study philosophy as a major, but I definitely feel applying visuals to a project is incredibly important. You want your audience to gauge as much as they can from an art project. It cant be half-assed thrown together and called art, which is how I feel most mixtapes are these days. You want your listener or viewer to have an overall experience drawn from the project. That what separates the mediocre to good projects from the great ones."

TTV: In Dallas, it's hard to find artists who aren't all about the "trap rap." How would you like to see the hip-hop scene in Dallas progress?

Jamil Kelley: "I want it to progress to a level where when someone outside of Dallas mentions the Hip Hop scene in Dallas, they can talk respectively about it. That’s what I feel Im set out to do. Its always been a goal of mine since I set out to rap a year ago. My dreams haven’t failed me yet. There are so many great artists out there in the metroplex, that it’s criminal most of the hype blogs don’t give them much exposure."

TTV: You definitely seem to take pride when it comes to the verbals, how do you think that separates you from other artists in the Dallas area?

Jamil Kelley: "To be honest, listen to my record “21years” or “Democrazy” and compare it to everything you’ve heard this city produce in the way of Lyrical Hip Hop in the past 5 years. I think those songs speak words I wouldn’t be able to convey to you right now.. They speak loudly for themselves. I know how dope the emcees are around here.. Im collabing with one as we speak for Neo.Tokyo and he’s ridiculously sick, but I wouldn’t call myself an emcee if I didn’t feel completely confident in my ability to rap."

TTV: Top 10 MC's x Producers

Jamil Kelley: "J.Cole is an awesome rapper and producer, Kanye, Black Milk, Madlib/Quasimoto, Jay Electronica, Flying Lotus, Lupe Fiasco, Saul Williams, Jay-Z is obligatory these days, and Nasir Jones - the greatest ever in my opinion."

TTV: Top 5 Movies

Jamil Kelley: "2001: A Space Odyssey, City of God, Children of Men, The Matrix and Akira."

TTV: I got to catch you're performance at the Kinetic Exhibit opening reception this past week - very dope my man. Any other upcoming shows in the area?

Jamil Kelley: "Yea, I have a few shows Im attempting to schedule in the Denton area, so you’ll more than likely be able to come out. I'm looking at Dans Silverleaf and The Garage right now, and in Dallas I'm still looking to perform at The Prophet Bar and other venues as well."

TTV: Neo Tokyo is your next release. When do you plan for its drop, and what makes this album different from your previous release "Flomogenic?" What was the overall vision for the conceptual trailer for it?

Jamil Kelley: "Neo Tokyo is looking to drop in October. It differentiates from Flomo in that you can expect more rhymes, lengthier songs, and incredible production. Not that Flomo didn’t have great production, but once again, I want it to be an experience for every listener that takes a chance on it. The vision for the trailer came from some Stanley Kubrick films. I wanted to build the tension with little to no dialogue from myself. I wanted people to read the words and take in the visuals simultaneously. Its about destruction and re-birth. 'Neo Tokyo' as a project will be more visual and innovative than Flomogenic. More art and I’m also writing a story separate from the EP that will present an all new experience for the people listenig to the product."

TTV: What is the one thing in your day-today-day life you can't go without?

Jamil Kelley: "Wow, man… I really don’t think I could go a day without the internet. I’ve made so many connections online that I probably wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it weren’t for it. Technology truly is amazing these days, and it’ll only improve and become more integrated in society as we evolve onward."

TTV: When and where do you find yourself doing your best work?

Jamil Kelley: " That’s a tough question.. I could see myself in about 3 or 4 years shelving out some incredible material. At least by then I feel I‘ll have the resources necessary to do the full-scale projects I envision. Its always about progress, I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could progress to plateaus I’d never imagine myself being at. I see myself growing everyday."

TTV: Lyrics, or a beat?

Jamil Kelley: "Well I think they both have to compliment each other, it all depends on what you’re looking for, but to me, an excellent piece of work balances both successfully. Excellent lyrics and great production - example: Nas- 2nd Childhood or Lifes a Bitch."

TTV: My man, and fellow Mean Green Eagle - surprised I haven't run into around campus yet brotha - thanks for talking with me. Any shout-outs, or people on your radar we should be on the look for?

Jamil Kelley: "I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities to run into each other this semester. Be on the lookout for Poetic Justice on the UNT campus, as well as Servivor Series Label Group, -Topic, J Dub the Visionary, Electric Sea Spider and our collab EP dropping on August 31st, Loyal KNG and Matrimoney Clothing, and much love to the The Tunnelvision Crew, peace."

Interview by - Phillip H.

PH

Stay True

Bandcamp: Jamil Kelley
Jamil Kelley on Facebook; Myspace; Twitter.

Matrimoney Clothing x TTV Interview

We got a chance to catch up with Will x Geoff of local Dallas brand Matrimoney Clothing, and if you don't know what Matrimoney Clothing is...get familiar. Simply taking over Dallas one day at a time, as well as other cities around the nation; Matrimoney Clothing is on the grind infiltrating the fashion world and becoming a legitimate brand in the streetwear game before our eyes.

1. TTV: Yoo, what up Will & Geoff. Thanks for taking the time out to have a word. So for people who don't know, Who, and what is Matrimoney Clothing all about?

Will x Geoff: "Basically Matrimoney Consists of 2 all around grinders. Everything you see - blogs, website posts, shows, events - if it says Matrimoney...Geoff & I did it. Matrimoney means: 'Married to the Money.'"

2. TTV: What has been your approach to design?

Will x Geoff: "Clean and Simple, while still achieving our streetwear appeal."

3. TTV: So I understand Curren$y reps Matrimoney on the reg., how did you guys link up together?

Will x Geoff: "Met Spitta while we were in 10th grade, we were sponsors for a fashion show he was performing at. The guys who were throwing the show took him around the city to shop, stopped by Centre were he initially saw our tees. The guys contacted us before the show, met him at the hotel..been all love ever since."

4. TTV: Being on the grind for around 3-4 years with the brand, how does it feel to see it's growth? Not only within Dallas, but other markets around the U.S. as well, and where do you hope to see the brand in the coming future?

Will x Geoff: "It's amazing mos def starting to notice; you can make what ever you want happen. Our goal is to take over Local>Regional>National>International."

5. TTV: Besides tees, what else does Matrimoney produce (fitteds, accessories, etc.)

Will x Geoff: "We have a total of 5 snapbacks to date, Matrimoney "Kennedys" our sunglasses, which are available in White, Black, Brown, and Tortoise."

6. TTV: Now I gotta ask, I've seen a lot of 2012 stuff on your twitter - superstition, or legitimate truth in your eye?

Will x Geoff: "Superstition Definitely not! Everything is based off pure facts: 1859 solar flares burned out power from Europe to North America, 1989 Solar Flares left Quebec, Canada w.o power for over 9hrs x NASA released a statement stating that a 2012 solar flare would leave THE WORLD powerless (energy) for at least 7yrs. I cant say that is what will happen however, rather be prepared."

7. TTV: Top 5 Artists

Will x Geoff: "Hova, Wiz, Wayne, J. Cole x Ross."

8. TTV: Any Matrimoney x ??? collabs in the works?

Will x Geoff: "Yes, currently actually."

9. TTV: The weather isn't cooling off out here in Dallas anytime soon, but is there a Fall 2011 collection in the works, and if so, what can we expect from it?

Will x Geoff: "Crewneck sweaters, hoodies, hats, as well as tees and more accessories."

10. TTV: Where can people cop Matrimoney Clothing?

Will x Geoff: "Matrimoney Is available to Dallas locals @ Centre in Mockingbird Station, as well as Adikt in West Village."

11. TTV: What, or who are some inspirations to the Matrimoney crew? (Brands, artists, MC's, family, etc.) and why?

Will x Geoff: "Can't really name just one person, because there are tons of great people. Just really anyone who is grinding, not really following everyone else, but someone who is paving their own way."

Cop Matrimoney at:

Matrimoneyclothing.com

Gotocentre.com (Dallas Tx, West, Village)

Adiktfootwear.com (Dallas, Tx - West Village)

Interview by - Phillip H.

PH

Stay True

Big Sean @ Trees Hosted by Matrimoney, Centre, x Scoremore | 9.25.2010 |Trees | 2907 Elm Street | Dallas, Texas

Matrimoney Clothing, Centre x Scoremore are also hosting a dope show by bringing Big Sean to Dallas with artists including: Mickey Factz, Freesol; local artists Kevin Jack, Multi ID, Lil Tony x Androppolis. Tickets on-sale at Scoremore x Centre.

Also, Centre is hosting a meet x greet for ticket holders before the show at 5pm in-store. So drop by, say what to Big Sean, cop some Matrimoney, and enjoy life.

The Tunnelvision (TTV) x Bessi By Carlos Zuniga Interview

One word...Bessi, get familiar with it, because you will be hearing a lot about Dallas based footwear designer x founder of Bessi and Co. Carlos Zuniga along with the rest of the Bessi crew in the coming months. I had the chance to meet and catch up with Carlos Zuniga and Nam Vo - manager of operations - of Bessi and Co., which is a new, up-in-coming footwear brand that will be sure to have you hype. Carlos Zuniga isn't only a jetsetter, but also a dope ass designer who made something from nothing and is living his dream his way. After being tossed suggestions on how and what to do with his fashion vision, Carlos followed his heart and did it his way - because in the end its all about YOU. With shoe designs that not only express casual/urban chic, but also class and elegance, Carlos plans to take the fashion market by storm and hit the world with something refreshing. We all know how "trend kicks" are one and done with the bright colors, and insane themes, but Carlos is taking a more straight-forwarded, sleek, urban, casual approach to his designs with an emphasis on the quality, textures, accents and fabrics of his products, which issues not only an everyday shoe for the fly to rock, but also something for the nights to make you feel confident and clean.

TTV: "How did Bessi start and what inspired you to start, as well as some history of the Bessi Crew?"

Carlos: "After traveling quite a bit around the world, Italy in particular, I realized how passionate they were with footwear. I later returned to Miami to design furniture for some time. I enjoyed designing furniture, but footwear design was my true passion. You might think it's weird, but I always catch myself looking at people's shoes before even looking at their face. I think I'm pretty good at judging someone's personality based on their shoes alone haha. To take it even further back, when I was around 7 I would go to sleep with my new kicks on refusing to take them off - thanks Mom for always providing me with some fresh kicks hahaha. But yea, fast forwarding to 2008, I decided to launch my own company after not being able to land a job in the fashion industry. You don't want to give me a job? Ok, I'll make my own job, and here I am. "

TTV: " What and who are your inspirations when it comes to designing?"

Carlos: "I get my inspiration from a combination of architecture and different personalities. For example, a lot of my ladies shoes look like towering structures - 5" inch heels haha.
I like to design based on the personalities of people I've met around the world, or someone who has left a lasting impression on me. The new "JD" shoe is inspired by my girlfriend's brother. The kid knows how to dress and I envisioned something I knew he'd rock - I was right."
TTV: "How does Bessi differ from other brands?"

Carlos: "My footwear is as edgy as it is classy - especially my women's shoes. Real edgy and you have to be the right girl to wear them."

TTV: "How did you get the name 'Bessi,' and what does it mean?"

Carlos: "Bessi is my Mother's name, my greatest inspiration for her amazing work ethic."

TTV: "What matters most to you when it comes to designing footwear?"

Carlos: "Honing in on my creative abilities and I truly enjoy the creative process, it's a rewarding hobby."

TTV: "How much time does your company spend on quality and creativity put into your
product, as well as the design process?"

Carlos: "The creative process can take months. It can take months to perfect a collection worth launching, but some ideas take a second and then you build them from there. I think the most as I'm falling asleep. I've had moments were I jump out of bed to sketch something. The development process takes some time having to work hand in hand with the factory, etc."

TTV: "How would you define the style Bessi exudes."

Carlos: "Class, Sexy, Urban, Edgy, fashion forward, Minimal."

TTV: "Any specific color schemes or themes for the latest line of Bessi?"

Carlos: " I don't play around with too many crazy colors. I'm more concerned about the texture, materials, and structure. "

TTV: "When you think of Dallas and Bessi, what and how do you see it changing the urban/city culture in our city, as well as other qualities Bessi would bring to Dallas and other markets?"

Carlos: "I think I bring a taste of class using minimalism for my men's sneakers. It's not necessary to design a bright orange sneaker to make it stand out from the rest. I prefer to use exotic skins and add a special element to the sneaker that is subtle yet outstanding. My "JD" design has embossed python with a zipper detail."

TTV: " Where and when can buyers cop Bessi in Dallas and other cities?"

Carlos: " Soon, anyone in the U.S will be able to purchase Bessi by Carlos Zuniga shoes online. Check the site for updates. www.bessibycarloszuniga.com "

TTV: "Do you plan on branching out to other aspects of fashion ( tees, jeans, etc.)"

Carlos: "Footwear is my passion."

TTV: "How do you see Bessi evolving in the future?"

Carlos: "I hope it goes global. I've been to cities like Shanghai and Hong Kong, and I love their style. I know they would wear Bessi out there also and it's just a matter of time."

TTV: " Any musical or other artistic inspiration within the creativity of Bessi?"

Carlos: "Great question! Another passion of mine is music! Hip Hop to be specific. I usually listen to Kanye, Weezy, Drake, or Lupe to get some inspiration, or MOTIVATION!
But I also like Lounge or Electronic music - depending on my mood."

TTV: "Top 10 artist (musicians, painters, designers etc.) you dig?"

Carlos:
" 1. Kanye West
2. Lil Wayne
3. Lupe Fiasco
4. Gotan Project
5. Issey Miyake
6. Alejandro Ingelmo
7. Giuseppe Zanotti
8. Jay Z
9. Drake
10. Myself haha. "

TTV: "Does Bessi have any showings/events coming up?"

Carlos: "Yea, I can't tell you yet haha, but I can say I have some in Dallas, Miami, and New York."

TTV: "What do you want people to understand from Bessi and the overall company image?"

Carlos: "Hey all of this comes from the heart, I'm passionate about it, I do what I love and I hope all of you are doing the same."

TTV: "Any motto the Bessi crew lives by?"

Carlos: "Along this journey, many people have come to me suggesting what or how I should design. ' You should do this, do that,' " At the end of the day, it's all about being true to yourself and what YOU feel is right."
The day I stopped listening to others about how or what I should design is when I began receiving requests for fashion editorials and the ball really began rolling."

Bessi by Carlos Zuniga carries mens and women's kicks and will be avaiable online, as well as local/select stores around the U.S. soon. You can check Bessi and Co. website for updates on events and cop Bessi by Carlos Zuniga here.

PH

Stay True

Bessi by Carlos Zuniga | Bessi and Co. | Bessi by Carlos Zuniga Facebook | Follow Bessi and Co. on Twitter

Dom Kennedy x "From the Westside w/ Love"

I'm extremely late with is, but the homie Dom Kennedy dropped a new tape late March entitled "From The Westside with Love". The new album is geared towards you...the fans; nothing but love and positivity in Dom's own form for you to get inspired from. Check the interview and download the mixtape here:
Dom Kennedy Talks From West Side W/ Love from Decatur Dan on Vimeo.
Album Artwork: