Interview with Dj Poet Name Life

What's up tSwagg fans, check out this exclusive interview with DJ Poet Name Life made by Daniel Britos, from Argentina. Make sure to read this interview, it's very cool and exclusive for tSwagg

1. Where is the best crowd for a concert?

Manila, Philippines at CCP Center. The stadium was packed. The power even died but Will and Apl still kept on singing and the crowd caught on and sang the song for us.

2. Who is the first Pea that you met?Apl at 9th Grade at Marshall High School in Los Angeles, CA. First day of school and there were break dancers at the lawn. I decided to join them sinceI love breaking as well.

3. Who’s your role model?Manny Pacquiao. If he can do that in boxing, I can do that in music.

4. What is your first passion?I love painting. I’ve always wanted to be an artist expressing my imagination on paper. I like painting characters and fusing a lot of different things.

 DJ POET AND DANIEL BRITOS (2010)

5. What is your favorite book?

The Tao of Pooh. It’s a book about the philosophy of Winnie the Pooh. It shows the simplicity of life.

6. What are your community projects?I work a lot with teachers. I started a teacher scholarship fund. We fund teacher’s salaries. My grandmother was also a teacher and was one of my role models. She showed me the dedication and love of her craft.

7. How did you meet your fiancé Lucy McIntosh?I met her at a party right after we had a concert and I haven’t been in a relationship for awhile so I was cynical about meeting women. At first, I was even being mean to her. I asked her what she does for a living and she said, “I’m a model.” I seriously told her, “You can’t be a model.” She just laughed it off and didn’t get bothered by my comment. It was then I immediately realized this girl is for real.

8. How long have you been DJing and what inspired you to start?I’ve been a DJ since 1993.. When the movie “Juice” came out, I was like damn! I want to be a DJ!

9. What makes a good DJ?A good DJ must be able to adjust to the crowd situation as well as technical situations. A good DJ must have a diverse genre of music at his disposal and he should know his records.

10. What advice do you give to new DJs that are pursuing a successful career like yours that you wish you had received when starting out?Don’t trip on the money/business part when starting out, that willl only stop or slow you down. DJ’ing is an art and passion first off so you’ve got to pay your dues!

Poet

Original in http://daniielpeas.blackeyedpeas.com/blog/830069

Interview with Daniel D

What's up everybody! It's your favorite blog tSwagg bringing another fresh interview. This time give it up for Daniel D!! Yeah, the amazingly talented guy you've watched on Youtube playing Hip-Hop songs on the violin.

      

      KISS ME THROUGH THE PHONE VIOLIN COVER (1,3 MILLION VIEWS SO FAR)

First of all, thank you Daniel for taking time out of your schedule to be interviewed by us, let's start with the first question. Where were you born and how old are you?  

Charleston SC.  I am 22 y/o

Do you remember when your first contact with music was?  

My first contact with music was at 12 y/o I went to Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA) for Visual Arts.  I had to take an exploratory class.  I chose the violin

How did you start learning to play the violin?  

As an exploratory as SOA I begin to learn about the violin

Do you play any other instruments?  

Use to play guitar.  I play enough piano to produce my own music

What are your favorite artists?  

My favorite artists are Miri Ben Ari 

At the beginning of your career, you opened for Jamie Foxx and Kanye West, can you tell us what that experience was like and how you felt? 

 I was one of the opening violinist on BET 106 & Park to open the show for Jamie Foxx and Kanye West.  I felt honored to have been asked.

                                       DANIEL D PLAYING IN SIMON JAZZ FEST (2010)

You also performed for Barack Obama, could you tell us how that happened and how that felt for you?  

His campaign reached out to me to be one of the opening artist for his speech and I performed at the Youth Inaugural Ball.  Again, I appreciated the opportunity

Is there any person that you haven't worked with yet but you love to? Who?  

YES. Other talented and inspiring artists.

Have you received feedback from the artists you have performed with? What do they generally say? 

Yes. They are blown away and they haven't seen anything like this before.

What is your favorite song?  

Don't have one

What was the last album you bought? 

Chris Brown  - FAME

Do you have advice for any new artists that are striving to get the position that your in now? 

There are ups and downs in this business 

Do you know anything about Brazilian music? (tSwagg is a brazilian blog written in english/portuguese) 

A little, I am learning

What are your future plans?  

Get my music overseas and gain a higher internet presence

OK, thank you so much for speaking with tSwagg today Daniel, could you finish by sending a special message to your fans?

I appreciate the continued support of my fans.  I look forward to bringing real music to my listeners.

Leave a message on my website:  http://www.danieldmusic.com

Hit me up on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/DanielDsviolin  and face  http://www.facebook.com/danieldmusic

Dante Santiago exclusive!

Peabodies, once again tSWAGG is coming with another BEP exclusive! Y'all have seen on twitter that Dante Santiago hurt his foot yesterday. But even the walking cane wasn't enough to stop him and he came onstage in Salvador, for their 3rd concert in Brazil.

So Dante, tell the peabodies what exactly happened to you, and how was it?

Basically was running to answer the door in the hotel room. With no shoes on and proceeded to smash my foot into my coffee table which made me fill over the table. So im heading to the doctor in LA on thursday to see if its a fracture.

DANTE SHOWING HIS INJURY ON TWITTER

We hope it's nothing serious Dante! But tell us, yesterday you guys performed for the 3rd time in Brazil for the E.N.D. Tour. Did the public here match your expectations?

Of course they did and more. These Brazillian crowds have been unbelievable.

What was the most interesting thing you've seen in Brazil this time so far?

How much love is received from when we come & leave the show. Also the afterparty receptions as well.

 

At the first concert you guys performed a famous rap in Brazil during I gotta feeling. Yesterday was a Jorge Benjor song. Is that something that you guys already planned our yall just felt like doing it?

It was probably spare of the moment. bep has always been like that.

How was your guys reaction when the fans were asking for a preview of the 1st single of the beginning, "time of my life" at the afterparty?

Loved it especially the response the crowd gave by singing the chorus very loudly.

DANTE SETTING THINGS UP FOR THE 1ST CONCERT IN BRAZIL

tSWAGG will cover the next sunday concert, do you have a special message for the fans in Rio?

I can't wait for the Rio fans to join in the experience. Also hopefully, I will be able to dance for them, if not, I will just sing. But I wanna be at full strength.

Thank you very much for this exclusive Dante Santiago. Peabodies, stay tunned for more tSWAGG exclusive, and everything about the concert in Rio!

Exclusive Interview: Dante Santiago!

Ladies and gentlemen, after the 2008 interview with Keith Harris, the Black Eyed Peas drummer, I bring to you a fresh interview from the 5th pea, mr. Dante Santiago!

 
DANTE SANTIAGO

What's up Dante first of all I'd like to say thanks for the oportunity, I'm sure the peabodies are excited to know what you have to say!

Well thank u! I just have to say the peabodies are the best fans in the world, hands down.

Ok let's start from the beginning. Tell us where you were born, and how was it growing up there.
Los Angeles, Ca. It was one of the best times of my life.

Do you remember what type of music you used to listen back then?
Soul Music, Hip Hop & 80's music.

How did you meet will.i.am?
At Balistyx, after winning one of his many battles.

Is it true that will.i.am won a rap battle against Twista? Do you know how it was?
Indeed.  Oh yeah I was standing onstage watching Will take Twista's flow and flippin it on him.

How did Atban Klann start?

Easy E from NWA approached Will and wanted to sign him solo but Will said, no I need my crew.

WILL.I.AM AND APL.DE.AP BACK IN THE ATBAN KLANN DAYS

Whats your favorite Atban Klann song?
Open Ya Mind, Worlds Gone Mad, Mountain Top, Rain On Me, Etc. Too many to have a favorite.

Is there any funny story about the beginning of the group you can remember?
I know my style of dress changed.

How did you get a deal from Eazy-E's Ruthless Records?
Easy E asked me to sign as a solo artist but before that could happen, he passed away!
 

I remember there was a member called Mookie Mook. What did he do after Atban klann?
He was in a group called Burning Star and he recently has been on the writing team for The Beginning.

What about Dj Motiv8?

He became bep's DJ and now has become a worldwide DJ!

After Eazy-E passed away, how long did it take you guys to start the Black Eyed Peas? How was it?
After a few months, Will, Apl & myself, formed Black Eyed Peas and started recording at our friends, Brian Austin Green (90210) and Benyad from (Blood of Abraham) studio's. It was a dope experience.

How did Taboo join the group?
He was in a group named Pablo and shortly after became a part of bep in 95. 

I heard you used to dance for Aaliyah, how did you meet her?
I met her through bep's original manager Yan Styles and R. Kelly.

Once you said one of the biggest moments of your career was when you met Tupac in the studio. Could you detail to the peabodies how it happened?
Pac came out of his session into the lobby for a break and saw my girfriend at the time was distracting me. So after she left, he asked me to come into his room to show me how to become more confident when recording. He told me that when I record or perform on stage I should have a certain swag. I still use that advice to this day, as u will see in the upcoming South America shows. Alot of people have been influenced by him, well I got it first hand.

Behind the Front mention the west coast x east coast rivarly in a lot of songs. What do you have to say about these crazy times?
It was a very interesting time. But we never got caught up in any of that nonsense.

Could you tell us about when Fergie joined the Peas? Was it really you who introduced her to the guys?
It was a battle for her at first being the only girl on the road at the time. Once she got the hang of it, its been so crackin ever since. I have been friends with Ferg since 91 and when Will asked me if I knew of a girl to sing with them, I told him Stacy Ferguson aka Fergie. Then I told Ferg, I know you're doing your solo stuff but this is a chance for you to record with BEP and see what happens.

Whats your favorite Black Eyed Peas album?
All of them. 

Could you name an artist you would like to be on a track with?
Ive been fortunate to record and be onstage with some of greatest ever. So its too many to mention.

Who do you think its the hottest MC in the game right now? Besides any BEP member!Jay Z, Lil Wayne, Drake, there running things right now.

Whats your favorite rap album?
I cant pick one, Wu Tang (Enter The 36 Chambers), Dr Dre (The Chronic), Eric B & Rakin (Paid in Full), Public Enemy (Its Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back), Run DMC (Raisin Hell), it goes on & on.

Whats the last album you bought?
Notorious BIG Ready to Die repackage.

Favorite book?
I dont have one.

Favorite movie?
Too Many, but right now The Town & Wall Street!

What will the south american fans, expect about the END tour?
They will be blown away, straight up!

What does it feel like to be the 5th pea?
It has it's ups and downs but overall a great experience.

DANTE SANTIAGO ONSTAGE WITH BEP

Is there any other project your working on?
Yeah my Solo Record and some other things I'm putting together, so stay tuned.

How is the production of the Beginning going?
Incredible, that's all that needs to be said.

I know BEP changes the music scene in every album they drop, but if you could compare the Beginning to one of the previous albums, which one would it be?
There is no comparison, that all stand on their own. 6 great albums!

Dante I would like to thank you so much for letting us know more about the BEP story, so to end this interview, can you say something to the brazilian fans?
I can't wait to see and meet u guys, I love it in South America.

Now you know tSWAGG got many visitors from other countries, what you gotta say about the rest of the world fans?
Im speechless on that one but I will say this, I love how fans all over the world embrace us and our music ever since the first album.

Thank you very much mr. 5th pea!

You welcome, Peas and Love!

Exclusive Interview with Black Eyed Peas drummer Keith Harris!

This interview was made in april 2008 to BEPBrazil.com, but since the website was closed it was saved for a future oportunity. And now that the peas are coming back to South America for the END Tour, specially the 9 concerts in Brazil, I would like to share with you this interview with the only & one, the Black Eyed Peas drummer, Mr. Keith Ernesto Harris!

Tell us where are you from and a little about your childhood.
I’m from the south side of Chicago IL. Born the youngest of 4, 2 boys and 2 girls, to Cynthia Harris in 1976. I had a great childhood and enjoyed being a kid, without most of the problems of today. You could go out and play as long as you were in when the streetlights were on.

How was your first contact with music?
My first contact with music was when I joined New Friendship Baptist Church in Chicago as a youth. I started out playing piano, and organ, but my passion was for the drums.
My brother tells me that when I was young, I used to run to the TV to watch the commercials to here the music, and leave once the program resumed.

How did you start playing drums?
Playing for the church choir. I used to sing in the choir, but that didn’t work out for me.

When you joined BEP and how it happened?
I joined the Black Eyed Peas in 2003. I met the musical director, (Printz Board) in NY while playing a gig for a group called Star69. Printz and I rehearsed and hit it off. The gig was a success and Printz kept in touch. A week or so later, Printz called and asked me if I wanted to join the band for the Black Eyed Peas. I of course said yes, and then had to learn 14 songs in 4 days, to play my first show with BEP in LA. The rest is history.

How do you choose the songs that will be performed in the concerts?
That’s up to the musical director, Printz Board

What is your favorite BEP song to play?
“Let’s Get It Started”. I love the energy of the song, and that was the first song I recorded drums as a member of BEP, so there is a sentimental reason too!

How is the crew relationship when you are on the road?
Great!! It’s like one big happy family. We all started out touring together, 13 of us stuffed onto a tour bus for about 6 months in 2003. We all became close and developed are close bond as a band.

At your myspace we can see you work with a lot of artists. Which do you prefer, writing, producing or playing?

They’re all a part of what I do everyday. When I’m producing, I’m playing keyboards, or drums. When I write, I’m usually producing or playing piano. They all go hand in hand.

How did you start the Bucky Jonson?
Bucky Jonson is the name of the “band behind the front” which includes, George Pajon, Tim Izzo, Printz Board, and myself. We are all part of the band that tours and records with the BEP. We have such a great chemistry on stage, we decided to name our band, and record a CD, Bucky Jonson, The Band Behind The Front.

What's your favorite Bucky Jonson song?
“The Escape”. It shows our musicianship, and I really get the chance to play my drums and express myself. It also captures the energy we give on BEP shows.

What about the Airpushers? Tell us a little about it.
That’s a group that’s Tim Izzo and Printz Board. I played drums and produced the interludes. Those are my good friends and it was great to see them get a record deal and get signed.

If you could choose an artist to work with, who would he/she be?
Beyonce. She’s very talented and a true musician, and I would love to produce a song with her. I love her ear for music and the energy she bring live and in the studio.

Who is your idol in music?
Quincy Jones! He’s the pinnacle of production! I’ve had the chance to meet and talk to him, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. He’s very intelligent and a true businessman. I aspire to one day reach his level of success and respect in my career!

What is your favorite movie?
Coming to America

What is your favorite band?
BEP/Fergie

What is your favorite book?
Left Behind Series

Which was the last album you bought*?
Mariah Carey E=MC2

Do you think it's important to keep a feedback with the fans in the internet?
Of course, I email people all the time from BEP and myspace. They’re the ones who give us this great opportunity to share our music, without you guys there’s no US!

What do you think about Brazil?
Love it!!!!!!! The women are beautiful!! Love the music, it so rich in African rhythms and drumming, and the people are the nicest by far. Brazil is one of my favorite places.

What about the Brazilian fans?
They’re beautiful too!!!!!!!! They show so much love and they’re very active on my myspace and BEP.com Thanks for all the emails and shows of support. I read every one of the messages I get, and respond as fast as I can.

Ok, to finish it can you send a message for us?
Hey, this is Keith Harris drummer and producer of the Black Eyed Peas and Fergie, reaching out to say to all the Brazilian fans on bepbrazil.com, thanks for all the support and please continue to support Harris Productions!

*This interview is from april 2008.

Thanks to Anisha Gliddon that used to be Keith Harris manager back there, and thank you so much Keith for making it happen. I know it took a long time to publish it but finally I run another site. See you!