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Mr. Al Pete and Tru.ski the Transmitter Presents: The Moncrief Catalog
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When it comes to making a family name proud, very few do it quite like Wayne Peterson Jr. aka Mr. Al...When it comes to making a family name proud, very few do it quite like Wayne Peterson Jr. aka Mr. Al Pete and his uncle, Tre Peterson aka Trü.ski the Transmitter of Jacksonville, Florida. Individually and collectively, the Peterson gentlemen are forces to be reckoned with in Jacksonville’s and Atlanta’s music scene and have finally decided to come together and put a name to their past, present and future collaborations.
As an MC, DJ and actor, Mr. Al Pete is one of the most respected and talented artists in Duval. He has recently celebrated the three year anniversary of his debut Talk About It album, is readying for the March DVD release of BeDynamik Productions, Treacherous, has recently wrapped filming in another BeDynamik Productions project, David Died Today and can be seen weekly, blessing mics and the turntables, as a Hip-Hop Artist and DJ. And Trü.ski the Transmitter can only be described as phenomenal as a Producer, DJ, MC and musician, who lives in Atlanta, but will always call Jacksonville, Florida home. Since departing Duval to attend Morehouse College, Trü.ski has made quite a name for himself working with industry giants like Dallas Austin, Hank Shoclee of the Bomb Squad and Mike Shinoda, just to name a few. He has released a compilation album entitled, The Dawn of a New Soul, which featured the then undiscovered Neo-Soul Artist, Darien Brockington as well as his own projects, most notably Tried and Trü.
Over the years, Mr. Al Pete and Trü.ski have collaborated on many released and unreleased projects and have decided to christen the work they’ve done, The Moncrief Catalog, after Moncrief Road, a street in Northwest Jacksonville that separated their homes and has had as much significance in their development as their shared last name. TLP has been checking for and spotlighting the Peterson men’s catalog of work for quite a few years now and was honored to be given a sneak peak into what fans can expect next from these talented gentlemen. We recently caught up with them at a show and spoke to them about their familial connection, their Alma Maters; Raines and Ribault and what they both have coming up. Check it out.
Nakia: Trü.ski, what are you working on?
Trü.ski: I’m actually going to release the Tried and Trü over again. And I’m going to do my EP, the Land of Longing EP, which is about six songs. It’s very dark for those people that know my music, the most recent stuff has some tones that can get dark at times, but you can still hear my smile in it in some of the things I guess, but it’s very passionate. And I will also be finishing a project that I’m doing with Mr. Al Pete.
Nakia: Ok, Mr. Al Pete, what are you working on?
Mr. Al Pete: An album with that guy (points to Trü.ski), with Truskills. (Laughter) I’m working on that and I’m trying to wrap up this Fish in the Forest project and we’re about to release Treacherous, a movie with BeDynamik Productions, that’s coming out March 6th on DVD. I’m one of the lead actors in it and my song, ‘Somethin’ More’ is on it. And next week (2/25/12), I’m DJ’ng the We Remember Raines Documentary viewing.
Nakia: Ok, and Trü.ski, you did the theme song for the movie, We Remember Raines, tell me about the song and documentary.
Trü.ski: We Remember Raines is a documentary put together, by Emanuel Washington, who works with Nokturnal Escape. Emanuel put this project together to revitalize the school system, specifically at the level of Raines and Ribault. There used to be standard at these schools, particularly at Raines, the way it was run, everyone had a sense of pride about themselves, but it’s not like that right now. We’ve all talked about it, but no one has really made action on it and I commend that brother on actually making moves to shake people and say that this place represents so much more than where we send our kids in the morning, so that we can go to work. It’s a place where they have to grow and develop and there were things that were put into place that made us who we are, that’s not doing the same for them right now. And the theme song is called, ‘We Remember’, and I’m very proud of that song, because it meant a lot for me to do that, being that I attended Raines and I was there during the last few years, where I feel that that standard was still there.
Nakia: So, is the song of you rapping or you just did produce it?
Trü.ski: I’m rapping, singing and I produced it. I did everything on the song. And I made an effort to incorporate a lot of influences from different generations, because it’s not just for my generation that went to Raines. And the people that came before me, had even more of a standard that was there. So I wanted to incorporate things that they would relate to, so I’m not just rapping on it, I’m singing on it and the way that I’m singing, I think it’s something that will make people feel connected. I even bring the alma mater in there.
Nakia: And you, Al Pete, went to Ribault. Tell me about the history of the two schools and why it’s important to speak on.
Mr. Al Pete: Like I said on my personal blog; rivalry, but love. It was all love (between the schools). And I can piggyback on him about the standards. When he came out, I was just starting high school, but I saw what was going on and plus mom and my uncles, went to Ribault and they still talked about Raines and the importance of the whole community and the school system. It’s really important that the community is involved.
Nakia: Ok Trü, one of the things that everyone knows about Al Pete, is that you have been a very big influence on him, musically and as a family member. Talk about your relationship with him as your nephew and how you have inspired him.
Trü.ski: I don’t know if I’m the right person to ask this question.
Nakia: I tried this on you in Atlanta and you gave me some old pieced together answer. Give it to me now!
(Laughter)
Mr. Al Pete: I can speak on it!
(Laughter)
Mr. Al Pete: I remember when I was in college and we were passing by, in life and I gave him one of my songs and he was like, “Yo, you rap?” (Laughter) It was a total surprise to him that out of all the years that we were around each other at 2100, he never knew that I was in cut, writing rhymes and getting inspired.
Trü.ski: Yeah, when I learned, he was like in the Savannah newspaper!
(Laughter)
Nakia: And you were like, word? Who knew?
(Laughter)
Mr. Al Pete: Yeah! I sent him all that. I was like I’m doing this, I’m performing at these pubs and shit. And I could tell from the phone that he was like, where in the hell did this come from? (Laughter) But yeah, as years went by, you really inspired me, dude, to go forth. He never knew that he was inspiring me, that’s the beauty of it.
(Laughter)
Trü.ski: I was growing. I was just being me. And I just loved those dudes. I wasn’t like, man, I’m gone teach these guys, because I was still learning, going to school and trying to learn and figure out what I’m doing. But I know who was as an MC. I knew I was a rapper, I knew I was a musician, I knew I was a DJ; I knew I was going to be doing that. So it wasn’t like I’m going to influence anybody, it was like, I’m doing this. Hey listen to this. What you know about this? You don’t know nothing about that.
(Laughter)
Nakia: You guys have collaborated on a few different projects and albums, and you’ve christened it the Moncrief Catalog. Why did you name it the Moncrief Catalog?
Trü.ski: The history of Moncrief (Road in Jacksonville, FL) is like this. Moncrief is the dividing point between where I grew up and where he grew up. And we crossed that street so much, we traveled that street so many times. I would be picking these cats up all the time, when I had a car; The LTD, the Chrysler, the Fifth Avenue jammie…
Mr. Al Pete: Yeah! The Fifth Avenue…
(Laughter)
Trü.ski: And it was only right that we named our collaboration, that.
Nakia: And Al Pete, what can we expect in the future from the Moncrief Catalog?
Mr. Al Pete: On my blog, we’re going to try to make that connection that me and Trü.ski have. We’re definitely going to utilize the Ribault and Raines connection to get the Ribault and Raines association, involved in what we do. His peers are my peers and vice versa and we just want to make that connection. And from here on out, we’re going to release ‘Shut Up’, a song that’s going to be our one MC/one producer project. And we have a video for it coming up soon.
Trü.ski: Oh yeah, shout out to Aja, for the cameo. Shout out to Whiskey; Whiskey was in the joint.
Mr. Al Pete: And in the next month, we’re really going to push We Remember Raines and Treacherous. And that’ll hold us up until we start pushing ‘Shut Up’. And we definitely want to get people up on Tried and Trü and Talk About It, get people up to speed. We want to make the connection between both us, regardless of what we’re doing, even if Trü.ski is on someone else project, he has production credits on a lot of people’s stuff that’s coming up, we definitely want to promote that and include it in the Moncrief Catalog. And we have a song coming up, it’s called ‘Peterson’. All I’m going to say is, it’s coming soon. So when it comes, it’s going to come and going to be dope. We out of here. To the Top!
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Thug or Not?
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Here at thug.com, we make an effort to profile independent talent that’s worthy of receiving notorie...Here at thug.com, we make an effort to profile independent talent that’s worthy of receiving notoriety. Our New Artist Spotlight feature will showcase independent artists that are making names for themselves in their respective regions. Our first New Artist Spotlight feature profiles Mr. Al Pete. Check it out below:
The latest rage on the Jacksonville hip-hop scene, Mr. Al Pete attributes his love for everything hip-hop to his uncle and his “daily doses” of BET’s Rap City back in the 1980's. After all, he’s an artist that was bred in the early days of hip-hop and it shows in his music. He describes his sound as “uplifting” and “outgoing”, elements that have been missing from the genre of hip-hop in recent times. After taking a listen to Mr. Al Pete’s compositions and productions, it is evident that his goal is to take it back to the basics with his sound. Aside from his uncle, he cites his musical influences as Outkast, Common and A Tribe Called Quest. When asked of what he possessed over other hip-hop artists out currently, he explained:
My drive, my dedication for this culture. In my opinion, folks feel just pennin’ a rap is all they have to do. It’s alot more to it then that and if you’re not willin’ to sacrifice sufficiently to expand and control, then you’ll still be in that one spot.
This is what he had to say on the current state of hip-hop:
It’s in a rebuildin’ stage…in my opinion. It’s been so corrupted for quite a time but the necessary powers are back at it…makin’ Hip Hop enjoyable again.
Mr. Al Pete currently has two independently released albums under his belt, Talk About It, and G3.0. As apart of the emcee crew, The Famili, he is featured on the album, Jewels and Heirlooms, Vol. 1. Pete is now gearing up for the release of a project AAA, which according to him, should see a September 2010 release.
Mr. Al Pete states that he wants his music to represent “progression, growth, positivity, and down right fun and good music”.
Mr. Al Pete will be performing at Summertime in the City, an event held in Jacksonville, Florida to celebrate independent hip-hop artists from Jacksonville and surrounding areas. This event will take place on August 14th. In addition to his passion as an emcee, he is a DJ. , You can catch his skills every Tuesday at 8:30 PM www.rewindoldschool.com. To stay updated with the latest on Mr. Al Pete, check out http://mralpete.blogspot.com.
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Artist of Words
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Listening to Mr. Al Pete you get the feeling that he understands the state that Hip-Hop is in today,...Listening to Mr. Al Pete you get the feeling that he understands the state that Hip-Hop is in today, but he only offers pure Hip-Hop with no apologies. He chooses not to water down his potent lyrics with the clichés of mainstream artists. Al Pete's suave but rugged delivery is gripping but his word play puts him over the top. In addition to his absurd rap skills, Mr. AP also can rock the crowd with just two turntables. Yes this front man can also play the background and does it quite well I might add. Be sure to check out his new album "Talk About It" available on Itunes and CDbaby.com. To contact Mr. Al Pete or find out more about his live performances follow him on Twitter become a fan on Facebook or check out his Myspace page.
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http://www.skylifepromo.com/August-Interview.html
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http://www.skylifepromo.com/August-Interview.html
Hello and welcome to "The Movement" brought to...http://www.skylifepromo.com/August-Interview.html
Hello and welcome to "The Movement" brought to you by Sky Life Promotions. This month, I wanted to interview Mr Al Pete who has been the general topic of discussion with two-thirds of the persons that I have interviewed. Now being that I pride myself on getting the best interviews for you (the readers) I can't continue on without assuring my readers that the name that they continue to hear in past interviews, will be an upcoming interview, and this month I am happy to say that we have done just that. We have managed through an influencial network with "K4S Ent" to get a moment of the Duval Co music mogul Mr Al Pete who appears in "Treacherous" the movie produced by "Bedynamik Ent" and also filmed in Jacksonville, Florida. Now when I first met Al it was in front of the " Lux Ultra Lounge " where we conducted our interview with guest hostess Ms Deannia Devine, and I taken at the fact that he was one the most humble artist that I have ever met in my career as a Promoter and even as a Marketing Director. I simply told Al that "Since the beggining of the year when I converted over to written and live interviews to help give the Community the insight of Local and Global talent they choose to cheer for and support, I started to hear alot of just one name and that name was not only a well establised brand within itself but was the co founder, if not founder of pointing alot of people in the right directions in order to get there aspiring career's on the right track". To my amazement the response that he gave was unlike a Mogul who knew that they were on the way to super stardom. It was more like a Entertainer that understood that he need the support of his supporters and was not willing to tarnish that connection. I then began to scratch my head because if I was going to be responsible for bringing the best in online promotional interviews to my readers, then I would have to reflect Mr Al Pete personal refection of how he got started in the industry. And I only hope that we have done that this month with an Exclusive solo interview with Mr Al pete to give you the time to catch up on his carrer if you were already following it and to also hear about his new movie Treacherous that has just been released for Public viewing. Just follow him on one or all of the social networks that we all commonly use
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Let’s “Talk About It” Interview with Mr. Al Pete
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FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009
Let’s “Talk About It” Interview with Mr. Al Pete By Ambitionn
After spe...FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009
Let’s “Talk About It” Interview with Mr. Al Pete By Ambitionn
After spending more than a decade creating and spinning tunes for Jacksonville’s modest hip-hop scene, the emergence of Mr. Al Pete [the Hip-Hip Artist], has definitely managed to give his fan base something to talk about.
The much anticipated Talk about it is Mr. Al Pete’s very first release to-date. The CD is a diverse collection cleverly delivered lyrics backed by classic hip-hop baselines, samples & skits.
I caught up with Mr. Al Pete last week and spoke with him briefly about his latest accomplishment, the current state of hip-hop and the new CD.
Ambitionn: Let’s talk about it! *laughs* Tell me a little about yourself. I mean, I've had the privilege of experiencing a DJ Al Pete Party/ Event, but who is Mr. AL Pete the hip-hop artist?
Mr. Al Pete: Mr. Al Pete is the emperor of Fresh! *laughs*!! Naw seriously...just a regular mellow dude from the Northside of thangs (Jacksonville)...tryin' to get my music out there so it can liberate to the masses...on the flip side...make sure folks have a good time by entertainin' them w/ various tunes. I'm an independent hip hop artist and a DJ to be clear. I have a company called GrownFolk Entertainment that I run w/ Shirl Dee Capital...that provides DJin' services and promotional services as well.
Ambitionn: How did you get into music? And describe your style as an artist.
Mr. Al Pete: I saw my uncle Tre (aka Tru.ski) rhymin' w/ his friend and as a solo artist...and he's the real emperor of Fresh *laughs* He made it seem cool to do...so...I tried it when I was 'bout 8 or 9. My parents use to play music 'round me and my brother all the time so that's an addition. The more I studied Tru.ski and hip hop as a whole, the more I got into it.
Ambitionn: [You’re] finally droppin’ the much anticipated CD! How long have you been working on it, and what let you know that it was finally "complete"?
Mr. Al Pete: The recordin' process took a little over a year. I've been tryin' to "complete" the CD my whole life. The last song I recorded was "Summertime"...after that came out good, that sealed it.
Ambitionn: So how does it actually feel to have finally completed a project that has taken so long to create?
Mr. Al Pete: It feels GREAT!! This was a long-term goal I had...and it feels really good to have accomplished it. The road don't stop here though...
Ambitionn: I’d hope not. The hip-hop culture needs artists like you who align themselves with longevity in the game. How do you feel about the current state or progression of Hip-Hop?
Mr. Al Pete: Of course it isn't the same as when I was growin' up...but...change is good (for the most part). It's plenty of pros and cons we could discuss but to sum it up, it's okay...not the best...but okay. I say okay 'cause from a DJ's perspective, I can respect some of the tunes played. I say not the best...'cause some of tunes sound the same. Everyone is doin' the same thing...sayin' the same thing...bein' the same thing...where's the fun at?? That's what makes it borin', folks lose interest, and so on and so on. Me bein' in that culture for years, my loyalty w/ Hip Hop remains...and I see hope...'cause I know plenty of folks that are on the frontline to save it. So that's why it's okay...not the best...but okay.
Ambitionn: Let's say that those on the frontline broke through this current state of hip-hop and began to infiltrate our media, our homes, the minds of the youth, and was actually successful at putting a massive positive spin on the hip-hop movement, what path would you see yourself on as an artist as well as an entrepreneur?
Mr. Al Pete: I'll play both roles...bein' a follower and a leader. If...and when the frontline break through, it'll be unity and understandin' and trust...and with that, we'll all be our respected bosses, at the same time, we can drop rank to encourage the weak (within' the movement). Now which aspect I would be effective in? All of 'em basically. Mostly w/ the verbal and writin' aspect. I feel that's my strong point...my diction and my delivery. I can speak for the unspoken.
Ambitionn: What do you think your listeners are going to "talk about" once they've listened to your CD?
Mr. Al Pete: I would like for them to see the Hip Hop artist side of me. Most folks only know me for bein' a DJ and that cool dude...but I'm heavily into music. I also want them to enjoy the tunes and continue the journey w/ me.
Ambitionn: If you could be anything else other than an artist, but you still possessed the talent for diction and delivery... what/ who would you be?
Mr. Al Pete: Ah man I'll play both sides...the follower and the leader. We all have to both sides to be effective in the movement...I can lead by example and help the weak, on the flip, drop down some notches and support others who are ahead of me...if it's all for a good cause. Now what aspect would I fall in...I'll be on the verbal and writin' side more so. I feel like that's a positive attribute w/ me...the diction and the delivery. Folks don't realize that speakin' for yourself and others is powerful and influential.
Ambitionn: Hypothetically then, as a motivational speaker, what would be the most pressing issues you would focus on and to what demographic would you cater to most?
Mr. Al Pete: I would stress unity more than anythin'...especially if I'm speakin' in regards to the entertainment scene. I see little to none of that in the entertainment side and outside of that. I see little to no unity in families, schools, communities...nothin'...and it's like folks don't even see how much that effect each other...so yeah...I'll stress the fact that we need more unions...whether it's in the music scene or daily livin'. Cross the board. I could go on all day 'bout this *laughs*.
Ambitionn: Why do you think that is?? I mean.. as far as no unity.. what do you feel is the main contributor to that problem?
Mr. Al Pete: Folks not realizin' it...folks so stuck on themselves and don't want to lend that extra hand to the unfortunate and/or to people w/ no knowledge. Instead of enhancin' one's knowledge and supportin' and encouragin' and upliftin'...all that...they rather do it alone and watch innocent people fall victim when they're that asset that would make an unfortunate person's situation better. Like I stated...I'm not a saint by far but if you know better, do better. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...as I progress, these cliches become more clear...and would be relative to me speakin' or promotin' unity.
Ambitionn: While putting together this CD, were there any topics that you deliberately tried to stay away from? Why?
Mr. Al Pete: Yeah it was. I didn't want to speak much on the state of the economy...it's already bein' spoken on by other artists and it's all over the media. It's bad enough we wake up and see it on the news, hear it on the radio, read it on the internet and in the newspapers/magazine. I just wanted to make some good tunes so folks can take their mind off that. When doin' this album, Obama was runnin' for presidency, gas was extremely high (which paused the recordin' process a couple of times), foreclosures, etc. That's enough to deal with...then have to pop in "Talk About It" and hear it all over...?
Ambitionn: What is your most meaningful tracks on the CD and why?
Mr. Al Pete: Definitely "Summertime". I stated in the song that this was my intervention...I felt the need to state what I felt at the time. It's some things I stated that occurred in the past that haunted and effected my present so...I released it and felt better about it. Honorable mention: "Rockin' Me". That's my dedication to all local/independent artists in Jacksonville and 'round the globe.
Ambitionn: How did you come up with the title Talk about it?
Mr. Al Pete: I wanted to keep it simple. Plus...that's what most artists do...speak on themselves and various situations/events/people/etc. No philosophy behind it...just "Talk About It". It's just a collection of good tunes where in certain songs, I speak on the subject at hand...but overall, it's an CD full of Hip Hop.
Ambitionn: I see you grabbed a few samples from other artists. Tell me about some of your influences and inspirations.
Mr. Al Pete: The more I started recordin' this CD, the more I got in tuned w/ myself...life in general inspires and influences me. Artist wise...Outkast, Common, Nas, Ice Cube...just to name a few.
Q: Describe your listener/ fan.
Mr. Al Pete: The fans/listeners are typical working' folks, mothers, teenagers, lovers, street folks...I'm gettin' an all around crowd...which is great.
If you would like to be a part of that crowd, Mr. Al Pete is currently spinning the hottest in Hip-Hop and R&B at Mr. Q's (on Dunn Avenue) every Thursday night at 9pm and is slated to be the opening act for The N Word's CD release party on March 27th, 2009 at TSI.
The new CD, Talk about it, is available at The Royal Treatment Record Store, DJ's Record Store, and soon to be Two and Fro Boutique Store. You also can purchase it online at www.cdbaby.com, iTunes, and www.amazon.com.
Check Mr. Al Pete on Myspace for updates.
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Album Spotlight Mr. Al Pete TALK ABOUT IT
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Reminiscent of old-school crews like Boogie Down Productions and Gang Starr while simultaneously lig...Reminiscent of old-school crews like Boogie Down Productions and Gang Starr while simultaneously light and soulful in its own original way, Mr. Al Pete's full length is a thoughtful, refreshing, substantial listen. It all starts with Pete's voice, a perfect balance of orator and MC, charismatic but not soft, recalling Guru at times, and matched well with beds of music that crib equally from jazz, R&B, and the sort of pop-soul that ruled the airwaves before people started calling it "urban". The whole thing is just busy enough to impress, but never steals focus form the deft wordplay of Pete and his guests (harder-voiced rapper Tough Junkie stands way out on "It's Whatever"), while the socially aware lyrics never weigh down the grooves. There are skits here, something I've come to loathe about hip-hop full-lengths, but Mr. Al Pete gets a pass because the pop/club/gangsta rap-skewering "Goon Skit" is absolutely freakin' hilarious. This is up there with the best rap form indie Florida artist we've heard so far this year - Scott Harrell
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"'Talk About It'... Get It!"
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September 16th 2008
Mr. Al Pete, a rapper native to Jacksonville, FL describes himself on his MySpa...September 16th 2008
Mr. Al Pete, a rapper native to Jacksonville, FL describes himself on his MySpace saying “[I] don’t drive no flashy cars or tote a couple of grands, just gotta word and a swag game, a one man band…CUT!” And that’s exactly what Mr. Al Pete is. Not so much a rapper as he is a one man band. The only proof you need is his song All Is Good:
A simple but captivating beat starts and as soon as Mr. Al Pete’s voice comes on it takes over, his voice becomes a part of the song and adds a whole new element to the song, that’s the presence he has. His flow consistently awes throughout his verses and drops lines such as “I got the touch like Pat Swayze” that show his ability to add word play and even some humor into his rhymes. I had the pleasure of asking Mr. Al Pete a few questions about his upcoming album “Talk About It,” magic genies, and his dream collaboration. Check it out:
MicControl: When did you start rapping?
Mr. Al Pete: I began rappin’ ’bout 9-10…got serious after high school and here I am.
MC: How is Talk About It going to make you stand out from all the other unsigned rappers out there?
Mr. A.P.: I wouldn’t necessarily say it would stand out…it’ll be just an addition to what the other unsigned artists are distributin’. When you start categorizin’ music, it dilutes the product and all the labels and expectations follow, which I’m tryin’ to stay from. It’s just good music to add to the collections. I guess just bein’ the new face on the hip hop would make me stand out.
MC: Describe yourself in 5 words.
Mr. A.P.: “Talk About It”…get it!!! *laughs*!
MC: If you came across a magic genie what would be your 3 non-music related wishes you would ask him to grant?
Mr. A.P.: *thinks*…I would like to have some peace among people, monetary stability, and 3 more wishes *laughs*!
MC: Where do you see yourself a year from now?
Mr. A.P.: Far more advance than I’m at now. I want my music to be out to the masses, my company (GrownFolk Entertainment) to be a household name, more on the national/international level, etc.
MC: If you could collaborate with any artist living or dead who would it be?
Mr. A.P.: Andre 3000…that dude diction is ridiculous!
For more information on Mr. Al Pete, and to check out a few tracks hit up his MySpace and check out his album Talk About It! - Chris
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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Kevin “K4S” Forrest, CEO of K4S Entertainment
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03/22/2010
(Mr. Al Pete honorable mention)
JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
Bronx, New Yor...03/22/2010
(Mr. Al Pete honorable mention)
JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
Bronx, New York native Kevin “K4S” Forrest has been an active beatmaker and producer since 2005. Self-taught and proficient at using FL Tools, Propeller’s Reason, Pro Tools, Mixcraft, Ableton Live and GarageBand, he is a hard working, gifted producer with a natural ear for talent.
With a production style inspired by beatmakers like 9th Wonder and Just Blaze, K4S has a “producer mentality” and often dissects the story that the beat tells before focusing on the lyrics. In 2007, he created K4S Entertainment to give other independent artists the opportunity to have their craft seen and heard. He has been fortunate to work with many great artists all over the world.
Joey Pinkney: What gives you the inspiration to create music?
Kevin “K4S” Forest: I draw my inspiration from story telling. When I produce a song, I see the story in my head. Everything I’ve ever made has a story to tell. The music allows me to help artists bring that story to life
JP: It’s a common misconception that producers only make the music. In terms of the final product, explain the role(s) to you play as a producer?
K4S: I have to wear different hats as a producer. Once the music has been created, I still have to mix it down. This requires hours of tweeking various sounds on both the left and right side of a given track. A beat doesn’t become useable until that process is completed.
Anyone can make a beat but a producer knows how to make that beat useable. Then there’s securing studio time for recording vocals, finalizing the track, negotiating contracts, even promoting the music. One song can make you a composer, arranger, engineer, manager, promoter and lawyer all in the same transaction.
JP: What producers inspired you to enter the music industry? What did you learn from them that help you in terms of the business decisions you make?
K4S: Wow, there are just so many of them. I would have to say 9th wonder, Alchemist, Just Blaze, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Dr. Dre and Notsucal. From a business standpoint, each one of these men showed me that you can’t stop at just making beats.
You have to continue to grow and turn yourself into a brand. They’re success showed me that you needed to be about more than beats and rhymes. They showed me it’s important to understand the business you are apart of.
JP: What are some notable projects you have worked on? Do you have an interesting story that has stemmed from it?
K4S: I’ve worked on projects for Kylito from United Kingdom, Prolific from Boston, MA, Mr. Al Pete from Jacksonville, FL, and Billy Madison Williams Jr from Pompano, FL, to name a few. Probably the most notable one with an interesting story behind it would have to be “The Ghost” with Mr. Al Pete from Jacksonville, FL.
The first time I met him I was producing an interview for Sexy in the City Magazine. We had been throwing around the idea in the interview about possibly working together. Now I didn’t think much of it because he’s a well-known dude and is on like a million projects. So it was funny when he called me and finally heard my beats. He put every other project to the side to team up with me on “The Ghost”. We knocked it out in less than 5 days. That track opened up people’s ears when it came to my music. I’m thankful to him for that. We created a classic.
JP: What’s next for Kevin “K4S” Forrest?
K4S: Right now I’m working on launching a new website, creating new music with my hip hop artist BAMN from Jacksonville, FL, and making K4S Entertainment one of the most well known music brands in the world.
More on Kevin “K4S” Forrest:
In the coming year, K4S will oversee the development of his own rap artist and the launch of his website that will serve as a hub for multiple topics related to music and entertainment. He is also slated to be the main producer for R&B/Gospel singer; Billy Madison Williams’ 2010 release the Billy Madison Williams Project. He will also produce tracks for UK artist Kylito and re-release of the street certified Kylito’s Way mixtape.
In addition to being a talented beatmaker, K4S also holds a BA in English Studies from the University of Albany. In 2003, K4S was offered a scholarship to study law at the Florida Coastal School of Law, which he accepted, relocating him to Jacksonville, Florida, where he currently resides.
He is also an Investor and Active Member of Connecting Our People, an organization founded to reduce the gap between the lower and upper class communities and has held the position as the Music Operations Manager for Sexy in the City Magazine.
Raised to believe in hard work and community, K4S’s motto is “United we ball, divided we starve” and is more than willing to put in work to achieve his own goals, while assisting others in doing the same. As his buzz increases and he adds more artists and accomplishments to his repertoire, the sky is not the limit for K4S, it’s the starting point.
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Jax MC Mr. Al Pete Announces Video, Shows
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April 13th 2009
We raved about Jacksonville hip-hop artist Mr. Al Pete's eclectic, intelligent C...April 13th 2009
We raved about Jacksonville hip-hop artist Mr. Al Pete's eclectic, intelligent CD Talk About It in our March issue; now, the man himself has some more news.
First up is the video for single "The Truth," featuring production by Average Jo and guest vocalage by Alias; Nostucal handled the clip, and you can see it here.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE. Mr. Al Pete's got a slew of interesting shows slated for the next couple of months, and if you still think that live hip-hop is lame, you're blowing it, because the Northeast Florida crews are all about an exciting, organic in-concert experience.
Pete will be joining collaborative co-op The Famili for a all-nighter at Jax's Ocean Club on April 24; the door charge will be ten bucks, but you can cut that to a fiver by e-mailing your full name to this address.
Next up, he'll be appearing at Orlando's Club Hush on April 29, before returning to Jax for a free gig at The Shanty Town Pub on May 3. This is a FREE show celebrating the release of Simple Complexity's CD, as well as a farewell party for departing Duval County MC Massappeal.
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Mr. Al Pete "Talk About It"
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I rocked it and digested the whole thing on the way to my Orlando birthday trip....lemme say, this i...I rocked it and digested the whole thing on the way to my Orlando birthday trip....lemme say, this ish right here gets the HIP HOP HELL co-sign, 100%. Like the 1st half is produced by Junkie, its got the ALL IS GOOD remix with the whole family (and Beckett kills it!), justa a good product, hell yeah Mr. Al Pete doing his thang. On some grown man shit!
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SUMMERTIME IN THE CITY
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July 2009
Mr. Al Pete
He’s a REAX favorite, with a soulful, socially conscious style that recall...July 2009
Mr. Al Pete
He’s a REAX favorite, with a soulful, socially conscious style that recalls the heyday of Boogie Down Productions, Gang Starr and some of the Native Tongue crew. Mr. Al Pete’s got deep roots in the Jacksonville hip-hop community, and close ties to such equally talented local heroes as The Elevated Hip Hop Experience and Tough Junkie.
He’s nearly as well known for his DJ skills and the entrepreneurial spirit of his shingle Grown Folk Entertainment as for his rhymes and vocals, but the release of his full-length Talk About It a few months back definitely puts his talents as MC and producer way, way out front.
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Mr. Al Pete Summertime In the City 2009
http://www.urbanjacksonville.info/2009/07/12/mr-al-pete-at-summertime-in-the-city-2009/
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iSUPPORT Independent Artists: I give you, Mr. Al Pete!
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On a hot and sunny Sunday in Jacksonville, FL a intimate meeting of the minds took place at the Arti...On a hot and sunny Sunday in Jacksonville, FL a intimate meeting of the minds took place at the Artist Boot Camp 2 Education Seminar. Host David L. Robinson (www.twitter.com/fromduval) invited DJ Big Bodie (www.twitter.com.bigbodie), Terri Sherman (www.twitter.com/terrishrmn), Tango Mega (www.twitter.com/tangomega) and myself (www.twitter.com/TuesdayKnight) to speak to independent artists about the fundamentals of building your career (special shouts out to moderator & radio personality\ Chanel Tillman (www.twitter.com/dahostess) as well).
But little did I know that I would stumble across some PURE DOPE-NESS! As we were leaving the panel I heard a smooth Dwele-ish type track and learned that it was created by Jacksonville’s own Emcee, Mr. Al Pete. I’ve heard/known about him since I’ve come on the scene but this industry can be a small world and worlds apart all at the same time.
Long story short, Al Pete placed his latest album Talk About It in my possession and needless to say, I haven’t been able to step away from it yet. If you don’t do anything else today, stop by his myspace page and go cop the album. It’s so refreshing and is real hip-hop at it’s finest. You won’t be sorry and as usual, tell him I sent you!
