Oktayne

Rap, Hip-Hop Interviews: Oktayne
While few can argue that Hip-Hop has undergone some drastic changes over the past decade and a generation gap has emerged within the culture, it is a rare event when someone actually tries to bridge the divide. In today’s world it seems like many of us are just waiting to indulge in the next celebrity outburst, which, of course, is neither healthy nor helpful. In 2008 many Hip-Hop artists from the ‘80’s and ‘90’s might tell you that they are feeling underappreciated, and in many cases they may have a very valid point to make. But while respect for our veterans and pioneers is essential, what can we say for the current generation of MCs? Well, how about we let them speak for themselves and see what they say? Recently RiotSound.com did just that as we caught up with up and coming Bay Area artist Oktayne. Born in 1987, Oktayne was not even alive when KRS One dropped his seminal classic Criminal Minded in 1986, yet what he has to say about Hip-Hop is insightful, interesting and shows that sometimes the best way to see where someone is coming from is to just listen to what they have to say. Set to release his debut album Self-Explanations later this year, Oktayne reflects on the current state of Hip-Hop and talks about what it’s like for a Hip-Hop artist coming up in 2008. Sometimes older folk need some perspective too, so if you’re over 30 make sure you read this.

Click here to listen to “Hat Game”, new music from Oktayne.
Click here to listen to “Fast To The Ground”, another new joint from Oktayne.

RIOTSOUND.COM: Regardless of what people may say, it is clear that in 2008 Hip-Hop is a different animal than it was in the 80’s and the 90’s. Do you, as a young artist, see it that way? Or do you feel that a lot of the older folks might not fully understand what people from the younger generation are doing and that’s why we see some of the tensions these days between the older and younger generations in Hip-Hop?

OKTAYNE: Well, artists today are very different than before if you consider all the new trends and the stuff going on in the game right now. You can tell that everything is not the same way it used to be and that’s the reason why, you know, certain artists might think Hip-Hop is dead. And the reason for that may be because things are not the same. Things are changing and many artists is not used to change. But not all change is good change though. The younger generation - and talking about even people who are younger than me, who are listening to music – they’re only going to be used to what they hear, currently. In many cases the young generation is only going to listen to what they’re used to listening to.

RIOTSOUND.COM: When you were young you had two loves musically, Hip-Hop and R&B. You chose to really stick with Hip-Hop right before the passing of Tupac Shakur. What was it about Tupac and his music, as far as the effect it had on you growing up?

OKTAYNE: It’s like this, Tupac was, to me, the most creative artist of all time. The thing about Tupac is that he was never afraid to speak his mind. He didn’t bite his tongue for nobody and that’s what I really liked about him too. He always spoke his mind, whether it was in his music, in interviews, anything…

RIOTSOUND.COM: Looking back on it in retrospect, what do you feel was the ultimate effect of his death?

OKTAYNE: It was a big loss for music. With anybody that’s in the music game that sold well and the public accepts them the way [they did 2Pac]; overall that’s a very big loss.

RIOTSOUND.COM: You first started rhyming in the 8th grade; as far as your career in music, how did things progress from that point forward?

OKTAYNE: When I first started it was more like a hobby. I started with freestyling, I didn’t really write any rhymes till later on. I started off with just freestyling. I wrote my first rhyme in 2004, 2005, something around there and then I recorded my first song in 2005.

“young kids will look at it like Ice T is being
the hater. They’re not going to look at it like
Ice-T is this legend speaking out because he
knows what real music is, which is actually
true, but the younger generation is not
going to to look at it like that”

RIOTSOUND.COM: For fans that haven’t had a chance to hear your music, how would you describe your sound and also the subject matter of your lyrics and what you represent?

OKTAYNE: What I like to tell people who want to have an interest in my music – I tell ‘em like, I’m not an everyday artist but what I do is I talk about what I want to talk about. I have a vast area, I speak on a lot of things. There are times when I just want to have fun and then there are other times when I just want to let my heart out on the track. These days, for example, there are artists that speak about the type of problems they have with their parents and stuff like that; people do that all the time. A perfect example of that would be Beanie Sigel and Eminem. But what I’m trying to say is not a lot of people speak about what’s going on with the whole family – nobody’s talking about that aspect.

I mean, yea it’s cool to talk about having fun in the club. I’m not going to be hypocrite because I do have some of those type of songs too. What I’m trying to say is; artists need to just broaden their horizons and speak on more stuff. Don’t have a CD of just partying all the way through the whole CD. And that’s why in the Bay Area, where I stay, the Hyphy movement met its demise because it was overdid. A lot of Hyphy albums were just Hyphy.

RIOTSOUND.COM: So you’re saying it became a bit one dimensional…

OKTAYNE: Yea, a lot of rap music today is one dimensional. Like, look at new artists like Soulja Boy and whatnot. The biggest trend right now is if you create a dance step you got a hit.

RIOTSOUND.COM: You’ve already dropped several mixtapes and have been working for some time to build up your buzz. With the internet being at the center of everything nowadays, things in music have changed so rapidly. How does that affect an artist such as yourself, as far as what you do on a day to day basis in moving your career forward?

OKTAYNE: The internet has played such a big role in the sense that it has made it a lot easier for you to network with people. And that goes for networking with any people you need to talk to as far as press, collaborations, interviews or anything else. It makes it a lot easier. You could email somebody and they could email you back faster than they would return a phone call because they got calls pilling up on top of calls. And that’s the positive part about it. The negative part about the internet is that record sales are not the same no more. That’s the only difference. In the world of selling albums nobody really goes platinum anymore, except rarely here and there.

RIOTSOUND.COM: You are also presently working on your first full length album, Self-Explanations. How far along is the project at this point?

OKTAYNE: It’s actually almost done, I have to go into the studio and finish about five more songs. Then after that we’ll get the project mixed and mastered and get it ready for distribution. I’m looking to release it kinda soon but if things don’t go exactly according to plan I’m going to push it back just a little bit, it will still be this year though. What I’m trying to do with this album is basically keep my subject matter on a wide range, I have a range and I want to show people that. I got singles, I got songs that a dude could play for they woman, I got songs that would make people cry and also I got songs about actually dreaming of being a rapper; so it’s all different stuff. And I think that’s the way it should be. A lot of artists that I had listened to [and have been a fan of] had different sides. When I first heard Jay-Z, he had a lot of different sides and he’s like one of the biggest artists of these past two generations. Another [MC] who was an influence to me was Nas. The way his lyrics are set, he could make a song about anything but the lyrics would be perfect.

“people need to stop being lazy with lyrics.
even some of the people that’s been around
for a minute, not all of them, just like a few,
they starting to get lazy with lyrics just
because they’ve been around”

RIOTSOUND.COM: Since you are from a younger generation of artists, I have to ask you, what did you think about the whole war of words between Ice T and Soulja Boy?

OKTAYNE: Basically I was just watching the Soulja Boy YouTube video where he was [replying to Ice T] and I looked at it like dude was talking hella ignorant. I also looked at it as - since I am from a younger generation – that yes, [Soulja Boy’s] music is bad but he’s having success and the way young kids will look at it is like Ice T is being the hater. They’re not going to look at it like Ice T is this legend speaking out because he knows what real music is, which is actually true, but the younger generation is not going to look at it like that. If I was Ice T I would of said it in a different way. ‘Cause obviously Soulja Boy took it as a sign of disrespect, ‘cause of the way he was [talking back].

RIOTSOUND.COM: If you could snap you fingers and change any one aspect of Hip-Hop today, what would it be?

OKATYNE: Man, I think it would be lyrics, people need to stop being lazy with lyrics. Even some of the people that’s been around for a minute, not all of them, just like a few, they starting to get lazy with lyrics just because they’ve been around and they feel they can do that, ‘cause, you know, they got they name.

RIOTSOUND.COM: What should all the fans be looking for as far as Oktayne goes in the near future?

OKTAYNE: Well, what I’ve got coming up is a mixtape called Self Explanatory Volume 1. I’m going to be putting that out probably during August, and that’s to promote the album Self-Explanations. As far as the album I’m looking at October 14th [as a release date], but if that don’t work out I’ma push it back close to my birthday, which is in December. I’m probably also going to release a Self Explanatory Volume 2, also promoting the album. And that’s it for what I got coming right now until I get some artists on my roster.

RIOTSOUND.COM: If you could pick any three producers in the world to work with on your next album, who would they be?

OKTAYNE: Timberland, number one is Timberland. Number two, I would have to say Mannie Fresh. And [third], the most innovative producer/MC in my opinion, Kanye West.

For more news and info on Oktayne stay tuned to www.MySpace.com/TheRealOktaynePage




- Alex Shtaerman

Review: Oktayne – Self Explanations


Oktayne – Self Explanations
2008, Chozen Swag Entertainment

Rodeo, California’s Oktayne has a plan. Not one for simply thriving on a dance beat, Oktayne raps and rhymes about whatever is on his mind, whether it’s dreams of being a rap star, social issues, having fun and partying or even bringing a little Barry White smooth to his rhymes. Born in 1987, Oktayne has deep respect for the history of hip-hop, with influences including Ice-T, 2PAC, Jay-Z and Nas. Oktayne’s debut album, Self-Explanations, was released in 2008, and continues a slow-but-steady build in internet buzz.

Self-Explanations opens with What I Am, a declaration of self in song that's fairly stereotypical for Hip-Hop/Rap. The rhymes here are strong but Oktayne doesn't really offer much that's new or interesting. Hat Game is a bit perplexing. I had a hard time figuring out whether Oktayne is praising the trend of wearing/collecting different team hats or making fun of it. On one hand there's a fair amount of sports knowledge and love expressed by the song, but there's also a tendency in the song to change teams like the wind depending on whose winning. I Am Tayne is a much better intro song that the opening track. Oktayne gives you a look at who he is and why. Unlike a lot of popular rap artists who might decry the world for their own betterment, Oktayne gives the impression that he lives for the music itself.

Oktayne takes some time to praise the fairer sex on I Wanna Be High. Barry White smiles benevolently on this song as someone finally figures out how to bring the slow jam vibe to a rap song and does it right. Oktayne is a student of Hip-Hop as well as a performer, and pays tribute to its Soul and Funk roots on California Soul. Oktayne distinguishes himself in the Rap world with Neva; a gooey love song that says all the right things about love, commitment and family. It's a positive image that is often left aside in popular rap. Sexademic, however, could have been written by Luke Campbell himself. Fans of old 2 Live Crew material will love it.

Juicii shares mic time on Till The Sun Up; an entertaining if highly charged song about sex. I guess it's no good being a rap star if you can't brag about your prowess a little. Sosa The Champ sits in on Hold It Down, a great danceable song with real commercial possibilities. Sex appeal and dancing come together on Fast To The Ground, where it's all about the booty. This should score big for Oktayne on the club scene. There's real potential here. The dance-oriented material continues on Leaving With Me, although this tune is a bit more bland. Oktayne gives listeners a tour inside his mind with The Dreamer, a song about striving for what you want; growing up and taking responsibility for your own destiny. It's a hungry song; a positive message from someone who perhaps hasn't gotten where he wants to be yet but is certainly on the right path.

Oktayne scores major points on See You Again, a touching tribute to his aunt and uncle. See You Again is extremely well written, having a strong narrative that illuminates his loved ones quite well; it's very apparent how strongly he feels and yet done without sounding cliché. Oktayne closes out Self-Explanations by calling his own generation out for their lack of direction and seriousness on Focus. He reaffirms his own drive to succeed and calls on others to take their lives in their hands. This is one of the more energetic performances Oktayne gives on the CD and is my personal favorite.

Oktayne scores big with Self-Explanations. I thought the dance/club material was the weakest on the disc and yet still scores decent marks for quality while providing some of the most marketable songs on the disc. Oktayne is profane at times, but poetically say; he's got a lot to say. While the delivery might not always sit well with all listeners, there's always a dash of good humor in Oktayne's voice that makes even the most difficult of messages go down easier. Self-Explanations has flashes of the poetry of 2PAC, a pop sensibility that Kanye would be proud of, an occasional killer lyrical instinct in the vein of Ice-T and a whole lot of Will Smith's good guy machismo all wrapped up together. Oktayne has a great start here, and he's only going to get better.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Oktayne at www.myspace.com/therealoktaynepage or http://www.therealoktayne.blogspot.com/. You can purchase Self-Explanations digitally via iTunes - Wildy Haskell Of wildy'sworld.blogspot.com

http://wowuradio.podomatic.com/entry/2010-03-21T10_10_01-07_00

"I had my first cd review from this guy named Wildy Haskell from New York, he has his own blog, I think he gave a 4 out of 5 on a review, on his review." - WOW RADIO

Interview with OKTAYNE
Contributed by LatinaBeatz
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
Last Updated Wednesday, 04 June 2008
Allow me to present OKTAYNE a young up and commer from a small town named Smallzville. Oktayne is about to put
that small city on the map! In this interview Oktayne describes to Raptalk what got him into Hip Hop, How he plans to
contribute and what is in store for his album debut! - Enjoy!

Question: Where you born and raised?

I was born in Berkley, I lived toddler life in Oakland, and I was raised in a town noticed but not on the map town called
Smallzville,actual town name is Rodeo. Smallzville is more than a nickname for a town as you can see. It's more like a
movement of rappers trying to succeed in this rap game. I call it Smallzville unity in rap and hip-hop. The rapper
Yukmouth had a show where two artist named Rich Lawson and Circus The Kid were the opening act for him. So I like to
see how my hometown is making moves from recent radio play and great charismatic events, so I felt like it's time to
break my silence.

Question: Where did the name Oktayne come from?

I was one of those rappers who had trouble coming up with a rapper name. I had at 13 started rapping 13 with name Lil
D then I was Avalanche. I then became Venom at the age of 15 for one year. After that year was up I ended up being
Phrost, I got tired of that name. I used say this line, "don't try to step up or you get gassed up." A friend of mine at the
time told me that Oktayne should be my rap name. It stuck to me like it was super glue ever since that day. The next day
I saw oktayne ratings on a gas pump while I was getting gas. I used to say cars can't run without Gasoline.

Question: When did you first get into Hip Hop?

I had this old Yahama keyboard that was not good for beat making when I was 12. I has the drum beat playing and I was
free styling. It was my first time so I wasn't saying anything. My brother Jason walked in on me and asked what I was
doing. When he asked I told him I don't know. He said well if you got practice you probably rap. Well I did exactly what he
said, I waited until I felt my skills was ready. I'm so confident that my shot won't be far from now.

Question: Who are some of your influences?

First off, before I mention the musicians that inspire me, I like to mention my family influences me in many ways. I'm
influenced by Tupac, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Big Pun, Talib Kweli, Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco. Those rappers will always
be the best at what they do to me.

Question: What you got worken on right now?

I'm working on a mix tape called Self-Explanatory Vol.1. The reason for that title is that people are afraid to be
themselves in the rap game. Either that or their label won't let them be themselves. It is to help promote the album that
I'm working on called Self-Explanations.
I got production from Beat Catererz, Kajmir Royale, my boy Big Gene from Smallzville and I'm looking for some more hot
beats as we speak.

Question: What kind of album do you want to make?

Something that I enjoy doing. yes I'm a commercial rapper but that's not all I do. I could flip a concept about anything I
want. That depends on the mood I am in. I want the production to be nice. The lyrics to be dope as well. I can't stand just
having a hot hook and a beat. I make songs for the ladies because I love women, and I don't want them to feel
disrespected when they hear my swagger player and club type songs.
-
Question: What makes you stand out from everyone else?

It's my flow, it's so unique that you don't think it's there, but it is. I know how to structure my songs better than most
people. I heard a song where people go off topic. The topic in a song was clearly about having sex then they switch up to
talking about how they going to kill somebody on the same song.

Question: Tell us about your mixtapes?

The problem with my mixtapes is that I always scrapped them when I don't feel they would get done. I had George
Gervimade Then Jr. Mixtape when I was Phrost, the quality of the recording was wack. I had Ignition Vol.1 and 2 and
there were only 4 songs that really got people's attention on myspace. The new mixtape for 2008 will not fail like the
others did, and I believe I'm trying to get DJ Hurricane to host.

Question: On your track "BRIM LOW" who was it received?

Brim Low was a song I put together on a beat I wasn't suppose to use on a mixtape. It was a hot thing around some
people at Laney College up in Oakland. On Myspace, several people from Arizona put the song on their IPods.
Question: What do you think of mainstream, how does it differ from the "underground' artist, Mainstream today lacks
what the Golden Era of Hip Hop brought, would you agree?
The mainstream world is full of gimmicks, not that anything is wrong with gimmicks. The problem is the dumb gimmicks.
That is why we got more dance artist than real artist in the mainstream. I don't really pay attention to underground if you
ever heard Kamikazee Lyricist and I know you feeling Immortial Technique, I can't deny the underground talent at all.
Yes I agree because as a kid I saw the East Vs. West Beef, I seen how Jay-Z and Nas was the only ones Tupac didn't
try to embrace. I saw the copkilla controversy unfold as a toddler didn't understand until I got older. As I grew up Hip Hop
started depreciating slowly, but no one knew it was going to end up like it did.

Question: Who would you like to
collab with in the mainstream

I would love to get a beat from Timbaland, I always wanted to work with Busta Rhymes, Get hooks from T.Pain, Do
several joints with Juelz Santana, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Pitbull, and Eminem. I always wanted to do something with
Fabulous. I can't forget about R&b: Mary J Blidge, Mariah Carey, R.Kelly, Ne-Yo, Bobby Valentino. The Bay area artist:
Messy Marv, J.Valentine, Clyde Carson, and Ya Boy.
As time progress my list may decrease or increase

Question: Are you under a label?

I signed myself until I can get under a label, I'm Chozen Swag baby haha.
Question: How do you plan to make it in this business?
I know that I have a lot of ideas in my head. I'm going to have my own filming company where we film anything from
shows to videos to commercials and documentaries. I got a business partner for that venture, so when both our pockets
are ready we will set it up. That will more versatile because I'm a camera man, but of course when it's my video someone
else is holding the camera. Soon as I get that camera I will get that business. in the music industry, when I do mixtapes I
will concentrate on making good enough to keep. I will keep the dedication I have to this because I know it's not easy. If I
didn't have a job I wouldn't of got started with the business side. I have a mind of a business man, so those around me
know I'm serious.

Question:
How can people contact you and peep your music?

www.myspace.com/therealoktaynepage www.isound.com/oktayne www.noisehead.com/oktayne
http://www.noisehead.com/mypage/oktayne www.showcaseyourmusic.com/oktayne ignitionceoswag@gmail.com
thechosenteam@gmail.com
- http://raptalk.net/website/content/view/484/54/

http://hyphyrockstar.com/rockstar/artists/up-and-coming-artist/hyphy-rockstar-artist-oktayne/1451/

Born Albert Devon Tatmon, in Berkeley, California on the 15th of December 1987, Okatyne is a millennium artist who recorded several mixtapes. He has a small buzz from his song “Brim Low” The song was a cut from the 1st Ignition mixtape. Ignition was a series of two mixtapes created for fan support, and improvement. Unfortunately he changed his squad’s name so that series is considered as unreleased material. Oktayne is also known around his peers, with his smooth tempting voice. He can use that tempting voice to rap well as well as to turn women on. He attended John Swett High School in Crockett, CA. There he took a Voice Class, and a Comtemporary Music Class. Oktayne second love was R&B but fell in love with Hip Hop before Tupac died. He used to stay in the hood while living in the city of Oakland but was too young to understand it. His family moved out of Oakland because of academic reasons. Oktayne grew up in Smallzville, CA (Rodeo) from 1994 until present. Oktayne first picked up the microphone to record in the 8th grade. During that year two students went to Oktayne’s house and used his Dad’s DJ equipment to record demo tapes. Around that time it was the era of the cassette tapes. The cassette tapes were popular until LP cds were the only type of album in the marketplace. In result the popularity of LP cds were slowly rising. Everybody knew things were about to change sooner or later. Due to those technology advances Oktayne’s progress wasn’t working properly. He eventually decided to be a solo artist. br>
Oktayne is growing into an image of young Hip Hop supporters. He maturely realizes that Hip Hop has no more substance. He wants to bring the substance back to game while sticking to his mainstream roots. He was dreaming about this since 1999 influenced by one of his brother’s friends who was starting a record label. So you can see he is growing into an image of young Hip Hop supporters. Oktayne’s era is known as the 80’s babies era or the late 80’s babies era. Oktayne’s album Self-Explanations is currently out digitally at i tunes, napster and rhapsody. The music produced by Beat Catererz, Kajmir Royale, G-Funk, and Sap Da Beat Man. The artwork was done by Slaugther Graphics with the sign “Welcome To Smallzville” in the background. The message of the cover is that he is an artist from that small town, and the small town is on the verge of being put on the map. The album is an organized album, and it is a debut that will identify to you why Oktayne is a good artist. The quest for greatness has begun for Oktayne, and it’s a difficult journey for him. The constant struggle of getting known since he is not from a big city that thrives on the hip-hop music scene. As long as he’s keeps the faith in his belief in God, then Oktayne will achieve many things. The mission for him is to make sure he’s able to do what he can to make him stable. Just enough to do what he loves and support a family in the process. A process that will take time as he grows as an artist. If you somebody that supports or may support his music then you will see that he grew so much through out the album.



Artist / Group Name:Oktayne

Name of song you are sending: Neva Thought Ft. Mardell Maxwell

Artist / Group Website: www.myspace.com/therealoktaynepage
Where is the artist located: Rodeo aka Smallzville, CA

How did you get started with your music? I had this old keyboard with drum loops, and i would put on the drum loops and spit to them, that was in 1999. I also put in Jay-z’s Hard Knock Life Album, and Dr. Dre’s Chronic 2001 which made me want to rap.

What are you currently working on? Right now I got an album out digital only called Self-Explanations. At the moment I’m working on a music video for my single Neva Thought. I’m also working on getting physical copies for that, so I can send out for reviews. I’m also working on this mixtape series called Self-Explanatory.



What kind of music do you listen to and how does it influence your music? It’s varies from hip-hop to punk. I am very experimental at times, but I’m mostly rap on the microphone. All my music I listen to is on my ipod. I got songs on there that influence my style, swagger, lifestyle and my emotional state of mind. So basically I have all kinds of music on my ipod.

What’s your opinion on mainstream music today? It is not as good as it used to be.

Who do you admire? Nas because he is still the most talented emcee in a long time to me.

Why would people want to listen to your music over someone else’s? It’s more than being marketable, my music can entertain you, and amaze you all in one whole project. You will not get a one dimensional artist out of Oktayne.



Who have you worked with and how have they affected your work? I worked with a Smallzville native Circus *TK and well I learn how to show my swagger more from his music. I also worked with a singer by the name of Mardell Maxwell who is from the state of Kansas, his hook affected me so much that I bought his album from ITunes. I also worked with an artist named Sosa Da Champ from St. Louis, and honestly he was the one that shined on our track, because the beat was up his alley. I wasn’t too far behind tho. I am currently planning to work on some music with this Utah singer named Bre, details about that will be revealed in the fall or winter.

What is your local music scene like? It’s not a spot popular in hip-hop so we have to rely on the big cities like Oakland and San Francisco. We have a few artist from Smallzville, who are currently buzzing. They are currently Circus *TK, Young Winn, Mike-Dash-E who are buzzing. The Smallzville movement is taken very seriously because there is even a label by that name. There will be more including myself Oktayne.

What suggestions do you have for other artists in the music industry? Stay true to yourself no matter the cause. Don’t cheat yourself by being something you are not. The reason is lies have a tendency of coming to the light. You don’t want your fan base to turn on you because you are not being yourself.



Where do you see yourself in a year from now? With my second album out called “Rubix Cube,” as well as my ep promo album called Geek Eye View to promote Rubix Cube.

Any additional information you would like us to know? People can contact me by email ignitionceoswag@gmail.com and you can also buy the album on www.itunes.com/oktayne, on http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0022PWQ76,
http://home.napster.com/ns/music/artist_search.html?artist_id=12732472, http://mp3.rhapsody.com/oktayne/self-explanations


What are your views about the HYPHY movement? The bay area stations played the music out, but it was hot while it lasted. The reason is because it made us different from everybody else. I wish we didn’t over do it so people from the outside would have a better impression about it.
- Deric Of Hyphy Rockstar