Antagonist

CaliFlorida Productions CEO Anthony “Antagonist” Masters knows owning an independent imprint is like having manual transmission in your car. It’s constantly shifting gears in an area of congestion like independent music.
Masters, a hip hop artist known as Antagonist, is trying to find the delicate balance between promoting himself as an artist, and being a businessman with a small imprint calledCaliFlorida Productions. Masters also coordinates all the workings that go with marketing and promotions on a limited budget.
Trying to keep up with emerging trends and technology can be daunting for this virtual one-man band as he continues to produce, mix, create beats, market, create graphic designs, and coordinate promotional materials and virtual marketing campaigns. Antagonist knows he can’t afford not to listen when he hears of popular new methods of distribution like streaming from sites such as Pandora, www.datpiff.com, Radio Tuna, Spotify, Lala.com, andTunecore. “You always have to listen to an idea and put your music in as many places as possible. My difficulty lies in the fact that not only am I a production company and label owner, but also an artist,” Masters said. “I have to wear many hats, and that doesn’t leave me as much time lately to dedicate to searching out new, blossoming ideas.”

Antagonizing what’s been dubbed “The Future of Music”
Masters, who began his music career in the late 90s, entered the business during a time of turmoil, litigation, and disorganized chaos spawned by new meduims such as Napster, Real Player, Real Audio, and others that emerged during the dot.com era. Antagonist saw this as an opportunity, not a deterrent, to catapulting his career initiatives. “I have three words, internet, internet, internet,” Masters said. “I have coverage in 90 countries worldwide, the attention of over 200 websites, and close to half a million web impressions. I did all of this without doing a show outside of California or Florida. Obviously, I’m looking to tour as soon as possible to propel my fanbase into overdrive. I want indie artists to know that just because you might live in a small town, it doesn’t mean you have to think small. With that being said, I’ve been blessed to reside in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Miami over the past 14 years. It doesn’t hurt growing up in some major music markets.”

Moving from “The Hood” to “The Cloud”
Antagonist understands the value of streaming and doesn’t see streaming as a here today, gone tomorrow trend, such as the mini discs in the late 90s and early 00s. Masters has paid close attention to Apple’s business model. He knows that, like many other ventures in the past, Apple has established themselves as trailblazers in the new territory of streaming, especially with their recent acquisition of www.lala.com.
“Like it or not, Apple has digital distribution on lock,” Masters said. “Other sites such as Amazon and Rhapsody are closing in, but right now it’s all about iTunes. New companies such as TuneCore (which I personally use) are single-handedly changing the music business. It’s up to the fans, or us as artists, if this is a good thing. On one side, ANYBODY can now make a record and have it immediately available to everybody in the world with an .mp3 player. I think that’s great for somebody like myself. On the other hand, at some point there is going to be SO MUCH music out there that finding music in the fray will be increasingly difficult. The companies who solve this problem, and the artists who find out how to make their “needle shine in the haystack,” will be the ones who survive.”

Pay to Play: Antagonist sees streaming music’s business model that simple
The revenue-sharing models of streaming music vary greatly from company to company, and organizations such as BMI, ASCAP, and Soundexchange.com are still in the process of developing a system of compensation so artists, labels, managers, and publishers get their due, monetarily.
“Streaming music is as simple of a business model as anything else, in my opinion. You have to find a company that brings major traffic to their media, and a company that has a firm worldwide foundation,” Masters said. “Once you find a company relationship you like, then you have to get a good deal as far as money per plays. If a site has a lot of traffic and you’re getting several cents per play, over time the money will add up. It’s simple internet economics. Great Site=Traffic=AdRevenue=Great Returns.”
Like any new medium, there is a transition period for consumers to adapt to the new devices in order for everything to convert. The majority of consumer retail outlets reflect that with the type of devices that are currently on the market in outlets such as Walmart, that still have MP3 players with AM/FM radio advertised as one of their features.
In hip hop, the transition will be even more difficult because this genre is still so dependent on physical marketing and promotional tools such as mixtapes - Jason Blasco

CaliFlorida Productions CEO Anthony “Antagonist” Masters knows owning an independent imprint is like having manual transmission in your car. It’s constantly shifting gears in an area of congestion like independent music.
Masters, a hip hop artist known as Antagonist, is trying to find the delicate balance between promoting himself as an artist, and being a businessman with a small imprint calledCaliFlorida Productions. Masters also coordinates all the workings that go with marketing and promotions on a limited budget.
Trying to keep up with emerging trends and technology can be daunting for this virtual one-man band as he continues to produce, mix, create beats, market, create graphic designs, and coordinate promotional materials and virtual marketing campaigns. Antagonist knows he can’t afford not to listen when he hears of popular new methods of distribution like streaming from sites such as Pandora, www.datpiff.com, Radio Tuna, Spotify, Lala.com, andTunecore. “You always have to listen to an idea and put your music in as many places as possible. My difficulty lies in the fact that not only am I a production company and label owner, but also an artist,” Masters said. “I have to wear many hats, and that doesn’t leave me as much time lately to dedicate to searching out new, blossoming ideas.”

Antagonizing what’s been dubbed “The Future of Music”
Masters, who began his music career in the late 90s, entered the business during a time of turmoil, litigation, and disorganized chaos spawned by new meduims such as Napster, Real Player, Real Audio, and others that emerged during the dot.com era. Antagonist saw this as an opportunity, not a deterrent, to catapulting his career initiatives. “I have three words, internet, internet, internet,” Masters said. “I have coverage in 90 countries worldwide, the attention of over 200 websites, and close to half a million web impressions. I did all of this without doing a show outside of California or Florida. Obviously, I’m looking to tour as soon as possible to propel my fanbase into overdrive. I want indie artists to know that just because you might live in a small town, it doesn’t mean you have to think small. With that being said, I’ve been blessed to reside in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Miami over the past 14 years. It doesn’t hurt growing up in some major music markets.”

Moving from “The Hood” to “The Cloud”
Antagonist understands the value of streaming and doesn’t see streaming as a here today, gone tomorrow trend, such as the mini discs in the late 90s and early 00s. Masters has paid close attention to Apple’s business model. He knows that, like many other ventures in the past, Apple has established themselves as trailblazers in the new territory of streaming, especially with their recent acquisition of www.lala.com.
“Like it or not, Apple has digital distribution on lock,” Masters said. “Other sites such as Amazon and Rhapsody are closing in, but right now it’s all about iTunes. New companies such as TuneCore (which I personally use) are single-handedly changing the music business. It’s up to the fans, or us as artists, if this is a good thing. On one side, ANYBODY can now make a record and have it immediately available to everybody in the world with an .mp3 player. I think that’s great for somebody like myself. On the other hand, at some point there is going to be SO MUCH music out there that finding music in the fray will be increasingly difficult. The companies who solve this problem, and the artists who find out how to make their “needle shine in the haystack,” will be the ones who survive.”

Pay to Play: Antagonist sees streaming music’s business model that simple
The revenue-sharing models of streaming music vary greatly from company to company, and organizations such as BMI, ASCAP, and Soundexchange.com are still in the process of developing a system of compensation so artists, labels, managers, and publishers get their due, monetarily.
“Streaming music is as simple of a business model as anything else, in my opinion. You have to find a company that brings major traffic to their media, and a company that has a firm worldwide foundation,” Masters said. “Once you find a company relationship you like, then you have to get a good deal as far as money per plays. If a site has a lot of traffic and you’re getting several cents per play, over time the money will add up. It’s simple internet economics. Great Site=Traffic=AdRevenue=Great Returns.”
Like any new medium, there is a transition period for consumers to adapt to the new devices in order for everything to convert. The majority of consumer retail outlets reflect that with the type of devices that are currently on the market in outlets such as Walmart, that still have MP3 players with AM/FM radio advertised as one of their features.
In hip hop, the transition will be even more difficult because this genre is still so dependent on physical marketing and promotional tools such as mixtapes - Jason Blasco

Now Defunct GarageBand.com which recently combined with iLike rated Antagonists single, "When the Lights Go Down" Ft. Dawn Jameson the following three awards in late 2009.
* Best Mood in Hip Hop
* Best Female Vocal in Hip Hop
* Track of the Day - GarageBand.Com

Now Defunct GarageBand.com which recently combined with iLike rated Antagonists single, "When the Lights Go Down" Ft. Dawn Jameson the following three awards in late 2009.
* Best Mood in Hip Hop
* Best Female Vocal in Hip Hop
* Track of the Day - GarageBand.Com

If you haven’t heard of artist/producer Antagonist then you better google him - this guy is for real. This emerging artist/producer has proven that he has what it takes to help bring hip hop back on it’s feet. For years now, the industry have been struggling and starving for new talent - but there is one problem! Where is the talent? Many producers and labels have been eating off the talents of Lil Wayne, T.I. and other southern artists with catchy cliches, but they have failed to look into the deep swamps of Florida. But make no mistake the Californian artist Antagonist is no stranger to the music industry, because he has a decorated resume of a emerging producer, but has carried his roots to Florida creating a popular production house named, Califlorida Productions. And if talent was not enough to add to this incredible artist - he also mix his hardcore street knowledge of Cali with his smooth articulate rhymes with the best in Florida.

For years I have shared my professional opinions with music industry reps and I tell you now - “Antagonist” is a rising a star. His lyrics are being chanting overseas and he has collaborated with one of the best producers in UK - DJ Ames, an SEA Award winner producer. Together Ant and DJ Ames has created a powerful highly anticipated album entitled, “International.” I spent several hours listening to some of these tracks on youtube.com and the guy caught my respect and I will follow these guys to the top. These two explosive producers are expected to release nothing less than the bomb tracks and they both have proved this thus far.

Antagonist has a style to me that is similar to hip hop star, T-Pain - but he also has this rock element about him and is more versatile. He is definitely not stuck in one style and proves it. Not taking any credit from T-pain, because I dig the guy, but Ant gives that plus more with serious lyrics. The industry asked, “What happened to the real lyricist in the industry?” Antagonist has the answer.

If bringing on the mic is not enough - get this! The guy is a songwriter, producer, engineer, businessman, you want me to keep going? Ceo, artist, mixer, entrepenuer - what else can he do? One of the problems the hip hop industry has had for years is keeping artists out of jail and off the streets. Worry no more, because these guys are serious about business. I have to give deep pocket respect for the hustle, because I know the struggle. Two guys collabin’ like this - leaves the whole word in trouble. The boys can bubble and that’s real - get ready for “International’ and show some love for Antagonist and DJ Ames. Keep checking back for updates on Antagonist, because I’m gonna cover every move they make and keep you guys in the loop - Because I know music. Holla back.

LIVE Interview with CaliFlorida’s own “ANTAGONIST” •April 24, 2009 •


KJ: What’s up, man? First of all – you are a jack-of-all-trades in the music industry, you produced, master, engineer, write and perform –plus you’re a businessman. What inspired you to get in the music industry – producing, performing, etc?
Antagonist: Music has always been in my blood since day one. I started out playing piano when I was about 6 years old. I hated the structured training that young though, so I just began to play around and make sounds. That grew into learning guitar, drums, and ultimately vocals. It’s just something that’s in me, that I’ve always felt I was MEANT to do.

KJ: I understand that you have been producing for several years now, how is it producing on the East Coast versus West Coast- and was this transition a tough one – considering that the styles are totally different?

Antagonist: That’s a great question KJ. What I really felt different about the two mainly is the attitude towards music making. Cali is more grass-roots. What I mean by that is that a lot of cats work together, and indie dudes can always be found in the studio collaborating with each other. It’s very casual. Out here in FL, things seem a lot more glossy. The studio sessions are bigger, and so are the money factors involved. As far as my transition, it was natural for me. I have never considered myself regional, and always tried to push my music towards different sounds. I love them both, and I’m blessed to have experienced both. I think it has helped me tremendously.

KJ: I’m pretty impressed with your accomplishment in the music business – I also know how tough it is to make a name for yourself when you have so many producers/artists in the industry right now along with the struggles of hip hop. How did you adjust to the changes in music today?

Antagonist: I think there’s 2 sides to that coin K- On one side the industry is very tight right now. With the economy, and music sharing, artists aren’t getting the deals that they used to. So you really have to stand out. On the flip side, the Internet has revolutionized the independent music market. You can now spread worldwide WITHOUT a major label’s - Today With KJ (KJ King)

If you haven’t heard of artist/producer Antagonist then you better google him - this guy is for real. This emerging artist/producer has proven that he has what it takes to help bring hip hop back on it’s feet. For years now, the industry have been struggling and starving for new talent - but there is one problem! Where is the talent? Many producers and labels have been eating off the talents of Lil Wayne, T.I. and other southern artists with catchy cliches, but they have failed to look into the deep swamps of Florida. But make no mistake the Californian artist Antagonist is no stranger to the music industry, because he has a decorated resume of a emerging producer, but has carried his roots to Florida creating a popular production house named, Califlorida Productions. And if talent was not enough to add to this incredible artist - he also mix his hardcore street knowledge of Cali with his smooth articulate rhymes with the best in Florida.

For years I have shared my professional opinions with music industry reps and I tell you now - “Antagonist” is a rising a star. His lyrics are being chanting overseas and he has collaborated with one of the best producers in UK - DJ Ames, an SEA Award winner producer. Together Ant and DJ Ames has created a powerful highly anticipated album entitled, “International.” I spent several hours listening to some of these tracks on youtube.com and the guy caught my respect and I will follow these guys to the top. These two explosive producers are expected to release nothing less than the bomb tracks and they both have proved this thus far.

Antagonist has a style to me that is similar to hip hop star, T-Pain - but he also has this rock element about him and is more versatile. He is definitely not stuck in one style and proves it. Not taking any credit from T-pain, because I dig the guy, but Ant gives that plus more with serious lyrics. The industry asked, “What happened to the real lyricist in the industry?” Antagonist has the answer.

If bringing on the mic is not enough - get this! The guy is a songwriter, producer, engineer, businessman, you want me to keep going? Ceo, artist, mixer, entrepenuer - what else can he do? One of the problems the hip hop industry has had for years is keeping artists out of jail and off the streets. Worry no more, because these guys are serious about business. I have to give deep pocket respect for the hustle, because I know the struggle. Two guys collabin’ like this - leaves the whole word in trouble. The boys can bubble and that’s real - get ready for “International’ and show some love for Antagonist and DJ Ames. Keep checking back for updates on Antagonist, because I’m gonna cover every move they make and keep you guys in the loop - Because I know music. Holla back.

LIVE Interview with CaliFlorida’s own “ANTAGONIST” •April 24, 2009 •


KJ: What’s up, man? First of all – you are a jack-of-all-trades in the music industry, you produced, master, engineer, write and perform –plus you’re a businessman. What inspired you to get in the music industry – producing, performing, etc?
Antagonist: Music has always been in my blood since day one. I started out playing piano when I was about 6 years old. I hated the structured training that young though, so I just began to play around and make sounds. That grew into learning guitar, drums, and ultimately vocals. It’s just something that’s in me, that I’ve always felt I was MEANT to do.

KJ: I understand that you have been producing for several years now, how is it producing on the East Coast versus West Coast- and was this transition a tough one – considering that the styles are totally different?

Antagonist: That’s a great question KJ. What I really felt different about the two mainly is the attitude towards music making. Cali is more grass-roots. What I mean by that is that a lot of cats work together, and indie dudes can always be found in the studio collaborating with each other. It’s very casual. Out here in FL, things seem a lot more glossy. The studio sessions are bigger, and so are the money factors involved. As far as my transition, it was natural for me. I have never considered myself regional, and always tried to push my music towards different sounds. I love them both, and I’m blessed to have experienced both. I think it has helped me tremendously.

KJ: I’m pretty impressed with your accomplishment in the music business – I also know how tough it is to make a name for yourself when you have so many producers/artists in the industry right now along with the struggles of hip hop. How did you adjust to the changes in music today?

Antagonist: I think there’s 2 sides to that coin K- On one side the industry is very tight right now. With the economy, and music sharing, artists aren’t getting the deals that they used to. So you really have to stand out. On the flip side, the Internet has revolutionized the independent music market. You can now spread worldwide WITHOUT a major label’s - Today With KJ (KJ King)

The Antagonist is one busy busy man. In between writing rhymes, making beats, running his own company CaliFlorida Productions, he has also managed to release five mixtapes this year alone. His latest CD aptly titled International, comprises of 20 tracks, twelve of which he produced himself, all featuring the US rapper rhyming, singing and baring his soul.
So what is the motive behind the Antagonists hard work? Well as the title suggests his ultimate aim is to make it big on the scene not only in his native land but across the whole world and after listening to this mixtape that goal looks very achievable.

The mix itself is put together in collaboration with the UK’s own DJ Ames a seasoned mixtape maker with over 250,000 downloads and a following on the internet of nearly half-a-million fans. DJ Ames also recently won “Mixtape Host of the Year” at the recent Southern Entertainment Award’s making him the perfect choice for Antagonist to host this mix.

The CD opens with an epic intro Chuuuuch that fittingly features choral singing and hand claps as Antagonist gets the sermon started, sets up the mood and welcomes us into the mix.

The leisurely tempo continues over the next two tracks Benjamin Lipz and C'est La Vie both demonstrating perfectly Antagonist’s laid back southern influenced flow. The international theme is evident instantly not only in Antagonist lyrics, where he talks about being ‘good with the stove like Gordon Ramsey’, but also in the production which on the slow rolling banger Benjamin Lipz comes courtesy of French producer JackoJack.

The first of several potential chart hits follows with Caught Up a club track produced by new comers Stevie K and Courtez Banks aka The Hook. The Miami based duo who where discovered by Red Dread of Jim Jonsin's beatbakery.com, bring up a great beat with a catchy chorus which Antagonist smoothly flows over telling a tale of club love gone good.

Carrying on his globe trotting musical journey Lock on the Doors features UK rappers Real Life who bring a proper British vibe to the mix with some heavy lyrics and witty rhymes. Antagonist holds his own on this excellently produced track by Slayer, made all the better for the well used V for Vendetta sample at the start. In fact with all the screeching guitar’s, crashing drums and the rock style chorus you could be mistaken for thinking you where listening to the band Slayer and not a hip hop album.

The rock vibe continues on Rock Star, produced by Antagonist who also played the guitar on the track. As Cypress Hill and N.E.R.D have proven before the chart potential of rock / rap crossovers is huge something Antagonist is surely aware of as well.

Another UK artist, producer Nikki Nitro, takes the interlude 48 Days and gives it a distinctive UK sound with an interesting fresh almost grime sounding beat. The electro sound carries on to In The Streets which details Antagonist’s hustling days and then the tempo slows for My Life a reflective and emotional tale about Antagonist’s past trials and tribulations.

LoLo takes us back to the club cranking the pace up and getting you dancing. Maro’s simple but effective production shines through here and if anything the track should be a lot longer. Next up Cam Bodia takes production duties on I'm Right Herrrrrre with violin and cello stabs over a skipping beat Antagonist spits over with skill.

The choir returns on Crazy which is reminiscent of the intro in its production seeing Antagonist’s warped vocals detailing paranoia and other sinister musings. Thankfully we aren’t kept in the darkness too long and Movin Forward, an old school West coast banger produced by Stupid Genius is catchy as hell and another potential hit.

The Hook get their own interlude next using their time for a bit of shameless but funky self promotion before Dulce Como El Azucar unexpectedly bursts in. The song sees Antagonist singing a Spanish chorus not too dissimilar to Bailamos by Enrique Iglesias over a Euro dance backing. The track proves not only that he is a man of many talents but how eager he is to take the international market by adapting his musical style.

After such an upbeat track the last four tunes on the mix, all produced by Antagonist himself, take us back to the slower pace and explore the more deep emotional side of the rapper. You Can See It starts this off with a distinctly Cypress Hill sound before Love where Antagonist opens his heart and soul up for all to see. Detailing a tale of lost love the female chorus and slow piano work well. Alone follows stripping the sound down further with an echoing drum the only sound behind Antagonist’s rhymes adding to there poignance.

The last track Take Me Away brings the mix full circle back to the church with a slow beat and lyrics packed with religious imagery providing the perfect closer and again demonstrating Antagonist is unafraid to show us the intimate insightful side of his character.

Just to solidify the int - BritishHipHop.Co.Uk (Alex Humphrey)

The Antagonist is one busy busy man. In between writing rhymes, making beats, running his own company CaliFlorida Productions, he has also managed to release five mixtapes this year alone. His latest CD aptly titled International, comprises of 20 tracks, twelve of which he produced himself, all featuring the US rapper rhyming, singing and baring his soul.
So what is the motive behind the Antagonists hard work? Well as the title suggests his ultimate aim is to make it big on the scene not only in his native land but across the whole world and after listening to this mixtape that goal looks very achievable.

The mix itself is put together in collaboration with the UK’s own DJ Ames a seasoned mixtape maker with over 250,000 downloads and a following on the internet of nearly half-a-million fans. DJ Ames also recently won “Mixtape Host of the Year” at the recent Southern Entertainment Award’s making him the perfect choice for Antagonist to host this mix.

The CD opens with an epic intro Chuuuuch that fittingly features choral singing and hand claps as Antagonist gets the sermon started, sets up the mood and welcomes us into the mix.

The leisurely tempo continues over the next two tracks Benjamin Lipz and C'est La Vie both demonstrating perfectly Antagonist’s laid back southern influenced flow. The international theme is evident instantly not only in Antagonist lyrics, where he talks about being ‘good with the stove like Gordon Ramsey’, but also in the production which on the slow rolling banger Benjamin Lipz comes courtesy of French producer JackoJack.

The first of several potential chart hits follows with Caught Up a club track produced by new comers Stevie K and Courtez Banks aka The Hook. The Miami based duo who where discovered by Red Dread of Jim Jonsin's beatbakery.com, bring up a great beat with a catchy chorus which Antagonist smoothly flows over telling a tale of club love gone good.

Carrying on his globe trotting musical journey Lock on the Doors features UK rappers Real Life who bring a proper British vibe to the mix with some heavy lyrics and witty rhymes. Antagonist holds his own on this excellently produced track by Slayer, made all the better for the well used V for Vendetta sample at the start. In fact with all the screeching guitar’s, crashing drums and the rock style chorus you could be mistaken for thinking you where listening to the band Slayer and not a hip hop album.

The rock vibe continues on Rock Star, produced by Antagonist who also played the guitar on the track. As Cypress Hill and N.E.R.D have proven before the chart potential of rock / rap crossovers is huge something Antagonist is surely aware of as well.

Another UK artist, producer Nikki Nitro, takes the interlude 48 Days and gives it a distinctive UK sound with an interesting fresh almost grime sounding beat. The electro sound carries on to In The Streets which details Antagonist’s hustling days and then the tempo slows for My Life a reflective and emotional tale about Antagonist’s past trials and tribulations.

LoLo takes us back to the club cranking the pace up and getting you dancing. Maro’s simple but effective production shines through here and if anything the track should be a lot longer. Next up Cam Bodia takes production duties on I'm Right Herrrrrre with violin and cello stabs over a skipping beat Antagonist spits over with skill.

The choir returns on Crazy which is reminiscent of the intro in its production seeing Antagonist’s warped vocals detailing paranoia and other sinister musings. Thankfully we aren’t kept in the darkness too long and Movin Forward, an old school West coast banger produced by Stupid Genius is catchy as hell and another potential hit.

The Hook get their own interlude next using their time for a bit of shameless but funky self promotion before Dulce Como El Azucar unexpectedly bursts in. The song sees Antagonist singing a Spanish chorus not too dissimilar to Bailamos by Enrique Iglesias over a Euro dance backing. The track proves not only that he is a man of many talents but how eager he is to take the international market by adapting his musical style.

After such an upbeat track the last four tunes on the mix, all produced by Antagonist himself, take us back to the slower pace and explore the more deep emotional side of the rapper. You Can See It starts this off with a distinctly Cypress Hill sound before Love where Antagonist opens his heart and soul up for all to see. Detailing a tale of lost love the female chorus and slow piano work well. Alone follows stripping the sound down further with an echoing drum the only sound behind Antagonist’s rhymes adding to there poignance.

The last track Take Me Away brings the mix full circle back to the church with a slow beat and lyrics packed with religious imagery providing the perfect closer and again demonstrating Antagonist is unafraid to show us the intimate insightful side of his character.

Just to solidify the int - BritishHipHop.Co.Uk (Alex Humphrey)

Antagonist is a West coast artist with an East coast background who is now going international with his collaboration with DJ Ames. He has big plans for world domination and has five releases so far in 2009, with a further five planned! Check out what he had to say to Alex Humphrey.
In 2009 alone you have already released five mixtapes, the most recent of which just came out, is this all part of your plan for global domination?

Antagonist: LOL. Yeah fam, fo sho. I spent many years of tedious studio work perfecting both my delivery, and my production, yet not releasing a lot of material. After my tracks “Money” and “Diamondz & Fame” received some very strong attention in late 2008, I decided it was time to move forward. My goal is to feed the world with no less than ten solid tapes this year, leading up to my first widely promoted album.

How important to you is the internet and the growth of digital distribution as a tool for getting your music heard?

Antagonist: I honestly think it’s the main reason that I am where I am today. Being an artist / producer, unsigned, and with a limited budget, I spent the past several years studying the digital movement. I made a choice that if the industry didn’t come to me, I was going to knock it’s door down by myself. I was able to not only go nationwide in the US with my music, but was also able to attract worldwide attention. None of that could have been possible so quickly without the internet, unless I had a 6-7 figure promotional budget. I see the digital movement only growing until it overtakes the tangible “CD” market. I want to be ahead of the game.

UK based DJ Ames put together your new mixtape, how did you two hook up and what was it like working with him?

Antagonist: Building off your last question perfectly, Ames and I hooked up over Myspace. I was looking for a DJ to host the tape, and he had seen some of the moves I’d been making, and offered to host “International”. In the months leading up to the tape’s release, Ames won an SEA award for “Mixtape Host of the Year”, which added significant weight to the project. Everything was done through email correspondence, and file-sharing. Throughout, Ames was professional, did exactly what he said he would with the tape, and has gone above the call of duty to promote it in Europe. He let me make the tape exactly how I wanted, then added his touch to put the final package together. I look forward to building on our relationship as I work to spread the movement beyond the US.

The title of your latest release is ‘International’ what are the major differences you’ve found between US and UK hip-hop?

Antagonist: The message of hip hop tends to be the same worldwide. Brilliant songs of struggle, bravado, and the opposite sex tend to permeate the industry these days. The sound is what differs from place to place. I think that the US market caters to a more “pop” sound, and rides trends very heavily. The UK market, and the rest of the world in general seem to allow for a bit more experimentation. I know the UK seems to be into a more upbeat style, and a sound they call “Grime”. I didn’t necessarily cater to just the UK, but tried to build a disk that was worldly accessible. That’s why I took a lot of the chances, I’ve been wanting with my song-writing on “International”. It was a great experience to be able to dive into different sounds, and push my production limits.

Are you a big fan of the UK rap scene and who have you heard that you really rate?

Antagonist: I don’t usually stick to regions, as much as I stick to good artist and good songs. As far as UK artists, I really respect Real Life who I featured on “International”, also producer Nikki Nitro. They are up and comers to really watch out for. Also my dogs S.K.I.T.Z. and Angry of JPMD. I plan to work with them very soon. My favorite UK artist / producer of all time though gotta be Baby J. “Birth” was one of my favorite albums of all time. I’d really like to work with him on some tracks.

Who are your heroes, musical or otherwise?

Antagonist: Hmmm tough question. Growing up in the age of media “hit men”, so many of “Generation X & Y’s” hero’s have been tarnished. I believe in the people that are with me, and I see hero’s in all of my friends, family, and associates.

What was your childhood like and how did you start rapping?

Antagonist: I travelled around a lot between when I was born and when I started school. I came from humble East coast roots, and still have pictures of being the only Caucasian dude in pre-school outside of Detroit. I moved to Northern California when I was six and spent most my life all over California. I always loved hip hop music, and can remember groups as far back as Whodini, LA Dream Team etc. I always had a fascination for music, and started playing piano and guitar in my early years. This broadened into learning how to produce, and in the early 90’s I was began rapping into 4-tracks as much as I could.

- BritishHipHop.Co.Uk (Alex Humphrey)

Antagonist is a West coast artist with an East coast background who is now going international with his collaboration with DJ Ames. He has big plans for world domination and has five releases so far in 2009, with a further five planned! Check out what he had to say to Alex Humphrey.
In 2009 alone you have already released five mixtapes, the most recent of which just came out, is this all part of your plan for global domination?

Antagonist: LOL. Yeah fam, fo sho. I spent many years of tedious studio work perfecting both my delivery, and my production, yet not releasing a lot of material. After my tracks “Money” and “Diamondz & Fame” received some very strong attention in late 2008, I decided it was time to move forward. My goal is to feed the world with no less than ten solid tapes this year, leading up to my first widely promoted album.

How important to you is the internet and the growth of digital distribution as a tool for getting your music heard?

Antagonist: I honestly think it’s the main reason that I am where I am today. Being an artist / producer, unsigned, and with a limited budget, I spent the past several years studying the digital movement. I made a choice that if the industry didn’t come to me, I was going to knock it’s door down by myself. I was able to not only go nationwide in the US with my music, but was also able to attract worldwide attention. None of that could have been possible so quickly without the internet, unless I had a 6-7 figure promotional budget. I see the digital movement only growing until it overtakes the tangible “CD” market. I want to be ahead of the game.

UK based DJ Ames put together your new mixtape, how did you two hook up and what was it like working with him?

Antagonist: Building off your last question perfectly, Ames and I hooked up over Myspace. I was looking for a DJ to host the tape, and he had seen some of the moves I’d been making, and offered to host “International”. In the months leading up to the tape’s release, Ames won an SEA award for “Mixtape Host of the Year”, which added significant weight to the project. Everything was done through email correspondence, and file-sharing. Throughout, Ames was professional, did exactly what he said he would with the tape, and has gone above the call of duty to promote it in Europe. He let me make the tape exactly how I wanted, then added his touch to put the final package together. I look forward to building on our relationship as I work to spread the movement beyond the US.

The title of your latest release is ‘International’ what are the major differences you’ve found between US and UK hip-hop?

Antagonist: The message of hip hop tends to be the same worldwide. Brilliant songs of struggle, bravado, and the opposite sex tend to permeate the industry these days. The sound is what differs from place to place. I think that the US market caters to a more “pop” sound, and rides trends very heavily. The UK market, and the rest of the world in general seem to allow for a bit more experimentation. I know the UK seems to be into a more upbeat style, and a sound they call “Grime”. I didn’t necessarily cater to just the UK, but tried to build a disk that was worldly accessible. That’s why I took a lot of the chances, I’ve been wanting with my song-writing on “International”. It was a great experience to be able to dive into different sounds, and push my production limits.

Are you a big fan of the UK rap scene and who have you heard that you really rate?

Antagonist: I don’t usually stick to regions, as much as I stick to good artist and good songs. As far as UK artists, I really respect Real Life who I featured on “International”, also producer Nikki Nitro. They are up and comers to really watch out for. Also my dogs S.K.I.T.Z. and Angry of JPMD. I plan to work with them very soon. My favorite UK artist / producer of all time though gotta be Baby J. “Birth” was one of my favorite albums of all time. I’d really like to work with him on some tracks.

Who are your heroes, musical or otherwise?

Antagonist: Hmmm tough question. Growing up in the age of media “hit men”, so many of “Generation X & Y’s” hero’s have been tarnished. I believe in the people that are with me, and I see hero’s in all of my friends, family, and associates.

What was your childhood like and how did you start rapping?

Antagonist: I travelled around a lot between when I was born and when I started school. I came from humble East coast roots, and still have pictures of being the only Caucasian dude in pre-school outside of Detroit. I moved to Northern California when I was six and spent most my life all over California. I always loved hip hop music, and can remember groups as far back as Whodini, LA Dream Team etc. I always had a fascination for music, and started playing piano and guitar in my early years. This broadened into learning how to produce, and in the early 90’s I was began rapping into 4-tracks as much as I could.

- BritishHipHop.Co.Uk (Alex Humphrey)

Review: South-Florida based rapper and producer Antagonist is back with his latest self-produced mixtape effort titled “International”, this time presented by DJ Ames. Ant’s talents and abilities as a producer once again take center stage, but his versatility and rhyme schemes are also commendable. Most apparent is Antagonist’s ability to mimic and emulate other prominent rapper’s styles and systems of composition while simultaneously contributing his own flavor. Listen to C’est La Vie, one of a few auto-tune tracks where Lil Wayne’s influence can clearly be heard. When Ant isnt crooning auto-tune style, he puts a more southern slang type of rap on deck, such as on the track Caught Up. The Intro to the tape is a real dramatic, church-sounding piece where Antagonist flaunts a relationship with the recently launched Jim Jonsin effort beatbakery.com. Rock Star finds ANT making an attempt at the newly popular rock / rap hybrid sound. A producer at heart, Antagonist is very good at vocal production, at times blurring the line between the underlying beat and his effect-heavy vocals, such as on the track In The Streets. There’s also a higher intensity, Spanish dance track called Dulce Como El Azucar, which stays true to the International theme of the mixtape. The beats are all over the place, from southern-style bangers to pop to even rock, dance and some slower rap tracks as well. You can clearly hear Antagonist’s influences on many of his tracks and Ant’s ability to mold certain tracks to fit a particular mood or musical style is undeniable. His overall style can be characterized as a rough medium between Paul Wall and Bubba Sparxxx, but the variety of material he drops and his dual role as a producer set him apart from similar dirty south emcees. Only time will tell what direction Antagonist ultimately decides to pursue and it should be interesting to hear his debut release, whether it be a street album or official debut. www.crediblemusicreviews.com - CredibleMusicReviews.com

Review: South-Florida based rapper and producer Antagonist is back with his latest self-produced mixtape effort titled “International”, this time presented by DJ Ames. Ant’s talents and abilities as a producer once again take center stage, but his versatility and rhyme schemes are also commendable. Most apparent is Antagonist’s ability to mimic and emulate other prominent rapper’s styles and systems of composition while simultaneously contributing his own flavor. Listen to C’est La Vie, one of a few auto-tune tracks where Lil Wayne’s influence can clearly be heard. When Ant isnt crooning auto-tune style, he puts a more southern slang type of rap on deck, such as on the track Caught Up. The Intro to the tape is a real dramatic, church-sounding piece where Antagonist flaunts a relationship with the recently launched Jim Jonsin effort beatbakery.com. Rock Star finds ANT making an attempt at the newly popular rock / rap hybrid sound. A producer at heart, Antagonist is very good at vocal production, at times blurring the line between the underlying beat and his effect-heavy vocals, such as on the track In The Streets. There’s also a higher intensity, Spanish dance track called Dulce Como El Azucar, which stays true to the International theme of the mixtape. The beats are all over the place, from southern-style bangers to pop to even rock, dance and some slower rap tracks as well. You can clearly hear Antagonist’s influences on many of his tracks and Ant’s ability to mold certain tracks to fit a particular mood or musical style is undeniable. His overall style can be characterized as a rough medium between Paul Wall and Bubba Sparxxx, but the variety of material he drops and his dual role as a producer set him apart from similar dirty south emcees. Only time will tell what direction Antagonist ultimately decides to pursue and it should be interesting to hear his debut release, whether it be a street album or official debut. www.crediblemusicreviews.com - CredibleMusicReviews.com

Review: “Blood Diamondz” is Antagonist’s follow-up to his recent successful Biggy Jiggy-presented instrumental “HD Studio Beats“ mixtape. “Blood Diamondz” contains several snippets, interludes and an intro and outro from the motion picture “Blood Diamonds”. The title track Blood Diamondz showcases Antagonist’s production skills and offers a set of different vocals issued with fiery delivery. Dey Wit Me features some auto-tuned ANT along with some really good vocal production. Co-Defendant is an older track from ANT that first appeared on a Biggy Jiggy “Exclusive Tunes” mixtape; its a good remix. No Options features Antagonist spitting over Fifty’s “I Get It In”. The Games Been Good To Me is a guitar-heavy track with a laid back feel that features ANT singing. The Lost remix is another good example of ANT’s vocal production skills, where he applies the auto-tune very well. Extacy is a vocal heavy track co-produced by Skitzo & Antagonist and one of a few co-produced joints. ANT gives “something for the ladies” on the remix to Flo Rida’s You Can Be My Shone, which is one of the better tracks on the tape. Camera Phone has such a sick beat and ANT makes sure to pay homage to South Florida and Cool & Dre on the track. On the southern rap track Errrrbody Know, Antagonist sets the scene telling you to ”sit back on yo porch, sip some So Co and swamp juice.” The track was co-produced by Stupid Genius and ANT and is one of the best original tracks on the tape. Cash is the best example of Antagonist’s ability to rhyme, flow, and ride a beat. Supastar is another Antagonist co-produced track with Cam-Bodia, which seems to a popular form of collaboration for the West Palm rapper/producer. Bigga Than A Elephant features more fire production by L-Don and ANT and Movin’ is another tight piece of solo production by Antagonist. A few of these tracks are remixes that maintain vocals from the original compositions and give ANT a chance to shine as both a producer and as an emcee alongside recognizable features on the track. You don’t see many rappers like ANT these days that are also producing nearly all of their own material. With his “HD Studio Beats” and “Blood Diamondz” mixtape, the CaliFlorida Productions boss is off to a running start in 2009.
- CredibleMusicReviews.Com

Review: “Blood Diamondz” is Antagonist’s follow-up to his recent successful Biggy Jiggy-presented instrumental “HD Studio Beats“ mixtape. “Blood Diamondz” contains several snippets, interludes and an intro and outro from the motion picture “Blood Diamonds”. The title track Blood Diamondz showcases Antagonist’s production skills and offers a set of different vocals issued with fiery delivery. Dey Wit Me features some auto-tuned ANT along with some really good vocal production. Co-Defendant is an older track from ANT that first appeared on a Biggy Jiggy “Exclusive Tunes” mixtape; its a good remix. No Options features Antagonist spitting over Fifty’s “I Get It In”. The Games Been Good To Me is a guitar-heavy track with a laid back feel that features ANT singing. The Lost remix is another good example of ANT’s vocal production skills, where he applies the auto-tune very well. Extacy is a vocal heavy track co-produced by Skitzo & Antagonist and one of a few co-produced joints. ANT gives “something for the ladies” on the remix to Flo Rida’s You Can Be My Shone, which is one of the better tracks on the tape. Camera Phone has such a sick beat and ANT makes sure to pay homage to South Florida and Cool & Dre on the track. On the southern rap track Errrrbody Know, Antagonist sets the scene telling you to ”sit back on yo porch, sip some So Co and swamp juice.” The track was co-produced by Stupid Genius and ANT and is one of the best original tracks on the tape. Cash is the best example of Antagonist’s ability to rhyme, flow, and ride a beat. Supastar is another Antagonist co-produced track with Cam-Bodia, which seems to a popular form of collaboration for the West Palm rapper/producer. Bigga Than A Elephant features more fire production by L-Don and ANT and Movin’ is another tight piece of solo production by Antagonist. A few of these tracks are remixes that maintain vocals from the original compositions and give ANT a chance to shine as both a producer and as an emcee alongside recognizable features on the track. You don’t see many rappers like ANT these days that are also producing nearly all of their own material. With his “HD Studio Beats” and “Blood Diamondz” mixtape, the CaliFlorida Productions boss is off to a running start in 2009.
- CredibleMusicReviews.Com

NEXT 2 BLOW
Antagonist - CaliFlorida Foreva
Posted: Wednesday - February 11, 2009 | Comments (4)

Not very often real talent comes along readily equipped in all faccets and is as intimidating as recording artist, songwriter, audio engineer, producer and CEO, Antagonist. So that there's no misconception, Antagonist is the brand, and CaliFlorida, his very own entertainment company, is a world-wide multi-media conglomerate. It all began when he first started out with a four-track and a measly Radio Shack mic and began recording emcee's, and garage bands in California, as a youngin'. Then and there he discovered his passion for music, and found his true calling, later receiving a degree in audio engineering. Today, his time invested has resulted in turning fifteen years of relentless work into an overnight sensation. Impressively, over a decade, he has logged over 10,000 hours in the studio, wrote and recorded 600+ songs, and perfected both, an image and a sound that is poised for greatness. But wait, there's more! Antagonist's entertainment company, newly established three years ago, offers affordable production/media services for labels, artists, film, and advertising firms consisting of song-production, mixing, scoring, song-writing, publishing, graphics, mixtape design/hosting, promotion, consulting, studio design, artist development, and contracts. To accommodate all this and projects to come, there's word that there will soon be a larger facility expansion.

Yo! Raps caught up with the very busy and talented Antagonist and got the 411 on his shining career, and his growing empire, CaliFlorida Productions. He informs us that his coastal transition to South Florida has paid off, because opportunities are arriving daily. His newest solo tape, Blood Diamondz released February 5th, which features his newest single Animal has been receiving nothing but positive feedback. Enough to gain bragging rights about being in a zone that enabled him to bang it out in just three to four weeks flat of recording. With so much going on, this man should be nominated for every prominent award that exists in the game. As we said earlier, not very often real talent comes along readily equipped in all faccets and is as intimidating as, Antagonist.

You wear quite a few hats, but which of the five titles best describes you: Recording artist, songwriter, audio engineer, producer, CEO? May we ask which of the five has been the most successful thus far?

First up, it's a pleasure to be speaking with you and Yo! Raps today. I would have to say that the CEO title best describes me, for it encompasses pieces of all the other aspects. In everything I do I'm a hustler, and I'm always thinking of the business angles. To me constant forward movement is what makes a successful businessman. In today's industry, especially in hip hop, I believe you have to wear several hats. I respect guys like Dre, Diddy, Cube, Jay, 50, for the way they not only capitalize on the industry, but also get involved in outside ventures. That's true business savvy, and I try to model my future plans in those footsteps. I don't want people to know Antagonist as an artist and CaliFlorida Productions Inc., as just a production company. I want them to know Antagonist the brand, and CaliFlorida as a world-wide multi-media conglomerate.

We read that you first started out with a four-track and a measly Radio Shack mic and began recording MCs, and neighbouring garage bands in California throughout the 1990's. Then and there you had discovered your passion and found your true calling. Is this true, or false? Tell us a little more about this experience.

Real talk! That's 100% accurate, although it actually goes back further than that [laughs]. I can remember busting vocals into an old Casio keyboard and boom box when I was just a little youngin'. I always had a passion for music, and from the first time I put something onto tape, I was hooked. To be able to capture a performance at a given time, and sculpt it so that it lasts forever, fascinates me.

Thereafter, you learned various instruments, and began to collect pieces of equipment. You took your first major leap towards fame when you spent three years doing an internship, studying under a renowned Jazz composer where you learned how to record and produce in various settings from a full orchestra to a vocal soloist. How has all this past experience contributed to your craft as a recording artist and producer presently?

I believe a true artist/producer constantly pushes their craft further, and tries to expand the boundaries of their music. I think it's a special talent for somebody to translate what they create in their minds, to a visual/audio/print medium. Just as a journalist must master language and writing, an artist/producer must master music and sound theory. Studying initially under George Stone taught me the foundations of both analog and digital recording. I learned how to adequately use m - YoRaps.Com (Inga Newson)

NEXT 2 BLOW
Antagonist - CaliFlorida Foreva
Posted: Wednesday - February 11, 2009 | Comments (4)

Not very often real talent comes along readily equipped in all faccets and is as intimidating as recording artist, songwriter, audio engineer, producer and CEO, Antagonist. So that there's no misconception, Antagonist is the brand, and CaliFlorida, his very own entertainment company, is a world-wide multi-media conglomerate. It all began when he first started out with a four-track and a measly Radio Shack mic and began recording emcee's, and garage bands in California, as a youngin'. Then and there he discovered his passion for music, and found his true calling, later receiving a degree in audio engineering. Today, his time invested has resulted in turning fifteen years of relentless work into an overnight sensation. Impressively, over a decade, he has logged over 10,000 hours in the studio, wrote and recorded 600+ songs, and perfected both, an image and a sound that is poised for greatness. But wait, there's more! Antagonist's entertainment company, newly established three years ago, offers affordable production/media services for labels, artists, film, and advertising firms consisting of song-production, mixing, scoring, song-writing, publishing, graphics, mixtape design/hosting, promotion, consulting, studio design, artist development, and contracts. To accommodate all this and projects to come, there's word that there will soon be a larger facility expansion.

Yo! Raps caught up with the very busy and talented Antagonist and got the 411 on his shining career, and his growing empire, CaliFlorida Productions. He informs us that his coastal transition to South Florida has paid off, because opportunities are arriving daily. His newest solo tape, Blood Diamondz released February 5th, which features his newest single Animal has been receiving nothing but positive feedback. Enough to gain bragging rights about being in a zone that enabled him to bang it out in just three to four weeks flat of recording. With so much going on, this man should be nominated for every prominent award that exists in the game. As we said earlier, not very often real talent comes along readily equipped in all faccets and is as intimidating as, Antagonist.

You wear quite a few hats, but which of the five titles best describes you: Recording artist, songwriter, audio engineer, producer, CEO? May we ask which of the five has been the most successful thus far?

First up, it's a pleasure to be speaking with you and Yo! Raps today. I would have to say that the CEO title best describes me, for it encompasses pieces of all the other aspects. In everything I do I'm a hustler, and I'm always thinking of the business angles. To me constant forward movement is what makes a successful businessman. In today's industry, especially in hip hop, I believe you have to wear several hats. I respect guys like Dre, Diddy, Cube, Jay, 50, for the way they not only capitalize on the industry, but also get involved in outside ventures. That's true business savvy, and I try to model my future plans in those footsteps. I don't want people to know Antagonist as an artist and CaliFlorida Productions Inc., as just a production company. I want them to know Antagonist the brand, and CaliFlorida as a world-wide multi-media conglomerate.

We read that you first started out with a four-track and a measly Radio Shack mic and began recording MCs, and neighbouring garage bands in California throughout the 1990's. Then and there you had discovered your passion and found your true calling. Is this true, or false? Tell us a little more about this experience.

Real talk! That's 100% accurate, although it actually goes back further than that [laughs]. I can remember busting vocals into an old Casio keyboard and boom box when I was just a little youngin'. I always had a passion for music, and from the first time I put something onto tape, I was hooked. To be able to capture a performance at a given time, and sculpt it so that it lasts forever, fascinates me.

Thereafter, you learned various instruments, and began to collect pieces of equipment. You took your first major leap towards fame when you spent three years doing an internship, studying under a renowned Jazz composer where you learned how to record and produce in various settings from a full orchestra to a vocal soloist. How has all this past experience contributed to your craft as a recording artist and producer presently?

I believe a true artist/producer constantly pushes their craft further, and tries to expand the boundaries of their music. I think it's a special talent for somebody to translate what they create in their minds, to a visual/audio/print medium. Just as a journalist must master language and writing, an artist/producer must master music and sound theory. Studying initially under George Stone taught me the foundations of both analog and digital recording. I learned how to adequately use m - YoRaps.Com (Inga Newson)

1. What’s the science behind my name?

I got dubbed Antagonist for a few reasons. First off, my names Anthony Masters-- so the ANT has always been in my alias. (Back in the day I went by Ant Dogg, Red Ant, and A.N.T.) I’ve always had a reputation as a person that gets shit started-- They say that Aquarius has a sharp tongue, and it holds very true, with a few words I was always able to
get under a persons skin. So when I MC-- my style mimic’s this trait. I
tend to be a very critical rapper/producer, so I try to Antagonize other’s to do their best.

2. What do you think of mainstream hip-hop?

Music is an art, but it’s also a business. I would be a lying fool if I said
that I didn’t want to make money from my musical talents. As far as the current trends in Hip Pop-- I am very torn! For a few years there was some bullshit music coming out. Recently Pete Rock made a quote about a certain producer... He said, -Don’t just make a beat where
you just grab a keyboard, and everybody can tell you did it in like 3
minutes! Take some time and be creative.-- This is what hip hop has been lacking. Alot of people put out songs that sound good, and are catchy, but they took no time to make. That’s cool once
or twice, (see classics such as “Wild-Thing”, “Push it” and even rock songs like “Louie Louie”) but don’t make your whole career like that.
Lately I think that there is actually some energy coming back into the
game, and I’m very excited to see what the next few years will bring. I feel that alot of the underground artists are starting to gain fame that doesn’t require any “cleaning” of their sound. A few acts that I think will change mainstream hip hop are: Screwball, Krondon, The Liks, Ras Kass, D12, Dilated Peoples, Kool G Rap, Cormega, Kardinal Official,
etc. All of these “mainstream” acts are maintaining their underground
ethics. They’re coming very rugged, and I feel that the consumer’s are slowly but surely warming to the darker sides of hip hop. To prove this, I can’t even tell you how many indie and major chain stores put Deltron 3030 on their Top Album wall. This album wasn’t heavily
promoted, nor was it dumbed down in any way. Yet it is quickly becoming a classic. This kind of thing gives me hope! Pretty soon not so pretty artist’s such as the Antagonist should have no problem selling mass amounts of product.

3. How was your upbringing?

Started off as the only child of a struggling young family in small
blue-collar sections of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Spent time in Boston, and Michigan. While living in Detroit I got my first taste of African-American culture being the only white student in a preschool full
of black folks. When I was 6 we moved to Novato which is a small town in Marin County California. (Bay Area). Over the next 12 years we moved a few more times, and my parents both became very respected in their professions. I played football for 7 years which pretty much kept me around a hip hop crowd. In 1994 I graduated high school, and
left the Bay to attend Cal Poly State University. In 1996 I left Poly, and
got further into the music scene. Since then I’ve been producing constantly, and intend to get a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from a Bay Area School very soon.

4. What inspired you to become a hip hop artist?

I don’t know if anything made me want to be an artist specifically. I
basically just always hung around black kids, and it just grew on me. I always felt like family when I was around my boys, and the music spoke to me just as much as anybody. I have alot of angst
inside, and I also like to speak to people. I like to relate my experiences
to others, and what better way to do that than through a pure hip hop song.

5. What groups do you listen to?

I listen to everything. I love to produce, and I do all forms of music. So
on one day I’ll be bumping hip hop, the next classical, or jazz, punk, R & B, whatever’s clever dogg. If I were to list some favorite artists I would say: Gza, Premier, Pete Rock, Muggz, Tupac and Biggie of course, KRS, Funkdoobiest, Deltron, E-40, Ras Kass, Chino XL,
etc. I also want to say that one of my favorite groups ever is a rock band called Tool. I would recommend them to anybody that likes music PERIOD. I don’t usually listen to rock or
metal, but these guys have entertained me for 8 years and 4 albums. They are the best live show I’ve ever been to! In any genre! They are produced well, they evoke energy in their
songs, and they touch on social issue’s so bluntly that they almost come
across thugged out! (Don’t take offense Maynard!) To tell you the truth engineering a Tool album is #2 on my list of things to do... right after producing a single and engineering a session for KRS!

6. How would you describe your music?

The first thing you can get from my music is accuracy and quality. I am
really critical when it comes to production. I will tweak a song for hours until it’s perf - HipHopHotSpot.Com

1. What’s the science behind my name?

I got dubbed Antagonist for a few reasons. First off, my names Anthony Masters-- so the ANT has always been in my alias. (Back in the day I went by Ant Dogg, Red Ant, and A.N.T.) I’ve always had a reputation as a person that gets shit started-- They say that Aquarius has a sharp tongue, and it holds very true, with a few words I was always able to
get under a persons skin. So when I MC-- my style mimic’s this trait. I
tend to be a very critical rapper/producer, so I try to Antagonize other’s to do their best.

2. What do you think of mainstream hip-hop?

Music is an art, but it’s also a business. I would be a lying fool if I said
that I didn’t want to make money from my musical talents. As far as the current trends in Hip Pop-- I am very torn! For a few years there was some bullshit music coming out. Recently Pete Rock made a quote about a certain producer... He said, -Don’t just make a beat where
you just grab a keyboard, and everybody can tell you did it in like 3
minutes! Take some time and be creative.-- This is what hip hop has been lacking. Alot of people put out songs that sound good, and are catchy, but they took no time to make. That’s cool once
or twice, (see classics such as “Wild-Thing”, “Push it” and even rock songs like “Louie Louie”) but don’t make your whole career like that.
Lately I think that there is actually some energy coming back into the
game, and I’m very excited to see what the next few years will bring. I feel that alot of the underground artists are starting to gain fame that doesn’t require any “cleaning” of their sound. A few acts that I think will change mainstream hip hop are: Screwball, Krondon, The Liks, Ras Kass, D12, Dilated Peoples, Kool G Rap, Cormega, Kardinal Official,
etc. All of these “mainstream” acts are maintaining their underground
ethics. They’re coming very rugged, and I feel that the consumer’s are slowly but surely warming to the darker sides of hip hop. To prove this, I can’t even tell you how many indie and major chain stores put Deltron 3030 on their Top Album wall. This album wasn’t heavily
promoted, nor was it dumbed down in any way. Yet it is quickly becoming a classic. This kind of thing gives me hope! Pretty soon not so pretty artist’s such as the Antagonist should have no problem selling mass amounts of product.

3. How was your upbringing?

Started off as the only child of a struggling young family in small
blue-collar sections of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Spent time in Boston, and Michigan. While living in Detroit I got my first taste of African-American culture being the only white student in a preschool full
of black folks. When I was 6 we moved to Novato which is a small town in Marin County California. (Bay Area). Over the next 12 years we moved a few more times, and my parents both became very respected in their professions. I played football for 7 years which pretty much kept me around a hip hop crowd. In 1994 I graduated high school, and
left the Bay to attend Cal Poly State University. In 1996 I left Poly, and
got further into the music scene. Since then I’ve been producing constantly, and intend to get a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from a Bay Area School very soon.

4. What inspired you to become a hip hop artist?

I don’t know if anything made me want to be an artist specifically. I
basically just always hung around black kids, and it just grew on me. I always felt like family when I was around my boys, and the music spoke to me just as much as anybody. I have alot of angst
inside, and I also like to speak to people. I like to relate my experiences
to others, and what better way to do that than through a pure hip hop song.

5. What groups do you listen to?

I listen to everything. I love to produce, and I do all forms of music. So
on one day I’ll be bumping hip hop, the next classical, or jazz, punk, R & B, whatever’s clever dogg. If I were to list some favorite artists I would say: Gza, Premier, Pete Rock, Muggz, Tupac and Biggie of course, KRS, Funkdoobiest, Deltron, E-40, Ras Kass, Chino XL,
etc. I also want to say that one of my favorite groups ever is a rock band called Tool. I would recommend them to anybody that likes music PERIOD. I don’t usually listen to rock or
metal, but these guys have entertained me for 8 years and 4 albums. They are the best live show I’ve ever been to! In any genre! They are produced well, they evoke energy in their
songs, and they touch on social issue’s so bluntly that they almost come
across thugged out! (Don’t take offense Maynard!) To tell you the truth engineering a Tool album is #2 on my list of things to do... right after producing a single and engineering a session for KRS!

6. How would you describe your music?

The first thing you can get from my music is accuracy and quality. I am
really critical when it comes to production. I will tweak a song for hours until it’s perf - HipHopHotSpot.Com

Antagonist collaborates with the "UK Mixed Taped Messiah" DJ Ames and a multitude of top-notch industry producers on "International"

Monday, May 11, 2009 , Posted by thehypemagazine at 5:40 AM

Florida-based hip-hopper Antagonist and London-based DJ Ames are capitalizing on the flurry of momentum they built on the mixed tape circuit in 2009, collaborating with an accomplished group of producers and artists on their latest mixed tape project.

Antagonist is accelerating the propulsion he's developed on the mixed-tape circuit exponentially with his fifth release "International," that includes a collaboration with many heavy-hitting production teams and the incomparable talents of "The UK Mixed Tape Messiah" DJ Ames.

Antagonist, who continues to showcase his versatility not only as an artist but as a successful CEO of CaliFlorida Productions, is expanding his fan base to reach a more global market. He said with the current flux of the music industry, he is blown away with the opportunity to receive exposure over in the United Kingdom.

"I fully believe, with the growth of digital distribution, that everything that is released is going to bring the world-wide market to be considered as one," Antagonist said. "No longer are we going to have individual markets. As an artist, you are going to have to appeal to the world, and I am absolutely floored to introduce myself overseas to a new audience."

The roster on "International" that is scheduled for it's world-wide launch on April 8, 2009, boasts of an arsenal of established and up-and-coming artists including Zodiak (Lab Ratz affiliates/West Coast Artist), and Real Life (London/UK Artist Group). In addition to artists, it features a number of not only established producers, but producers fresh out of the box. It includes veteran producers such as Cam-Bodia (Interscope Staff Producer); Stupid Genius, from Dynamics Producer Organization, that placed second in iStandards "Beats on the Beach" Showcase in 2008; Maro, founder of www.grogra.com, promoting independents from Afghanistan to Angola; Skitzo Productions; and Mr. K.A. Beats; The Hook, who were discovered by Red-Dread, executive producer of Jim Jonsin's (Lil Wayne-"Lollipop," Beyonce-"Beautiful Nightmare," TI-"Whatever You Like," Soulja Boy-"Kiss Me Through the Phone," Trick Daddy "Let's Go," and Jayme Fox's "Unpredictable) new project, www.BeatBakery.com and CEO of Full Circle Entertainment.

DJ Ames, who is presenting Antagonist's mixed tape, has taken the industry by storm since 2006 by making a sudden and swift impact working with the industry's upper brass such Flipmode Squad, Grand Hustle, Aphilliates Embassy ENT (AMG) and has produced over 200 mixed tape releases. In 2008, Ames flew to Atlanta working with Aphilliates Music Group, and was nominated for the Southern Entertainment Awards.

"International," is Antagonist's fifth release this year, which continues to combine his Southern California roots and southern influences in his vocal delivery and production work.

Antagonist has released four mixed tapes this year that have received 500,000 downloads/plays/views, and airplay on thirty internet radio stations based in 96 countries through Slip N Slide DJs, and has been played and picked up by 300 plus websites, blogs, e-zines, and forums, worldwide. He has also had 300,000 hits on promotional sites such as Facebook, Twitter, My Space, and Garageband. Antagonist also has thirteen years of experience producing, engineering, and song-writing, with a 600-song catalogue and 10,000 hours as a certified audio engineer.

"That was my goal at our company's meetings in December. It was to flood the market with a lot of quality material in a short period of time," Antagonist said. "I wanted to flood them with quantity and quality. My goal was to get my name as much exposure as it can, and it's going pretty well so far."

The four mixed tapes include "CaliFlorida The Mixtape," presented by DJ J & and Purple Sub, "The Untouchable," by DJ Ken and Hype Radio, "HD Studio Beats" (instrumental tape) presented by Biggy Jiggy Exclusives, and "Blood Diamondz," presented by DJ Ken and Hype Radio. - The Hype Magazine

Antagonist collaborates with the "UK Mixed Taped Messiah" DJ Ames and a multitude of top-notch industry producers on "International"

Monday, May 11, 2009 , Posted by thehypemagazine at 5:40 AM

Florida-based hip-hopper Antagonist and London-based DJ Ames are capitalizing on the flurry of momentum they built on the mixed tape circuit in 2009, collaborating with an accomplished group of producers and artists on their latest mixed tape project.

Antagonist is accelerating the propulsion he's developed on the mixed-tape circuit exponentially with his fifth release "International," that includes a collaboration with many heavy-hitting production teams and the incomparable talents of "The UK Mixed Tape Messiah" DJ Ames.

Antagonist, who continues to showcase his versatility not only as an artist but as a successful CEO of CaliFlorida Productions, is expanding his fan base to reach a more global market. He said with the current flux of the music industry, he is blown away with the opportunity to receive exposure over in the United Kingdom.

"I fully believe, with the growth of digital distribution, that everything that is released is going to bring the world-wide market to be considered as one," Antagonist said. "No longer are we going to have individual markets. As an artist, you are going to have to appeal to the world, and I am absolutely floored to introduce myself overseas to a new audience."

The roster on "International" that is scheduled for it's world-wide launch on April 8, 2009, boasts of an arsenal of established and up-and-coming artists including Zodiak (Lab Ratz affiliates/West Coast Artist), and Real Life (London/UK Artist Group). In addition to artists, it features a number of not only established producers, but producers fresh out of the box. It includes veteran producers such as Cam-Bodia (Interscope Staff Producer); Stupid Genius, from Dynamics Producer Organization, that placed second in iStandards "Beats on the Beach" Showcase in 2008; Maro, founder of www.grogra.com, promoting independents from Afghanistan to Angola; Skitzo Productions; and Mr. K.A. Beats; The Hook, who were discovered by Red-Dread, executive producer of Jim Jonsin's (Lil Wayne-"Lollipop," Beyonce-"Beautiful Nightmare," TI-"Whatever You Like," Soulja Boy-"Kiss Me Through the Phone," Trick Daddy "Let's Go," and Jayme Fox's "Unpredictable) new project, www.BeatBakery.com and CEO of Full Circle Entertainment.

DJ Ames, who is presenting Antagonist's mixed tape, has taken the industry by storm since 2006 by making a sudden and swift impact working with the industry's upper brass such Flipmode Squad, Grand Hustle, Aphilliates Embassy ENT (AMG) and has produced over 200 mixed tape releases. In 2008, Ames flew to Atlanta working with Aphilliates Music Group, and was nominated for the Southern Entertainment Awards.

"International," is Antagonist's fifth release this year, which continues to combine his Southern California roots and southern influences in his vocal delivery and production work.

Antagonist has released four mixed tapes this year that have received 500,000 downloads/plays/views, and airplay on thirty internet radio stations based in 96 countries through Slip N Slide DJs, and has been played and picked up by 300 plus websites, blogs, e-zines, and forums, worldwide. He has also had 300,000 hits on promotional sites such as Facebook, Twitter, My Space, and Garageband. Antagonist also has thirteen years of experience producing, engineering, and song-writing, with a 600-song catalogue and 10,000 hours as a certified audio engineer.

"That was my goal at our company's meetings in December. It was to flood the market with a lot of quality material in a short period of time," Antagonist said. "I wanted to flood them with quantity and quality. My goal was to get my name as much exposure as it can, and it's going pretty well so far."

The four mixed tapes include "CaliFlorida The Mixtape," presented by DJ J & and Purple Sub, "The Untouchable," by DJ Ken and Hype Radio, "HD Studio Beats" (instrumental tape) presented by Biggy Jiggy Exclusives, and "Blood Diamondz," presented by DJ Ken and Hype Radio. - The Hype Magazine