Tag Archives: Culture Cry Wolf

The Interview With Botzy: An Artists Artist.

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Adam Botsford is a man better known around Minneapolis as Botzy, the fun-loving rapper whom also happens to be 1/6th of the local beloved band Culture Cry Wolf. He has made his presence known around the city both as a solo artist, and with the band. It seems to be that anything Botzy gets his hands on becomes infected with his artistry, which is nothing short of ingenious. He holds true to the lifestyle of a creative musician and embodies it in an appealing, friendly and honest way. Many times in the music industry artists tend to believe they’re larger than life, but I am confident Botzy will never be one of them. He’s humble, he’s original, he’s quick-witted and here’s what he had to say:

UG: How long were you rapping before joining the super group Culture Cry Wolf?

B: I was rapping for roughly 3 years before starting Culture Cry Wolf. During those years I was doing a lot of observing, learning, and polishing. I probably created 100+ half-finished songs during that phase, and rocked just as many empty shows. Training day(s).

UG: When did your independent label Deaf To the Static Records form? Who else helped bring the dream to a reality?

B: Deaf to the Static Records formed during a very interesting time period of my life. I was fresh in the middle of loss and drama, and tired of offering up my energy to these things. The name itself will forever remind me of that. I had a strong team behind me, and still do. People like Crista Bell, Druby Soho and Wesley Opus were very helpful in my first few movements. Crista Bell often doesn’t get enough credit for her work, but she is directly responsible for many of my relationships in this scene, and almost all of my show execution.

I’m not sure what ( if anything ) will become of Deaf to the Static. For right now, it seems like a good umbrella for me and my friends.

UG: You’re a huge supporter of the artistic community here in the Twin Cities,. The way you utilize mixed arts into your shows is always a fresh and pleasant change-up from the usual. What is one of the most creative shows you’ve been a part of?

B: Why thank you! That’s a very good question, I have been a part of some very interesting shows. A few that come to mind: Minneapolis RAW ( Run by Molly Waseka ), The Best Love is Free, and The Celebration of Independent Music and Arts. These types of shows are my favorite, crossing the lines between different mediums of art. This city has so much talent, it seems a disservice not to pull them together.

UG: While we’re on the topic of awesome shows, I saw you’ve been billed to play at the Wag Out Block Party on July 22nd, featuring a laundry list of talented locals. Are you excited for that? Any other big shows coming up?

B: I am SO EXCITED to play this show! I have been aware of that part of the scene for a while now, but until recently our paths haven’t really crossed. People like Sophia Eris, Jason Anxious, Freeze, Mavin and Chantz … these people are infinitely talented and hard-working. I’m privileged to be building with them. I do have some other shows in the works, but I’m the most excited for this one. WAG!

UG: Let’s jump out of the music questions for a minute and ask what everyone is really dying to know, who’d you rather: Kat Von D or Melissa Joan Heart?

B: In a perfect world, I would climb up a ladder to Melissa Joan Heart’s bedroom and she’s already making out with Kat Von D. Boom-chicka-bow-ow ! 

UG: Back to the music, who’s your biggest motivator or inspiration when it comes to writing music?

B: I try to draw inspiration from a lot of different places, but Miss Amanda Lucia is my filter. I share most my ideas and concepts with her first, before anyone else. I also love how Matt Sandstedt ( I, Colossus ) writes lyrics and music. My friends are very inspiring.

UG: I’ve heard reputations that some guys in your band really love to party. Do you have any great tour stories to share that wouldn’t get anyone arrested?

B: Ha, it’s true! Mike and Jaime love to party … I think we have been kicked out of every hotel in Fargo. Details must be kept to a minimum though. Don’t want to hurt any feelings and wind up with a lawsuit.

UG: You’ve had the amazing opportunity to work with some of the greatest locals our era has had the pleasure to see and hear. Who are a few of your personal favorite artists you’ve got a chance to work with?

B: I was actually thinking about this the other day. I consider myself very lucky … the people who have offered their advice and suggestions is something I’m still shocked by. I have known most of the Doomtree kids for years now, and both Sims and P.O.S. have been very helpful in both music and life and the blurry line in between. The Stophouse crew has been nothing short of awesome … there is a lot of crossover in our social circle. Soulcrate Music, We All Have Hooks for Hands and Big Zach are also on the top of that list. I’m honored to know these amazing people.

UG: Will 2013 be the year Soundset finally features yourself, or the band? You guys are very overdue for it.

B: Man. I would absolutely love the play Soundset. I’m not sure if J Bird knows about Culture Cry Wolf, or if he thinks we would be a good fit, but it would be an honor. Someone tweet at him!! 

UG: What are the plans for the rest of the year, any releases or videos we should be on the lookout for?

B: Culture Cry Wolf is currently working on their new EP, produced entirely by Sapient. I’m working on my solo project in tandem, and there is also a top-secret project I’m keeping under (w)raps for now. Plenty coming out soon though, I pinky promise. Keep an eye out for Culture Cry Wolf’s new music video for “Second Wind” featuring Sims of Doomtree. It might be out sooner than you’d think.

UG: If you had one piece of advice for kids looking to grow within the musical and artistic community what would it be?

B: Don’t burn bridges. Don’t judge other people too harshly. Stay humble, stay working, and polish your craft. Smiles are way more awesome than stones.

UG: Last but not least, how can the rest of the interwebs stay in touch with Botzy?

B: Oh you know: www.facebook.com/botzyofccw or www.twitter.com/botzyofccw . Weoutchea.

The best 14 Minnesota based free albums you may have missed.

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With the easy accesibility to microphones, recording equipment and youtube, practically everyone is making some kind of music. This isn’t bound to the state of Minnesota, but recently it’s become a widely talked about topic here. It is tough to weed out the gems from the mediocre especially with new music being released daily. Here are a few albums that very talented artists whom call Minnesota have put out for free that you may have overlooked.

1. PROF – King Gampo

If you haven’t been living under a rock since early 2011, you’ve probably heard this album. But just in case you haven’t it features Rhymesayers staple Brother Ali, MTV’s Riff Raff and production from Ant of Atmosphere.

 

2. Reeves Junya – Music Is My Girlfriend

With features from Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover), Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, Rocky Diamonds and a slew of other great locals Reeves’ sophomore solo release followed up “Why Isn’t This An Album?” with fury. Download “Music Is My Girlfriend” for free here.

 

3. Kristoff Krane – fanfaronade

With a “Buy it now” price on his bandcamp you can feel free to pay as you like, or download it free. He recently did an interview with the City Pages Gimme Noise blog about the album. It features Crescent Moon, Sage Francis, Sadistik, Buck 65, Illogic, and more.

 

4. I Self Devine – LA State of Mind

Though the album is titled LA State of Mind, I Self Devine is a St. Paul, Minnesota native and one of the few well-known emcees from the east side of the river. This free ep was released for free courtesy of Rhymesayers in part as a promotional effort for his amazing album The Sound of Low Class Amerika.

 

5. KnoX – Martyr Music

KnoX is a humble dude, with a thoughtful process and his music reflects that. Martyr Music is the raw follow-up from his soul-driven KnoX Tale. It features Gene Poole,  Mike the Martyr, and many more.

 

6. Freez & Mike Frey/Mike Frey – You Are Here/Burnt Out

These are two people who are extremely underrated in the music scene. I’m really not sure why because Mike Frey is a great producer with beats ranging from funky, low-rider types to beautiful symphony infused jazz and Freez has a way with words and honesty with a powerful tone. “You Are Here” features P.O.S., Mike Mictlan, Mavin MC, Big Zach, Unicus, Alicia Steele and Franz Diego. “Burnt Out” includes features from Greg Greese, Alicia Steele, Just Nine, and a couple more tracks with Freez.

 

7. Ecid – Swagger Wagon

Swagger Wagon courtesy of Fill in the Breaks and Ecid was one of my favorite releases from FITB in 2011. It features Awol One, Derril Pounds and Leif(Kolt).

 

8. Mike the Martyr & Aquafresh – In Search of the Wonderous Punch

This comes from Minneapolis based label Long D.O.E. producer/emcee Mike the Martyr and California emcee Aquafresh. This album was featured on the Source’s website, which says a lot about it from the get-go. With the production quality and lyrical play they bring it makes sense why they were an obvious choice for the handful of Minnesota based acts at Soundset this year. Download “In Search of the Wonderous Punch” here.

 

9. O-Lay & Diatonic – Meanwhile

O-Lay & Diatonic are a group I heard about not too long ago, thanks to JK Clothing. What I heard I really enjoyed, and kept listening then they released this and now have a solidified fan. You can expect a lot more from these two in years to come.

 

10. Homeless – Patience Makes Lighter

The first time I saw Homeless was back in 2010 when he opened for Prof at the Varsity Theater with Just Riley as the group Mnemosyne. I really enjoyed his openness, self-depreciation, and vocabulary. This is an older release but definitely recommended for one of those dark, artsy, rainy days.

 

11. Botzy/VA – My Friends and I/The Best Love is Free Vol. 3

Botzy, who is the front man/rapper for the Minneapolis group Culture Cry Wolf proves to be an impressive one man act on his solo album “My Friends and I”. Like many other artists on this list Botzy is honest and not afraid to share how he’s feeling. His album features Wesley Opus, 2% Muck, a track with Culture Cry Wolf and many more. The Best Love is Free is an annual event held every year at The Fineline Music Cafe to celebrate love, music, art and all of the wonderful things life has to offer. Every year they bring great live acts out to perform and they also as a bonus, put together a musical compilation of artists with passion. The latest years album features St. Paul Slim/Last Triumph, Astronautalis with Tegan Quin (From Tegan and Sarah), Mayda, Polica, Wize Guyz, Sean Anon, Soulcrate Music, Kristoff Krane, Prof, MaLLy, Culture Cry Wolf and many more.

 

12. Orikal Uno – +1

This is one of many of Orikals free releases on his bandcamp page, and it was hard to choose which to post. I highly suggest checking out more of his stuff if you enjoy these tracks. Orikal Uno’s +1 album features Sab the Artist (A.K.A. Musab), Mac Lethal, and Prof.

 

13. Tavonte Woods – Patiently Waitin’

At the young age of 17 Tavonte Woods embodies drive and motivation. He recently performed with KiD InK and is scheduled to perform with Kirko Bangz this summer. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is Minnesota’s “Next Up”. Download “Patiently Waitin’” here. 

 

14. Duenday - Duenday

Duenday represents the sunny-side of hip-hop, with funky beats that force you to tap your toes and nod your head or command you to get up and dance. Their self titled solo album is currently available for free via their bandcamp site and it features Sean Anon, Lipset, Unicus, Manny Phesto, and Big Zach.

There are plenty other great albums out there I myself may have overlooked, if you feel that’s the case leave a suggestion in the comment section.

The interview with the biggest Nobuddie you’ll ever hear.

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Don’t let the title fool you, Nobuddie is definitely not a nobody. He’s currently spawning into a Minnesota mainstay with a growing following, much like a young Prof. He’s been very active in the local show scene, performing with the likes of Joell Ortiz, Mac Lethal (multiple times), Culture Cry Wolf, St. Paul Slim, Face Candy, Long D.O.E., Ernest Rhodes, B.Dolan, Guante, Ecid, BK One, Mr. Dibbs, and countless others. His live shows are great, his charisma flies right off the stage and demands your attention. He took some time out of his busy schedule, following his first headlining show at 7th St. entry to do an interview for uglegends. Read a little more about the man behind the glasses who has enough audacity to call himself Nobuddie right here:

UG: When did your love of hip-hop begin to manifest?
NB: I was a late bloomer, Hip hop really didn’t come into my life until I was 21. I’ll never forget it, it started in the funeral home in Babitt, Mn after my Grandmas funeral. I went downstairs by myself and started writing. Haven’t stopped sense.
UG: Who were your biggest influences while growing up?
NB: My Grandma, Kevin Garnett, Eminem
UG: You have a song called “Born and raised in Minnesota“, What city were you raised in?  How is the hip hop community there?
NB: Maple Grove, MN. 20 minutes west of Minneapolis. When I started hip hop I was living in dinky town. The Minneapolis hip hop scene is like no other. If you can “make it” out of there with the strong competition of artists you’ll be just fine.
UG: How did you come up with your name, Nobuddie?
NB: The name Nobuddie actually has 2 meanings behind it. I started as Unique and was in a group called The Nobuddies which consisted of Unique B Mc-c and Nimo the Hooligan. Nimo actually came up with the name I came up with the spelling. When I moved to AZ I dropped THE and the S and the name Nobuddie was born. I felt it was perfect for me since I was living in AZ not knowing any “buddie” other than a friends sister who i barely know. Just to make it clear since Facebook screws it up lol Nobuddie is one word!!!
UG: One thing you want to accomplish before you die?
NB: I want to do a song with Slug. Even if it’s never heard or used for anything. Reason behind that is after my Grandma passed I was introduced to Atmosphere’s music. It really grabbed a hold of me. I think I went a full year having nothing but Atmosphere playing in my car. I feel Slug is on some genius shit the way he writes stories. Its true inspiration. 
UG: You just played a near sold out show at the legendary 7th st entry, and brought your parents up on stage how did that go?
NB: My first headlining show and performance at 7th St Entry was truly amazing. It was cool to see artists like Out of Bounds, Ecid and St Paul Slim come out and support. My parents came on stage during my last song and danced for the crowd. It meant a lot to me it was the 4th show my parents have been to in 6 years. It was the coldest night of the year and still managed an amazing turnout!! A night i will never forget.
UG: How are they handling your local celebrity status?
NB: I think my parents are finally starting to realize I might have something going here and they can either support it or not but they will not be able to hide from it. Haha.
UG: What are your hobbies besides creating music?
NB: I’m a pet nerd. I have a weakness for dogs as well as salt water fish.
UG: Do you have any projects coming out soon?
NB: I always have a million things I want to put out but can never find ways to fund it however I will have a few things coming out in 2012.
UG: What’s your advice for younger kids, just getting into the hip-hop scene?
NB: Don’t rush it and if your under 18 work hard on your craft. The scene isn’t going anywhere. If you work hard on your craft you will be noticed!! Dreams never sleep if “music” is what you want than go get it. Don’t expect anyone to hand it to you!!! Everyone’s a rapper or DJ these days!! Prove why your better. Its a long road I’ve been doing it for 6 years and haven’t even scrapped the service in my eyes yet!!!!
Stay connected w/Nobuddie on Twitter, Facebook, and Soundcloud (there are some free downloads too)!