Raw Roots - Rap News, Interviews & Reviews

White Mike

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Written by Lee Wellman

How did you get the name White Mike?
My friend's sister gave me the name. She was talking about me one day and called me White Mike and it just stuck.

What part of California are you living in and what is it like there?
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Pleasanton is the town I grew up in. It's boring as hell here, but at least there are a lot of big cities close by.

Do you see living where you living as an advantage or advantage in what you doing?
It's definitely an advantage being in California. There are so many people involved in the music business out here, so it makes it much easier to get your name out.

Your music is very original. How would you describe the music you make?
I call it "slapmusic that attacks every human emotion." I have a little bit of everything...songs that make you happy, sad, pissed off...it's all there. And the beats are bangin!

Your album is out now in the US. What's it called, how many tracks are on there and have you any plans to release it in the UK?
My new album is called "Famous." There are 16 tracks on there that I'm really proud of. We haven't worked out the details on releasing in the UK but everyone can purchase the album in the "store" section at www.whitemike.com.

Let's talk about some of the tracks on the album. What are your favourite tracks and why?
My favorite tracks are "The Real World " and "Famous." I like them both because of the production. "The Real World" is a slower track with my girl Reason singing on there and "Famous" is a club banger.

I'm really feeling the single that is circulating amongst some of the more open-minded UK DJ's. 'The Real World' is a tough track. Any plans to do a video for this joint?
We'll see about a video. Right now we're figuring out which song we want to make a video for. If we do, it will probably be ''The Real World."

How has the album been received and do you think you'll release another album next year?
The album is doing great in the US. I'm actually in the studio working on a project due out next summer.

Tell us more about your label and are you planning to release any other artists on this label?
I started the label as a way to put out my own records, but as time goes I'll defintely be signing other artists.

If you could give a tip to an up and coming rapper what would it be?
I would just tell an up-and-coming rapper to be yourself. There are way too many people in hip-hop trying to act they're something they're not and it's usually pretty obvious.

Do you have a website or My Space page and how important do you think it is for independent Hip-Hop acts to have an Internet presence
My website is www.whitemike.com and my myspace is www.myspace.com/theEoriginalwhitemike. Being on the internet is one of the most important aspects of promotion these days. You have to use that shit to your advantage. Check out my website and get a copy of "Famous."

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