Fly Richy Rich

"The New Sound of Memphis"

~Jasmine Anderson

At the age of 20 Tommy Cash, better known as Young Fly Richy, has accomplished being the new sound of Memphis, TN, and designing for two up-and-coming clothing lines, Flyer Society Clothing Co. and Fli Pelican. “Basically I work for two clothing lines one called Flyer Society Clothing Co., and another one called Fli Pelican. Basically both of the lines heard my music, and was like we want you to rock some of our shirts or wat eva’! I was thinking on more of trying to do business with them or wateva’ …Flyer Society stuff is coming out real soon, I sell whole bunch of Fli Pelican stuff, we have a group for it on Facebook and you can also go to www.myspace.com/flipelican.”

When did you start rapping?
Back in the 6th grade! Me and My lil’ homie lil’ Delton Edwards use to beat on tables and stuff, and that’s how I started rapping. I use to get sent to the office for rapping, and the only way to get out of trouble was to rap the same thing over and over again!(laughs)
Where are you originally from?
I am from Memphis, TN…Eastside All Day!
What sets Young Fly Richy aside from other rappers?
What sets me aside from other rappers, especially rappers in my city, I guess you can say I’m different, I’m eccentric, I’m very versatile, most rappers from Memphis are “trap” rappers or like “dope-boy” rappers. I’m really just going against the normal, which is in Memphis by just being me, how I live, the people I have around me, how I dress, and everything.
Who are you mostly influenced by?
Big influences…you can say Micheal Jackson, that’s somebody who inspired me, Run DMC, Sugar Hill Gang, Kayne West, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell, new influences…people in Memphis like Skewby, me and him are getting close and he’s kind of setting a trademark for new rappers in Memphis. So I really like what he got going on!
What is something that other people might not expect from you? (interests, hobbies, etc.)
That I skate! I’m a skateboarder; I do it all the time…Most of my friends know that I do it! I’m always practicing on the skateboard, that’s my new hobby!
If Young Fly Richy wasn’t rapping, he would be…?
Designing clothes, but I do that already anyway!
What’s your favorite song to perform?
“Same Difference,” it’s really been a big song for me! I performed it in some big spots, and it gets anybody motivated…So it’s a good look!
What’s the craziest thing a groupie has ever done to get your attention?
Like on Facebook ,this actually happened a couple of times, a couple of girls had asked me for my email address and these girls had said they wanted to take a picture to promote our music, and the pictures they sent…they were kind of nude in them junks! Facebook is crazy…honesty box is to; they leave crazy stuff all the time, so yeah groupies are ff the chain!
Who are some people you would like to collab with in the future?
Skewby, we working on that right now actually. Kayne, Pharrell, Lupe. This chick name M.I.A, and the Cool Kids, that would be off the chain!
What’s your favorite song of all time?
“The Show” by Dougie Fresh & Slick Rick.
What’s your favorite album of all time?
“Graduation”, that’s my favorite album of all time…and “Off the Wall” by Micheal Jackson.
So are you single or taken?
I’m single…some girls might claim they talk to me but as far as statuses and all that, but right now I’m single! I’m looking for my “Fly Girl” right now.
Would you consider yourself to be an overachiever?
I guess you can say that I’m a perfectionist, and that’s why like with my music right now… I’m taking so long to put it out, because I just strive to be the best! I get influenced by my dad, and it makes me just go out there and grind hard.
Who is your favorite rapper?
A rapper I really get my inspiration from is Kayne West.
Do you think Hip Hop Music accurately portrays sex or do you think it negatively influences younger kids?
I think with Hip Hop today it’s in both categories, because you have a lot of people these days that are trying to go for this “dope-boy” image, and sometimes you’ll see these cats outside the booth and they not really doing what they say in their lyrics or wateva’. Then at the same time you got to look at it in the art form …it can be positive for some people, like saying don’t do this, don’t go the route I go. I don’t think we have a lot of rappers today that’s trying to speak the truth, and really trying to educate these kids out here on what’s real, and what we can do, and how we can be leaders in this nation! It’s like the voting thing going down with Obama, is the presidential campaigns and stuff, we could have rappers promoting that… but they rather rap and grind hard talking about how many 0’s they slanged, and all the clothes we rocking. Some of that stuff just gets played out, and everybody needs to just start being their self and start being real with what they say!
What can we expect from you in 2008?
A lot of crazy, different type of music that you have never heard from out of Memphis, I’m really going left from a traditional rapper! I got some mixtapes coming real soon, the biggest one coming soon is called “The Goodtime Mixtape,” I got some production from Skewby coming, this kid name Iceman and a list of others…I’m really excited about it, hopefully everything will be dropping around May or June.
What’s your opinion on Superhead and the recent trend of women writing tell-all books?
I guess you can say “sex sales”! Superhead, in a way it’s a good thing that she made some money, but at the same time it’s like what would you do to get money?....I think that she could be doing a whole bunch of stuff, rather then telling how she use to “do” all these guys, tell the video girls how to go around from getting setup like she did, even though she was getting paid by these guys…. When it all falls down, most guys probably look at her as a “hoe”. I just think it’s a better route to go and make money!
Any advice to upcoming rappers?
Keep God first; keep your family with you all the time…Really on the God thing, just pray because you go through stuff all the time, and the devil will test you hard! Just practice, practice what you preach, practice what you live, and just grind hard and be yourself, and don’t let the media fool you into being something that your not!
Shout-out:
To everybody who supports the music, my mom, my pops, my little sister, everybody in Memphis, to the crime, the good, the bad, and the ugly, to Tatiana, Pat J., Bonafide, and thank you for your time!
Odd End
You would say no to…
Drugs!
Fish & Grits or Chicken & Waffles?
Chicken & Waffles… All day ‘er day!
Celebrity Crush?
Lauren London.
Bathroom or Kitchen?
Bathroom…we just gon’ keep it at that! (laughs)
Favorite cereal?
I don’t eat cereal. I eat like bacon, eggs, and like waffles and stuff. Cereal is like for 6 or 7 yr. olds… I got to eat something that’s gon’ fill ya’ up! (laughs)

Phresh Prince

Yes your Royal Highness...The Prince is now in the building..."And his Swag definitely equals Phresh."

Who's the Prince?

-Lakeithea A.-.

Amir is a well-known upcoming artist on the rise. Unlike most of his competition Amir is actually on the come up THANKS to his wonderful fans. A artist from Detroit and Brooklyn Phresh has a cultural background like no other. Get to know the artist that is making noise with music and style, who's better known as "Phresh Prince."

What makes Phresh Prince sound different from other cats on the come up?

Phresh Prince: I'll say uh, the way I deliver. I'm a different kind of artist…I Combine more than just music. I incorporate my lifestyle with my music so my lyrics really rub off on the listener. Also the way I carry myself is different than most artist out now, I can be myself and people will respect it. Everything I deliver is coming from my everyday life.

The name "Phresh Prince" how did that come about?

Phresh Prince: I'd have to say my sophomore year in high school I went to a private school, where they wore uniforms, but they still gave us Friday to free dress, and I started building a reputation for being "fresh" because I'd always have on some fly gear or a fresh haircut…as corny as it sounds the PH. Rather than the F in Phresh derived from the PhDs which led from another nickname "Doctor" that my basketball coach would call me because he was friends with my father who is a doctor and has 2 PhD's. So now we know where the PH comes from in Phresh, now where Prince came from was my birth name Amir, which translated to Prince/Ruler in multiple languages. So the name wasn't something corny I just thought about it, it actually fits me well! LOL

How have you benefited coming from a family of music and art background?

Phresh Prince: What I was exposed to, as far as what my parents were listening to, or what was always in my living environment growing up it gave me a knowledge towards music and art that most kids my age were not interested in. I definitely would say I benefited because over time the appreciation of different music and arts would give me a tasteful ear for good music, and now that im an artist I incorporate everything I was exposed to into my own artistry.

When did you get that urge to put your writing with music? What influence did you believe it would have on music lovers?

Phresh Prince: I've always been credited as a good writer, I been good through school and in poetry; I have always been involved in some type of writing and………I'll say my culture and hip hop culture it formulated and started making music…..I think I'm bringing a new style of music to the plate so it would bring a fresh sound to all listening…

When you reflect back from when you first started till rite now (Today) how would you say you have progressed as an artist?

Phresh Prince: It made me progress as a person, got a little more to talk about, from girls to my style, also the way you start looking towards the future as a teen. As far as lyrics I really developed, my rhyming structure is a little different than most rappers. I try to rhyme whole sentences rather than just words, and give them meaning as well.

Your first single was dropped on myspace with mad plays, what was your 1st reaction? And do you think you can branch off from being a myspace artist into mainstream entertainment?

Phresh Prince: I wasn't really surprised, because before I was on myspace I was getting very good responses. It made me push towards a music career made me more serious towards it. As far as being mainstream? C'mon you know the answer to that. Definately lol.

So, tell me when the album drop what are your expectations?

Phresh Prince: I can expect the album to sell well and I think my fan base will be satisfied. I'm real positive about my album drop, they can expect everything they look for in a good album and
they can like probably relate to me personally and realize how it feels to be me I guess…not in cocky way but understand how I live through being able to relate to my music…

Who are some artists out now that you would love to work with?

Phresh Prince: Lupe, Chris brown maybe, I know the fans would like to see me collab with Chris...but yea anybody that's really successful right now I would like to work with especially from different genres.

What does the future hold for "Phresh Prince"? and surprises we should watch out for?

Phresh Prince: Surprises…ummm…I guess I'm going to surprise you…lol and any events umm…I guess watching out for me doing me, like I'm really trying to bring out "PHRESH" music, that's it.

You seem to have an impressive team standing behind you, how have they helped with your success?

Phresh Prince: My team….well everything…without my producer I don't think I'd be making the music I want to make, because NYer's understands making music that's crisp, something that'll surprise your ears lol and without my manager D. Campbell I wouldn't be having this interview lol, I also would look like a lost puppy in the industry because there is a lot to understand of the music business that takes time and experience. So his guidance and punctuality definitely builds me as an artist, he took me in almost as a little brother so there's definitely a good chemistry. I also include my fans in my team, PHRESH REPUBLIK, that's a new approach im trying to take in as an artist. I want fans to feel they are with me on my successes, some artists try to "give back" to the fans occasionally, but I want my fans to feel how I feel, I want to get them involved because they have me where I'm at now, and they're all pushing me up the hill everyday.

Any lasting Words to leave especially for your impressive fan base?

Phresh Prince: Ummmm. I just want to thank the fans; I want to thank my manager, my producer, Everybody who supporting me, you know I want to thank you for having this interview. LOL

A MANAGER INSTINCT
-DAMON CAMPBELL-

We all know that it takes a lot for an artist to be successful. You can have the dopiest lyrics, the flyest gear, and even a hell of an SWAG but sometimes that can’t get you far without an hell of an team pushing you. Damon Campbell manager of “Phresh Prince” has just what it takes to push the artist exactly where he needs to be. Check out what he has to say about his artist and their focus together.

We all know it takes a great team, with a great vision to have a great artist, what direction are you taking to shop Phresh Prince to mainstream?

Damon: We are currently not focusing on shopping Phresh Prince to a label just yet; as our major concern is building up and expanding his fan demographic and himself as a polished product. We are operating much like the Obama campaign I'd say. I would rather the fans and legions of supporters address our worth to the industry. Let the voice of the people be the beckoning call to our evitable success. I always thought it's better to have others brag on you, than you doing the bragging and showboating all on your own. So for now we are catering to our fans and perfecting the Prince.

What about the connection between you and Prince himself, is the music taste the same, are yall on the same level when it comes to the direction of the artist, appearance, music, etc....?

Damon: Our music tastes are pretty much the same. The only difference with our music taste is; I will zone out to Bach or Chopin, to NIN (Nine Inch Nails), and back to Pharrell to Outkast on any given day. Hahaha Phresh is open to all facades of music, however, I think I O.D on the classical at times.
As far as the direction of the artist, Phresh and I are perfectly in accordance, noting that we are both very stereotypical perfectionist Virgos. In the end we both want a product that is beyond reproach. I find that Phresh has his own style of dress that addresses his dynamic creativity. I am extremely pleased with the direction he is going in as an artist, the music is catchy and it captures our fan base.

How important is it for an artist to understand his manager and manager to understand his artist?
Damon: It is imperative that there is a mutual level of understanding and respect between an artist and manager and vice versa. I believe it keeps the working relationship healthy.

What did you see in Phresh Prince that made you jump on board to be his manager?
Damon: Phresh is a dude I saw myself easily relating to, Amir and I are like brothers, I mean I have to dig you as a person to work with you. Amir just has this way about himself where he doesnt have to try hard to be recognized. I admire his drive, work ethic and persona. The fact that he is an easily marketable entertainer, is like the perfect icing. I'm a smart man, and I know a win win situation when I see one.

More on Phresh Prince check out: http://www.myspace.com/phreshprincemusic

GRAFITI BOYZ

Grafiti Boyz...Passion 4 the Industry
~Kristain M.

In 2007 The Grafiti Boyz Took Over The South, Hitting The Charts With Their Debut Hit, “Ride Swerve”. But With A Small Absence From The Radios, We Wanna Know More About The Graffiti Boyz And The Fans Wanna Know What Next?!....

How did you come up with the name ‘Grafiti Boyz’?

Skool boy: At first we were known as the all-stars then we went to this Def Jam showcase in St. Louis and found out that there were too many all-stars. So we all wrote some different names down on a piece of paper and ended up drawing the name GRAFITI BOYZ. Chris Liked It So We Went With It.

How would you describe the Grafiti Boyz style?
Fat Boy: I would describe it as in between crunk and our own personal swagger.

Who are your hip hop icons and how do they influence the way you make your music today?

Geno the Great: Jay-Z, Nas, Ludacris, anybody who is creative. They influence me in a way that pushes me to make our music better.

Skool Boy: Bobby Brown, Lil Richie, Boosie, Gotti, Naz, Jay-Z

Fat Boy: Pimp c., Jay-Z, Outkast. Pimp C. Raps about real stuff and always reps the south. Jay-Z is more lyrical and Outkast just kills everything they do. Their music is crazy and so is the Grafiti Boyz.

How would you describe your first time in the studio?

Geno the Great: “Man, hard and crazy! I remember we did a song call, “We Like ‘Em”. I liked It so much I was willing to put my own money into it and I was 16 working at Captain D’s. That Check Ain’t Big, But I was willing to put it into the studio, cuz it was something I liked to do and I knew it was gon bring me money later on in life. I knew it, but then I didn’t know it, I had to have that faith in myself and that’s what it was.”

What Plans Do The Grafiti Boyz Have For This Year?
Geno the Great: Acting and beats! We actually just finished doing a low budget film. I always feel that an artist should know two or three things in this industry.

What Is Something That Your Fans Wouldn’t Expect From You?

Fat Boy: I Think By Me Being Fatboy My Fans wouldn’t expect me to take my shirt off during A Performance.

What Can We Expect On The New Album?
Skool Boy: This album we got something for the ladies, we got a song called, “Body Body”.

Who are some artists that you’ve worked with?

Geno The Great: We’ve worked with Jibbs, Yo Gotti, Brad (w/universal records), Franchise Boys, Fate Eastwood, All-Star.

What Are Your Current Projects?

Skool Boy: We’re currently working on a mixtape called PAINT SHOP and then we have a new single coming out called LATEROLL.
More GRAFITI BOYZ!