Funkghost: Tampa's Independent Sun!!
By Jay Williams
To say that Florida is hot right now would be a huge understatement. With the current insurgence of artist and DJs from the the Southern state, certainly they are making their mark on the industry. It's their turn to fly. But while we all know Flo Rida, DJ Khaled, and others are sharing the spotlight , there are others getting their weight up on the indie circuits.
FUNKGHOST, is a diverse Hip-Hop artist. With roots in Virginia, and Tampa, his music is a soulful blend and a breath of fresh air from Floridians. FUNK dropped a "cult classic" album in 2000 called Ultra-Boogie Highlife, and is putting the finishing touches on his latest album due this summer. While being a talented rapper, FUNKGHOST also has major production skills. He made a name for himself by being a finalist in the 2007 Sha Money XL One Stop Shop Beat Battle in Phoenix, Arizona.
As the recession continues in the world, good music is still thriving. FUNKGHOST took time out with BeatDynasty.com to discuss his grind and his latest projects.
BeatDynasty.com: First off, tell the community where you come from?
FUNKGHOST: Well, let's see. I was born in Newport News, Virginia. I Moved to Tampa,
Florida when i was in grade school. I was definitely raised in Tampa
and most certainly call it Home. This city builds alot of character in you.
BeatDynasty.com: What's the Hip Hop scene like in Tampa?
FUNKGHOST: It's very active right now on many different levels. Florida in general is really poppin' with the whole Rick Ross, Dj Khaled, Miami Movement, T-Pain Ect. Ect. I actually recorded and Mixed my whole album where Plies recorded his last three [albums] at Deep Productions Studios. The Studio is owned by my friend for years Brian Tyson who along with my homie Skill Collins produces for Plies. You've also got the Grammy Award winning Production team the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. They come from Tampa and are Opening alot of doors for the City as well. The Alternative Rap Scene is really strong too with up and coming acts like Laws, Blac Soap, The Basiqs, Tribal Style, The Villanz, Rahim Samad, Mic Deluxx. You also have popular regional acts like Tom G, Acafool, Khia, and Rated R that get tons of airplay on Tampa Radio.
BeatDynasty.com: " The Way I Rock My Clothes" is your new single and is getting good reviews on the net. What's the concept behind the joint?
FUNKGHOST: Basically it's just letting cats know i take my Gear game quite serious. So serious that the only real legal trouble I have ever been in was over some damn Polo Sweaters and some fresh ass green suede adidas, about $1500.00 dollars worth. Anything over $500.00 they hit you with Grand Larceny in Florida. This was years ago i might add. The Video was based on true events with a little added humor and drama for extra effect. I do dress quite fly though, so they say.
BeatDynasty.com: Tell me about your upcoming album?
FUNKGHOST: The Album is titled Dirty But Sophisticated. I wanted to create a album
that sounded just like the title, with many layers, and different approaches to music. I didn't want to be confined or stuck in a box. I Produced the majority of the album with the exception of four cuts ... two were produced by S1 of Strange Fruit Project. I flew him down to Tampa back in September of 08'.
He produced the first single and another joint on the album titled " Got That Heat ." My Man Joey " Soul P " Correa a Multi - Talented cat produced two cuts as well. I will only have ten songs on the album. I want it to be a high impact album with no fillers to confuse the listeners, but release an album full of singles.
BeatDynasty.com: I hear you're a producer as well as a rapper. How does being a producer contribute to your song creation?
FUNKGHOST: It helps greatly, form song structure, looking for any elements that could add production value, working with singers, live instrumentation, drum programming and being involved in the whole process helps me to have an acute ear.
BeatDynasty.com: Do you still do production work for other artists?
FUNKGHOST: I have never landed a placement on a major artist's album for production. I have produced for alot of up and coming artist out of Tampa.
BeatDynasty.com: What are the advantages you see from being an independent artist?
FUNKGHOST: The Main advantage is freedom... I Own and Operate Grand Extravagant Entertainment. I make records, shoot videos , plan on moving into films and have already wrote a screenplay called " The Right Motivation " That I also plan on producing and shooting under Grand Extravagant Ent. I have a another video that I executive produced for another artist named Laws for a song I also produced titled " Lucky . " So, as you can see, I'm creating my own lane.
BeatDynasty.com: What kind of struggles did you have in the industry before deciding to put your own project out?
FUNKGHOST: The problem was with me and not the Industry. The Industry will always be the industry. It's the business of making money, period. When I realized that guys like me are the Industry,
and started handling my business properly, things started falling into place.
BeatDynasty.com: Any last words you would like to share with the community?
FUNKGHOST: Yep, God is the greatest. Through him all things are possible. Go grab " The Way I Rock My Clothes" on iTunes. It will be available for download April 13th 2009. The Album Dirty But Sophisticated is due to be out and available in Stores June 26th 2009. Also come check me out at www.funkghost.com for any updates. Also I got a really cool Blog...check that out at http://funkghost.blogspot.com/ PEACE Funk McLuvin is out!
Comments
Post a Comment