CALI SWAG DISTRICT: “WE’RE NOT A BUBBLE GUM GROUP" [INTERVIEW]

As a new group Cali Swag District has had an amazing year with their now platinum single “Teach Me How To Dougie.” The four-man group (C-Smoove, Yung, Jay Are and M-Bone) hail from Inglewood, California and were discovered by former Death Row artists Big Wy and Dairold Potts.

The single “Teach Me How To Dougie” has made a major impact across the country with everyone from Kim Kardashian to Wendy Williams wanting to learn how to “Dougie.” Now that they have a deal with Capitol Records/Checkmate Entertainment the group is ready to hit us with their second single. The buzz cut “Where You Are,” which samples Michael Jackson’s 1972 hit, “I Wanna Be Where You Are” is making the rounds but the official video for “Kick Back” just debuted.

The group’s debut studio album, The KickBack, will be released on February 15, 2011 and Jazzy F. spoke with member C-Smoove to find out if Cali Swag District are for real about having longevity.

Jazzy F: Where did it start for Cali Swag District?

Before we became Cali Swag District we were all doing music individually and ended up falling into the same studio with our visionary Big WY. He decided to put the four of us together as a group and we each dropped everything we were doing to bring it all together to make it happen.

Did you guys expect”Teach Me How To Dougie” to go platinum?
It was the first single that we recorded as a group. We just did for fun to test our luck and once it hit Youtube it just spread like wild fire. The comments told us where the people was listening to us were from so we knew that it was spreading across the country. We performed it in Hollywood for the first time and the views started going up by the thousands.

Where did the Dougie originate?

The Dougie originated in Dallas Texas and a friend of ours from Inglewood that we graduated with from Morningside high school went off to college in Texas and seen the dance. He made the suggestion to make a song about it and it turned out to be a good idea.

Do people ask you “Teach Me how To Dougie” all the time?
Teach me How to Dougie is like the million dollar question right now. People ask us how to Dougie all the time. In the airport, bathroom it don’t matter we can be anywhere and people ask us that.

How did you guys link up with Doug E. Fresh?
The official dance came from Doug E. Fresh with the hand movement so that is where the name came from. The first chance we got to sit down with him we did. It was only right for us to link up with Doug E. He appreciated the movement and has been very supportive.

How have your lives changed since “Teach Me How To Dougie”?
We get a lot more respect from a lot of people now, even people that we didn’t kick it with or talk to wanna be our friends now. Everybody talk about the money and cars but we appreciate the amount of respect that comes with the success.

Do you think celebs being fascinated with the Dougie helped with the success?
We appreciate all the celebs supporting the Dougie, which has helped out a lot with spreading the word about Cali Swag District. [That] allowed us to have a platinum single.

How do you guys feel about people saying Cali Swag District and “Teach Me How To Dougie” are not Hip Hop?
When people say that, we ask them ‘what do they consider hip hop?’ If people feel the music and can dance to it, whats the difference? We’re not a bubble gum group. We got music that can go over the heads of teenagers as well. We don’t trip off people trying to call us a one hit wonder because we’re not. We can get lyrical but the people can’t see that with “Teach Me How To Dougie.

What sound can we expect from The KickBack Album?
We don’t have too many features and we went with in-house production Disko and Poly Rob. We recorded the album before we had a deal [so] we touched on many different genres of music to show our range and let em know we can spit on the mic.

Can we Expect Cali Swag District to be around for a while?
“Teach me how to Dougie” has been out for about a good year and we trying to move away from that and let people see that we can really get it in on the mic. We know the Dougie gone be there but we got tons of music ready to show people that there is so much more to Cali Swag District.

TheSocietyOnline.biz| The Blog Site Supporting African Americans & Our Supporters in Entertainment. Listen & Download Free Hip-Hop R&B Music, Videos, Fashion, Celebrity News, Twitter. @itsJazzyFBaby

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PLATINUM CAMP'S CEO DADDY BIGGS SPEAK OUT ABOUT THE DISAGREEMENT WITH FOXY BROWN [AUDIO]

Foxy Brown as usual have been up to her crazy antics of having beef with managers and people stealing her music and dissin Lil Kim. This entire fiasco started when a press release from Platinum Camp hit the net about Foxy Brown releasing a diss record "Christmas Massacre" aimed at Lil Kim on Christmas eve, where she was scheduled to perform "Christmas Massacre" at Jelanis in Brooklyn. Foxy never showed up and the reason was due to a misunderstanding with the club promoter about the change of location. A days later new music "U Ain't Rough Enuff" hits the net and Foxy takes to her twitter page to blast Platinum Camp about stealing her vocals to promote their own artist Rekage. This has all hit the front page of the Daily News in New York City so I decided to get the word from Daddy Biggs the CEO of Platinum Camp himself to explain what has been going on. Check it out!

This is all Nicki Minaj fault for winning!!!


TheSocietyOnline.biz| The Blog Site Supporting African Americans & Our Supporters in Entertainment. Listen & Download Free Hip-Hop R&B Music, Videos, Fashion, Celebrity News, Twitter. @itsJazzyFBaby

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DAVID ROUSSEAU TALKS LIL WAYNE, PITBULL, & HIS PRODUCTION COMPANY CREATIVESEEN [INTERVIEW]

If you’ve watched and enjoyed a hip-hop music video in the last year or two you probably have director David Rousseau to thank for it.

David has come along way from working with network television to now owning his own production company CreativeSeen, a South-Florida based production company established in 2008 specializing in music videos and commercial production.

Rousseau’s directing resume includes videos for Pitbull, Lil Wayne, Akon, Lil Jon and Fat Joe just to name a few. His name started to bubble last year when he shot a string of music videosfor Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records before Lil Wayne reported to Rikers Island to complete a one year sentence for attempted gun possession. The productions garnered national coverage, including placements in Rolling Stone, MTV News and Billboard.

The Urban Daily took a few minute with Mr. Rousseau to find out how staying focused and working your way can pay off in a major way.

TUD: How did you get started in film?

David Rousseau: I always wanted to do study film since I was a kid, listening to music and watching movies was always a thrill for me as a child. I grew up on MTV and YO! MTV raps watching Michael Jackson, Biggie and Tupac videos. This is always what I wanted to do but the question was how do I get there. The passion I have for film and music is what drove me into this profession and I combined them both and did something creative.

How did you get to this point?

I was working for Viacom doing work for CBS, MTV and many more. I decided to go for it 100 percent so I decided to leave my job. Hanging with friends of mine in the industry, meeting different artists and developing relationships helped me along the way. It took years of studying film to get to this point. I met Pitbull in 2006. Pitbull and Nore were the first artist I did videos for. I started doing street videos and artists noticed I had a hunger and passion for directing.

What other areas in film are you familiar with?

I have been involved in the industry from behind the scenes for a long time. I’ve done basketball games and pre shows for The Source Awards and more on TV. I knew I had to build a bridge, which was all apart of the plan to where I am now.

What is the difference between directing for TV and directing a music video?

When working on a music video it’s all about the song. It’s about doing justice to the song, bringing the energy of the song out, capturing the artist’s lyrics. On a show you have 30 minutes to an hour to capture it but with a music video you only have about 3 min.

Tell us about your production company “CreativeSeen”

When I started Creativeseen I wanted to put together a team that could get me to that next level. I wanted people that had the same goals and my goal was to be the best production company in Miami and then take it to NY and LA. I knew when we started we wouldn’t get the big budgets but if we worked hard and do right by the artist we would. We’ve been able to meet that goal and we are looking to expand and work all over the world.

What is the process for creating music video?

Usually you will get a brief of what the artist and label are looking for. I would sit with the song on my iPod or I may go for a walk and then I come up with the best treatment. A treatment is a written script of what the video will look like. I come up with different concepts and I attach some visuals to present to the artist and label. Then once it has been chosen you work with the artist to come up with the final concept.

How do you manage an artist’s ego on the set?

As a director I say be prepared. If you are ready for the artist you won’t have those problems. If the artist senses that you are not prepared, that is when you have a problem. Most artists don’t like to have their time and money wasted. The artists are usually very busy, but if you include them and show some respect then you will rarely have a issue with artist.

How do you handle the groupies that show up to the shoots?

Groupies are everywhere. Artists are followed 24/7 by groupies even at the gas station. They are around but it doesn’t really distract anything. It has never been a issue but they are always around. Being a groupie is a full time job.

Have you had any unexpected setbacks during filming?

We have had raw film stolen one time when shooting with Lil Jon in Trinidad and people will freak out but as the director I can’t freak out. I always make sure I have a camera on standby if something happens.

What was it like working with Lil Wayne before he went to jail?

We were working with one of the biggest artists in the world going into prison so we had to make sure we got everything done. Lil Wayne made sure he got a lot done. He was so Focused. He knew what he had to do and what was in front of him but he was not gonna let anything stand in his way. You would have never thought anything was going on because he never showed it. There were nights where we shot six videos. You gotta work ten times faster and harder when working with Lil Wayne, it’s like going up against Jordan. You gotta up your game 110 percent. This was one of the highlights of 2010 for me.

Do you have any more Cash Money/Young Money videos planned?

We just finished doing a video for Jay Sean and Birdman which should be out soon.

Which artists would you like to work with the most?

The dream artist to work [would have been] Michael Jackson. He was an architect when it came to music videos. I would like to work with artists like Jay-Z, Lenny Kravits and Bon Jovi.

Where do you see your company CreativeSeen in 5 years?

TV shows, movies and more just taking it to the next level. When you put people together you must put people that are on the same level as you.

How do you see music videos evolving?

In the 80s a music video was just a blank canvas. The art form is evolving and it’s still young, but we gotta make sure it keeps growing with people who are willing to push the boundaries and look at it as an art form.

CS REEL from Creativeseen on Vimeo.

TheSocietyOnline.biz| The Blog Site Supporting African Americans & Our Supporters in Entertainment. Listen & Download Free Hip-Hop R&B Music, Videos, Fashion, Celebrity News, Twitter. @itsJazzyFBaby

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COCO & BREEZY "NEW AGE INNOVATORS"

If you have not been put on to Coco and Breezy this past year, allow me to re-introduce the 19 year old fashion designers from Minnesota. The identical twins Coco and Breezy came to New York City with nothing but faith and hope, with their unique style and fearless attitudes they are sure to stand out in any crowd. The two had one goal and that was to make their dream of being successful fashion designers come true. Coco and Breezy would have never thought that one red carpet appearance from r&b singer Ashanti wearing their eye wear would change their entire lives. Now the two are some of todays youngest successful fashion designers, Coco and Breezy's eye wear has been worn by more than a few celebs like Nicki Minaj, Kelly Rowland, Serena Williams, Trina, Tila Tequila, Miguel and the list goes on. They have also been featured in tons of magazines and your fav blog sites on the net. Check below as they give Jazzy F. an exclusive interview.

"We are innovators, Coco and Breezy started the trend and then we moved on to the next thing"

The start of the creation.
Being from Minnesota no one would take our style serious. They thought we were just some crazy weird females. People would point at us and laugh at our creativity. We created the eye wear to avoid the people, not thinking that anyone would wear them. We came to New York with the eye wear and it just blew out of the water.

Why do you think Coco and Breezy are in popular demand?
I think it was just Coco and Breezy being ourselves. We have our own unique style and in our minds we are in a world of our own. We used our unique style as a branding tool to show people how to wear Coco and Breezy shades. "I feel that is what made young people interested in the product."

Does the twin thing work in your favor?
I think having another companion that can relate works. Sometimes family can't work together, but we have a connection that no one else has. "We balance each other out." We have rarely ever been separated our entrie life is has been less than 10 times.

What do you guys have to say about imitators?
It's a beautiful thing, meaning we are doing our jobs right. We are innovators, There are designers that started the trend, and there are designers that copy the trend. Coco and Breezy started the trend and then we moved on to the next thing. "Our new collection is bananas." The imitators are doing it for the trend and they aren't going to last.

Any pressures being young fashion Designers & Business women?
We feel no pressure at all, this is something that we always wanted to do. We always wanted to be entrepreneurs. We always wanted to do fashion, but we didn't know that we would make a career out of it. We are very strong minded. We do whatever it takes to go for it and sometimes we school older people. Everyone has their own calling and I think Coco and Breezy were meant for this. Coco is the nice one and myself Breezy is more hardcore,we balance each other out.



How do you feel when people stare?
I think when people stare they are intrigued or confused. Sometimes it pisses me off, but I keep in mind I would be intrigued by me as well, If I didn't know me. I would wonder what do they do, why do they have so many tattoos or why do they wear their hair like that?

NYC vs. Minnesota:
We love the grind here in New York City. In Minnesota there was not much opportunities.Here in New York City there is so much more resources and people are more open minded. I feel there is no excuse to ever sit down and get comfortable here in New York City. "It's exciting."

How does being young business women affect your personal and love life?
We don't do it for the money we love what we do. I don't have time for a personal life, I rather work hard now so when I am older I can just kick it. Some people wanna be successful, but they don't. Its not about having fun or sleeping a whole 8 hours. Its about making sacrifices. As far as our love life, we have our main squeezes, but we don't wanna be tied down. A lot of guys our age don't think how we think. Sometimes we are really busy. "Our fashion line is our boyfriend."

Any artist that haven't worn Coco and Breezy that you like to see in your product?
There are quite a few. We would love to get Lady Gaga in some of our creations. We just want the right personalities to wear it. You have to have the confidence to wear our product.

The new Wearable Art Collection:
What we are putting out no one has done it yet. This is all new nothing is revamped. We have created pieces that you can wear about 5 different ways, we are very exited about our new line and we have some surprises coming as well.

What made you guys create a unisex product?
Coco and Breezy is a lifestyle and to live a lifestyle there is no gender. "You have to have the confidence to wear Coco and Breezy." We are all about being open minded and not putting people in a box. People like to explore now days, in our eyes were in 2020.

Where so you see Coco and Breezy 5 years from now?
We see ourselves expanding the brand and becoming a household name. We will be adding more accessories and clothing to the brand in the future.We currently custom hand craft each piece and would love to be in production where we wont have to just do it ourselves. More so to have people working with us to create a great product.

TheSocietyOnline.biz| The Blog Site Supporting African Americans & Our Supporters in Entertainment. Listen & Download Free Hip-Hop R&B Music, Videos, Fashion, Celebrity News, Twitter. @itsJazzyFBaby

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