I'm very exited about introducing the world to the multi-talented Tion Aka Bukue One. Born in Berkeley raised in Oakland, he's been in the game for a while, doing all that he does best, from Skateboarding, Graffiti, Tour Management, Teaching and Rapping. Here's the full interview with him. Check it out! Ms.KillemWClass : How do you differ from other artist today? Tion Bukue : I do more behind the scenes than I do in front. Being an artist is not even half of the work I do. Being a Tour Manager, Booking Agent, Event Coordinator and Teacher are my main forms of art. Thoes are the platforms my music and visual art fly from. Ms.KillemWClass : What kinda music do you do? And what is your music mainly about? Tion Bukue : I do Optimistic, Fun Loving, Positive vibed hip hop, influenced by soul, 80's freestyle music and Reggae. My music is mainly about life through the perspective of a pop culture loving, politically aware, skateboarding, strike bowling, graffiti writing lyricist. Ms.KillemWClass : How is it that you came up with the name "Bukue One", and why? Tion Bukue: A friend of mine had suggested I write this as my graffiti name. It didn't make sense to me and I had no idea what that word meant. After he brought that word into my mind I started hearing it all over. "Man that guy had Bukue bucks" etc., meaning " A lot, A large amount." One day I asked my uncle about it and he said it was the slang in the 70's for “a large amount, kinda like how we use "Hella", it's derived from the word " Beaucoup" Which is French for "a Lot." Since I was into a lot of different things, it fi,t so I became " Bukue One" like " Man Of Many." Ms.KillemWClass : How did you get into Graffiti? Tion Bukue : I was into the music and the dance relating to hip hop. I was never a natural artist, but my friend encouraged me to start writing and I was hooked.. Ms.KillemWClass : Who inspires you most in music? Tion Bukue : A mix of Sade, Teena Marie, Barrington Levy, Tribe Called Quest, Russell Simmons, Malcolm Gladwell and Beyond. Ms.KillemWClass : How would you define hip hop is today? Tion Bukue : Hip hop is the foundation of many, many pop culture trends. It's where the world looks to find sounds, phrases, images of what's cool. But For me it's still Emceeing, Graffiti, and Break dancing. It's a culture, a medium...A vehicle we use to express ourselves, educate and reprot on the mindset of the people. Ms.KillemWClass : What kinda person do you think people view you as? Tion Bukue : A silly dude ( A funnyman). I keep the mood light for the most part, but it's all underlined by depth, serious business, conscious decisions and purpose. To get your fix of Mr. Tion Bukue One, go to Bukue.Bandcamp.com, where his music is available free. Plus check him out at myspace.com/mrbukueone. In the words of Bukue One, “Enjoy your life and the growth!”
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tion "Bukue One"...
Sunday, July 5, 2009
B.E.M.E...
At age 23 B.E.M.E., Aka B, has made it a long way from mere dreams of being a Comic Book Artist and Firefigher to actually working at a Youth Radio and beginning his rap career. He was born in the town of Gary Indiana, where the great Michael Jackson was from, then moving when he was 7, to Oakland California.
Just by chance, an outreach program came to his high school to talk about having opportunities for working for an internet based youth radio. When B heard that, he didn't turn the offer down and Youth radio has made him what he is today. But there was still a part of B that wanted more. Growing up and listening to those who inspired him most, from Fugee's, Pharside, Tribe Called Quest, Nirvana and The Romeo And Juliet soundtrack changed everything. He knew he wanted to be a part of music. His music now ranges from Trip Hop, Hip hop and rock. In the interview with him I asked him what he raps about. He replied that if he could put himself into a catogory it would be like 'non fiction raps'.
He talks about everyday life situations and all truth and nothing but the truth. B is very inspired and extremely driven, working 3 to 4 times a week in the studio and being there most of the night. There's not a day that goes by that B doesn't pick up a pen to write, sometimes finding himself having to sneak it in.
His recent mixtape, B.E.M.E. Mixtape, is out with very good initial feedback and his Album 'Words', will be out either Christmas or New Years day.
I recommend that everyone check him out. He's truly a great rapper and I see a bright future for him. Here are some links to see what he's all about.
