Here's an interview with an unsigned artist The Sphinx, so check out this mc/producer.
Da Jointstallion: When did you first get into the hip hop business?
The Sphinx: Well, I've been makin beats and emceein' for about 5 years or so, but as far as actually tryin to make a career out of it, I've only been into it for about a year or so.
Da Jointstallion: Who were your influences, if any in hip hop?
The Sphinx: Hmmmm... I have quite a few influences. In actuality, everything I hear influences me in some way. I'd have to say that the biggest influences in hip-hop were (on the beat side) Pete Rock, Havoc, and RZA, among others. On the rhyme side, I'd have to say that the biggest influences to The Sphinx you know today are: Inspekta Deck, Canibus, Killa Sin, and more recently, Eminem.
Da Jointstallion: Where are you from?
The Sphinx: Originally from Bamberg, Germany; I currently reside in Florida (hopefully not much longer).
Da Jointstallion: Do you have any affiliate groups you roll with?
The Sphinx: Not really. It's just me and my Egyptian Monks (Solomon the Wise, Bad Newz, and Sofistikit).
Da Jointstallion: I have heard your EP Shadows Of A Man on the internet, it is very good, I'm wondering why you are not on a major label?
The Sphinx: Well, shopping a demo is quite difficult. So few rappers (and other musicians, in general) get signed from demos anyway. I'd have to say the most obvious reason I'm still unsigned would be my lack of connections. In Miami it's damn near impossible to get on, especially with the sound that I have. Hopefully this year, though...
Da Jointstallion: How old are you?
The Sphinx: 20
Da Jointstallion: Do you disrespect anybody in this rap game and if who why?
The Sphinx: (Not mentioning any names here) Hehe... well, I don't respect anyone who doesn't truly come from their heart with this rap shit. Listen to my joint called "The Reign" (feat. Egyptian Monks) on my site (www.mp3.com/thesphinx) for more info on this question.
Da Jointstallion: "2 Kings" with Solomon The Wise in my books is one of the best songs I heard in 99. What's the deal with your production cause the beat is fresh.
The Sphinx: Well, I've been making original beats since I was about 13, so I've had a lot of time to perfect my style. Of course, my style is still growing day by day. I'm not trained on any instruments, but I have taken courses in music theory. I'm trying to bring more real musicality into hip-hop, instead of just relying on loops and wack basslines that don't match anything.
Da Jointstallion: Do you plan on making any songs with any big producers or rappers in the year 2 g.
The Sphinx: Not officially. Naturally, I hope to make some good connections this year. So, you never know...
Da Jointstallion: Has Shadows Of A Man been released anywhere or are you still shopping places to put it on a major label.
The Sphinx: Shadows of A Man has not officially been released anywhere except on the net. I put out an extremely limited release here in Florida, but most copies went to DJs. Right now I'm working on a supplemental CD called "Out of The Shadows" with 4 new songs, which will be my "official" shopping material. It should be finished by the end of March (provided I have proper funds), so keep an eye on my webpage (http://listen.to/thesphinx).