Hip-Hop Hits the Stage at the Hustler
Jeff Quintero, Wisney, Adam T, YT, and A-Ru
- December 9, 2006
- 0 Comments
- By Story By Jeff Nall
No matter what people think or say about Brevard, the fact is this place is home to an incredibly vibrant artistic community. Metal, alternative, folk, pop, you name it, we got it. In case there are any doubts about the diversity of the scene, this Saturday a small army of emcees will bring one hell of a hip-hop concert to the Hustler. While pervious Hustler shows have featured a mixture of solo emcees with rock bands, Saturday's concert will be unique in that it will exclusively feature hip-hop artists. The line-up includes such methodical mic-handlers as Wisney, Jeff Quintero, Adam T, YT, and A-Ru. When I first began looking into Brevard's hip-hop scene, I started off with a bias for rock music. But over the last few months I've found myself gravitating to these artists' music, which can be heard for free at their myspace websites, time and time again. All I can say is don't let the so-called hip-hop on popular radio fool you. Locals Jeff Quintero and Wisney give the genre a genuine jolt of heart, soul, and fun. Forget songs about gang-banging and gold-grills, these guys engineer masterful, creative rhymes about real life, everything from politics to social issues to the toils of daily life. Music Guru recently took time out to chat with Wisney Fernandez, AKA, 'The Wizard,' about Brevard's burgeoning hip-hop scene, the upcoming show, and his music.
Music Guru(MG): Is the hip-hop scene growing in Brevard?
Wisney: I think the awareness of hip-hop has grown in Brevard. And there are definitely more venues giving us a chance since we have proven that it is possible to have a good time with positive vibes in the atmosphere that surrounds you. I have been linking up with many talented artists and I am looking to join resources and continue to grow.
MG: In addition to your solo project, you’re in the rock band Made In China. We know there’s an audience for rock in Brevard. Do you find there’s a lot of interest in hip-hop as well?
Wisney: I see you have done your research. My solo project is called Wisney-A- Wizarduction; and I have been lucky enough to come across very talented musicians and emcees that make up Made In China, which you can listen to at myspace.com/madeinchinamusic.
We have been receiving lots of support and I will continue to bring my energy to anyone listening and watching. To answer your question best on this, I suggest you come and look at reactions in the audience and watch for yourself.
MG: Where do emcees like yourself go to perform other than the occasional Hustler gig?
Wisney: I personally perform wherever there is a crowd; whether it be in the middle of the street in Savanna, GA, right before a Made In China show; or an island party off of Grant; or a birthday party at Cigar Bobs; or Sharkies in Sebastian with YT. And I can't forget about the shows at Gregory's in Cocoa with Alias the @ddict.
MG: Tell us about one of your favorite songs you’ll be performing Saturday.
Wisney: There is a song that me and two other very talented emcees will perform at the Hustler live for the first time called Katrina, "Rising Water." They include Jeff Quintero, who is the first one on the track, myself--I am second on the track--and to finish it off, Adam Turner.
We put this song together for a benefit album and it is the one song that we receive the most feed back from. And this song definitely has the most meaning to me personally.
MG: What are your thoughts about the emergence of local artists such as MCText, Jeff Quintero, and Adam T? Do you have any favorites, maybe a favorite song?
Wisney: It makes me proud to see a lot of artists that I rap with finally getting noticed. I have a personal favorite from each and every one of these artists. I think all of these artists are very talented and I am sure you will hear much more from each and every one of them. If I had to pick a song that stuck in my mind it would have to be Jeff Quintero's song called “Exaggerate.“ The song points out negative points in his life with a delightful twist.
MG: What do your songs tend to be about and what inspires you to write them?
Wisney: My songs tend to be about real life issues: imaginations, predictions, and life-learned observations, with no boundaries. For example, our justice system inspired this rhyme that I wrote called “O.J. Simpson.”
“I'm not rapping/ I'm rhyming, I'm sharing with you/ the common man's words is the ones that I trade with you/ If you want a girlfriend/ First you need a conflict/ Think about it for a minute, say that I'm wrong/ And the world is round?/ Are you sure that's true?/ We once thought it was flat and hey that was true/ And weather or not O.J. Simpson killed his wife/ I am poor, if I was in his shoes would I have fried?/ What do you think?/ Would you have been sentenced to die and labeled ‘murderer,’ left on a chair to fry?/ But if you got money/ you can use it as you’re alibi, does that seem right?"
MG: Finally, it’s interesting to note that a lot of the emcees we’re talking about are, not black. Do you think the color boundaries around music, be it rap or rock, have finally dissolved
Wisney: It is also interesting to say that whenever I fill out an application, when it comes to the part where I have to check off my race I've noticed that my options as a Hispanic are “White (not Hispanic),” “Black (Not Hispanic),” “Hispanic” and “Asian.” Is that really necessary, or is someone pulling my chain?
All jokes aside, I feel that music makes the world go round no matter what race you are. And instead of recognizing color, let's recognize talent. In my eyes, their has never been a boundary; and if their ever was, it dissolved a long time ago. I would like to invite all of your readers to come to our show on December 16th at The Hustler and see what we are all about