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6-19-06
Chosan featured in BLOW and BLACK BEAT MAGAZINE! Click on the article below to download the PDF.
http://www.underdarock.com/chosan.htm
03Mar2006 - Chosan's Interview with UnderDaRock Entertainment!
U.D.R.E: Whats good man
CHOSAN: I'm good man, I'm thankful for everything good or bad, my new saying is that no matter what's going on regardless "Itz a wonderful life"
U.D.R.E: Why the name Chosan
CHOSAN: I have had that name since way back when, at one point growing up everyone had their little street name etc. I used to be one of those graffiti kids writing their names on trains, walls just basically all over the place. The guys that a ran with started putting one after their name, so i came up with Chosen one. I put that name around, then i thought it was it was a bit corny so i just wanted to be different so i took the "e" out and added an "a", and pow Chosan was born.
U.D.R.E: Describe Chosan's music
CHOSAN: My music is at times very lyrical, soulful hip hop mixed with humour. At times i can be real reflective and deep, and at other times I'm being witty and real clever with word play.
U.D.R.E: What motivates you to write music
CHOSAN: I would say the whole experience of life motivates me to write music. I am a real observer, im always looking and taking everything in. That's anything from whats its like living in the hood, to how girls act in a club. Music has always been my creative outlet, i feel so free and alive when words appear on a blank piece of paper, or when the mic is plugged in and its time to rock.
U.D.R.E: You have lived in Africa, Canada, London and now the US. How has this affected you personally and also shaped your craft
CHOSAN: I believe everything in life effects you, the same as every experience effects you. Being born in Africa gave me a real sense of struggle and a fire to achieve more. There's a certain thing when you're born in Africa like its me against the world. The world calls it the third world , I thing Africans in general are born with a real determination and strength to live and survive no matter what. In London so many people are trying to get heard over there but black people are the minority and their fighting to be heard. People over here think everybody's rich over there but that is not the case London is real gritty and grey for young black and minority folks. Over here in New York its like the only the strong survive every ones on the hustle or grind 247 man. So for me i have pick up all three different vibes and cultures and its really expanded my music cause i got a mix of so many different experiences.
U.D.R.E: You have won several talent showcase and also appeared on a major Radio station in London. How has this helped your career
CHOSAN: All those victories etc have really helped me ,because it help solidify me as an artist. They also gave me alot of credibility and cool points and helped me big time in building relationships with dj's and press people. And as you know that can only help if you got them people behind you in this industry.
U.D.R.E: What is the major difference in Hip Hop representation in the U.K compared to the United States
CHOSAN: I think that hip hop in America is just soo big, its a way of life an corporate America has had to embrace it because of the millions it makes. You can see it in commericals advertising its so big. In England although things i hear are changing slightly, black British music in general has never been fully embraced mainstream. They would rather a all white pop group with one token black gut or girl doing real watered down hip hop and RnB than a hip hop act. The funny thing is they would promote artists from the America all day , but not homegrown artist's.
U.D.R.E: Are you signed to or affiliated with any Independent or major Record company
CHOSAN: I'm building my Silverstreetz Imprint out here, i am affiliated to Nomadic Wax they have been key in getting my message across in the U.S. Nomadic Wax along with another company are handling my digital distribution.
U.D.R.E: There has been a major explosive of Rappers from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and other parts of Africa. Whats your opinions of African Hip Hop.
CHOSAN: I think that's its a great time for Africa in general at this moment, for some reason there is a huge focus on Africa which i think is a beautiful thing. It looks like each country is getting their representatives and their making it happen. I think people are just looking for something new, and artist coming out of Africa are comming with a whole new story perspective and sound. If you think about it for me the people have pushed me to be like Sierra Leone first son in the west. SO much so that Kanye West called me to do the intro for his Hype Williams produced video "Diamonds From Sierra Leone". I got an opportunity for the first time ever to share a part of our language and culture to the whole world, you got top love for that.
U.D.R.E: What else do you write aside from Rap
CHOSAN: I also write poetry and stories, in fact this year a friend of mine and me are getting in to the whole book writting and publishing area. I defently want to expand my talents into other fields and genres.
U.D.R.E: How do you feel about the current state of Hip Hop
CHOSAN: I think hip hp is changing, i think its finding itself again. Its funny i think the gangster killer era is ending and a new cycle is starting. I think that all t he down south artists are bringing fun and simplicity back to hip hop. New york is gonna step up back to real lyrics and beats etc. I guess like everyone else you will just have to wait and see.
U.D.R.E: What artist would you like to work with and why
CHOSAN: I would like to work with artist that hip hop people dont usually work with. People like Yolanda Adams, i love the power and realness in her voice. Norah Jones i think her voice and her music is real different. Also Akon i have a song in mind that i would love to work with him on. And in terms of hip hop Slick Rick, Nas, Busta and Jay Z. There guys that i really respect their music and their energy.
U.D.R.E: What inspired "The Beautiful Side of Misery" Vol.1
CHOSAN: I was inspired to write the beautiful Side of Misery after i had a huge car accident in the Bronx. That was a real life changing event for me and made me see life so different. Also around the same period my father passed away. Going to Serria Leone so soon after the war ended also helped shape my thoughts, and speaking and vibing with my people out there that had lived through all the drama. Just seeing that were so hopeful on life despite what they had, changed my whole mind set. So i was like no matter what pain or hurt you go through, there is always a gift and blessing or learning afterwards, hence The Beautiful Side of Misery was created.
U.D.R.E: Who did the productions on the album
CHOSAN:I worked with some real talented cats. A duo called L.I.B.B did alot of the production, they're from the Bronx their imput was major. A good friend of mine original from London also called Adrenalin he did a couple beats, as well as Parris and Siji and Alex A.
U.D.R.E: Tell us about Silverstreetz Entertainments
CHOSAN: Silverstreetz Entertainments has been like my baby for a while. I am trying to create a whole umbrella of music, books, song writing and workshops as well as charity work. I have started doing all the above on a small level and everting is getting bigger. I don't wont to focus just on hip hop but like Gospel , pop and soul music.
U.D.R.E: Tell us about your track ONE one Nation Emer
CHOSAN: I was really blessed to be on such a ground breaking track like O.N.E for many reasons. Firstly it was the first time im aware of three mcs from three different countries all repping where there from. You had El Gambian from Korea, LF from Brazil and me just telling or story over a hot beat. To me that was magic.
U.D.R.E: What book are you reading at the moment or what was the last book you read
CHOSAN: I am reading "The Alchemist" at the moment. That is one of the best books i have read in my life and i definitely recommend anybody with a vision or dream to read that book. I have read that book so many times, if im going through something i pick it u and read it again.
U.D.R.E: What project/new release do you have now or coming to your fans
CHOSAN: I have three projects im working at the moment. I have an album project with a production duo called Tasty gritz, that going to be real experimental and off beat. Also im working on an L.I.B.B presents Chosan album, which i have done a couple tracks for already. Im also preparing to do a couple more videos for "The Beautiful Side Of Misery"
U.D.R.E: Where can your fans purchase your music
CHOSAN: you can get "The Beautiful SIde Of Misery" on exclusive download at Itunes, Aol Music, Calabah Music as well as other places on the net. They can allways check for me at www.silverstreetz.com, to find out whats going on with me.
U.D.R.E: What advise would you give to an upcoming rapper
CHOSAN: To any up an coming rapper I would say its a hard road, be prepared to work get rejection, and get back up and do it all over again. There are no rules no set formulas to breakthrough , but make sure you stay on your craft and make best of any opportunity that comes your way and run with it.
U.D.R.E: What would you like to say to all your African fans
CHOSAN: To all my African peoples i would say thanks for the support, we are a big country thats got a huge story to tell. Lets redifine the image of Africa that has been put out there to the world. Its up to us to do our part and make a difference, and push for a change. We have got one of the most strongest tales in history, and where big enough to do. Africa stand up.
U.D.R.E: If you had the choice to work in any other profession, what would it be and why
CHOSAN: I would chose to work with children. I have done that work and thats the only other ting apart from creating that i felt alive doing it.
U.D.R.E: Anything else remember to check me out at www.silvertsreetz.com ..peace Chosan big shout out to Under da Rock...
1-17-06
The first annual Brooklyn Toy drive was a MASSIVE
success! Thanks so much to all you who contributed to make these
kids holiday's a reality. It was extremely appreciated and went
beyond out wildest expectations.
Because of the outpour of help - we were able to provide gifts
and music for kids in Brooklyn's PS 178 as well as PS 335!
Big up to Phil Ballman from SOB's, Rab Bakari from
Universal, General Taylor from It's Done Marketing and Promotion,
Oluwaseye - celeb photography and Kofi Annan from Annansi Clothing.
This was most certainly one of the biggest successes
of 2005 for me.. Thank you for caring!
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