The Lyrical Lounge is sorta like Star Trek--our mission is to find the very best hip-hop has to offer! On this journey, The Lounge goes Northwest ridin' with Tacoma, Washington's #1 record label: Bow WoW Records! No, the little fella from "Like Mike" hasn't started-up a record label..(well, not yet..anyways)...We're talking about Bow Wow Records home of notable underground hustle-spiters Mr. D.O.G., Mac Money and producer "extraordinary," Big Squeeze! True, you may have or may have not heard of this notorious three from the evergreen state...but, after you peep the chat we had with C.E.O./Rapper, Mr. D.O.G., you most certainly will be well informed! Don't sleep, Mr. D.O.G. is a true entrepreneur in the classical sense. Building a record company from the bottom-up & working with the likes of Ras Kas, E-40 and Yukmouth--t! akes talent, brains and DRIVE! (And a sh*t load of greenbacks!) So, pay attention...the boss is speaking!
1. First off, let us know who you are and where you're from?
I'm the one and only Mr. D.O.G. of Bow Wow Records, and I'm from the Southside streets of Tacoma, WA. I'm originally from Houston, TX but moved to the Evergreen state almost 20 years ago.
2. How would you describe your sound and style?
I describe my sound as underwater flow. It has no distinct sound and is very versatile. It takes on many shapes through various songs, similar to water in various objects.
3. Tell us something few people know about Mr. D.O.G.?
Well I was always business minded and began owning legitimate businesses by the age of 16. To date, I've had a paint shop, a record label, a switch shop, and was part owner of a small independent trucking company.
4. Do you see yourself as more as C.E.O./executive producer than rapper?
It's funny because I feel like I'm more of a CEO but I see myself as both. I've been back in the studio a lot lately. I've just been more quiet as an artist over the last year because I was building up my other artist's resumes and exposing the world to the various sounds of Washington's best label.
5. Do you find juggling the hip-hop executive/artist hat difficult?
No. I actually find it to be easier than having two separate entities trying to reach common ground because in my case, the artist and the CEO is always in agreement. I also don't have to worry about having to trust my funds or career in another persons hand.
6. You are relatively a household name in the 'online' & underground circles, although we don't want to restrict it to that. Do you think that your music is either just appearing to be right for that kind of audience, or that this with your means is mainly who you can reach?
I think it's a little of both. My music does cater to the underground, and I don't have the money to do the things that Def Jam or Universal is doing. But I will say this....I'm only at the beginning and things will stretch from here.
7. Where was your first stage performance and what was that experience like?
My first performance was at a small club downtown in Tacoma. I can't remember the name of the club because it has been changed so many times. As far as what it felt like, I would have to say it felt just like Eminem in "8 Mile" except for the cat didn't get my tongue...but I was definitely nervous. I wasn't sure how people would take this cat with a crazy style of flow!
8. You've had the pleasure of performing to hip-hop audiences all over the Northwest United States, Montana, Colorado and parts of California. You've even been to Australia..(who knew they were into rap?) How'd you get hook-'d up with that gig?
I didn't hook up the Australian show. They actually contacted me about it. Plushmode entertainment caught a review of my album in MurderDog and then seen it on the Murderdog website. They then went further to investigate my labor by checking out my site. After seeing all the noise I was making, they offered me the show. I just accepted. I guess you can say the lord has blessed me.
9. You've been able to move 10,000 units among three separate projects, as well as contributed to other projects. With such a high volume of albums out under you belt, do you find yourself repeating verses?
Maybe similar topics, or slang but not verses. I repeat my slang to get people familiar with it since I make a majority of it up. Other than that I try to make every track different from the last.
10. What do you think are the positives & negatives to over-satuartion? Are there any negatives?
To me there is no positives in oversaturation. Over saturation is bad, especially if you have a lot of half a** businessmen in your region burning bridges that you need to build on, because they don't know how to market there stuff or talk professionally.
11. As an indie label, Bow Wow Records has made tremendous strides. What makes you keep working and what inspires you and gives you that push?
Every person that asks me for my autograph, downloads of my mp3s, people telling me they loved my CD, interviews just like this one, and opening for a major act is what keeps me working. The people let me know that I am putting out something people can listen to and be happy they spent there hard earned money on. I guess as long as I see progress, I'm willing to keep slaving for my dream.
12. Could you give us a run-down of what you've done so far as far as releases go? What would you say is the overall theme of your most recent album, "Ghetto Politics"?
Well, as an artist, I've released 3 singles and 2 albums (WET & Ghetto Politics) through my label. I've also featured on several mix tapes, albums, compilations, and movie soundtracks. As a CEO I've put out an additional 2 singles plus the one that will be dropping on the 21st of January, entitled "On Top of the Game" off the Big Squeeze album. I've also put out 2 more albums with a third one scheduled for February 4th. And I've released a video, and lead my label to winning the Mayor's award for best label in the NW this year.
The theme is in the title, "Ghetto Politics." Politics from a ghetto perspective!! There are different unwrit laws in the streets. And all my folks from broken homes in the gutter know what I'm talking about. So I addressed some of this including hustling, snitches, dead homies, haters, gangsta ish, etc.
13. What's your favorite (hip-hop) memory from the last 10 years?
My favorite memory is performing in Eugene, OR for the first time (back in '99) to rock it with the Luniz, Cool Nutz, and Boom Bap. It was at least 700 people in attendance and they began singing my hooks after hearing them once. I hadn't put my CDs in the stores out there yet and this crowd was giving me an enormous amount of energy. I mean they were jumping, waving their hands, and singing my hooks word for word. This was my first time seeing a crowd this excited to hear what I was talking about and I guess it was, and still is, a major inspiration.
14. With so many careers ending so soon, what do you feel is the secret to longevity?
Hard work and dedication! You can do anything you put your mind to as long as you are willing to work for it. I've had several times when I first got started that I wanted to throw in the towel. You gotta expect a lot of "NOs" anytime you selling something. And despite all the nonbelievers, non-supporters, and rejections from major labels, radio stations, and others, I kept working and now my work is paying off. I couldn't even fathom the idea of quitting now.
15. If Bow Wow Records could sign any rapper who would it be? Why?
It would be two. I would have to sign Shaolin and Byrdie. Both are artists from this region. I would sign Shaolin because he is the biggest name east of the mountains in Washington. He is extremely talented, willing to help promote, has his own contacts, and he is someone that I can put up with. We've worked on several songs before, went on the road together and talked. And I think the hours of conservation and picking his brain, made me choose him. I was impressed. I would sign Byrdie because I really like his style and he has radio appeal. I also believe that I could gain him a larger fan base and more radio success. I would also like to sign Playboy Bleek. This is the rawest lyricist in the entire NW. He is like the Northwest's Fabolous. Unfortunately, they are all already signed with someone else.
I wouldn't say any major cats because they have probably been spoiled by the big budgets of major labels and may have even seen and did more than myself. That would become a conflict later on down the line.
16. Who else should we be checking for in your area?
Cool Nutz, Maniac Lok, Playboy Bleek, and Brotha Luv of Jus Family Records. They are really doing big thangs out here too. Shaolin, and Certified of Highside Records. Both there albums should hit this summer. Livio & FunkDaddy of Pak Pros, and Da Have Not.
17. Is there unity amongst the artist and how much support is there from the fans?
Naw, there is no real unity amongst all the rappers up here. Too many hungry acts and not enough media attention on the rap scene. But I have a circle of rap colleagues that I get down with and we support each other to the fullest. As far as the fans, the ones who do know about us, loves us and are die-hards about attending our events. The rest don't know because they only follow those that air several times a day on BET and MTV.
18. With a wide variety and arsenal of talented rappers/emcees, will the world ever see a North West centered collabo? Would that be something you'd like to spearhead?
Yes sir! We have already released "NW Ridin" which was a compilation of NW artists. Then we have big Squeeze's album which also is similar to "NW Ridin" except he has done all the beats and engineering. As far as a collabo of an album, I'm already working on the Mr. D.O.G. & Mac Money album and am considering doing a Mr. D.O.G. & Cool Nutz album. I know this will be hot! The two biggest names in the region together for 12 or more tracks. Oh boy! Every song I've done with either of these two cats have been a hit with an enormous feedback.
19. Could you tell us a little about the other artists on Bow WoW Records and about what we're likely to see from them in terms of releases in the future?
Mac Money is filthy on the mic! He is extraordinary with his delivery and word play. We dropped his debut album, "Tales of A G" in July of 02' and it seems to be the best thing since buttered popcorn. As for the future you can expect to hear him on the Mr. D.O.G., Mac Money collabo, "Top of the Food Chain."
Big Squeeze is strictly a producer....but not just any producer. He is one of the more prominent producers in this region. His album actually comes out on the 4th of February. It will be hot and it features Cool Nutz, myself, Ballin Ass Dame, Mac & AK, Mac Money, Playboy Bleek, Shaolin, Certified, Donall Trump, Azarel, and many more. If you like the NW sound, you gonna love this! Nothing but the best artist in the region all over it.
20. In 2011, where would you like BowWow Records to be?
Going diamond for the second time in 3 years and doing several 30 city tours. I feel we got enough talent to make this a reality too. We just got to do it piece by piece though.
21. Comin'-up with ill-vocabulary is something that is sorely missed in TODAY's hip-hop? But like E-40, you taken slangustics to whole nother level. Have you ever thought about making your own slang to English dictionary? Could you hit-us off with some new verbage..cause frankly we're ready to retire.."foshezeee."
I don't know about the dictionary part. I'll leave that for E-40. But here are some of the terms I use:
WET- the bomb!, top notch, the shit!
Invoice- a hit list
Piranhas- my ninjas that's down for me
Ridin the wave- driving on the interstate or highway
Dribble- I can dig it/ I agree
Ring around the collar- Someone who is hating and making it abundantly obvious.
Sammy No Scrilla- A broke cat who lies about having alot of money.
Brown Water- Hennessy, Courvousier, or any Cognac.
22. Thanks for the interview..any last wordz, shout-outs, declarations or thank you's?
Yeah, yeah. Cop that Big Squeeze- The Senator, hitting stores on the 4th. Log onto our website, www.bwr2000.com and sign our guestbook. This way we know you were there and we can give you a more indepth look at who we are at Bow Wow Records.
Thank you for taking the time to hear what I have to say. Shots out to Jus Family Records, Street Level Records, Highside Records, Amrak Records, Grind & Hustle, 3rd Eye Dezines, the Siccness.net, all my fans who took the time to read this, and any and everybody who has put two cent towards my career including the haters.
The Lyrical Lounge would like to thank, Mr. D.O.G. for taking time out of his hectic schedule and granting us an interview. Believe us, this is one hustlin' brotha! Between studio time, promoting, performing and winning honorary Mayoral awards, getting a minute to chop a lil game is truly an honor.....Be sure to check out Mr. D.O.G. and the entire Bow WoW artist roster at: www.bwr2000.com These "piranhas" are takin' G-Funk to a whole new level! Hip-Hop: Live it...love it...get involved!
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