 To say Adonis is beyond his years is an under-statement. From the moment his engaging lyrics come pouring out of the speakers, it's equipped with charm and a microphone. He's a rare talent, separated by his genuine love of the art, maturity and of course, immense talent.
"I started rapping when I was six-years old, listening to the Brat" he remembers with a small laugh. "I used to just rap along with her and do all of her rhymes." His adulation for Hip Hop sparked early, Adonis soon began writing his own lyrics, picking up a pen and notepad at the tender age of eight.
By the time he turned 12, he was already rocking shows at the House of Blues and had even grabbed the attention of ex-NBA star John Salley. Although no deal was ever finalized, it was confirmation that Adonis was a rare talent to be reckoned with.
"I think what separates me from other young rappers is that I rap about different topics" he considers thoughtfully. "I'm not all flashy, I don't only talk about cars and jewels; I speak about real situations and real life."
Since 2000 he's garnered interest from several major labels, including the now defunct Elektra Records and J Records, all while performing at various venues and high schools in and around the Los Angeles area and San Diego. "I'm versatile, I'm diverse in the things that I rap about." he explains matter-of-fact, without a hint of conceit. "I mostly rap about my life, things that have happened in the past and that are happening now in the present."
He was only 10 when In-House founder and current manager, Leslie Young discovered him, lured by his magnetic charm and undeniable penchant for the mic.
"I immediately knew that he was a special child." Adonis, which means "beautiful child" in Greek, is relying solely on his talent to propel him to the forefront of Hip Hop.
"I want to bring the west back." he immediately relays when asked what he hopes to accomplish in Hip Hop. There's a sense of urgency as he speaks. It's recognized as hunger. "The west still has talent and having that fact recognized is one of my main goals."
For Adonis, rapping isn't simply about putting out an album or having a hit song on the radio, it's about building a career and allowing his audience to grow with him. In the years that he's been in the business, he's already developed a sense for business and hopes to expound upon his innate abilities as time progresses.
"I think anyone who lives life, who has experiences, who dreams, who misses others, who has heartbreak, who gets angry, all the real stuff, those people should have capacity to enjoy his music.
Today HipHop.org has the honor of kicking it with an artist who is branding his name all over the United States. Straight from the west coast we are with Adonis. Get your seat belts fastened this is gonna be a good one.
Where in Cali do you call home? East Diego, we call it the E.D.
You stated that you "aren't flashy and you talk about real life situations" ... do you think that will outcast you from hiphop being the in thing is to brag? Not really, because the streets are always gong to be relivant, example poor people can't relate to those that are flashy.
Being you work with quality lyrics and substance content do other Cali artists who get "hyphy" bother you? I'm not with the new hyphy, I like the old the hyphy pioneer like Mac Dre.
How old are you exactly? I'm 20 about to be 21.
Do you think you have time on your side? I think time is on my side because my music is never dated. I have a catalog that extends 11 years to the date and it all sounds current.
Most artists we have interviewed from Cali have that connect to the gang lifestyle. Is it safe to say you stayed away from that lifestyle? Yeah, exactly, and that taught me not to be apart of that life-style.
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Lets go back to that day at the House Of Blues. You are performing and you get the attention of John Sally. What happens next? I was like 12 years old then when that happened. I taped a segment of a hip-hop show that John was pitching and after that my manager offered to work with John Salley and as it turned out - John Salley didn't have the budget that we wanted to produce my project.
Who were your influences to get into music? I would have to say Da Brat because of her charisma.... it is what sparked me.
Are you on a label still ? If so let us know..... No not right, I'm still unsigned, doing shows and putting out my mixtapes.
On "Lets Ride" you switched it up a bit and spit in a fast fashion which would make Twista proud. We definatley respect that record. Do you have any other records where you challenge your flow like that? Yes, I have tons of those records, that's really my comfort zone.
Any new projects coming out after this mixtape you dropped? I have the Menance 2 Society Reloaded Mixtape that drops Spring 2011. After that I plan on dropping the new Album in titled "The New Palm Tree" due to release Fall 2011".
How would you describe your style of hip-hop? At this point my hip-hop style is for everybody that loves great music, I try to write content that everyone can relate too.
"My Cadillac" was another great fast paced record. What was your inspiration and the reason you put together such a tough song like that? The insparation was I was pretty much dating a new female and I had just bought my first cadillac. I needed to paint that perfect picture of how I was feeling when we were together. At the same time it's something alot of guys can relate too.
Here at HipHop.org we like to ask our features some questions that really are out of the norm. We do this because it gives the fans a broader outlook on you. So lets get it cracking .... Do you think Lyfe Jennings deserves the 3 years he just got in jail? (Laughing) I didn't even know he went to jail. I just feel like a man that has already done prison time shouldn't have to go back to jail over non-sense. Lyfe Jennings is the truth of RnB and nobody at this time can take his slot.
Out of all the songs you ever made ..which is your LEAST favorite? and why? It would have to be a song called " That's How We Get Down" that I recorded when I was nine years old off my first cd titled "Off The Bike Rack".
Dr. Dre finally dropped the first official single of Detox. It has the West looking strong again. What do you feel about his overall project? I think it's gonna be ledgendary, because he's the only person that can take a long hiatas and still create a buzz.
Are you happy with President Obama? Yes, I'm pretty happy with him because I feel like he's cleaning up Bush's mess, hopefully he can get re-elected so we can see what he can really do.
Back To The Norm.......Name 1 song you've done that will have the HipHop.org viewers hooked!? I think it's my first single off the "Menace 2 Sociecty Vol .2" titled " I Be", in which hiphop.org will be the first to feature.
Thanks for hollering at us and in closing give any shoutouts....links to your sites....F.U.'S or whatevers clever? Shout out to John Salley, Kenneth "Baby Face" Edmonds, Lil Eazy-E, J-Swift (formerly of the Pharcyde), Lambolux, Nick Cannon, Radio stations, internet radio stations, nite clubs ect.. DON ELWAY and Big Bro " Fudge Dog" My Management Team IHEG, Dave Moss and My #1 lady Moms.
Please lookout for Menance 2 Society Vol. 2 on Datpiff.com and livemixtapes.com comming this Spring 2011 and my Freshman CD in tittled " The New Palm Tree".
Contact Management
Twitter.com/Leslieyvonne3
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