Fake Four Records founder Ceschi Ramos called Factor "the Prince Paul of Canada" and Myka 9 of Freestyle Fellowship won’t work with anyone else lately. The Canadian producer has been at the helm of Myka's projects since 2008. Their first song together was "Smokey" for Factor's album, Chandelier. That album also marked the first time working with Fake Four. He has completed a dozen solo projects, a prelude and an instrumental EP. A new solo concept album drops in July, which Factor is "extremely hyped about." (Although, with his Canadian accent, "about" probably sounded more like "abbot"). The motley duo heads to Austin next week to spread its love of chilled out, classic hip-hop. Factor took about 45 seconds to complete this interview. –Kyle Eustice
RAPstation: When did you first fall in love with hip-hop and why?
Factor: When I first started getting into hip-hop, it was just so new and fresh. Coming from Saskatoon, SK, there wasn't many people into hip-hop or rap music so everything was underground and exciting.
Who or what made you decide to start performing and becoming a part of it?
I started DJing and making mixtapes. From there it was just a natural progression into production and performing the songs we made.
SXSW seems to be predominately indie band oriented. As more of a hip-hop artist, what do you hope to gain from your time there?
Mostly just exposure and promotion, but it is a good chance to catch up with some artist I don't get to see often and meet some new folks.
With record sales on the decline in this digital era, how important are tours now? Merch?
Tours and merch are extremely important. Gotta get the word out. What does everyone say? Can't download a T-shirt? [Laughs].
How have you been navigating the social media waters? What have you done that has been fan favorites?
I have been trying my best at social media. I think videos seem to be fan favs. Don't forget: @factormusic [laughs].
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame started inducting bands in 1986. Out of the 279 performers who have been inducted, only 3 other Hip-Hop/Rapper acts have been included, most recently Public Enemy this year. As an artist that falls into this category, how does this make an impact on you?
I think hip-hop gets overlooked, but people are defiantly coming around. For example, Public Enemy!!! So dope!
There is kind of a revolving door of rappers/emcees/DJs these days, what sets you apart from the pack and how will you attain longevity in such a fickle and oversaturated market?
I think my strength is having an original sound and not following trends too hard. I'm still trying to make albums you can listen to start to finish.
By Kyle Eustice for RAPstation.com
Myka 9 & Factor: The Road To Austin
Fake Four Records founder Ceschi Ramos called Factor "the Prince Paul of Canada" and Myka 9 of Freestyle Fellowship won’t work with anyone else lately. The Canadian producer has been at the helm of Myka's projects since 2008. Their first song together was "Smokey" for Factor's album, Chandelier. That album also marked the first time working with Fake Four. He has completed a dozen solo projects, a prelude and an instrumental EP. A new solo concept album drops in July, which Factor is "extremely hyped about." (Although, with his Canadian accent, "about" probably sounded more like "abbot"). The motley duo heads to Austin next week to spread its love of chilled out, classic hip-hop. Factor took about 45 seconds to complete this interview. –Kyle Eustice
RAPstation: When did you first fall in love with hip-hop and why?
Factor: When I first started getting into hip-hop, it was just so new and fresh. Coming from Saskatoon, SK, there wasn't many people into hip-hop or rap music so everything was underground and exciting.
Who or what made you decide to start performing and becoming a part of it?
I started DJing and making mixtapes. From there it was just a natural progression into production and performing the songs we made.
SXSW seems to be predominately indie band oriented. As more of a hip-hop artist, what do you hope to gain from your time there?
Mostly just exposure and promotion, but it is a good chance to catch up with some artist I don't get to see often and meet some new folks.
With record sales on the decline in this digital era, how important are tours now? Merch?
Tours and merch are extremely important. Gotta get the word out. What does everyone say? Can't download a T-shirt? [Laughs].
How have you been navigating the social media waters? What have you done that has been fan favorites?
I have been trying my best at social media. I think videos seem to be fan favs. Don't forget: @factormusic [laughs].
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame started inducting bands in 1986. Out of the 279 performers who have been inducted, only 3 other Hip-Hop/Rapper acts have been included, most recently Public Enemy this year. As an artist that falls into this category, how does this make an impact on you?
I think hip-hop gets overlooked, but people are defiantly coming around. For example, Public Enemy!!! So dope!
There is kind of a revolving door of rappers/emcees/DJs these days, what sets you apart from the pack and how will you attain longevity in such a fickle and oversaturated market?
I think my strength is having an original sound and not following trends too hard. I'm still trying to make albums you can listen to start to finish.
By Kyle Eustice for RAPstation.com
