MY GENESIS MIXTAPE (The Behind The Scenes Story)
As I write this, so many thoughts run through my mind, like the fact that am
blogging about a mixtape I recorded in 2009/10 then put it out in 2011,its 2012
now, why the delay? I ask myself as I write this, then it hits me, this mixtape
is my story, a reflection of my musical journey and nobody is going to tell my
story better than me,so here we go…
I chose the title ’’MY GENESIS” after months of mentally
changing the name of the mixtape over and over, any artist will tell you that
choosing a title is tricky business. Every artist wants that title that stands
out, relates to the project content entirely. In most cases the title is a
reflection of the artist state of mind while working on the project. After
working on this project I felt I was still at the start, the beginning, the
genesis… MY GENESIS..
Understand to me this project is/was my baby, my first born ,my
first full musical compilation over 14 songs(it felt good looking at a box full
with my own cds marked and labeled with my name,damn). I learnt a lot off this
project and made so many mistakes while getting it done. At times when I listen
to it I can’t help but think “damn that there is an error”, but hey you live
you learn and you have to start somewhere and this is where I started.
Recording at Muddy Boots Studios with Producer B.Styles (and the 1st
recording session lasted 3 hours), then moved to R.O.W Records and Bava Studios
with Producers Big Mart and Magic Mike who produced most of the songs, then
YEGO Productions also contributed to the project with work from producer J.T.
For a first mixtape you can’t deny the artists featured on
it were/are a solid line up, Enygma, Sulfuric, Lyrikal Proof, Hardcore Prince,
XOD, Lethal, Tbro, Naava Grey,KrackBone and Trigger who are all artists with
their own followings. Quite a line up right? Since this was my first project I
wasn’t knowing about a lot of things especially in the areas
of marketing and promoting my artwork, however at the time I put it out I was
still in university, I sold a copy to every class mate whether they liked hip
hop or not they got a copy. A Copy went for 5000/= Shs I sold 169 copies among
classmates, friends and family.( Do the math). To me in a small way this was/is
a victory in this journey of mine. I moved with a bunch of cds for every
lecture every party every gathering where I could sell a copy. I learnt a lot
and still keep learning every day. Earlier this year I made the whole mixtape
available for download for free and with every download a little bit of me is
shared with the world, somewhere in this world someone is bumping my shit
through their speakers and that makes me happy, very happy.
As I write this am on to my next project my next mixtape
hoping that that the mistakes I made off my 1st mixtape don’t happen
again on this next project, I want to brag less and inspire more off the next
project, if conscious music bores you then this may not be a mixtape for you,
not being cocky just being honest. I however thank every person who contributed
to this project from the artists who granted me their voices and time on
tracks, getting a collaboration is a different ball game all together with
artists having different hectic and on the move lifestyles it means a lot.
Shout out to the producers/beat makers who provided the beats for the project.
I cannot stress how much this of a learning process this was lot of ups and
downs and UMEME didn’t make it any easy and of course the dishonesty that comes
with the game (The topic of dishonesty is wide and deep some other time we may
look into that, cool?)
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