Don’t miss out on the Atlanta Indie Fest this year. Taking place on July 24th @ Krog Street, the event will feature performances by Grip Plyaz, Mach Five, Hollyweerd, and much more! More details coming soon.

When I first met SunN.Y. I was at my homeboy, Rob V’s crib while Grip Plyaz was recording his 2nd project, ‘Grip Hop.’ SunN.Y. came through with the smokable goods and he, Rob and Grip probably blew down for about 3 hours, and then we continued with the recording haha. And actually, I think SunN.Y. and Grip did a track that night or Grip hopped on a hook for him…I can’t remember.

At the time, I was like, “this guy looks hella familiar,” but I couldn’t remember where I knew him from. Come to find out he was 106 & Park’s Freestyle champion (Hall of Fame) and he’s one of 2 people (to my knowledge) that got a record deal from that situation. Anyway, 2.5 years later, me and SunN.Y. are still real cool and he’s still working on new music.

A couple of weeks ago, he released a mixtape titled ‘Sunshine Showers’. Which you can download HERE. I’ve also got a few of my favorite tracks from the tape throughout the interview as well.

Enjoy…

GBL: State your name and where you’re from.

SunNY: My name is SunNY. Most people tend to call me Sun-N.Y. It’s actually just pronounced Sunny, an acronym for Sun of New York. I’m from Rochester, NY by way of Trench Town Kingston, Jamaica.

GBL: Tell us about your childhood. How did your upbringing in Rochester, NY become a source of inspiration and motivation towards your career?

SunNY: My childhood was jive ass cool. Moms worked at Kodak, pops was a hustler and part owner in a cab company he owned with my uncles. My household consisted of 4 older brothers and sisters. I was the youngest til my father’s infidelities hit the light..lol. My sister Tab and bro Tone probably are the blame for who I am. Tab was a hustler by nature, not like brawds of today. She was more like the Rich Porter of my neighborhood ya diiiig! And my brother Tone was I guess you could say her capo??? So at the age of like 6… her and her friends all resembled the images portrayed on tv by rappers. Like my nigga Jazzy Kennedy he was one of the freshest niggas on Kenwood, him, Shay Bouie (RIP), & Davey D. You couldn’t tell me Yo MTV raps wasn’t filmed on my block!!!

GBL: Growing up which artists did you keep in heavy rotation? In what ways have they inspired you?

SunNY: Growing up I listened to whatever was brought in the house. It was a lot of Yardy tunes, a gwon, and Hip-Hop!!! When I came of age to purchase my own taste, it started with West Coast music: Dr. Dre’s Chronic, Ice Cube  & Death Certificate. East Coast shit for me then was Onyx, Naughty by Nature, Nas, BIG, etc… As you can tell I’m an 80′s baby with that 19Naughty3-Naughty8 state of mind.. remember Treach set dat naughty thing off  heavy. (continued after the jump)

GBL: What event/factor formulated the birth of your infatuation for hip-hop?

SunNY: Very simple money, cash, women… cause life aint nothing but bitches and money! Who said dat? Naw it’s more also seeing the power that music has to shape and mold generations, communities, & lives alone, and with so many of the world’s people being lost due to false preachers, leaders, etc. music is the only true religion that multiple cultures rely on for advice. Nothing that man has created, including religion, has united people like the strength of hip-hop. That’s why the SunIzOut!!!! To shed light on the darkness that has been taking over hip-hop. Artists like Nas, Raekwon, CNN, FuGees, Talib, Mos Def, etc. made me want to gain knowledge of myself. Today’s artists on the forefront are really locking more niggas up then ever. Its all get it, get it, get it, now ballllll… with no guidance, and they promoting hard core drugs like never before. Why you think da powers that be push that on the system more than anything? Because they’ve seen the effect of artist like KRS, Wu Tang, etc. educate the people. Have you forgotten??? Dey rather us be dumb and rely on the system den get smart and defeat it. AYE!!!

GBL: SunN.Y. is an amalgamation of residing in the South and hailing from the North. What knowledge about the hip-hop realm have you acquired since your transition to the South?

SunNY: That they def support their own using the system… Also, that Hip-Hop does exist in the south it’s just if you look at the answer before that’s the problem. The white man painted a pic of us in the slave era that we were big lip, sex crazed,wild beasts… and for some reason that’s the only image projected from the southern music that they’ve let reach the masses. Not Aleon Craft instead it’s Waka, not Hollyweerd it’s Bricksquad. Not to mention that when I’m out West I hear all the South shit on the airwaves, same thing on the East coast. Now down in the A  no Nipsey Hu$$le on the air, no Pac Div, no Jacka, Curen$y, Bank$ n Juelz got 1 of the hottest records in da country… nooooo support. And I swore we fought against segregation together, only to use it on 1 another. Sadly said dey don’t support the “REAL” on the masses… we at MJQ every Friday though where hip-hop lives in the A.

GBL: Before your moved to Atlanta, you went by the name Sun God. What triggered the name transformation?

SunNY: Just wanted a more rounded off name. So SunNY is the name that went on the open mic list. Then one night at Peacock Club da announcer called me Sun of New York and it stuck.

GBL: As an artist that has mastered the art of freestyling, do you feel that you have an advantage over other artists unskilled in this area? Do you think freestyling should be a honed craft of all hip-hop artists?

SunNY: I mean to freestyle the way I do is def a gift, it’s not typical freestyle, like dat wack shit Common did on The Veiw a few weeks back. It’s literally what I thought emcees did for a long time. I dont think artists should be required to know how to freestyle. I just don’t like when dey read off their BB and da world calls it a freestyle, or the shit Wayne and Hov call not writing… dats not freestyling either. Thats called premeditated recording..lmao….

GBL: On the announcement of your victory as the champion on 106 & Park’s Freestyle Friday, Jermaine Dupri presented you with a So So Def chain. Are you still signed to So So Def?

SunNY: Not signed to JD anymore, and I had the chain melted down! Got a nice brick of metal and a crystal ball of diamonds.

GBL: What insight have you gained from JD? What are some things that you learned from him that you will always carry with you throughout your career?

SunNY: Business 1st. These industry niggas aint friends, they know how to pretend (really got that from Uncle Curtis aka 50cent).

GBL: Are you unsigned or signed?

SunNY: Indie now and my label is called Kloud Kickers. After I got out my deal, I did not get dropped, I spent a lot of time traveling to keep my name and face card good. So I developed the Kloud Kicker theme. I was literally living in airports, going anywhere I could perform just to keep myself around. Then, I caught a drug charge.

GBL: With your debut album, “Overnight Celebrity”, what image did you want to invoke on your listener’s brains?

SunNY: That I can go from 106 and Park to making songs that will be timeless. That’s all, and that the South can embrace a Northern emcee, besides Hov..lol.

GBL: From your debut album, “Overnight Celebrity”, to now, how have you grown as an artist?

SunNY: As an artist I evolved, as a human being I’ve grown. In the sense I’m responsible lyrically due to growth as a human being. Business wise I’m just short fused for the bullshit. I’ve spent the last 4yrs of my career alone and doing everything on my own. Even changing my voice to arguing over my pay for shows. Yea sad right fronting like I manage myself… guess dats freestyling too lol.

GBL: Has the direction of your music evolved?

SunNY: I went from writing songs lifted of shwag to OG Kush… so I guess I raised my bar higher. The direction hasn’t changed, I believe I’ll always flow from a lets be better people state of mind, with some ignorance.

GBL: How do you want your music to be perceived?

SunNY: 1 word. DOPE!

GBL: You started freestyling first, and then started writing when Nas’ “Illmatic” dropped. What influential factors did this album have on your penmanship? Are there any other factors that influenced you to start writing?

SunNY: Yea that is true. Def the story telling. Even my freestyles were well crafted stories. As a cypher freestylist, I usually developed stories off our surroundings. When I began writing I kept the same formula and adapted from Esco. I also wrote a lot because I didn’t like talking to people about my problems, people aren’t the solution they’re another problem. So I wrote and talked to the heavens.

GBL: How would you describe your sound/style for someone who has never heard your music?

SunNY: Roll up, and pay attention. If u don’t roll up, you should have no problem paying attention. I’m not gon say I sound like such n such or I’m this n that. It’s great music. Let’s let dem listen den come back in a few months n let dem recap.

GBL: What future projects can we expect? What are you currently working on?

SunNY: I would say ima do this project with such n such, but once again man is a let down. So any DJ collabos idk. You can expect a cd just for the ladies and dem niggas dat front hard but are as soft as Drake’s singing by Dukes of DaVille ft. SunNY. We got a lot of great music together. It just doesn’t fit my body of work I have, and I’m not bout to make a confusing cd of Hip-Hop and R&B/Hip Hop… naw mean. Not breaking my neck to satisfy everybody, I just need somebody to pay attention.

GBL: What producers/artists would you like to collaborate with?

SunNY: I want to work with Jimmy Hendrix, Jim Morrison… what? Y u looking like that? I know dey dead. So is Big and Pac, but niggas still working with them. Gripp, The Weathermen, and whoever want to work with me. I’m not big on dick riding or coat tailing, Sorry. I’d love for Nas to do a remix to “How Much That Cost”.

GBL: When can we expect SunShine Shower? What’s the concept behind the album?

SunNY: SunShineShower is up now somewhere online. lol… The concept behind it is… My boys and fans have been asking.. I love yall man. Right quick. When I was locked on Rite Street in ATL for a couple months I met dudes who knew who SunNY was, and my 1st song “Soul of a Hustler” is where my fan base came from fosho. I’ve heard some real stories based off the inspiration they got from that record. Shit like that led up to dis project. The fact that after 4, 5yrs. To the people who matter I’m still relevant and I’ve betrayed them by not being consistent. So SunShine… and Shower on the bullshit!!! And wash it away.

GBL: Where do you picture yourself 5 years from now?

SunNY: Tiari will be 8 yrs old, my daughter. I’ll still be doing my best to impress the Heavens with doing positive work on earth. I’ll def be Kloud Kicking and making music.

GBL: What is your thought process when starting and recording a mixtape/album? Do you have an idea for themes before you start recording or do you just let the project evolve on its own during the recording process?

SunNY: Music has always spoke to me… every now and then I premeditate an idea or a song, but I like to record as much as I can when I’m in the mood, to capture as much passion and feeling from however im feeling at that time.

GBL: Released or unreleased, what song holds the most importance to you? What’s the meaning behind it?

SunNY: “How Much That Cost ?” produced by The IntroSpective Minds. It’s number 4 on ‘SunShineShower”. It’s based off the numerous women I’ve known in my life. It’s about the sister who’s her own boss.. but the thought of making money is her CEO. I’m huge on our people being the best they can. Even when dealing with the devil you can get out of that and the heavens will forgive you.

GBL: Your favorite artist?

SunNY: Of all time…. would have to be Nas.

GBL: Favorite city to travel to?

SunNY: LA… start my morning with Runyon Canyon, followed by a Kush Palma Dutch master 1 leaf, and lunch at Urth Cafe.

GBL: Single?

SunNY: Im a Parent.

GBL: Your “type” of woman?

SunNY: Doesn’t put a man or a relationship before herself.

GBL: Favorite aspect about your move to Atlanta?

SunNY: Expanding my horizon on life.

GBL: Any last words? Shouts out?

SunNY: SunIzOut. Catch me on twitter @Sunizout. Shout out to The Heavens, The Father, and those who know I fuck wit’em. I refuse to say names cause when props are given shit go wrong.

Teaming up with Tuki from Hollyweerd & The Weathermen, Grip Plyaz creates more heat  for his upcoming project, 6 Pack Vol. 1: A Prelude to Purp, Wind, & Fire.

Download: WHATDAHELLRDOZE

BIG K.R.I.T, fresh off critically acclaimed mixtape (Krit Wuz Here) and his Def Jam signing, is slated to touch down in Atlanta for his 1st headlining show Saturday July 10th 2010. Also on the bill is Hollyweerd, Smoke DZA, Young Lyxx, & Nesby Phips. Visit here for more info.

Download: BIG K.R.I.T- K.R.I.T WUZ HERE

A new one from my breadren, Hollyweerd featuring Little Brother’s Rapper Big Pooh. It’s dope. Download it.

DOWNLOAD HERE

If you didn’t already see the flier, here’s a little clip from Hollyweerd at Stankonia recording studio. They will be live May 28th…be there. Open Bar + DJ Solomon + DJ Jamad + Open Bar.

For entry, you must RSVP and/or purchase advance tickets:
*Reserve advance tickets online:
-http://www.showclix.com/event/10125

*Rsvp online:
-http://www.digitalguestlist.com/event.php?eid=1459
(rsvp does not guarantee admission – early arrival suggested)

A couple weeks ago, we teamed up with our boy Corey Davis to film the first video from Grip’s upcoming project, ’6Pack: A Prelude to Purp, Wind & Fire’…..single is titled “Step Out” featuring Aleon Craft. Long story short…we had a blast and the video looks great. Look out for it Monday on The Smoking Section dot net.

FRIDAY MAY 28, 2010 – Live from Stankonia Recording Studio
(Legendary recording home of OUTKAST)

OPEN BAR SPONSORED BY:
HEINEKIEN + ON TEQUILLA

IN ORDER TO ATTEND YOU MUST:

*Reserve advance tickets online:
-http://www.showclix.com/event/10125

*Rsvp online:
-http://www.digitalguestlist.com/event.php?eid=1459
(rsvp does not guarantee admission – early arrival suggested)

Hosted by:
Maurice Garland

Featured Live Performances by:
Cyhi Da Prynce + Hollyweerd

Opening Performance by:
The RedLand
(http://www.theredlandmusic.com)

Sounds by:
DJ Solomon + opening set by: DJ Jamad

•Drawing inspiration from the legendary MTV concert series “MTV UNPLUGGED”, the format for the music event will extract various similarities from the show, such as the intimate setting, live music, and open platform for artist to say express whatever inspires them at that moment.

Experience the studio and enjoy the live music!

RSVP + Advance tickets only
General admission: $10

If you haven’t already noticed or been keeping up with our email blasts, we spend a lot of time at Stankonia and we’re even teaming up with them for a monthly event series starting this month (shameless plug). A lot of people are fans of Outkast but have never been to the studio where they recorded numerous hits. I took a few pictures on our last visit to the studio, just to give you guys a brief history lesson, if you will. While I was there, the homies Dreamer and the Love Crusader of Hollyweerd were in there too. There’s more after the jump. Shouts to my Blackberry for the pics.

Here’s a new one and I believe the 1st leak from the homies Hollyweerd off their upcoming mixtape with Don Cannon, ‘Edible Phat pt. 2′. I believe the tape is dropping May 3rd. No worries, it’ll be available here and probably all over the internet.

DOWNLOAD HERE

When I met Shawn Chrys….myself, Grip Plyaz and Clifton Jennings were out in LA for a Leaders of the New Cool Show. Right off the bat, Shawn Chrys showed hella love. And every since then, I been fuckin’ wit homie on the music tip, shows, etc. Well, he’s finally making his way to Atlanta all the way from Inglewood, CA for a show sponsored by Myspace Music. Come thru, it’ll be turnt up! Details below and more details on his tour website.

Additional sponsors include: 2dopeboyz.com, Elitaste, DJ Quiz, ThatsEnuff.com, CloudKickers and United Taken Clothing.

Performances by:

Shawn Chrystopher (@ShawnChrys)

Chris Focus (@ChrisFocus)

Hollyweerd (@Hollyweerd)

Siya (@SIYA_)

FKi (@FKimusic)

Grip Plyaz (@Gripplyaz)

Mums FP (@MumsFP)

+ special guests

DOORS OPEN @ 10pm

SHOW STARTS PROMPTLY @ 11pm

$3 Beer | $5 Shots

ONLY $5 before 11:30pm | Sounds by DJ FU!