Sean Billz Interview

Sean Billz

Sean Billz Interview

Author: SPF

SPF: Now that the third mixtape has been completed, what are your thoughts on the final product?
Sean Billz: I am very pleased with how the third mixtape came out in the final product. I thought the songs that made the final cut were really good and the artists showed much improvement in their skills and abilities. I’m very excited about the release because I feel that we showed growth on this mixtape in many areas from the artists' songs to the sound quality. I can say that the third mixtape would probably be my 2nd favorite out of the three official mixtapes that we have released, with the second mixtape being my favorite.

SPF: Favorite song(s)?
SB: My favorite songs from the third mixtape would have to be: "Sincerely", "You Will Lose", "Only For So Long", "In Circles", and "G.R.O.W. (Greed Raising Our World)".

SPF: Have you named any singles yet?
SB: We haven't officially named or announced any singles from the third mixtape yet, but the label is planning on determining those singles very soon. There are several songs such as "Sincerely" and "Signs" that I already have in mind for being possible singles with music videos to accompany them.

SPF: Excellent. Can you get more specific about the music videos?
SB: Yes, I have plans and ideas floating through my head about music videos that I would want to make for certain songs. For this mixtape we are planning to release several music videos for each song that we release as a single. With the success that we had from the label's first music video for "What Type Of Artist Are You?" featured on our second mixtape, we are planning on collaborating again with SPF and his video production company for the upcoming music video
releases. I think that there are going to be some great videos made and released from this mixtape.

SPF: In what areas have Reality Check Records really grown since the last mixtape?
SB: I feel that RC Records has grown in several areas since the previous mixtape's release in 2006. In those two years spent without releasing a project the label focusing on growing and further developing on the business side. The label became an officially registered independent record label in November 2007, so that was one of the big accomplishments that we achieved in that time. We also focused more on the development of our artists in allowing them to see growth in their skills and abilities as artists. One of the other major things that we did to allow RC Records to improve and grow is that we purchased better equipment for the label's recording studio. This allowed for an easier recording, mixing, and mastering process and also for better sound quality on the songs. This is something that many people who have purchased a copy of the third mixtape have pointed out in the sound quality being better than it was on the second mixtape.

SPF: Talk about your tentative plans for the next RC Record, your very first solo album?
SB: Well, the plans for my debut solo album are coming together quite nicely since the label is going to be focusing more on the artists’ solo careers in starting to work on solo projects. I can say that I have been well prepared for my debut album as it something that I have been working on and planning on the side for some years now. Since I haven been working on this project for a few years, I have about 38 songs fully written that are going to up for possible tracks on the album. These are songs that were written over two years ago and songs that were written for the third mixtape but didn’t make the final cut. So now I am really focusing on the music production part of the album, as I am going to be producing every track on the album. I can say that the production is coming along very nicely and some wonderful musical tracks have been created. I am going to release a solo mixtape before releasing the album, as the mixtape will serve as hype and promotion for the album’s release. We are currently planning for the mixtape to be released this summer, while the album’s project release date is 2009. I’m very excited about these initial solo projects and am working hard on making them as perfect as possible.

SPF: Terrific. So sometime in 2009 we can expect the solo album?
SB: At first the label said that we would try to have the album released in Fall 2008 after the mixtape’s release during the summer. But I was against this decision because I don’t feel like I have a large enough fan base to properly support the project in sales. So the album is currently being scheduled for a tentative release date in 2009. I would rather wait a whole year if that’s what it takes to being able to build up my fan base and audience more with performances and guest features than to release the project soon as it would feel rushed and there wouldn’t be a lot of support for the project when it’s released.

SPF: Are there plans for another group mixtape in the near future?
SB: There aren’t plans for another group/official mixtape release in the immediate future. I started making plans for the label’s forth official mixtape while we were in production of the third mixtape. These were just basic plans such as the project’s title and things of that nature, but not too much in detail because we decided that we would focus more on solo work and put off releasing another group mixtape for a while. The closest date that I can say fans can expect another group mixtape is possibly in 2009 or 2010. When it was decided that we would start focusing more on the artists’ solo careers, we figured that it would be two or three years before we would release another group mixtape. Plus, there have been recent activity in the RC Records camp with artists being released from the label for various reasons. So once we have the current artists’ solo careers established and steady is when another group mixtape can be expected from the label.

SPF: You have taken Midnight, Ché Calhoun, and Charice under your wings and mentored them, molding them into their full potential. How much progress are they making? Any plans for their solo albums in the near future?
SB: I think that each of the artists has made substantial progress and growth as artists during their respective time on the label. Each artist has made progress in different areas such as live performance, recording, songwriting, and more. I am very pleased and proud of them for all of the progress and growth that they have made in these areas. As with any artist I think there’s always room for improvement in the strive for perfection, so I will continue to work with them for seeing improvement on their skills and ability in their artistic development. Out of the three artists I think that Charice has the most potential for her career and what she wants to do within the music industry. There were basic plans made for the artists’ solo album, but nothing has been planned in much detail as that will occur when it’s time to focus on that artist’s project. They are just focusing on further developing their careers. They will begin working on their solo albums once my debut album is completed and released.

SPF: You have really sparked this label and are really getting serious about seeing it grow into a
well known and respected Chicago based label. How are things going on the business aspect?
SB: Things are going very well for the label in regards to the business side of things. When this year started I said to myself that I wanted to make 2008 our year and I wanted it to be the year that we really break out in the music industry. I have made it a personal assignment of mine to become the best businessman that I can be and I feel like I am doing that in studying music business in school and constantly reading books about the subject matter. Another thing that have really been doing is networking and building relationships with other companies and businesses that can be assets to the label. I think that the rest of this year is really going to be good for the label and we are going to continue and grow in a great manner. I think this year is going to be the start of a lot of consecutive successful years for RC Records.

SPF: Any new and exciting aspects to the label?
SB: There are many things that we’re getting ready to do with RC Records. We are currently making plans for opening the label’s professional recording studio in Chicago. The plans are for having that project completed in the next couple years possibly by 2010. We are also developing the music production aspect of the label with additions of a live band and a music
production company. The live band is called S.O.B., which means “Sounds Of Brilliance” and it would consist of many live instruments and instrumentations. The music production company, called Klassic Kompositions, is something that I had developed for myself as a music producer. I had the idea of branching it out and making it a part of the label when I developed relationships with talented producers who were looking for a record label to call their home.

SPF: Are you looking to expand your artist roster?
SB: At the moment I am not looking to sign any new artists to the label. I want to continue to focus on developing the current artists that are signed to the label. I feel that once their careers are established and going steady then we can start looking to expand the label in signing new talented artists. I always keep myself as an artist, producer, or songwriter available for working with artists both new and experienced. I especially enjoy working with new artists that are just starting out in their career as I hope to offer some guidance and support in teaching them about various things in the music industry.

SPF: If you are looking to buy the mixtape and support RC artists, where can you find the mixtape online orcall to purchase?
SB: Currently all products such as mixtapes from RC Records are self-distributed and they can be purchased from any member of the label. The label is really looking to get started in the aspects of digital sales as that is becoming a major outlet for the music industry. In April the third mixtape will be available at a few online distributors (U.S. iTunes, Rhapsody,
Amazon) through a relationship developed with the online company TuneCore. We are always striving and looking for creative outlets in being able to get our music out and available to people to purchase until the time comes that we are able to secure major distribution in retail stores.

SPF: Any future gigs you have lined up?
SB: One big upcoming gig we have is our 2nd annual Project H.O.P.E. benefit concert that will take place in June. This is the second concert event that we will have put on for the Project H.O.P.E. series and it’s looking to be better than the first show. This is something that I am excited about because we get to showcase great local talent from around Chicago as well as donate money raising from the concert to a charitable organization. We’re hoping for this concert
series to continue to grow and become even better over the years that it is done in being something people look forward to from RC Records.

SPF: Would you like to tour the country, possibly after your solo release?
SB: That’s something that I would definitely love to do eventually in my career as an artist. It would be great if I could start touring the country after the release of my debut album to support the project and expose our music to more people around the country. This is probably going to be something that I will focus on getting done for when my solo project is released as I feel it would be a great resource for the label.

SPF: Last thoughts...
SB: I just want to thank everybody that took the time to read this interview and hopefully they were able to learn something about Reality Check Records, Inc. that they didn’t know of before. I also want to encourage everybody to support RC Records in purchasing the A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions) mixtape. Support the music that supports the people. Check Up!!!

"A.O.A." Mixtape Review

A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3

A few weeks ago we announced that our good friend SPF was hard at work on the official review for Reality Check Records, Inc.'s recently released A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions) mixtape. Well the anticipation is over and we can proudly say that the official review is HERE! Check out the excellent review that SPF did for the mixtape and be sure to drop some feedback about it. Also, go out and pick up a copy of the A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions) mixtape NOW! Don't delay or be a sleeper of a great compilation.

Reality Check Records, Inc. :: A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3 :: Reality Check Records, Inc.
Reviewed by SPF

The other day I was shuffling through the channels on my pitiful 15-inch screen I call my television. My thumb began to throb after repeatedly pressing down on the ‘next channel’ button. Half of the hour had passed, yet my dilemma remained the same. I finally rested my weak thumb. Something seemed out of place. The television was stuck on MTV. Soulja Boy’s Crank That music video was on the airwaves (surprisingly a rarity for a station that stands for ‘music television’). I stopped and pondered for a second. Sure, Soulja Boy’s extraordinary successful hit was catchy with a club-banging beat that anybody could bob their head to. It had that well choreographed dance that every white boy in America was sadly trying to master. Even suburban mothers recognized the tune. I thought to myself, is this really how far the rap industry has collapsed? Has the music industry as a whole completely sold out? Now of days, everybody is afraid to speak their mind. Where’s the substance?

In 2006, Sean Billz requested that a marginally talented writer compose a review for his independent label’s second mixtape. I gladly accepted the offer. Not only do I regard Sean as a very intelligent and creative human being, but I also clearly support his message. Finally, a throwback hip-hop artist who puts the street poetry back into rap. America might call me crazy, but we could use far less of Soulja Boy and far more of Sean Billz and Reality Check Records. Achieving Our Ambitions (A.O.A.) marks the third official release from the small Chicago indie. The label was envisioned and created by Billz, a master of his craft, who excels not only on the mic but also behind the scenes producing and running the label as its CEO. Billz mentors three young and talented artists, who equally shine on the third compilation. Midnight, the wise and lyrical emcee, with a voice some might compare to a young Kayne West, Charice, the soulful singer with a God-given set of pipes, and the youngest of the group, Ché Calhoun, with his laid back flow. “I have made it a personal assignment of mine to become the best businessman that I can be,” Billz bluntly states, wise beyond his 20 years of life. “I feel that RC Records has grown in several areas since the previous mixtape's release in 2006. In those two years spent without releasing a project the label focused on growing and further developing on the business side. We also focused more on the development of our artists in allowing them to see growth in their skills and abilities as artists.”

“Back To Business” kicks the third mixtape off, featuring the talented flow of Ché Calhoun. The hard hitting beat sets the tone for the rest of the mixtape, which presents a much smoother and cleaner sound than the past two compilations. “Top Of The World”, can be compared to the Kayne West productions that were born from the heart of Chicago. Billz wisely brings that sound back home, spitting into the mic.

“Reality Check gaining ample respect
And we did it without no words degrading women with techs”

“Top Of The World” can be described as a label anthem. Billz continues to rep RC stating

“Motivated, driven are the words that describe me
And still to this day while the evils ain’t surprise me
Large livin’ wisely, my crew beside me”

Midnight first appears on “Get At Me”, a very hard-hitting, pulse-pounding track, which works well with Midnight’s flow and delivery. The hook goes south, featuring the popular chopped and screwed style. “Get At Me” is another popular label anthem, and features a surprise twist halfway through. Hint: Humorous voicemails are involved. “Get Live”, is about as “commercial” as you’ll see Reality Check swing. A popular club banger, Billz showcases a fast and intense delivery, in contrary to his normally laid-back and easygoing style. The hook is very catchy, one of those one-liners that will be stuck in your head for days. The first collaboration on the mixtape features Midnight and Sean Billz, in the anti-materialism, “You Will Lose”. One of the strongest instrumentals on the mixtape, Billz blends a violin that fits the mood perfectly. Midnight hits it dead on, rapping

“Because your brain’s abused
By the rap pack because all they talk is trash
Ain’t never lived in the hood
They don’t know the half
Instead they glorify”

Billz along with Midnight adds

Billz: "Is that really hip-hop, man that shit is just a circus"
Midnight: "Full of niggas talking shit, making money off of beats"
Billz: "They ain’t dying from no bullets, it’s from mad cow disease"

“Movin’ On (Through With You)”, is the first time Charice appears on the mixtape with Sean Billz collaborating. The duel always finds a way to make a good song, this time in the form of a club banger. Charice sways from her casual soul, switching to street cred, with a very catchy hook

“Listen boy, I’m movin’ on cause I’m through with you
Stop callin’ my phone, cause I’m through with you”

Billz changes up the tempo on “Straight To The Top”, a fresh sound that reminds me of a performance with a big jazz band circa 1920. The RC hype track, displays Sean Billz unique, but often-unheard rapid-fire delivery and flow. “Get Money”, features one of the craziest instrumentals on the compilation. Fans will love the innovative sound, presenting RC’s ever expanding production department. Midnight, Ché Calhoun, and Sean Billz all drop verses, each holding their own. “G.R.O.W. (Greed Raising Our World)”, uses much of the same formula that made “What Type Of Artist?” on the second mixtape the most popular hit. The laid-back beat gives Billz plenty of room to drop verse after verse backing the song’s strong message. Tackling the addicting issue of greed is perfect timing, considering the large amounts of cash and materialistic items often flaunted in current hip-hop videos.

“Performances unrehearsed, lack substance and skill
I can scream on stage too, but won’t get 100 mil
Being whack must pay the bills”

But nothing is protected

“Controversial magazines never printed behind scenes
They just give you what they’d rather read like ignorant teens”

Midnight and Sean Billz once again collaborate on “Signs”, the heartfelt tune about poverty and inner city crime. The two provide perfect chemistry, touching the hearts of many

“I wish my brother start thinking, put down that gun
Cause for every man we kill, there’s a fatherless son
Think back, a little bit, to Tupac and Biggie
Even though not physical, they still live in me”

Charice’s returns to her true harmonic vibe, with the soft but effective “More Than Infatuation”. Her vocals really shine, with the catchy hook adding additional appeal. Hip-Hop fans will love RC’s rendition of “On My Own”, over the very popular “Thug’s Cry” instrumental. Billz and Midnight really hit it off on this mixtape, clearly being the biggest highlight of Achieving Our Ambitions. The two quickly exchange verses and lines in the chorus, never missing a beat

Midnight:
“Man I feel so alone, I just want to give up
I put this metal to my dome, but my finger was stuck”

Billz:
“Don’t worry about mama, cause now we can’t afford to
Just keep doing God’s work, and he’ll reward you”

“Sincerely”, is the melodic slow jam dedicated to Billz’s mother. Charice adds a nice touch on the chorus. She really stands out on these tracks, bringing a tear or two to some. “Sincerely” is one of more touching and personal tracks on the mixtape. The compilation switches gears on “What Are We Doing?”, a creative and innovative track that is half hip-hop, half def poetry. Midnight really shows off his talent and brilliance, as the production wisely steps aside and gives him room to speak his mind (something that was lacking a bit on the last mixtape). Strong and bold, his words plead for a better black community. “What Are We Doing?” was one of my favorite tracks on Achieving Our Ambitions. “Only For So Long”, is yet another solid collaboration between Charice and Sean Billz. An ear grabbing slow jam, with a message that carries its own weight. “In Circles”, completes Achieving Our Ambitions in perfect fashion. Billz, Midnight, and Ché Calhoun work together as a great trio, rapping over that true Chicago sound. The beat is outstanding and the vibe even better. Billz finds RC’s message terrifically in four lines

“It was 4 years ago, I remember the day well
Started out as a dream, people thought we would fail
Talkin’ about we wouldn’t sale, cause we spoke against the grain
No platinum or gold chains, wasn’t focused on the fame”

Midnight adds

“Had to chose between insanity or going to college
Papa said to leave, truth is the knowledge
So I had to give it up at the price it gets
My little cousin is a thug, so the circle never ends”

The circle will never end for Reality Check Records either. At least that’s the mentality from these four driven young adults, looking to bring hip-hop back to its golden age. “When this year started I said to myself that I wanted to make 2008 our year and I wanted it to be the year that we really break out in the music industry,” Billz proclaims. The leader of Reality Check Records plans to focus his attention now on his own solo album, a project he has anticipated since he was a young teen. “I have been well prepared for my debut album as it’s something that I have been working on and planning on the side for some years now.” Billz solo album has a tentative release date for 2009, though it should be mentioned he’s not in a hurry and wants to perfect the album has much as possible. Positive and innovative. Real music with a conscience. A few of the ways to describe Reality Check’s music. The label’s final mixtape ended with a bang. Now the artists look to further their own careers with solo albums. Seeing the progress this foursome has made in three short years, one can only wonder what’s in store for the next three. It’s a very bright future. The circle continues.

A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3

Official Track Listings:
01 Back To Business – Ché Calhoun
02 Top Of The World – Sean Billz
03 Get At Me - Midnight
04 Get Live – Sean Billz
05 You Will Lose – Midnight & Sean Billz
06 Movin’ On (Through With You) – Charice ft. Sean Billz
07 Straight To The Top – Sean Billz
08 Get Money - Ché Calhoun ft. Midnight & Sean Billz
09 G.R.O.W. (Greed Raising Our World) – Sean Billz
10 Signs – Midnight ft. Sean Billz
11 More Than Infatuation – Charice ft. Sean Billz
12 On My Own – Midnight ft. Sean Billz
13 Sincerely – Sean Billz ft. Charice
14 What Are We Doing? – Midnight
15 Only For So Long – Charice ft. Sean Billz
16 In Circles – Sean Billz, Ché Calhoun, & Midnight

In April, A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions) will be available at a few online distributors (U.S. iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon) through a relationship developed with the online company TuneCore. Visit the RC Records Myspace page for more information.

Reality Check Records, Inc. Official Myspace Page

Listen to all the A.O.A. tracks on Sean Billz YouTube profile

SPF recently sat down with Sean Billz, discussing the third mixtape and the label’s future plans. Check out the complete interview here.

"A.O.A." Mixtape Review...Coming Soon

SPF

An official review for Reality Check Records, Inc.'s latest release, A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3, will be here in a few weeks. The official review is being written by SPF, who wrote the official review for RC Records' 2nd official mixtape Realize Reality. The official review is posted here on the RC Records blog. You can check it out and read the excellent review that SPF wrote for that project. Once the official review for the A.O.A. mixtape is completed, it will be posted here on the RC Records blog for all to enjoy. We'll keep you up to date on the official review's completion status and its expected date of arrival.

Also, be on the lookout for other official reviews for the A.O.A. mixtape from the likes of Excite Magazine, Nappyafro, Adam's World, and RapReviews. There are links to all of these sites and you should check them out. These are excellent sites for things related to music, especially that of hip-hop. These sites provide great articles, blogs, reviews, audio, and more. So do yourself a favor and check out these great site. RC Records supports them and feels that you should too.

The Wait Is Over, The Mixtape Is Here!!!

Newly Released A.O.A. Mixtape

That's correct, the title means exactly what it says. The latest release from Reality Check Records, Inc. has finally arrive and the wait has been long due. RC Records's recent release, A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3, is the latest installment in the label's "Chapter" series of official mixtapes. The mixtape comes on the heels of the label's successful previously released official mixtape Realize Reality and looks to carry on the success that it had. Announced by the label, this will be the last official mixtape in the series released for a while as they will focus more on the artists' solo careers and solo projects. 

At 16 tracks, this stands to be RC Records' shortest release so far, but the music provided makes up for that fact and leaves the listener craving for more, which is usually the goal for albums of shorter length. The songs on this mixtape vary in subject matter and topics, but collectively display Reality Check Records, Inc.'s talented artists and their skills. All four of RC Records' artists (Sean Billz, Midnight, Ché Calhoun, Charice) are present on this mixtape and they pick up right where they left off on the 2nd mixtape with good quality songs. Some of the featured songs that have already been deemed favorites by listeners and fans alike are: "Only For So Long", "Sincerely", "In Circles", and "Signs", but don't count out the other tracks on the mixtape as they hold their own to these fan favorites.

Reality Check Records, Inc. is currently selling the mixtape through self-distribution, as a copy of the mixtape can be purchased for the SRLP of $5.00 from any member of the label. By April 2008, the mixtape will be available for online purchase (digital download) through a select number of retailers. The online retailers that will carry copies of the mixtape include: iTunes (U.S. Store), Rhapsody, and Amazon. The price for purchase may vary through the select retailers. This move to the digital domain will be a first for Reality Check Records, Inc. as it will make all of its future projects available for sell through online retailers.

Official Track Listings:

1. Back To Business - Ché Calhoun

2. Top Of The World - Sean Billz

3. Get At Me - Midnight

4. Get Live - Sean Billz

5. You Will Lose - Midnight & Sean Billz

6. Movin' On (Through With You) - Charice ft. Sean Billz

7. Straight To The Top - Sean Billz

8. Get Money - Ché Calhoun ft. Midnight & Sean Billz

9. G.R.O.W. (Greed Raising Our World) - Sean Billz

10. Signs - Midnight ft. Sean Billz

11. More Than Infatuation - Charice ft. Sean Billz

12. On My Own - Midnight ft. Sean Billz

13. Sincerely - Sean Billz ft. Charice

14. What Are We Doing? - Midnight

15. Only For So Long - Charice ft. Sean Bilz

16. In Circles - Sean Billz, Ché Calhoun, & Midnight

The entire mixtape can be heard in full-length at RC Records in-house music producer SBK's official YouTube page. There you can listen to all of the tracks in their entirety before purchasing the mixtape. Check it out and drop some feedback on the songs you listen to.