Streetwise5280
Streetwise aka Drae Skills is one of the original members of the Denver based rap group "Tha Merchantz" and also co founder of "Merchantz Entertainment LLC" a multi-faceted entertainment firm and record label that specializes in artist management, development, marketing, promotion, publishing, distribution, as well as song writing, beat production, and short run CD duplication . Streetwise and Don Sosa make up the production team S.o.S.t.r.e.e.t. (Saving Ourselves Through Real Entertainment & Entrepreneurship Today) Productions. As president of Merchantz Entertainment LLC Streetwise oversees the operation of the label, all publishing, marketing, promotion, distribution, as well as booking and management go through him. As an artist Streetwise sets himself apart as an emcee and lyricist by producing well constructed, insightful, intelligent rhyme schemes, and versatile deliveries along with creative word play. As well as rap he also writes r&b, rock, pop songs, and produces industry quality beats across various genres of music.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I'VE BEEN RAPPING FOR 6YEARS, PART OF THA MERCHANTZ FOR 5 YEARS AND i'M NOW CO-PRESIDENT OF MY OWN RECORD LABEL, "MERCHANTZ ENTERTAINMENT LLC", WE RECENTLY HAD OUR FIRST LABEL RELEASE, "MERCHANTZ: THE 2ND COMING" AND WE ARE PROMOTING FOR THAT HEAVILY, DOIN SHOWS AND PROMO APPEARANCES, AND MYSELF AND THE OTHER CO-PRESIDENT OF THE LABEL "SPAZMATIK" ARE WORKING ON AN UPCOMING DOUBLE DISC.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I've performed live many many times, at venues across the country!
Your musical influences
I HAVE MANY INFLUENCES, FROM THA OLD SCHOOL CATS LIKE BIG DADDY KANE, RAKIM & ERIC B, SLICK RICK AND DOUG E, TO THE OTHER HIP HOP GREATS LIKE BIG, PAC, NAS, JAY, BEANIE, JADAKISS, AND MANY MORE, BUT I'VE BEEN ESPECIALLY INFLUENCED BY THE GROUP WHODINI, AND IN SPECIFIC JALIL HUTCHINSON, THE LEADER OF THE GROUP WHO TOOK ME UNDER HIS WING, TOLD ME HOW THE GAME GOES, AND SHOWED ME THAT CELEBRITIES ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN ME AND YOU! MUCH LOVE WHODINI
What equipment do you use?
MY MIC AS A WEAPON
Anything else?
http://merchantzent.co.cc
http://www.myspace.com/thamerchantz
