Badnews interviews "Solomon Wise" from Season 2 of "I Love New York"

In HHR's never ending stuggle to give you the readers more of that good shit, our sideline street reporter, Badnews, did a nice introspective with Solomon Wise. Who is Mr. Wise? Well, he is one of the contestants from Season 2 of "I Love New York". Check it, he's not your average cat though, he's a full time MC, as you'll find out after you read through the sitdown. Let's delve into the mind of Mr.Wise....

Badnews: How did you jump into music?

Mr. Wise: It started way, way back. From my grandfather playing Sinatra to just listening to RUN-DMC… it was a wrap, I said to myself “this is what I want to do”. I did it all. Break dancing, to writing. I love writing I just wanted to express myself.

Badnews: Now you were voted “fan fav” on the net, and that’s what got you on I Love New York 2. Do you think you can translate those votes into album sales?

Mr. Wise: Well the show is a different vibe. But I already had a fan base from my music. I’ve been doing this music thing for years; I didn’t just start rapping because of the show. But the show is an opportunity to try something new. Honestly I went in thinking the show might hurt my music, but my boys were just pumping me up to try out, next thing I know I get a call from VH-1 and a plane ticket to LA, I mean it was very surreal. But being on the show will put a face to my music even though I didn’t promote myself on the show.

Badnews: Now looking back on the past contestants, Deelishus dropped a single, chance is a rapper, and there are a lot of other past contestants that sing and dance. But a good example is Deelishus. She can sing. But no one really bought here as an artist. What steps are you taking so you won’t be labeled a gimmick?

Mr. Wise: I’m an artist. I really do this. Not to take away from the rest of them, there is not a lot of talent if so there is very little. And I’m not just talking about the contestants I'm talking about the music industry too. I’m a listener before I’m an artist. Right now in mainstream, I think the person with a lot of talent is Chris Brown. You think K-Fed would had been known as a rapper if it wasn’t for Brittney? I make real music, and I’m very passionate about it. I write my own music and I express it. Even TI has talent. But my music will speak for itself. There is no gimmick. Just real music.

Badnews: Now what made you want to be on the show? Judging by your music, you are the complete opposite from what the show is about. No offence to the show, but your style on your album, doesn’t seem like a style that would fit the show…. Maybe that’s why they wanted you (Laughs)

Mr. Wise: (Laughs) Well I mean it’s just surreal. I got the votes. I was 5th on the votes, and I just got the call from LA and I went out there. I was really open minded to being on the show. Nobody really knows who I am. I just approached the show like, “Okay, this won’t happen. I won’t get on the show”. But I got on. And I would do it all again. I was a legit artist before the show. I worked with Mr. Cheeks; Killa Priest… the show is a branch. But like I said, this could make things worse. This could be a risk, but Ill sit back and enjoy it. If the show helps it’s a blessing. If the show doesn’t help. It’s a struggle…. I’ve been struggling anyways (Laughs)

Badnews: (Laughs) I know what you mean, either way your on national TV.

Mr. Wise: (Laughs) Right.

Badnews: Now how was it like on the set, or in the mansion? Basically it’s a Bunch of Guys in a House…with no women… and you’re all trying to get with New York. We know right off top there was drama, especially with you and another contestant but I mean overall, how was it like.

Mr. Wise: I mean it felt like jail. There were some luxuries, it was a nice house and a pool, but you couldn’t watch TV and you couldn’t leave. You’re stuck in there with a bunch of dudes and personalities clashed. But they were all real. And there all aggressive. But I met some great people. But there was stress. You had to do what the producers tell you to do, if you didn’t you will get kicked out. And you still had to worry about New York kicking you out. It was like having a fly ass C.O. But you had to be on your toes. But I would do it again. Vh-1 treated me well.

Badnews: (Laughs) Man I could do it. Now getting to your album, it’s titled “Windows to the Soul” and the case is in red why did you choose that color? Does it represent something?

Mr. Wise: Well were going to re-release it. Were taking it to the next level this time. But in the picture on the cover I’m sweating. And the red represents blood. It’s like blood, sweat and tears. I wanted the people to feel the pain and my hunger.

Badnews: That’s really deep. and I’m not trying to kiss ass and all that, but people asked me in my review what do I mean that you have a better record than Lupe’s and I tell them, your songs are real deep. If you’re in that mood, these tracks will keep you there. And what I meant when I said it’s a better record than Lupe’s is I compared your production to his album and then automaticlly I compared the lyrics, and straight up, your words were more deeper. I’m not taking away from Lupe, but your album was deep. I was really thrown off I thought you were going to come with some gangsta New Jersey/Miami shit (Laughs)

Mr. Wise: (Laughs)… Well thank you. But my next album won’t be so deep. Ill have lighter songs. My next single is "Be My Girl", and it tackles relationships. There’s going to be more great music that sound Jus Blaze-y. But the next album is going to be crazy. You will definitely respect me as a MC.

Badnews: That’s what’s up. I’m personally looking forward to it. Now also on your album, you have Killa Priest. How did you all meet?

Mr. Wise: I did a show way back in like 98 or 99 in Florida. Most of the WU (Tang) was there. My friend who ran a hip hop newspaper was there also and introduced us. He compared me to Lauren Hill, you know as far as my performance. He knew I was real. But years and years passed and I was with producer Remedy’s brother or cousin and they were friends with Priest. But we met up and he still remembered me. After six years he still remembered my performance. So we exchanged numbers and after that we just clicked.

Badnews: That was crazy. Well you two have a hot song together on your album so ill tell everyone to look out for that. And finally my last two questions. What did you think about New York?

Mr. Wise: She’s crazy…it’s true. I think she might be bi polar. What I love about her is that she speaks her mind. And she doesn’t worry about what people think. There was a point where New York’s mom was questioning here keeping Midget Mac, shout out to my boy Mac, but her mom told New York that people are going to laugh at you when you go out with him, and New York said “ They already laugh at me”. She is just so real. She will never tell you a lie, there should be more people like her… well no there shouldn’t, but there should be more people that are real like her.

Badnews: (Laughs) Ok and what do you want to tell her haters.

Mr. Wise: Her haters?

Badnews: Yeah

Mr. Wise: Well I heard someone say this thing and it fits. “They hate her ‘cus they aint her”. She’s not a dummy. She branched off. She’s a crazy girl from Upstate New York who keeps it real you can’t hate on that. As far as me, I could care less. Ill keep moving forward and keep doing the right thing.

Badnews: well thank you for talking with me I know I’m one of the first to talk to you so I really appreciate that. Thank you for your time.

Mr. Wise: Thank you

Mad respect to Solomon Wise for giving us this opportunity. Yo, go holla at Mr. Wise on his official page when you cop a minute and show the homie some HHR forthcomings my sahas!!

Source: BadNews - Writer for HipHopRuckus

-If you have any questions or comments for Badnews, hit him up by E-mail, MySpace or AIM (TimbNews)

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Yung Ralph "Look Like Money" (Video)

Posted at 11/03/2007 11:12:00 AM

Check this out, I got this cool new video from a dude named Yung Ralph. It's called "Look Like Money". I really like the hook and the beat since I from the dirty. Anyway peep it and let me know what you think.

"Look Like Money" (click to view)

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Plies talks about launch of his new website

Posted at 11/03/2007 10:57:00 AM

Plies has also announced the official launch of BidLong.com, an online community blog that expresses the rapper's concerns regarding the prison system in this country. The site not only features updates from Plies himself, but it will also be a forum for fans to express their own feelings about incarceration and personal stories. Plies recently released a viral music video for his song "100 Years," in which he addresses the injustices that people are being faced with in courtrooms on a daily basis; from inadequate legal council and excessive sentencing, to crooked law enforcement officials. In the wake of the Jena 6 case in Louisiana, the timing of this "call to action" could not be timelier.

"I feel like the song is well needed," says Plies of "100 Years." "There hasn't been a record that I can remember over the course of the last 10 years that has touched on the system like this song."

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Kicks "In Da AU!!" feat. Prince Rob & John J. (Audio)

Posted at 11/03/2007 10:49:00 AM

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Cuz, we're going back over to ATLill snapping and traffpin with this one! This is a hot new club banger from Kicks called "In Da AU" featuring Prince Rob & John J. referring to the AUC in Atlanta.. For those who don't know its the Atlanta University Center... The crunkest spot for events, parties & fun in Atlanta....

"In Da AU" (click to listen)

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Lil O "I Do" feat. Hawk (Audio)

Posted at 11/03/2007 10:26:00 AM

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After A hard night of boozing, smokin' and whathave u, your boi Destro is back in the cutalufacus with some more heat for that ass. This next selection is by an independent saha named Lil O an original member of the famous "Screwed up Click" whose well-known for a hot single called "Back Back". He's from the Lonestar state and his joint is called "I Do" featuring the late and great big Hawk. Check it out son, it's fire and peep Lil O on the myspace tip when u get a minute!

"I Do" (click to listen)

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Friday, November 02, 2007   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

New interview with 50 Cent (Video)

Posted at 11/02/2007 07:25:00 AM

Yo, my man Tom S, just tipped me off to this cool new, video interview with 50 Cent that was shot in Las Vegas. Its some serious access with 50 Cent. I loved hearing him talk about how he listens to himself in the car. This is a very engaging interview, and is a must for any fan of him. Watch it!

"50 Cent interview in Las Vegas"
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Thursday, November 01, 2007   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

Kae'P "Coogi Jeans (Yeah!)" feat. 6'3" (Audio)

Posted at 11/01/2007 04:44:00 PM

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Awright then shawty, I couldn't go out of here until later with out leaving some heat from ATill with this new track called "Coogi Jeans (Yeah)". Kae'P, "Mr. Full Time Grind", has been working hard to smash into the commercial music scene. Thus has created a new hit single which you're about to listen to with his homie 6'3"! Inspired by FUBU's label COOGI, this raspy sounding Atlanta artist who hails from Tallahassee, FL brings to you Coogi Jeans!!!

"Coogi Jeans (Yeah!)" (click to listen)

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Praverb "Looking at You" Freestyle + Bonus (Audio)

Posted at 11/01/2007 04:23:00 PM

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Alright then cuzin, this is gonna be the last entry until this evening. Check it out, my mans and em, Praverb, has got an ill flow that I'd like you to check my cuz it's sick. Listen to these new freestyles. The first is "Looking At You" and the second is called "Bury Me an Emcee". It's well done, listen up!

"Looking At You" freestyle (click to listen)

"Bury Me an Emcee" freestyle (click to listen)

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Blak Civil "Stop Hatin'" (Audio)

Posted at 11/01/2007 03:20:00 PM

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This is ill son. Very ill. Listen to this new track from Blak Civil called "Stop Hatin'". It's a follow up to the "EZ to Say" joint (listen here) that we previously posted. It's produced by our in house producer ZonQ. Peep it and if you have anymore questions/comments for Blak Civil contact Dargine at his myspace page at http://myspace.com/TheMainUndergroundStream. Holla!

"Stop Hatin'" (click to listen)

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Q Da Kid "Game Ain't Change" (Audio)

Posted at 11/01/2007 03:07:00 PM

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Back at you again with Brooklynite, Q Da Kid, with this new joint called "Game Ain't Change". It's hella dope and type motivational if you feel me, cuz grindin's the mode for the day. Anyways, Q is signed with So So Def records and gonna make some moves, I believe, in '08. So stay tuned!

"Game Ain't Change" (click to listen)

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