Franchise is a hip hop artist…YES! an Artist not a rapper, spitter, ect so on and so forth. He encompasses a different flow, a different presence even a different understanding of music that alot of today’s rappers just don’t understand or care to implement into their music.

This is….Franchise, Braddock’s Spokesman, Soon to be Pittsburgh’s Commander in Chief

ForTheCritics.com: First, I’de like to thank you for taking the time and letting us pick your brain a little bit about your views of hip hop and what your trying to do with your music. The first question I have is where did the stage name Franchise come from?

Franchise: Honestly when I first started rapping I was about 14 and my stage name was T-Rock hahaha and I knew I couldn’t rock with that for very long so I came up wit Franchise one day and it kinda just stuck foreal

ForTheCritics.com: When you sit down to write your music, what steps do you go through that bring you to telling your story?

Franchise: Everyday life, I might just be in the car gazing out the window thinkin of lines or even when I go out to clubs and what not….it’s crazy foreal, I get motivation for writing everywhere and with everything I encounter on my daily basis

Franchise: Everyday life, I might just be in the car gazing out the window thinkin of lines or even when I go out to clubs and what not….it’s crazy foreal, I get motivation for writing everywhere and with everything I encounter on my daily basis

ForTheCritics.com: There’s a few different types of Hip Hop…There’s the true gangster rap, backpacker music, Hypebeast music and so on…where do you feel you fit in the big scheme of things?

Franchise: Well truely I’d say I’m kinda in the middle of everything because I write and spit about things I’ve seen, experienced, and even things I’m going through presently….you may listen to perfect storm which is my 1st mixtape and say I’m commercial with a hood swagger then you may listen to newer tracks and also Schitzophrenic Mindset and say it’s hip-hop and I even have backpacker joints. I just been working on rounding myself and perfecting the craft for about the last 2 years of my life.

ForTheCritics.com: Who were your biggest influences in music and what artists are currently motivating you with your music?

Franchise: Well coming up it was definently the pioneers such as: Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Kool G Rap, Notorious Big, 2Pac, Big L, Big Pun, Jay-Z, Nas, Mobb Deep, The Lox, etc….as far as what’s present and in rotation now i haven’t really listened to the radio as much as I did about 3 or 4 years ago but I’m liking raekwons new album, when that dropped it had me real excited for hip-hop, I’m feeling how Fabolous is killin things, umm….lol I’m stuck foreal but I am open and entertained by alot of the music today I truthfully get alot of motivation from all the Pittsburgh artists doing their thing because it’s good to day that finally Pittsburgh is starting to come together and show more luv to one another as artists out here and I really do go to timebomb and other local spots and grab up everybodys tape when i hear people are dropping so it’s alot of everything and everybody that moves me musically out here.

ForTheCritics.com: This summer you dropped one of the best mixtapes in the city with Schitzophrenic Mindset and up until recently you were supposed to be dropping “Henny and Haze”…The fans are waiting so whats your next project and where are you headed musically?

Franchise: First off I will thank you for supporting and showing luv to SM i appreciate that. But Henny & Haze is still dropping we just pushed it back to the top of 2010 look for that sometime from Jan-Mar for sure but in the mean time I will be dropping an 8-track EP on November 16th over the internet and Itunes titled Money, Sex, & Drugs…all original beats and jus basically a mini-concept album which shall get the people involved and make them pay attention until H&H gets here ALSO i just did a video for a song i have off of the ep so lookout for that in about 2 weeks or so.

ForTheCritics.com: You have some more personal bars and verses on your last tape…What was the biggest situation in your life that influenced your music the most?

Franchise: Yeah I’m real big on keeping things genuine and as real as possible, I give the fans only what I know and what I’ve been through and a lil imagination here and there but having my son on December 17th of 2006 changed my life musically that’s what made me put things in gear and get this movement going.

ForTheCritics.com: If you could choose one artist to collab with on a track, who would it be and why?

Franchise: I always wanted to do a real/deep track with Styles P….I feel that even though SP is a gangster rapper he brings alot of versatility to the table and I just think he’s one of the illest lyricists still relevant to the game and still gets respect and thats how I would hope to be someday-respected as a lyricist and emcee.

ForTheCritics.com: Your also a part of one of the best up and coming groups/affiliations in the city [East End Empire] How does the EEE team help keep you sharp and on top of your game?

Franchise: We all are pretty much on each other…we rock shows together, hit the studio, go out-were all pretty involved in each others music

ForTheCritics.com: We’ve hit a couple points and got to know Franchise a little bit…is there anything words you have For The Critics?

Franchise: Stay tuned to the movement, TRIPLE E’s we coming up and defly keep it locked wit ya mans franchise cuz my next move is my best move

- Franchise x ForTheCritics.com

ForTheCritics.com : Well, First and foremost…The question anyone who’s visited your site or seen you out is What does the Spaceman suit, Your logo and the name of your brand symbolize?

Frequently: I think the best place to start is with the name and logo. A large portion of it is self explanitory to an extent, but the entire concept of what is being done in regards to this brand is based on man’s obsession with flight. That can be traced as far back as Icarus in greek mythology and proceeds to current day astronauts. It’s translated in the urban culture as a representation of status as well as a sense of style, so we feel that we embody that sense…frequently.
The spacesuit was the translation of that same concept except it was a campaign that we felt was a complete representation. We hoped that it would also garner attention and actually get a conversation started, which is exactly what it did. The campaign is called “Fly Everywhere I Go”, so the whole idea behind it was to find a blatantly obvious way to represent someone being fly, and then put them into everyday situations. The main idea was being fly everywhere you go, so that’s why there are shots taken in the park, walking around town, on the bus, in a Taco Bell, in a hotel, etc. These are all places that people frequent on a regular if not daily basis but regardless of where you are your always fly.

ForTheCritics.com : Everybody starts somewhere, Talk a little about your path that ultimately led you to Frequently Fly…

Frequently: When I was in high school I had a desire to do a clothing line. Not a streetwear brand or a shirt line, but a full fledged clothing line. As I did the research and looked into financing the entire venture I got a reality check in terms of the amount of money that it would cost me to purchase rare fabrics as well as paying a seamstress, etc. So I sort of fell back from chasing that dream. Time went on and eventually I started to get the itch again, I was still designing shirts here and there, or just drawing them out in my sketch book that I kept. A lot of the ideas were just general, then one day I was in the shower and got an idea for a brand, so I slowly built on that idea from time to time scribbling ideas on the backs of napkins and envelopes. Even then it wasn’t anything that I was sure I wanted to pursue fully.
Things picked up some when I bought the Air Jordan Spizikes, the white and grey versions. I could not find any shirt that I liked to wear with those shoes, so I designed one myself. That is where the entire idea really came to fruition, a lot of people don’t realize that I never even intended for anyone else to have that shirt other than myself. But there was such a positive response to the initial mock up design that I decided to release it.

ForTheCritics.com : What has been the biggest positive event and biggest negative event on the road to getting your brand up and running so far?

Frequently: The biggest positive is just the response I’ve received to not only the initial release but the other 3 that have followed, and all of the love that people have showed. I was somewhat surprised at the way that people have taken to it, even in terms of people using the name and making the claims of “I’m Frequently Fly”, it feels good to see something that you created taking off like that. No pun intended. So far I have yet to really run into any road blocks or negativity, hopefully it stays that way.

ForTheCritics.com : Suddenly there was a boost in streetwear brands, What sets FF [Frequently Fly] Apart from the competition? and how do you plan on continuing to stand out among the other brands that are currently out there?

Frequently: I would have to actually disagree with the initial statement there, I think there may have been an initial boost in streetwear lines, but there haven’t been a lot of actual “brands” in terms of really being a brand or branching out beyond just the clothing. I honestly believe that’s where we plan to separate ourselves from other lines that are currently out, we want to have this transcend the shirts. A lot of people have actually embraced the concept of being Frequently Fly, so it’s no longer just a shirt line it’s more of a way of life.

ForTheCritics.com : So, Who was all involved in the creation of FF?

Frequently: It’s a solo venture in terms of designs, brand management, marketing etc. But there’s a large support system in place that have been there since the beginning.

ForTheCritics.com : Do you personally handle all your design work for the brand?

Frequently: Yes I do.

ForTheCritics.com : Which audience are your designs aimed at?

Frequently: Honestly I design things for myself, and it’s just that other people happen to like them.

ForTheCritics.com : When will new pieces be available or released?

FF : I am trying to have something released in time for the start of each season. I’ll be doing a couple of Fall items which are only available to Flyght Club Premium members. A few jackets, some limited shir ts, and I have ideas for a couple of collaborate pieces lined up for the near future. Just keep an eye out.

ForTheCritics.com : Do you currenly have a look book where we can view your vision for the brand?

FF: It’s currently in the works.

ForTheCritics.com : Which stores can we find the line?

FF: I’ve been in contact with boutiques in D.C., Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, Philly, New York, Miami, San Francisco and the U.K., so I’m working to get the brand in each of those markets but for now you can expect to be able to cop at Timebomb or Soul II Sole.

ForTheCritics.com: You’ve been doing the DJ thing in Pittsburgh for as long as I can remember, what got you started or interested in DJing?

DJ GQ: My dad is a Dj so i caught the dj bug when i was like 12 and then at around 14 I was doing parties all through high school and college. My mom used to sing so music was just always around so it was a natural thing for me to do.

ForTheCritics.com: So while you were paying your dues to get where you are now, What were some of the more difficult things you had to overcome?

GQ: Just getting in the game here [Pittsburgh] I mean I had to stay patient and I was really big on not stepping on toes to get ahead just had to wait for my turn and I kept trying to work on being better. To this day as far as PGH goes mad respect for Dj Rok and Shorty D, Before I even lived here those two ran shit and they still do, I always respected them for keeping it real…

ForTheCritics.com: Was there a reason it never turned into you making music or something of that sort?

GQ: Well I want to get into producing I mean thats like a natural transitition for a dj but the rapping thing just aint me…But I can still get in the booth and do my thing on the mic

ForTheCritics.com: You’ve seen the city transition from a low activity music scene to have a few people that are starting to put the city on…Where do you feel Pittsburgh stands in the big scheme of things?

GQ: I think if PGH focused on being what PGH is about this movement could be alot bigger. You have a lot of people trying to sound like something else and that aint what sets us apart. We know what Pittsburgh souds like and what we act like. We have our own thing and we shouldnt fit into what everybody else does. You have some rappers here sounding like Gucci then u have some with a more Mobb Deep, New York kinda flow…BE THE BURGH!!!!!

ForTheCritics.com: Where is your favorite place to DJ in the city? or better yet what are your favorite type of crowds to DJ for?

GQ: Really don’t have a preference but my favorite crowd is that crowd that wants to take it everwhere, old school, trap music, reggae, r&b

ForTheCritics.com: Outside of DJing, on air and in the clubs…What else do you having going on? what else helps you get away?

GQ: Man thats my life but im thinking of dabbling in some production tho

ForTheCritics.com: I think one of the more important topics in the city right now is WAMO closing and the direction of music in Pittsburgh…What do you think WAMO closing means for the city?

GQ: It means a huge voice is lost. It means that people that didnt respect the station or understand that radio is a business will understand now. Not having an urban station is gonna have a domino effect on the whole town, promoters,club owners and artists are gonna have to go way harder now

ForTheCritics.com: Being one of the voices of Pittsburgh music through Wamo, What do you think it takes for an artist to get their music on the radio or even played in a club?

GQ: What seperates those records from what doesn’t get played? You gotta build a buzz before u even bring music to a radio station because again radio is a business, not a talent show and the artist we’ve supported in the past did just that, Wiz, S Money, Crave etc. Just because u make a song u consider hot doesnt mean it actually is. Now on one hand I respect the fact you made it but as an artist you should respect the fact that everyone has an opinion and it may be hot to you, your producer and your friends but it might not cut it anywhere else

ForTheCritics.com: As a DJ, you pretty much have to play who’s hot but personally…Who are some of your favorite artists? Locally and just in general…

GQ: Wiz Khalifa goes hard and always has. Juliano”s beats are that fire, Joe Beast is still that nigga, S. Money’s swag is outrageous. Freezie has a kinda energy that artists in the industry can’t keep up with and Boaz is a PGH verion of Nas so man there are people here that can do it.

ForTheCritics.com: On another note…We found out that you have ambitions of being a comedian, How is that working out for you?

GQ: LOL, Im writing jokes all the time and I’ll eventualy jump out there and really do it. Check me out on facebook i go hard…lol facebook.com/GQ Fromerie and If you have ur shirt off fellas im not gonna be your friend

ForTheCritics.com: Any final words or anything you’de like to say?

GQ: All my rappers, singers, producers and Dj’s just keep working hard and working smart and remember if you prepared you never have to get ready. Also red kool-aid is the best flavor…

Searching for an Outlet

In every city you’ll find new artists grinding. You’ll also hear them scream that they’re the best in the city…Well Pittsburgh’s no different and we got to sit down and talk with Rell Mac, an upcoming talent out of the Garfield section of Pittsburgh. Here’s the conversation we had with Mac about music, politics and how it feels to be Searching for an Outlet in a city that’s losing it’s biggest voice for Hip Hop

ForTheCritics.com: What’s the inspiration behind the music you create?

Rell Mac: My family is my inspiration behind my music helping the Beenafactors get into a good situation drives me to make good music. My e Beenafactors family (J-Brown, Geo, Amen, MV, and AO) their my inspiration they keep me humble and keep me sharp we always have a lil lyrical exercise to make sure everyone is where they should be if not better that inspires me. My dude that passed away George “Killa” Kyles I know he’s looking down and that inspires me to make good music and strive to be the best.

ForTheCritics.com: Besides the Beenafactor family keeping you inspired how do you keep that motivation with the state of the game the way it is currently

Rell Mac: I stay motivated by being around people that understand good music, that lets me know there are poeple who still understand it out there. And people that want to make good music, like I’m one of those people that grew up on Classic albums such as: illmatic, Reasonable Doubt, Ready to Die, OB4CL, ect and I want my name being brought up in the conversation when those artist are named. I want my music to be remembered, I want people to play my music 10 yrs later and still value it I want to make timeless music thats what keeps me going and inspires me

ForTheCritics.com: Who were some of your biggest influences in not just hip-hop, but music?

Rell Mac: My biggest hip-hop influences would have to be the late 80’s and 90’s music cuz thats when I feel in love with hip-hop. From Daddy Cane, Rakim, Kool G, NWA, The Bad Boy Era, The Rocafella Era, The Death Row Era. Other than hip-hop I would have to say “The oldies but goodies” such as, Earth Wind and Fire, Al Green, Mike Jackson, music during that time cuz growning up in the household I grew up in thats what you heard. Sunday morning ya moms down stairs cleaning and she’s jamming to the oldies, you just learn to love them as you get older.

ForTheCritics.com: Your last mixtape was 5101…Based on a true story, Where did the name come from? What do you plan on naming your upcoming project

Rell Mac: The name 5101…Based on a true story came from the house that I grew up in as a child. That was my address in Garfield, 5101 Columbo Street. I wanted to give people a look at Rell Mac from a different light and understand where I come from. Like saying you might know me now but understand why I am the way I am and see things through my point of view. As far as my next project I want to continue with inviting people into the households I grew up in so I plan on naming the next one 7037….The worst of Rell Mac cuz thats the next house we moved into. Plus that was the worst time for me growing up so thats the reason behind the name.

ForTheCritics.com: What made that the Worst of Rell Mac?

Rell Mac: Thats at that point in my life when we were living in 7037 it was the worst time in my life. My father wasnt around I started running the streets and things like that. If I tell you too much its gonna take away from some of the surprise concepts I have. But thats where the general idea came from

ForTheCritics.com: What type of direction are going in with this mixtape creatively?

Rell Mac: I’m giving people the opportunity to look at a rapper from the inside out something thats not being done. Yeah someone could say they did this and did that but if theres no foundation and no one can honesty agree and vouch for what that person is saying then it doesnt mean anything. I’m giving people the chance to know Tarelle before they know Rell Mac and people that I grew up with and people that where around at that time can honesty stay he’s not lying and he’s giving people the real him not a make believe person

ForTheCritics.com: As far as where you’re standing in the mix of Pittsburgh artist right now, How do you feel it’s being represented…Positively? Negatively? What changes in the city’s hip hop scene would you like to see?

I like Pittsburgh rap I feel like its moving in the right direction, like 10 yrs ago we weren’t where we’re at now. It’s being repped in a good way. We got people like Boaz thats not only holding his hood down he’s holding the city down. People like Wiz who holds 412 down so Pittsburgh is moving in a great direction and is being repped great in my eyes. The only change I would like to see is more people from everyewhere coming together to try to bring the city up. We are all trying to reach the same goal and thats get in the industry and be heard which is great but it seems like once one person reaches a certain level other people want to bring them back down. (Crabs in a bucket) I love my city and I support everyone’s movement from the biggest name to the smallest name cuz I want my whole city to shine.

ForTheCritics.com: Where do you envision your career later on in the future?

Rell Mac: In the future I want to be the greatest (just like everyone who ever picked up a mic) I want to lead or if not help lead my city reach the level where I think it could be. I just want to be remembered for good music thats all I ask.

ForTheCritics.com: If you got the chance to collab with any artists on ONE track, who would it be? and Why?

Rell Mac: One artist? This is a tough question but I would have to say Jay-Z. For the simple fact it would bring out the best in me cuz I would be the underdog. Cuz you already know what HOV can do so it would be a great exercise lyrically for me.

ForTheCritics.com: Do you think what you bring to the game is in it’s own lane creatively and what the industry should hear?

Rell Mac: Yeah, hip-hop is always looking for the next “thing” or the next “wavy” and I feel I have that.

ForTheCritics.com: In your opinion, what’s your best work that you’ve done up until now?

Rell Mac: 5101 was def my best work from the concept behind the record to the lyrics, overall it was something that I’m proud of but I’m just getting started and I have my whole career ahead of me so the best is yet to come. Look out for that Beenafactor mixtape/album “THE BALCONY” COMING SOON and 7037….THE WORST OF RELL MAC also coming soon!

ForTheCritics.com: So, you guys just dropped Extra Credit as a Prelude to “Keep Your grades up”…Where did the Scholars name and the Academic theme come from?

Primavera: It actually started after we left college and began to work on a collab project in 2007. We’re both able to express ourselves in an intelligent manner and with wittiness. After brainstormin’ for about a week, and writin’ “The Scholars” down in my notebook on every line on the page, I called Ghost and pitched him the name, and he liked it. It stuck from there.

Ghost: Haha f*^#. Pretty much what Vills said.

ForTheCritics.com: So is “Keep your Grades up” the official album from the scholars?

Primavera: It’s still not 100% fully determined if “Keep Your Grades Up” is goin’ to be a street album or a mixtape, but we want it to be official.

Ghost: I myself, am leaning towards it being a mixtape because I want do some more work with DJ SpaceCity. He’s mad official on the ones and twos. I was thinking about dropping a solo street album before a Scholars street album.

ForTheCritics.com: What part of the city are each of you from?

Primavera: I’m from the North Side, born in Northview and raised in The Commons.

Ghost: I was born and raised in the Hill District of the ‘burgh. Pittsburgh Natives usually can’t tell tho. I try to be the brain of the hood. Pause.

ForTheCritics.com: What type of music would you say you make?

Primavera: Heartfelt Hip Hop.

Ghost: Hip Hop. I try to make the type of music that I grew up listening to. Music with substance that people can feel.

ForTheCritics.com: What was the biggest situation in your life that influenced your music the most?

Primavera: I was goin’ thru some trouble with my girlfriend at the time in 2008, and she was infamous for doin’/sayin’/accusin’ me of somethin’ stupid. I would get mad and just zone out, and just think to myself, “Man, this gotta be the dumbest bitch….ever!” Bein’ as that Ghost and I are roommates, he heard a lot of the stuff too. My anger fueled my desire to write in a sense; before that, I would often get writer’s block and do somethin’ else haha.

Ghost: For me, it was being dismissed from college. I was under a lot of stress and turmoil and needed someway to express how I felt about it, thus, Smarten Up!! was created. Smarten Up!! was like the “I got kicked out of college / my girl dumped me, f*&^ her mixtape. Haha

ForTheCritics.com: How long have you been making records?

Primavera: I wrote my first 8 bar verse in the 5th grade, wrote sparingly after that, then I got to Schenley High School and started to write more. From then, I freestyled on a few tracks when I was 16 and just put them on a CD for me and my cousins and friends. So I’ve been gettin’ on wax for about 6 years now, but I’ve been writin’ for close to 12 years.

Ghost: I also wrote my first rhyme in the 5th grade but didnt start writing consistently until i was 11 in the 7th grade. I have been recording on wax for about 3 1/2 years.

ForTheCritics.com: Who were your biggest influences and music and who’s your favorite artists out right now?

Primavera: My biggest influence is The Wu. My uncle was a big time Wu Tang bumper, and I always loved the beats they flowed on. I always like Ghostface the most, and he’s my favorite artist ever. I don’t really listen to a lot of new music, but I like Skyzoo, Sha Stimuli, Sean Price, Little Brother, and a handful of other underground people…and The Scholars of course.

Ghost: My dad played A LOT of Wu back in the day. So they are a BIG influence in my music, Raekwon and Ghostface specifically. Deck too. Other artists are Nas, AZ, Kool G. Rap, some earlier Nature material, and The Cool Kids.

ForTheCritics.com: You’re took the stage at the Black Family Reunion this upcoming weekend, How was it?

Primavera: Well I sure as hell hope to get a positive response haha. I just would like some more recognition.

Ghost: We garnered an opening act for Rick Ross from that performance. I’d say it was a success

ForTheCritics.com: Is there anybody in Pittsburgh that you want to Collab with?

Primavera: Yeah, I would like to hop on a track with Boaz. He’s nice. And on a production tip, Big Jerm needs to sling us some damn beats.

Ghost: I’d like to do some music with Wiz. It seems like he’s getting back to the hip hop and away from the bullshit.

ForTheCritics.com: Are there any details about “Keep your Grades up” that you want to share with the public? Anything different we can look forward to?

Primavera: It’s not the average, ignorant music that has become so called “quality music”. But it’s still fun, heartfelt hip hop.

Ghost: Shudup boi. I’d like to share that with the people who hate on our shit. lol Keep Ya Grades Up coming soon.

Link to the Smarten up mixtape (Click Here)