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Big Bullet- Eastside Rider |
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Hip hop is Universal nowadays. Asians, Whites, Latinos, and other nationalities have joined in on this African American way of music. Some of them even making it big. Like Kid Frost, N2Deep, Lighter Shade of Brown, and South Park Mexican. They have set a pathway for Hispanic hip hop. And Gin, an inspiring young Asian rapper just wanting a deal, rips up competitors on BET's 106th & Park until he is finally signed by Ruff Riderz. And who could forget hip hop's evolution, Eminem, the white male who changed how everyone looked at Caucasians in hip hop. Although he is not the first white rapper, he is the most successful. There are other white artist and groups that are or have been successful as well. Bubba Sparxxx, Vanilla Ice, Beastie Boys, and 3rd Bass to name a few. Note, there are many other up and coming white lyricist as well, and before you take this as a racial interview, don't. I'm just pointing out the fact that hip hop is changing and that we must note the trials, tribulations, successes and down falls of all rappers, no matter the color of skin, sex, or age. Now that that's out of the way, let me introduce you to Bullet aka Jason Sharteer, CEO of Eastside Records. Bullet is a striving artist with a record label who is determined to get recognized. In there existence, he has managed to drop two solo projects, a duet album with former label mate, Shaolin, and has several projects brewing in the mist. Bullet is overcoming many obstacles. For one, he is white and has unfortunately had to deal with racism in hip hop. He has been doing this way before Eminem and Bubba Sparxx's success, and before them, most white artists weren't took serious or considered "a dope mc." He is also undergoing major roster changes in his label. Losing some long time artists and collecting new talent. He is also branching off as a 100% independent label. (He's always been independent but still had a contract with another label). And through all this, he remains totally confident that Eastside Records will be a NW Icon.Q. Do you feel it's easier or harder doing Hip Hop being white? I been out here doing it big with savages since 1990. I gets love and respect from all races in all the places I hit. I done pushed borders, broke and pimped hoes, and had a little bit of down time here and there. Some cats have tried to be disrespectful about the color of my skin but let me pose this qustion to everyone-- does a skin color determine ones ability to perform? Hustle? Starve or put hands on you as quick as anyone else? I'm proud of who I am, as we should all be but race has nothing to do with good music Q. You just dropped the Bullet & Shaolin album, can you tell me what your fans can expect different on this album? And why you decided to do a group CD instead of another solo album? This record has better production, song concepts, and displays the unique sound and versatility of Eastside Records. The group idea was done more to bring out another artist on the label. We fit together quite well as grooup so we put it together. Q. Do you think this album will surpass your last one?
This album already has. Hands down this album is by far tighter than "We
Gets Perved". This record has already received a solid response with radio
and press. I haven't received too many negative responses on this record at
all, however people seem eager to hear my next album "Dedication & Desire".
May 2nd Q. So Shaolin is no longer on Eastside Records. Would you like to comment on why? And do you think yall will ever work out your differences? Shaolin hasn't been with us for almost 6 months now, and I haven't seen him since we did the photo shoot for the album back in September or so. We fell out behind problems that he has in his personal life, well at least that is how it started. Like I have stated several times, Shaolin is a dope rapper, but as for business he holds himself back. Shaolin will be what somebody else helps him be. As for me and him being cool at anytime the answer is no. Never again will Bullet & Shaolin work on any level together. He is a problem that is no longer mine to deal with. Dedication & Desire will explain all truths. Q. Do you think his departure will have any effects on sales of the album? No I think people want to hear quality music, and "Small town livin', Big City Game" is just that. This is by far the hottest record to represent The Eastside of Washington State and people will see that. Q. His exit from Eastside seemed like a sports trade. You dropped him and signed several artists in lue of his absence. What was it about Khevlar, Jazz, and Bobby J. that made you sign them? There have been a lot of changes for us in the last year without question, but it is all been for the good of the team. Jazz has actually been with us since the very beginning and has been featured on several big albums including "The Best of N2Deep" & "Mac Dre Is The Name" to name a few. As for Khevlar and Bobbie J, they are both new to the team. Khevlar is only 20 years old and is already tight. I actually heard his song "All Love Gone" and knew when I heard it he had it. Some people got it, some don't. Bobbie J is a part of growing R&B label. She is a professionally trained singer who is impressive. Q. Is Khevlar your replacement for Shaolin? They look and sound similar. In a lot of ways he does fill the spot quite well and for that I can't complain. They have similar features as artists and who influenced the music they make, but Khevlar has a lot more style and flare to what he does. When people see him on stage this Spring people will see and know the difference. Q. So describe Khevlar's flow to us? He is a solid rapper with creative, yet offensive lyrics. At times comparable to Eminem, but Khevlar for the most part is just Khevlar, pure entertaintment. Q. What is the deal with Bobby J anyways? I see that you have signed her but I don't see her on any of the shows and hear very little about her. Explain. We have been recruiting new producers that best fit what she does. She has already completed an 8 song EP and she will be doing some of the tour with us. However our primary focus is getting her around the right producers and helping her get some new material recorded. Q. With all these groups do you ever find yourself overly stressed out? No this is just the business of music. I been in this game for 5 years and will out last the majority. The team of Arjay, Kaykay, and Jazz have been working with me since 1997. They have all been on every record I have put out. Khevlar & Bobbie J are new but fit with our future plans. Q. That's right. This Spring you will be touring. What states will you be hitting? The tour starts April 27th in Moscow, ID. We plan on hitting Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, and Iowa (my birth state). The tour will feature an array of artist from the Northwest including Mr. D.O.G., Starchile, Playa Pimp of Yakima, and the rest of the Eastside Records, plus many more. Q. So what's next for Bullet & Eastside Records? We are finishing up Kaykay's debut album "I'm Just Me" & my 4th album "Dedication & Desire". Khevlar is about halfway done with his debut album, "Weapon" and that will take us to the end of 2002. 14. Any last words? Watch for the Eastside van coming to a hood near you. If you haven't had a chance to check out the new album "Smalltown Livin, Big City Game" then do that. The website www.eastsideriderz.com has been updated as well so check it out. I want to thank the real people that have continued to stand behind me, and ride for me. Those that haven't, know what I'm thinking....
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Q.
When is the actual release date?