Artist Spotlight: Emilio Rojas

It’s been over a year since we gave Emilio Rojas the artist spotlight treatment here on the site. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of his upcoming mixtape, The Natural (which finally drops at the end of the month) and since Recession Proof dropped earlier this year, I have been catching up on some of Emilio’s back catalog. All of that just sort of prompted this interview and a really dope Emilio Rojas Collection that I threw together. If you’re not up on Emilio, this collection will definitely get you up to speed. So hit the jump to catch up with Emilio and to download some great music…

Kevin: Sup man, it’s been a while… how you doin?

Emilio: What’s going on homie? How has everything been with you? Sorry I took so long to get you these questions. I’ve been finishing up the recording for my project with DJ Green Lantern.

Kevin: It’s all good man… First of all, thanks for putting out a DJ-less version of my favorite mixtape of 2009 (Recession Proof) [download]. Big shout out to Noodles and all the DJs doing their thing, but why do they have to shout all over the mixtape? I can’t dog em though; the DJ built the foundation of hip hop and they deserve their props. Which DJs’ work do you consistently look for? I mean, say a mixtape drops and you don’t even know who the artist is, but you see DJ “Fill-in-the-blank” name attached..

Emilio: As far as what DJs I check for – I definitely am checking for Green and Noodles. I used to listen to all the Clue tapes back in the day, Kay Slay, etc. Its so different now though. A lot of times these tapes are dropping with blogs attached so I check for those tapes more you know?

Kevin: Speaking of DJs, you hooked up with DJ Green Lantern for your upcoming mixtape, The Natural. How’d that come about? Was Green Lantern your first choice?

Emilio: Green and I are actually from the same city, Rochester, New York – so that was the obvious choice for me. I linked with him after Legend from Onsmash used me and M-Phazes’ “585″ record for one of the Onsmash tapes. I look up to him (Green) you know – He’s an incredibly talented dude, very smart as well, and he was the first one from the ROC to pop with this hiphop shit. He did a couple beats on the tape. When he and I sat down in Westward Studios to listen to beats it was crazy. He was showing me how to use Logic – that program is insane. He was playing chords on his Macbook keyboard while our homie Dwayne Collins sang some funny shit. We video taped it. Maybe we’ll leak it… haha

Kevin: Dope… let’s talk about The Natural for a sec… what’s the story behind the name? It was originally supposed to be called something else, right?

Emilio: Yeah we were gonna call it something else – let’s not dwell on that though haha. I like the new title much better.

As far as ‘The Natural’ as a title – it means a couple of things. Firstly – its some cocky shit, like, I’m a natural at rap, or this is easy you know, but I also try to live a healthy/ natural life style. I avoid preservatives and genetically modified/ processed foods, I’m not a big fan of the medical industrial complex so I don’t really mess with prescription medications like that either. I also like things to just happen as they may and don’t really force anything. I don’t like harassing people to get things done and prefer things to happen organically. Its a layered title in that regard.

Kevin: So I know you’ve been keeping details about the mixtape underwraps, but rumor is you’ve hooked up with some pretty talented producers for this project. Can we let the cat out of the bag yet? Who can we expect to hear on The Natural production-wise and also on the emcee tip (besides yourself, obviously)?

Emilio: Ahhh yeah. I’ve been really lucky to work with the producers that I’ve worked with on this tape. I’m not going to let every name out of the bag yet – but I will tell you a few. I have 2 joints from Green Lantern, 3 from M-Phazes… And a bunch more. Haha. The records are dope. I’m working with some legendary producers on this one.

As far as other rappers go – I haven’t reached out to any other cats for features on the tape. I wanted to do this myself. Even the hooks that we brought in singers to do I wrote (except for one). I had to get some things out of my system. This tape is more about me telling my story and letting people get to know Emilio.

Kevin: Is the recording pretty much all wrapped up? When should we be expecting it? Do you have a favorite track off the tape?

Emilio: I actually just left the studio from finishing the last tracking session with Ariel. It was funny because this fool is mixing with a wrist guard on his right hand and he looks absolutely ridiculous. I call it extreme mixing. Haha.

As far as the release of the tape – were looking to drop on October 28th.

I have a lot of great records on this tape man. A lot. I couldn’t pick a favorite if I wanted to. The people that I play the joints for are responding really positively as well. The records are resonating with people on a personal level. Its great to see the reaction.

Kevin: So tell me about the recording process… what’s it like in the studio with Ariel Borujow? Dude is a great guy and mad talented. How well do you trust him with the overall project. As for your writing process, do you write in the studio or do you have everything laid out before you start recording?

Emilio: Ariel is a cool dude… He’s an incredibly talented engineer and a good friend of mine. I trust him. When he says to do something again – I do it again – and it usually turns out better. He’s getting executive producer credit for this tape. He’s been a huge asset (and a huge ass).

When I write I’m a mess. I am always switching it up. I pace when I write – the entire length of my apartment. Sometimes I will switch pens or notebooks. I really like to craft my records. I do all the pre-production stuff in my apartment before i go to Ariel’s so that way I show up to the studio prepared. Its important for me to treat the demo takes like they are the actual records so I can really get a feel for them.

Kevin: How is the material on The Natural different from Recession Proof.. or is it?

Emilio: Its different man. The records are bigger. And (hopefully) more accessible. But more importantly – they are personal. Like I said before – I’m telling people my story. Growing up with a deadbeat dad, losing touch with my Latin roots, moving to New York to pursue a career in music… That’s the natural. People are going to know more about me after they hear this.

Kevin: Recession Proof was all original except for “Let It Out”, which you recorded over Timbaland’s “Bounce.” You bodied that track man. What made you put that one track on a tape with otherwise original material. Is The Natural all original work, or are there some previously used beats on this mixtape?

Emilio: I just liked the record haha. I like rapping like that. Its fun, and a lot of people can’t really do that – so I had to show these fools real quick. The Natural doesn’t have any industry instrumentals on it – but we got some bounce type of double time joints that are ill.

Kevin: With songs such as “Death of Autotune” and KRS’s “Robot” coming out recently, it seems that some people are pretty tired of the whole T-Pain phaze. I know you’ve used auto-tune (sparingly) in some of your tracks. How do you feel about the use of autotune and does Jay have an influence on if you ever use it again?

Emilio: My homegirl Cara and I used to call each other whenever we heard really awful music. So I was driving late one night, and I heard “I’m in Love with a Stripper” I picked up the phone right away. We must’ve made fun of that song for 20 minutes haha. I was more laughing at the fact this dude really wrote a stripper love song, and that something that ignorant was being so well received. That being said – I’m not anti autotune. I don’t use it as a crutch. I don’t hate people for using it on a record.

I have all the respect in the world for Jay – but at the end of the day a good record is a good record. He knows that too. That’s why half the people he rolls with use autotune and he hasn’t shunned them. I don’t allow the direction of my art to be dictated by other people. A good record is a good record.

Kevin: Recession Proof dropped in March, if I remember right, and six months later we’re waiting to hear The Natural. You’ve been working pretty hard. How do you do it? What inspires you to keep moving?

Emilio: Lots inspires me. Life. Its good to take time off from writing because you get to experience more. I go on walks. I watch movies. If I don’t feel compelled to write, I don’t. Its as simple as that. Even if its a shit talking record. If I don’t sit down with that pad and think ‘I’m the shit’ and feel 100% inspired to tell people I am – then I won’t do it. So I guess I always think I’m the shit then (haha)

Kevin: Now, I know you have a whole album completed, mixed, ready to go that was produced entirely by M-Phazes. Is that ever gonna see the light of day? How is the material on that different from your mixtape material? M-Phazes is a beast… how did that whole relationship come about?

Emilio: M-Phazes is one of the most talented people I know period. He did three of the craziest records on the tape. The album he and I finished is incredible. We’re going to release it during the spring when we both can put a real effort into it. This shit is like detox now though haha!

Kevin: I know you perform a lot of tracks from Recession Proof when on stage. What track of yours would you say is a definite crowd-pleaser? I had the pleasure of catching your show when you came to Miami a few months back and your stage presence is amazing. How do you prepare to get into that zone? What are you thinking about when you’re on stage?

Emilio: Yeah man we were in MIA for Memorial Day!! And I appreciate the compliment. Thanks.

I love performing. Different records react with different crowds. Honestly – a crowd is going to give back whatever you put in, so its always a good idea to give it your all. Its a great feeling to see that many people vibing with and enjoying what you do. Its humbling.

Kevin: New York, New York, the city of dreams… you definitely rep your city to the fullest. I rarely see you without your Yankee fitted and it’s obvious from your lyrics that you love NY. What’s so great about New York? What spots would you recommend a visitor, such as myself, to check out?

Emilio: I’m actually from Rochester. I’ve lived in Brooklyn for 5 years now though and I definitely love New York. There are way too many spots to name. Ill take you to Caracas Arepa Bar in the east village when you get here. That spot is ill. Great Venezuelan food.

Kevin: Well, you’ll definitely have to take me around when i finally get my ass up there. It’s been a pleasure, my man… looking forward to hearing the new material. You got any closing words?

Emilio: I got you man! I got you!

Thanks to everyone at KevinNottingham.com and all the fans for the support. I need everyone to hold me down when The Natural drops and post comments and spread the music and the word. We have a really great product on our hands man. Big shouts to the whole same plate fam, my hometown of Rochester New York, Green Lantern and everyone I forgot – you know who you are. The Natural. Last week of October. Check for it.

01 – Young Fresh & Fly [Prod By Illmind]
02 – Make Me Feel (With Donny Goines)
03 – What’s Missin’ (Feat. Kaze & Doujah Raze) [Prod By The Returners]
04 – Keys To The City [Prod By Midnite]
05 – Move On (With Kenn Starr & Muneshine) [Prod By Presto]
06 – Start It All Over (Feat. Skyzoo & Median)
07 – Buy You Some (Feat A.Pinks) [Prod By M-Phazes]
08 – Nothing Like It
09 – A Million
10 – That Time
11 – Things Change (Feat Dminor) [Prod By M-Phazes]
12 – Wolnosc (With Raca, Stona, Dj Ike, Du¿e Pe & Peshi)
13 – 585 Remix [Prod By M-Phazes]
14 – Love Vs Hate (Feat Tote King) [Prod By Cookin Soul]
15 – Carnage (With Chaundon & Mag)
16 – This Is It (Feat Hassaan Mackey , Kenn Starr & Supastition)
17 – Money Money Money (With Don Cerino & Silent Knight) [Prod By Realson]
18 – Life Aint Fair
19 – Just One Night [Prod By Deheb]
20 – Get ‘em (Feat. Silent Knight & Skyzoo)
21 – Press Play (With A Pinks & Skyzoo) [Prod By 6Th Sense]
22 – Way She Move [Prod By M-Phazes]
23 – I Can’t Help It (Feat Dminor) [Prod By Cook Classics]

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