Ice Grill – Q&A (Pt.2)
Its nice to hear from you again Ice Grill, and congrats on your latest LP “The WestSide Stories”. May we ask you how do you feel “The WestSide Stories” stacks up against your prior project “BlackChalk”.
I have to be completely honest this project was only supposed to be an E.P. But after recording the 7 tracks it felt incomplete so I went back in to tighten things up. So to be honest I feel that this project is better than #BlackChalk It’s all real life and translates very well. Plus I have to mention I have no features aside from the last bonus track Power.
How has 2016 treated you so far? Is there anything you are doing different when it comes to promoting Ice Grill as a “Brand”? Also can you reflect on 2015 and how you feel you did last year?
It’s been a great aside from the new release #BlackChalk will be performing In SXSW on March 17th.Due to my performance at A3C last year and the impact that was made there. Not really aside from trying to get more blog exposure it’s pretty much the same recipe. Promote via every and any avenue to get the music thru and never accept the word No.
We noticed that on your latest LP “The WestSide Stories” you collabed with DJ M-80 and he produced all the tracks. We want to salute him for producing a Masterpiece to say the least. How did you guys link up? And why did you decide to work with him exclusively for your latest LP?
I agree 100% the production supplied by my BlackChalk Teammate was spectacular to say the least. Me and DJ M-80 first crossed paths at a show he booked G-Dep to perform at. Flash forward a few years we kept in touch via social media I requested a banger and he shot me Kites which is off the #BlackChalk album. One thing lead to another and we been fam ever since his production fits my style exactly. We decided to keep everything in house from the both of us while searching for samples to me vibing and penning on the spot. We completed this project in 3 day’s.
Not sure if you’re into politics or not. If so who are you voting for in this next upcoming elections, any candidates you prefer or are you neutral regarding today’s politics? Here at the BLOG we are leaning towards Bernie Sanders. How about you?
I have phelonies so do to that I am unable to vote but to be completely honest if I could I would for Bernie Sanders. I have nothing positive to say or express via the other presidential Candidates. I consider myself a deep thinker so I analyze everything 3 times or more and politics is smoke and mirrors smh.
Any plans on touring or are you focusing on your state of New York to get as much ground traction as possible? Also how often to you perform live?
Touring is definitely in the forecast and aside from SXSW We have a show in N.Y.C in April though I can’t disclose the exact specifics just yet it is going to be a big event. I try to do at least 1 or 2 shows a month to keep active but as of late I have been doing only one per month. But I have plans to hit Florida and ATL again have to branch out.
Any new videos in the works? As you know with social media on the rise fans online always gravitate towards visuals for some odd reason. Maybe societies youth are so impatient nowadays, will you be releasing a video off of your latest LP? Or holding off for a future project.
I actually have a video that’s going to be released soon off of BlackChalk for the song Spanglish. But my videographer needs 1 more shot to tie it all together hence the wait. And to be honest I am attempting to shoot videos for this whole album because these where real life events that I feel need to be seen to be appreciated. But the 1st vid we are going to shoot is going to be Get Rich.
Since your last Q&A with your back in July of 2015, where have you progressed in regarding your music and/or visibility?
I am still pushing to be seen recognized it has not gotten easier to gain that spot light. So I work 10X harder because I am an underdog slash starving artist I don’t know how to quite. I feel as if I got a blip off of the BlackChalk Project but that wasn’t enough you have to show the hip hop heads that your more than a 1 trick Pony. So These next releases with prove that without a doubt. I refuse to be content with just being a spec so I grind hustle and work that much harder to get recognition.
Are there any other popular artists you are planning to work with in 2016?
There are more than a few but name dropping gives other hungry artists access to my plans lmao. I can say that as of know I already have 2 industry features and have 3 or 4 more lined up.
Drop all your links just in case out BLOG audience didn’t catch your first Q&A with us?
facebook.com/Ice-Grill-311424702230344
Instagram Ice585Grill, Twitter @IceGrill585 @DJM-80
Any new shout out?
My DJ slash Producer gets the 1st one DJ M-80 for the sacrifices he’s made for these projects. To My Wife Jasmine who’s kept me grounded when I was close to risking it all. My cuzzo WeWe who will be home soon your life made people Feel The WestSide Stories. To MeinkMillions For being my brother from another mother and assisting me thru everything from music to shining insight via life. And A Burris for sparking some of the craziest ideas I’ve had on music and for being a brother with no cut or chaser always raw. Sex Laundry for those 2 rides up to Buffalo New York to get this project out that’s the realest thing I can remember. And Last but not least a huge thank you to everyone who listens, download, streams or buys my music I am eternally grateful. And to @UGHHBLOG for providing me with the chance to be interviewed and seen salute.
