Charlotte Hodgson (FIDM student) interviews local Hip-Hop artist E-SOD.

Q: What influenced you to start rapping?

A: Artists I heard when I was about eight years old like; Slick Rick, Rakim and 90's Hip-Hop. Because they had more lyrical content and substance to their rhymes.



Q: Do you think people doubt your talent considering your race?

A: Well yes and no because it draws some people in and pushes others away. Some people are attracted to different and others are afraid of it. Personally I think it brings something new to the table than what people would normally consider hip-hop to look like, I'm just being myself.



Q: Do you like the direction hip-hop is heading?

A: Compared to five years ago, yes. I feel like it's becoming more about the rhymes again. And that's good because more people can relate to the music through poetic expression.



Q: What separates you from other artists?

A: I believe that I'm very personal with my lyrics and I don't shy away from talking about individual struggles and fears that I feel everyone faces.



Q: How long have you been rapping?

A: 7 years solid. But even before that I used to goof off and rhyme throughout high school.



Q: Do you view yourself differently now than when you first started?

A: Absolutely, I have grown a lot since I first started...I wouldn't like to meet the younger E-sod haha.



Q: Would you ever consider signing a major record deal?

A: Honestly that's never been apart of my goal. My main focus is to push out music that I'm happy with and anyone that I connect with is the "cherry on top." However, if the right opportunity crossed my path then it would be worth considering.



Q: What album are you most proud of?

A: Well choosing from "Outnumbered by Dead," "The Monster Inside," "Last Words of the Dying," "My Playpens" and "Retribution" By far would be "Outnumbered by Dead." This album captures many descriptive stories from many different perspectives, which go into great detail that captured everything; I wanted to express point on.



Q: Where would listeners be able to get your album?

A: There's a website that listeners can download the entire album for free at www.outnumberedbydead.bandcamp.com. Enjoy!



Q: Any words of wisdom to upcoming independent artists?

A: Get a real job haha...Make sure you love doing it and that you stay committed to your art and never pander to an audience, good luck.

OUTNUMBERED BY DEAD out now!

My double disc album "Outnumbered by Dead" is out now!!!
FREE album download www.mediafire.com/?rvrermk6nkh1k4o or visit
www.outnumberedbydead.bandcamp.com

Therro Magazine Interviews E-SOD

What's the first thing you would say to someone when they ask you to describe yourself as an artist?

I try to think outside of the box so… Different because I try to write lyrics that makes sense to me and that are relevant to life. Strange because my songs don’t follow your normal everyday Hip-Hop formula (Thugs, bitches, Drugs, Clubs). Also, I’m very influenced by poetry.


How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been doing this Hip-Hop thing independently for five years and its been a blast. I feel blessed.



What inspires your music?

A lot of things really… Interactions with people, friends, family, movies, music, not being able to sleep at night, relationships, talking to myself, and Lady GaGa.



Where are you from?

I was born in Baghdad, Iraq. I’m Chaldean. I moved to the US when I was six years old. I fell in love with Riverside, CA and that’s where I’ve been most of my life. Big ups RIVERSIDE!



What artists in the industry inspire you the most today?

Where to begin? Immortal Technique, Cage, Benefit, Atmosphere, Slick Rick , Cypress Hill, Brother Ali, Grieves, Chino XL, Biggie, 2Pac, Eminem, KRS-One, Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, Del, Mase, Dr. Dre, Easy-E, Nas, Fort Minor, Red hot chilli Peppers, Cake, Mos Def, MF DOOM, Talib Kweli, and lots more.



Why is that?

They are personal. They talk about struggles or situations they’ve been through. Whether its true or not there’s always a lesson to learn. I feel that Hip-Hop educated me when I was going through my bad times.



What makes you different from other artist today?

I just want to put out good music. Fame or stardom has nothing to do with it.



What do you want your future fans to know about you?

I hope they are able to see that I speak from my heart and I mean what I say. I hope they’ll enjoy my work as much as I enjoyed making it.

THE MONSTER INSIDE free download

My new mix-tape THE MONSTER INSIDE is out now and available for FREE download at:

http://www.hiphop-profile.com/esod

Peace & blessings,

E-Sod

Collabs

Any artists interested in a collaboration can get at me by email and message me what they have in mind.

esodrap@yahoo.com

Lets put what we have together and value its sense!

E-sod Interview

1. Band Name & Genre?

My name is E-sod, which means "lion" in Arabic. I picked that name because it expresses encouragement and bravery. Plus, lions look cool. My work falls under the Rap/Hip Hop genre.

2. Name of members & position?

It's just this loser, don't get it twisted.

3. Your location?

I was born in Baghdad , Iraq and moved to RIVERSIDE , California which has been home for most of my life.

4. How long have you been together?

I put my first album together in 2005, The Thin Line of Sanity, which got a lot of good reaction. That's when I started putting all my heart into this crap. To answer the question: it's been about four years.

5. Where can we find you?

Check me out at www.myspace.com/esod. Let's be friends and hug a tree.

6. Any Influences?

I was first introduced to Rap when I listened to a..Slick Rick cassette tape at the age of 8 and been hooked on it ever since. Now I admire anything that has real meaning, such as the work of Atmosphere, Immortal Technique, Cage, Chino XL, Benefit, Cypress Hill, Chili Peppers, Nickelback etc…

7. What's your biggest Accomplishment?

So far, I have pushed out 10,000 CD's throughout the Inland Empire , San Francisco , San Diego , Los Angeles , Phoenix , and New York City .

Will Rap for Food

Will Rap for Food (DVD) is up now! Come check out the good times at:

www.youtube.com/scarredwords

Stay up,

E-sod.