f you are a hard and fast believer in the saying “Everything happens for a reason,” then in all truth you and me could definitely hang out. My life has been full of ‘Beautiful Mistakes’ as I call them, from my career choice to my school choice. They have all landed me in the correct spot no matter how unintentional. It is in this same vein that I met the two artists featured on this months cover, So$aman and Mdeez. While working at The Nassau Guardian and editing our weekly entertainment guide, The Weekender, I had the opportunity to meet these two musicians in separate capacities, and I don’t think either of them ever fathomed that they would now be referred to as The Bahamas’ new hip hop duo. In late 2007 after both So$aman and Mdeez signed artist development deals with local music production house Stypz Ltd. (Steriotypz) the music house decided to pair the two for a collaboration album that is sure to catapult their careers here locally and also gain them their rightful place on the international scene. I sat down with the newly appointed hip-hop tag team, to learn more about how they see their place in Bahamian music history.
THE DREAM TEAM
Farreno Ferguson (FF): So I think the people want to know first out what inspired your stage names. Why So$aman? Why Mdeez?
MDEEZ: I chose Mdeez because I am the musical doctor, people got problems and I am the cure, I don’t write rhymes I write prescriptions.
So$a: Well So$a is kind of a twist of a couple things, first I hang around a lot of Bahamian bosses in their own right, so they call me Jr. Boss of the Year. So So$a was kind of a nickname given to me from the Scarface movie, boss who would do anything to protect his name, involved in politics, money, other activities I won’t mention etc. The ‘Man” comes from my Caribbean background, we say man after everything or before everything so I wanted to have a Caribbean name like Beenie Man or Elephant Man, lol.
FF: So two years ago did you think you would be paired with each other?
Mdeez: No, but I don’t regret it, So$a got mad drive and it keeps me pushing.
So$a: Well me and Mdeez partnered for a couple tracks before this project and we always had good sessions and good result. I always make the joke to Mdeez (which he hates), we just like the group BornJamericans but we Born Bahamians…lmao.
FF: So tell me about your musical styles and how it adds to the mix?
So$a: Well, I’m a rapper with a little twist of R & B, STYPZ continues to develop that sound. My musical style is flashy, party-like and smooth so it really compliments and works good with the street-ness, wit and power of Mdeez’s style.
Mdeez: I am the voice of the ghetto (Fox Hill Stand Up) with a reggae / hip hop style so that helps me to mix with any style easily.
FF: Now I know each of you have been in the industry for a while, which one of your projects have meant the most to you?
Mdeez: I think all of them did. It’s hard for me to zero in on any one project because all have played a role in my growth and development as an artist.
So$a: My first one was “International Dreamer [2005],” I think buy valium where order your first one is like your firstborn. It was the first time I got to experience the love and the hate from the industry and fans. It was purely what I had to say before all the producers, label and radio got involved, it was real and raw but I definitely think after all of those criticisms it made me a way better artist.
FF: Any Live performances that standout?
Mdeez: Performing at the BET WRAP IT UP TOUR in 2001, it was that real feeling, a taste of ‘Big Industry.’ They really treated us top notch, big up to Syndie Williams and Bob Johnson for that good looking out.
So$a: My favorite live performance has to be International Dreams Tour in Halifax, Canada w/DJMayDay in March 2007 .. there were over 300 people there and I was a real unknown at that point and they were screaming and even singing some words out of one or two of my songs. It inspires me still to this day to believe that people can accept new artist and new music no matter where your from.
FF: So let me know what inspired the STYPZ move?
SO$A: Well for me STYPZ was the realest people to step to me. During the height of my hype their advice was for me to humble myself and get real with the people and to this day that has been the best advice I have received in this music industry, we family over there at STYPZ.
Mdeez: I believe STYPZ will be able to handle the business side of the industry and their musical talents are unquestionable. I know Z and Charlie are going to take the Bahamian music industry to the top.
FF: How has it changed the way you do things?
So$a: STYPZ has really developed me as an artist, they have created kind of a new sound for me. Because they believed in me as an artist, I started believing in myself even more.
Mdeez: I have not really changed much, I know my label heads were already pleased with Mdeez from time. I’m just trying to stay focused and keep my team on top.
FF: So after the collaboration album what’s next ??
Mdeez/So$a: Well we have just begun working on our solo projects and we have a heap of new artists coming up through STYPZ so we going to definitely do all we can to make sure their careers go well. Also there are talks about the follow up to the collaboration, so look for a next So$A/MDeez collaborative effort.
FF: Ok so after you make the first million, what’s going to be the first big buy?
Mdeez: Lol. Don’t know exactly but I know it will involve investing in something substantial to ensure more millions.
So$a: Honestly, I had a lot of financial support during this process, lol. So I’m probably going to thank some people by paying them back and then get a nice house on the beach for me, Mrs.So$a and the fam. Everything else will be invested because I know some people who’s first million was their last.
FF: Let the people know where they can hear your music or see you online?
So$a: Check So$a out on my Myspace Music page … www.myspace.com/sosaman. (new music, blogs, pics & more)…& keep your eye open for ID Project 2010.
Mdeez: I’m currently rebuilding my Facebook and Myspace page, but feel free to call your favorite radio station and request Mdeez.