Shane from Art Whino (location of Marky shoot) wrote some cool things about 43 on his blog. Click the pic for the FULL INTERVIEW.
"...I was approached by Six from Cool Kidz Forever Films to use Art Whino for a video shoot for one of Kenny Burns artists from Studio 43. The artist name is MARKY. It was a lot of fun. Keep an eye out for the video on MTV an VH1. The song name is Shiela. The premise is that he meets a girl and then he hops in his Lamborghini (You know like most 18yrs do) and then he rolls into Art Whino to check out the dopest Art in the nation which happens to be at the Nations Capital. Hells Yea.."
KNOWxONE: What’s poppin’ Marky, explain to the people who Marky is and what city you’re repping.
Marky: Marky is a young, fresh, phenomenal Hip-Hop artist from Washington, DC.
K: Word, let’s pause so I can congratulate you on your recent signing with Steve Rifkind’s SRC / Universal. That’s a really big move, considering Steve’s legendary status with founding Loud Records and putting on artists such as Wu-Tang, Big Pun, dead prez, Mobb Deep, etc. How did this deal come about?
M: Thanks bro, I appreciate the love.. The deal actually came about because of the vision that KB (Kenny Burns) gave Steve about me. Steve already remembered me from when I was younger so [the] KB affiliation and energy about me heightened Steve’s excitement into signing me to SRC / Universal.
K: That’s ill fam. Now along with SRC / Universal, you also have a joint deal with Kenny Burns’ Studio 43. Can you break it down for the people who are unfamiliar with who Kenny Burns is and how Studio 43 came about?
M: Kenny Burns is my big bro. He’s the “Lifestyle Specialist.” He’s a Hip-Hop / fashion mogul. He is the founder / CEO of Studio 43. Studio 43 is a boutique production / entertainment company based out of Washington, DC. We’re the future of entertainment and marketing.
K: Sounds like a tight relationship. DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). Some readers out there may not understand what that is, can you explain how the DMV movement came to fruition?
M: The DMV is DC, MD, VA. DC has always been the “mecca” and trendsetters of what the city and its bordering states (MD & VA) were made of. The swag, the lingo, fashion and music all trace back to the roots of Washington, DC. Northern VA is more so associated with the DMV than the rest of VA because of the distance. Just the same goes for parts of MD like PG County, Montgomery County, St. Charles County, etc. The DMV is the new DC! Basically. [Laughs]
K: I know the “new tri-state” is bubbling with exciting, fresh artists. Who are you excited to see blow up next out of the DMV?
M: I’m excited to see all of the younger artists in the area emerge up in the ranks. These guys are the future just like me so its only right they get their chance to shine.
A.B. is a Producer,Rapper,and Singer all in 1. He comes from heart of southeast, Washington D.C. to be exact. He's grinding hard every night and day, because of the simple That hes so dedicated to his work, And you know what they say hard work pays off. He's teamed up with Marky and Studio 43 as the in-house producer for the upcoming album Hate Is The New Love. Check it as he divulges on a few topics..
1 Fingered Producers
"Now 1st of all im not trying to downgrade any producers, but all im saying is...if you cant play any instrument that well such as the keyboard, guitar Drums exc. You're not going to last very long, im just keeping it real. I understand if you cant afford the MPC's or any other expensive keyboards. but if you been working on fruity loops for years and years than your not enhancing on your musicianship. (Even though good muisc is good music). In the future try to make music freehandly with live instruments. you will get alot more respect in the game you will last alot longer."
Producer Credit "Alot of your so called top producers are taking most of the credit for making beats. Like the Diddys and the Missy Elliots in da game. They pay the main person who produced the track their money, and stamp their name on da record. Its kinda of fucked up but you gotta start somewhere. "
R&B Beats
"I make alot of R&B beats now because Rap beats are so easy to me, I dont get alot out making Rap beats that much any more. Dont get me wrong though, I think that Rap music is the best but um...Im more creative with R&B because its not so Redundant I can change it up a lil bit. But still keep rockin wit cha boi."
Shout out to the big brother Kenny Burns & as always our illRoots Family Mick Boogie. Marky is an extremely talented artist straight out of Kenilworth section of Washington, D.C. and for the most part I love the tape. Despite the fact that I completely represent the DC/Maryland/Virginia are otherwise known as the DMV for those that haven't heard yet, I am feeling this guys style and with most of the mixtapes production from AB and Studio 43 behind him he is bound for success.
Check out more by going to: http://illroots.com/2008/05/25/mick-boogie-presents-marky/
If you don't know, you better ask somebody. And if you do know, you've already been introduced to the soulful lyrics of Hip Hop's most promising newcomer – Marky. He is not your typical Hip Hop artist. He is a young artist with an urban mission, straight out of Washington, DC. Marky is affectionately viewed as one of Hip Hop's best kept secrets. Therefore, you can consider this his "unveiling." In this exclusive interview He will share with the audience all that defines him.
We all are dying to know, so I'm just going to come with it. Who is Marky?
Marky is a platinum laced ground breaking and versatile artist with a drive like no other in this game.
Growing up, who were your biggest musical influences?
At an early age, I was nurtured by Eric Sermon and Big Daddy Kane. I actually got the opportunity to get tips from them and rap with them about this industry. More Specifically, Eric Sermon was primarily my greatest influence. I was intrigued by him because I could see him on TV and then fly to New York to hang with him. I even got to do a song with him. So from that point on I was his number one fan. He was the best rapper alive. He helped mold me into the artist that I am today. I'll never forget the guidance that both Eric Sermon and Big Daddy Kane gave me. I used the knowledge that I gained through them to guide me in my everyday life as an artist, and as I write, rap, and compose my own music.
What is your idea of success?
Success is when you reach the point in your life when you feel as though you are good. What I mean is if success to you means graduating from college, securing a good job that pays well and you're good with that - then you are successful. In high school I would set big goals for myself even then. I would sell my tapes. If I sold 20 tapes I went gold. If I sold 40 I went platinum. Each time I obtained platinum status I was good. However, At this point in my career I've set even bigger goals for myself. At this point, success means being worth 40 billion dollars, and I'm working towards that.
What motivated you to get into this industry?
What motivated me was a genuine love for music, a natural ability to flow, and encouragement from my family.
Who are your main vocal and production influences?
Vocally I'd have to say almost any artist out there that has that special something about them that sets them apart from all others mainly Jay-Z, Joe Budden, Game, Fabulous, Nas, and Nelly. Production wise I'd also have to say those original producers like Rich Harris that has the Go Go style similar to what we have back home; Timbereland from Virginia who comes with that off the wall type music; You go to LA you got JR Roden, and Scott Starch. Then you got people that are real soulful like Blaze and Will-I-Am with Black Eye Peas and Pharell. And of course the producers that I work with Fastrax and Seneca that's out of St. Louis.
Who or what is your inspiration?
I hate to sound cliché`, but my major inspiration musically I would have to say Jay-Z. He has a unique tone, flow, and way of painting pictures that's consistent – it's crazy. There's also people like Fabulous that grab the beat and flow with it.
Share with us three songs that you're really feeling right now?
I'm feelin`R Kelly right now and all of the music that he's puttin` out. I'm especially feelin the Flirt song. I'm also feelin` the whole Beyonce` vibe right now – especially "Upgrade You." And third, I have to say that I pretty much appreciate all music, especially Hip Hop's current elite artists.
In the current Hip Hop culture, what concerns you the most and what excites you the most?
What concerns me is the lack of creativity, and how people now days are so caught up on popular radio music that they don't take time to go purchase artists CD to get to know them. And what excites me the most is that Hip Hop is going back to the whole late 70's / 80's type of feel.
How do you feel your music will affect its listeners?
My music will change the way that young Hip Hop artists are viewed in this industry. Hopefully my music will catapult me to a level where Hip Hop legends will view me as a breath of fresh air in the new generation of Hip Hop.
Anyone in particular you're really itching to work with?
Right now Joss Stone, but I'm open to work with any of the Hip Hop legends especially Big Daddy Kane.
Who would be your dream collaboration?
I'd love to do a song with Joss Stone. She is neo soul and I'm Hip Hop. Sort of like Nelly and Tim McGraw and Run DMC and Mick Jagger. These were great crossover, groundbreaking collaborations.
What sets you apart from all of the other industry talents currently on the scene?
Three traits. First, I'd have to say versatility. I welcome opportunities to work across genres. Secondly, my music and flow don't come across as forced – it's just what I do naturally. Thirdly, where I'm from is untapped. There are no artist out there currently from DC.
Share with us some of the performance highlights of your career so far?
I've performed all over the place, but people back home are extremely supportive of my efforts to make Washington, DC and Marky a household name. Through DC's radio stations I secured performances with most of the artist that came through to perform – Fabulous, Vivian Green, hometown legend EU, Carl Thomas, Kelly Price. I opened for Lil Romeo and a number of other artists.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would change the whole label structure and allow artist more creative freedom – sort of like it was in the late 80's when music wasn't so watered down. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about the current structure, I just appreciate the artistic freedom of the 80's.
Finally, as a new comer yourself- what would you like to say to all the new artist striving to make it?
I'd like to say just keep doin` it – It's going to happen for you. The game is changing and wide open – Just keep pushin`. People will try to discourage you, but keep striving, and remember to never take advice from unproductive people.
That's what's up - another gifted young brother on the grind. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for MARKY. If you just can't wait for his new single to drop, you can tap into his talent at www.myspace.com/markdef1
"I went everyday since I was 11 years old thinking that the very next day was that breakthrough day for me...and that very next day finally came! This is a monumental event, not only for me, but for the entire DMV itself. I'm excited man, I'm EXCITRO - 2 levels above excited (laughs). Studio 43 is the match, SRC/Universal is the forest, and Marky's the FIRE! You already know what happens when that go down (smile). I'm with a legend (Steve Rifkind)! He called me from LA on Feb 27th and told me that he's gonna sign me. He was Iistening to my "Homework" mixtape in the background and came across the "Ice Cream" Wu-Tang joint I did! I was at Anacostia station on my way to the Guitar Center out VA. We reminisced for a sec on how we met back in 2006 and I jumped on his table freestyling (laughs). He told me I was star THEN and that him and the people I was with at the time would talk. Long story short the people I was with then couldn't make it happen so I'm HERE NOW 2 years later with my Big Bro Kenny Burns. It was Gods plan for me. How everything manifested and unraveled in time was actually PERFECT TIMING! Everything happens for a reason. I ain't like nobody else, I'm not trynna be nobody else, I'm just Marky. Judah and I crafted my introduction to the DMV with "Homework" - my mixtape released Sept. 2007. Now, I brought along my right-hand man AB The Producer to the mix and things are heating up with our 43ntourage!!! It may seem that I emerged from out of nowhere to some, but just in time to others. I been here, I was just a kid then when I was opening up for Lil' Romeo at the New Convention Center when it first opened and Fabolous around Kenilworth Rec and so on and so on. But now, I'm here and in the forefront alongside a whole city full of talented youthful artist thats waiting in the wing for these majors to take note of them. Its a matter of time before the DMV becomes the actual "Restaurant" rather than "The Drive-Thru" (laughs)."
Join him thru out his day-to-day life. From the boring times to the exciting times. See him in rare form as transforms into a SUPERSTAR! Get a feel for Marky the entertainer, the rapper, the "lil" lifestyle specialist, the big brother, the stubborn son, the best friend someone can have, the role-model, THE PERSON! Get to know him on the road, in the studio, and in person even. Stay tuned to his Channel on Kyte TV and the blog. WELCOME YOU GUYS...to MARKYLAND!
