Stalley Press Clips 10.14.13

HYPETRAK
August
th
14
HYPETRAK TV: Stalley
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2013
Cowboys & Rappers
In honor of his freshly-released mixtape Honest Cowboy we sat down with MMG’s very own
Stalley who shared some personal details behind his latest body of work. The Ohio native reveals
that Honest Cowboy and its title were inspired by his fathers work on the ranch and the honest
qualities of a cowboy. Accordingly, the 10-track offering provides an in-depth account of the
Ohio native
s inner life which simultaneously opens the door for his upcoming full-length
T
release, due later this year. In addition, Stalley opens up about his role within the MMG
movement, his thoughts on DJ Khaled’s “proposal’ to Nicki Minaj, and much more. Watch the
interview above and grab you own digital copy of Honest Cowboy here.
AP.LNIFI-1DF
August 12, 2013
EXCLUSIVE: Stalley Talks Upcoming Debut Album, MMG’s Place In History, “New Legends” & More
by Yohance Kyles (@HUEYm1xwItRILEY)
(AliHipHop Features) Midwest rhymer Stalley recently released his second official project with Maybach Music
Group. The Massillon, Ohio native says the Honest Cowboy mixtape is the “one that’s going to open people’s eyes
up. The music is going to speak for itself.”
While Stalley is going to let the tracks do most of the talking on his behalf AllHipHop wanted to connect with the
“Swangin” performer to get his take on a few topics not covered in the music. Stalley discusses some of his business
ventures, the status of his debut album, his view on this generation’s “legendary” emcees, and whether MMG is in the
same league as Death Row & Roc-A-Fella.
AllHipHop.com: How has being signed to Maybach Music Group influenced you?
Stalley: It really just influenced me to stay the same, and keep doing what I’m doing and to stay gung-ho in what I
believe in. It helped me realize I do something special with the individuality that I have. It really is that special,
because it isn’t the same as everybody else on MMG and everybody else as far as just music. I think a lot of the
music sounds the same. They use a lot of the same producers. They make music for the club, for the radio. I think the
reason that Ross selected me to be on MMG is because I had my own unique sound that was still able to be a
superstar in a sense. So I keep on grinding, doing what I’m doing.
I spoke to Rockie Fresh a few months back, and he was saying how Ross as a label head doesn’t micromanage much. Do you feel he gives you free rein and the opportunity to explore your own concepts?
He definitely doesn’t micro-manage. He allows you to have free rein to do what you want to do and let you learn from
just being an artist. Someone like me and Rockie Fresh, we’re young artists, so it’s a lot of learning to go through and
experiment with. You got to find yourself as an artist. I don’t think anyone can really point you toward a direction or a
sound. It’s got to be organic and natural, and that’s why I decided to go with Maybach Music, because Ross was
allowing me to do just that.
You never really gave a release date for your album, but you’ve been talking about it for a while. I’m sure you
hear people saying things like Stalley’s album is never coming out. Does that impact you at all?
That doesn’t affect me at all. People are always going to talk. When I put out the album people are going to say!
shouldn’t have put out the album. It’s just waiting on the timing for myself. You only get one first album. I want to
make sure it’s right. Everybody over at the label’s excited. Everybody wants the album to come out, but I said I
personally felt like I wanted to give the opportunity for the fans to get to know me a little bit more and listen to me a
little bit more before I gave them the project.lt’s not because “Swangin” isn’t doing good, or they pushing me back.
You know you hear all that stuff like, ‘You know he ain’t dropping cause the single ain’t popping’ or ‘Stalley ain’t never
coming out.’ I hear that all the time. People are always going to have something to say. Like I said, you only get one
opportunity to come out with your first album, and I want to make sure that it’s right and classic in my eyes. If it’s not
classic in everybody else’s eyes, I want to make sure it’s classic in mine before I put it out.
You’re on a label with some pretty well established artists. You’ve got Ross, Wale, Meek Mill. They’ve all put
out albums that were fairly successful. Do you feel any pressure to match their success?
feel no pressure coming from the camp or anywhere. We all are individuals. We all have our own style, our own fan
base. That’s what makes MMG so great, because we all do our own thing, and we all come together to make good
music. So yeah, it’s no pressure at all.
How do you feel when people compare MMG to legendary labels like Death Row and Roc-A-Fella? Do you
feel like MMG is at that same level as those crews were during their prime?
We definitely making our own stamp in music and in Hip Hop. Roca-fella and Death Row, it’s hard to come behind the
Bad Boys and people like that with the hit music they put out, but we doing the same thing. We’ve been holding it
down for the past five summers. If you want to say it like that. It’s been dope. It’s even an honor to be mentioned
among those groups.
There’s the Self Made Vol 3 coming out soon. We know there’s Lupe and Jadakiss on the album. Have you
guys worked with anybody else that might show up on that project?
I’m sure there’s going to be a ton of special guests. That’s something that Ross does. He puts that together. He
usually allows us to come with records of our own and puts the records together. I’ve been in the studio working on a
few records, and he’s kept all of them. I’m excited about a solo record that I got on there that didn’t really fit my album
or my mixtape, so I gave it to him. He kept it, and it’s amazing.
SelF Made Vol 3 Ccer Art
What’s the status of your Blue Collar Gang clothing brand?
It’s coming together. This fall we’re dropping a new season. It’s going to be a lot of chambrays. We’re working on
sweat pants and different designs. I hate to say a clothing line is a clothing line with only t-shirts and hoodies. It’s
actually evolving into what we want it to evolve into, and that’s a full line brand. We got, like I said, chambrays, crew
necks, hoodies, sweat pants, socks and hats. It ‘s really blossoming into something special.
What about other corporate partnerships? I know you did something with ESPN a few years ago.
We got some cool stuff. I still have that relationship with ESPN, with Nike. I got a couple of other brands that I’m
working with. I got a few things I can’t speak about, but I’m slap-dab in the middle of the culture with streetwear and
fashion in general, so I got a lot of cool things coming about.
We know you’re heavy into sports and cars. What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of music?
I read a lot. I’m into literature.
What book would you recommend?
I’m reading a book right now called Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski. I’m just getting into it. It’s about his life
growing up, his parents coming over from Germany as immigrants, him growing up in California, the people he came
across, how it was adapting to a different neighborhood. It’s a good book so far. I would definitely recommend that. I
would also recommend any book by Hunter S. Thompson.
There has been a lot of talk in Hip Hop the last few months about the “new legends” with artists like Kendrick
Lamar, Drake, i. Cole. Do you feel like the current generation of young emcees are getting the proper respect
as compared to more universally accepted legends?
Within anything it’s hard for people to step down. Michael Jordan don’t want to give LeBron and Kobe proper respect
for being LeBron and Kobe, so there’s always going to be that disconnect. People are always going to want to hold
onto that title or that position. That’s just the way of man just having that macho mechanism about them. I think that in
due time all us will be placed in our proper placements as far as the history goes. People always want to be
mentioned as legends, but don’t do anything legendary. You got Pac and Nas and Jay Z. People that you call them
legends for the way they not only revolutionized music but the whole culture and the way of living and the way of
thinking. It’s hard to give somebody that proper legend stamp. Those words get thrown around so much these days;
legend, classic, timeless, It is really though? That’s just my opinion.
What separates Stalley as an artist from other emcees?
Just my personality. The passion that I have. The drive that I have. The voice that I have to speak from my heart and
from a place that nobody’s ever been. I grew up in Massillon, Ohio. It’s not many places in the world like that, so
that’s where I speak from. I speak from my experiences that are much different from everyone else’s. That’s what
makes us all individuals.
I would say one big thing is everybody’s chasing a record for the radio, for the club. I make music for the cars. I make
music that jams that you can vibe to, and that’s really what separates me and that lyricism aspect. I don’t think people
are really lyricists no more. I think that’s the big difference between me and those guys.
HYPEBEAST
August 21, 2013
Essentials: Stalley
Kyle Myricks, or Stalley in hip-hop circles, is a prolific rapper best known for his candid rap
delivery and trademark beard. Signed to Rick Ross’s MMG imprint, Stalley recently released his
new mixtape, Honest Cowboy. Featuring the likes of Di Quik, Scarface and ScHoolboy Q, the
mixtape is a personal extension showcasing the Ohio rapper’s acute rhyming styles in full force.
For his Essentials, Stalley presented a number of items from his BCG
Blue Collar Gang
imprint, a fashion brand dedicated to hardworking individuals who share the same self-made
values, alongside expansions of the Stalley brand with accessories including a lighter, an iPhone
case, and a fro pick to keep his beard looking impeccable. Elsewhere, Stalley enlists Air Jordan 3
for foot patrol and a Just Don All Leather Cleveland Browns Snapback to rep his hometown.
Without compromising cleanliness for style, Stalley makes sure a DiamondClean Toothbush is
close by to “keep the pearly whites on point.”
—
—
Ga
#Watch Wednesday: Our man @Stalley shows off
his #Rolex Sky-Dweller @nately
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October 9, 2013
• Bilihoord
July 27, 2013
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INICE
KICK5J
PICK YOUR KICK: STALLEY’S SNEAKER PREFERENCES
July 23, 2013
Stalley has shoes, perhaps too many to chose. In this installment of Pick Your Kick our July Guest
Editor shares his preferences on popular silos and colorways, both new and old alike. What are his takes
on some of the recent sneaker debates and age-old questions? Read on to get Stalley’s say and his kick
preferences
AIR JORDAN 5 “GRAPE” VS AIR JORDAN 5 “BLACK GRAPE”
*
Kick Pick: Air Jordan 5 “Grape”
Stalley: ‘Woah, putting the pressure on me? (Laughs) I’ve got to go with the classics, the white ones. Just
a classic colorway, crispy. Even though I love the black ones, I’ve got to go with the whites.”
AIR JORDAN 1 BLACK/RED VS. AIR JORDAN 1 BLACK/ROYAL
Kick Pick: Black/Red
Stalley: “Black and red. Classics, all day. You know, that’s one of my favorite shoes. I love that shoe beat
up. I used to wear that shoe when I worked at ALIFE. I wore that shoe everyday for probably two to three
months straight just because I love the way that shoe looks when it’s broken in. I know a lot of people like
their shoes crispy, but there’s a few shoes that I like worn or kind of beat up. That Jordan 1 is amazing.
Even to skate in that shoe. If you skateboard, I think that’s the best shoe to skate in.’
NIKE LEBRON 9 VS. NIKE LEBRON X
Kick Pick: Nike LeBron 9
Stalley: “The 9s. I think the 9 is much better than the X. I like a few of the Xs, but I didn’t like as many Xs
as I did the 9s. I would say the ‘Taxis’ and the ‘Black History Months’ are my favorites”
NIKE LEBRON 8 “SOUTH BEACH” VS. NIKE LEBRON 9 ELITE “SOUTH
BEACH”
Kick Pick: Nike LeBron 9 Elite “South Beach”
Stalley: “I like the 9, I like the 9 Elite.”
CONVERSE CHUCK TA YLOR VS. CONVERSE PRO LEATHER
Kick Pick: Converse Chuck Taylor
Stalley: “Chuck Taylors all day. That’s one of my favorite shoes of all time, it’s just a classic shoe. I really
like the Skate CONS. The Skate CONS look better as I look down on my foot because the regular Chucks
are narrowS”
I.J1CE
KICKS
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July 11, 2013
Kickstarter: The Shoe That Got Stalley Hooked
As announced last week, MMG artist Stalley will be serving as Guest Editor for the month of
July on Nice Kicks. While Stalley will contribute to the site in a number of ways on an array of
columns, his work and story begins with the pair that started it all.
In this installment of Kickstarter, Stalley shares the shoes that got him hooked. Recently retroed
but forever his first pair, hear from Stalley about the basketball kicks that got him in the
sneaker game.
Stalley: “The pair of sneakers that really kicked it off for me were the David Robinsons from
back in the day, the Air Force 180s. I was in elementary school playing basketball at the Boys &
Girls Club and I was going to the store to find some sneakers. Those sneakers were just so
perfect at the time. They were super high and David Robinson was also one of my favorite
players. I think that’s when I really fell in love with sneakers. Everything about them the
colorway, the comfort, the Air pockets, the big tongue it was an amazing shoe.”
—
—
“I definitely rocked them to school, but I was one of those guys that would always test out the
shoes I got for style for basketball too. I had to play in everything even though friends and
family would always ask me why I was playing in them. I had to test them out on the court. It
was a two-way shoe for me. My mom got those for me and they were a blessing. That was like
$140 at the time but she looked out as mom always did.”
Stay tuned all month for more exclusive content from our July Guest Editor, Stalley.
INICE
KICK
July 11, 2013
Back in the Day: Stalley Recalls Working at ALIFE
MMG artist Stallev is the July Guest Editor for NiceKicks. coin. As Guest Editor, Stalley will
contribute to the site in a number of columns. Today, Stalley kicks off our Back in the Day
segment with a narrative of his days working at the famed NYC sneaker boutique ALIFE.
ALIFE Rivington Club was top tier and still is. It was one of the first sneaker boutiques in New
York City, let alone the world. With details like the carpet, the finished wood, the sliding
ladders, the leather sofas and the glass chandeliers, ALIFE Rivington Club was one of a kind. It
revolutionized the sneaker game.
I’ve worked so many jobs. I was working at Sharper Image and it was going out of business. The
last day we were packing up the store to leave, I get a call from one of my friends at ALIFE.
They knew me there and knew that I always came there to shop and kick it. They were like
family before they were family. [My friend] called me and was like, “Yo, you looking for a job?”
and I was like, “the funny thing is, I’m just leaving Sharper Image. This is my last day, I have no
job, so I am looking for a job.” I went in the next day, and met with Trey and the rest of the
owners. They told me that they wanted me to manage the ARC Sports store that they were
opening across the street.
pboto by adamcrooklyn
Knowing that I had a sports background, they wanted me to manage that store, merchandise it,
and come up with cool ideas to bring in not only cool sneakers and do collaborations, but to
work with brands that were specifically made for sports performance. I brought in Newmans
batting gloves, and we did collabs with Saucony, Nike and New Balance. It was stuff like that
that ARC was all about. That was really how it started. They reached out to me just knowing that
I had style, that I was a part of the culture, that I had influence within the scene, and they wanted
me to help manage and build up the store.
The owners of ALIFE knew not only about the artist and music side but they knew that I had a
history playing sports. They knew that the knowledge that I had would help them cross over to
the athletic customer. We’re all into sneakers and a lot of us get into sneakers because of sports.
A lot of us like LeBrons because of LeBron. A lot of people really like Jordans because of
Jordan. I think that they were really trying to put together a performance shoe that looked good
when you were going to a nightclub but you could also run in or play basketball. They knew with
my knowledge and my background that I could put them in that direction in terms of comfort but
still have enough style to make it look good since I’ve always had my own personal style. I’ve
always been somebody that always did my own thing.
During my time at ALIFE, I was a part of the “Tennis Ball” Reebok Pumps, Rivington Club x
ASICS Gel Lyte Ills, the Saucony Shadow 6000s, the New Balance 1300s and 576s [Editor’s
Note: The 3M 576s were cancelled due to production issues], the Nike Dunk High, and the Air
Force 1, which was a classic shoe embossed with stars with the gum bottom. A New York City
classic shoe at that. Those were just a few of the collabs that I got to see there and have some
input on. Of course, the head designers and the owners have the last word, but we all got to have
our opinions in helping with the designs and colorways.
Every time we had a special release, we had lines of people camping out down the block. Every
release was special. The most memorable release was when the Questlove x Nike 1 WORLD Air
Force is came out. They were red, green and gold with the elephant print on them. We actually
had Questlove come spin in the courtyard and sign autographs. We had about 100 or so pairs.
There was a line around the corner for like two or three days. I used to come open the gate
and see the same guys waiting there. You know, somebody might have their girl come swap out
for them for a couple hours while they go home, shower, do what they gotta do and come back. I
remember standing there next to Questlove, ringing everybody up when they came into the store.
We’d let like three or four people in the store and Quest was right next to me signing their boxes
or their pairs. That was one of the most memorable events.
It was an honor for me to be a part of that. ALIFE was one of the first companies to have
collabos going up on eBay for over $1,000. We held events in the courtyard with artists like John
Mayer, Just Blaze, Three Six Mafia, Bun B, Nas and eventually myself with the rest of the
Maybach guys last year when Self Made Vol. 2 came out. ALIFE Rivington Club is very
important to the sneaker culture, and back then, it was really the sneaker store. When I worked
there, people traveled from all over the world to come take a picture in front of the store. And it’s
not like it has a beautiful marquee or entrance
it’s just two glass doors and a plaque. You
really have to know where it’s at to even get there. To see people come from Australia,
Barcelona, Amsterdam and places like that just to see the store or buy something just to get a
shopping bag is crazy. Not too many stores can say they’ve done that.
—
ICE
KICK
I
July 4, 2013
Celebrity Sneaker Stalker
Decked out debuts detail this week’s Celebrity Sneaker Stalker. From BET Award festivities to
music video shoots, we get our first on-foot looks at new releases from LeBron, Jordan, Reebok
and adidas. What did Swizz Beatz, Trinidad Jame$, Guest Editor Stalley and more wear this
week? Read on to find out and let us know who rocked the best kicks on Twitter and in the
comment section.
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NICE KICKS STAFF PICKS
July 13, 2013
i1
As summer hits its stride, the selection of sneakers start to grow. This week we saw new patterns on new
favorites, and new colorways on old favorites. We also saw some tremendous tributes to a legendary
baseball player to commemorate the MLB All-Star game. Check out the Nice Kicks Staff Picks for the
week, and let us know what your favorite kicks were this week.
STALLEY
“I’m gonna have to go with the Jordan 1 ‘Shadow.’ It’s a great colorway for a very good everyday shoe. I
used to wear Jordan l’s for a month or two straight just to give t that character and worn beat up look.
The ‘Shadow’ 1 is perfect in its color blocking. It’s really just one of the OG shoes that still has a fresh
appeal today.”
I
KICK
CELEBRITY SNEAKER STALKER
July 18, 2013
I
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Retirees in retros, rappers in Reeboks and active athletes all star in Celebrity Sneaker Stalker. This week, we see
Champagne Papi pulling from his Jordan cellar, numerous Yeezy 2 sightings and Stalley in unreleased LeBrons. Who
rocked the best heat this week? Let us know on Twitter and in the comment section.
Also click here to vote for which kicks Guest Editor Stalley will rock in CSS later this month.
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KICKS
SWANGIN’ WITH STALLEY: OUR JULY GUEST EDITOR’S
FAVORITE CARS TURNED KICKS
July 31, 2013
r
Today marks the last day of Stalley’s turn as Nice Kicks Guest Editor. In honor of the rapper’s love of automobiles
and sneakers, we decided to create three new kicks colorways inspired by some of his favorite rides. Check out
Stalley’s favorite cars turned kicks below, and let us know which pairs you would rock in the comments.
1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO 55 X NIKE LEBRON 9 ELITE
A muscle car paired with a signature sneaker from one of the more powerful basketball players in the NBA. Too
easy, right? Nevertheless, matching the Nike LeBron IX Elite up with the ‘68 Camaro SS worked in the shoe’s favor,
toning things down on the multi-paneled sneaker with a matching contrast of white on the Swoosh and midsole.
1986 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO X AIR JORDAN 1
Pairing up two icons from the 80s was a no-brainer. As fixtures of inner cities across the country, you probably
would have come across this combination of car-and-sneaker roughly 25 years ago. Being an 80s baby, it’s no
surprise that Stalley has an affinity for the classic Monte Carlo SS and has taken quite a liking to the Air Jordan 1.
Both feature a simplistic design with clean lines, and each subtly makes a profound statement.
I’44,
CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7 X NIKE LUNAR FLYKNIT CHUKKA
Two things make this combination perfect. First, the Corvette C7 is not even out, and last time we checked, it’s a
commonality for rappers to have their hands on what’s still on the horizon. Second the Lunar Flyknit Chukka is
virtually the concept sneaker of Nike at the moment, sporting both Lunar and Flyknit technology. With Stalley
showing that he’s got quite the versatile sneaker closet, and having rocked Flyknit kicks in the past, we wouldn’t
put it past him to lace up a pair of these.
I
KCK.
CELEBRITY SNEAKER SELECTOR: PICK GUEST EDITOR STALLEY’S
KICKS
July 16, 2013
Nice Kicks readers know that Stalley has no shortage of shoes. While the July Guest Editor has no problem putting
together an outfit, this week he’s giving readers the chance to pick out his kicks for Thursday’s Celebrity Sneaker
Stalker. For this installment of Celebrity Sneaker Selector, check out the three pairs that Stalley is considering
wearing this week. Cast your vote in the poll below and tune in to CSS on Thursday to see if you picked his kicks.
**upDATE** The voting period has been extended. Stay tuned to Celebrity Sneaker Stalkerthis month to see if
Stalley wears the kicks you picked.
Stalley: “I’d probably wear these with some sweatpant shorts or go denimondenim. There’s a lot of ways I might
rock them. I might even rock them with some colored chinos, something different than tan.”
SLAM CITY SKA TESX CONVERSE CTS MID
I
Stalley: “That shoe is just so comfortable and just done so well. The black suede with the little hits of red and grey
make them one of my favorite shoes of the past few months. I love Converse, but that Cons in general is amazing.
You can dress those any way you want.
NIKE LUNAR FLYKNIT CHUKKA
Stalley: “It’s summer. I’m trying to stay comfortable and not do too much. The comfort, the technology and the
attention to detail make these a beautiful shoe. I have every color. I don’t think there’s one that’s come out yet
that I don’t have.”
August 5 2013
Stalley Searches For His Father And Explores His Inner Cowboy On New Mixtape
And MMG’s ‘Self Made Vol. 3’
MMG is a powerhouse in hip-hop right now, with Wale’s The Gifted topping the Billboard charts
and Meek Mill & Rick Ross shelling out bangers all summer. However, one particular Maybach
Music Group member has been waiting in the wings for his opportunity to shine. Stalley signed
with MMG back in 2011 when he was known for his beard and a pair of early mixtapes, and the
signing was received with mixed emotions from fans; here was another talented artist and
another win for the roster, but an uncertain fit with what Ross was building with the Maybach
brand.
The Blue Collar Gang head honcho already established a name for himself before MMG,
creating a niche for his “Intelligent Trunk Music” and building a following. Since the signing the
Ohio native has appeared on Self Made Vols. 1 & 2 and dropped another mixtape, Savage
Journey To The American Dream, but things have been relatively quiet for the past two years.
That’s not to say any time has been wasted—Stalley has his mixtape Honest Cowboy slated to
drop on August 8th, with his debut album on deck and an appearance on MMG’s Self Made Vol.
3 set for September. Stalley swung by the XXL offices this week to speak about the impact of his
father on his projects, why he signed to MMG and his quest for knowledge. —Emmanuel C.M.
(@ECM_LP)
TIll MAGAZINI Iii HIP-HOP MUSIC. CULTUI1I II POLITICS
June 13, 2013
Ear to the Street j
StaUey talks BCG Clothing and his upcoming album debut.
Inspired you to create your own clothing line?
My love for fashion, but more importantly for me, with the BCG
clothing line, is giving it that blue-collar feel. Where I em from a
lot of kids can’t afford the expensive streetwear, so I wanted to make some
thing that not only is fashionable, but at the same time represents them and
their lifestyle. You know, that blue-collar vibe.
Let’s talk specifically about your line.
As of right now, it’s just the basics: T-shirts, hoodies, baseball shirts, and more,
but we got some hats coming out and other items as well, [definitely want BCG
to develop into a lull line, and eventually get into cut and sew. I want my line to
create oxford and flannels, khakis and stuff like that,
What’s your ultimate goal with BCG clothing?
I just want to gel my clothing on as much people as possible. The self-made
people, the people that work hard, the people with dreams, the people with
goals. Blue Collar Gang is for everyone. I want to also do collaborations with
brands that we enjoy and like. t mean, there are many possibilities.
As you know, fashion trends come and go In Hip-Hop, but what’s one
trend you hope never comes back and why?
Laughs.] I guess it would have to be the tall tees and the glittery jeans. I hope that
never comes back around. I never understood the concept behind the tall tees.
All this clothing talk, but what about your debut album coming out soon?
It comes out this summer We are 85% to 90% done and we got the first
single coming out really soon. I don’t have many features because I am try
ing to keep away from that. I feet like I can hold things down myself without
having many people carrying the weight.
How will it differ from your mixtapes?
We spent a lot of time with different producers and musicians in post-production
developing this album and making it as musical as possible. If anyone follows
my career, they know I always have a mixtape with a concept behind it, I just
want to amplify the album, give it a global Sound. I’m really just trying to put all
the elements that I always wanted to into my music.
When all Is said and done, how would you like people to
remember your music?
I just want people to remember my music as honest. I’m being me, and hope
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* CROSBYQ
August 6 2013
Stalley on Manners, “Sexomatic”, and the Importance of Hand
Sanitizer I Style Profile
Since dropping his debut mixtape in 2,.J, gje has been making a name for himself in the rap game. In 2010, the Ohio rapper signed to
Maybach Music Group and has appeared on Self Made Vale. I & 2, and is set to drop his album Honest Cowboy on August 8th on iTunes. Check
out his single “Swan gin” featuring Scarface:
We sat down with him to discuss his favorite music, beard upkeep and who the mast polite rapper is.
First of all, when is the album coming out? What can we expect?
The album is coming soon, no official date [since this interview took place, it’s been announced that Honest Cowboy is slated for on August 8th
release.] But you can expect a lot of openness and honesty in the music. I’m really diggin’ deep inside myself and trying to be mare personal
with the music. You can also expect amazing musicality and production.
Fair enough. What should people be talking about in rap right now that they aren’t?
Honestly, I think people should be talking more about current events and the problems in the social world and in our comm unities. People ore
more boisterous now than they hove been in the past. People used to speak more about families and values, and I think that needs to come
bock in music.
Who’s making music you listen to outside of hip hop?
Outside of hip hop, I’m listening to Devandro Banhart, Kurt Vile, Jim James, Rhye, Superhumonoids, and Blue Hawaii.
Describe the beard regimen. Got any secrets for us?
Just take core of your beard like you would a heod of hair. Wash it, condition it, pick it.
When did you know you were going to make music your life?
I knew! would make music my whole life, in 20091 got laid offfrom my manager position at jjbecause of slow business. That’s when Ifelt like
that was a sign. I was already working an music on the side while working atAlife anyway, so Ifelt like it was the right time to take it full on. I
hove a voice that needs to be heard and that 9-to5 life wasn’t the life! wanted.
You’re following 0 people on Twitter. What’s that about?
I was hesitant to join Twitter at first because I’m not really into social media. I like how artists used to be, coming from afon perspective, where
you actually had to research or take an interest in an artist to find who they ore, ond what they’re about.
Today, you can find Out everything in five minutes, and it takes some of the mystique away. I’m on Twitter for my fans and the people that ore
truly interested in what I’m doing. I use [it] to interact with my fans and! respond to my followers when they tweet at me, but I don’t spend all
day watching my timeline.
Who would you really like to collaborate with?
Whoever wants to collaborate with me and make good music.
What’s the most surprising song on your personal iTunes?
Maybe some David Bowie or “Valentine” by Fiona A ogle, or “Sexomnatic” by the Bar-Kays.
You’re an Ohio dude
do you still dislike watching LeBron succeed outside of Cleveland? Did you ever?
I love seeing LeBron succeed and seeing how gracefully he does it. I love that he still puts on for Ohio and the 330. His success is our success, so
I love it.
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?
The best concert lever went to was either Kings of Leon at MSG or the Diesel 20-YearAnniversory show, when Hot Chip brought out Chaka Khan.
You just shot an editorial with Wish Atlanta for Comme des Garcons PLAY, and you’ve modeled before. Are there any other brands
specifically that you’d like to work with?
I would love to work with ,j,, yJyim WTAPS, and Neighborhood. I also always love working with my clothing brand Blue Collar Gang; we’re
about to release anew season in stares and online.
—
Who is the most polite rapper in the game?
lam.
Fair enough. Got anything on your rider that we should know about?
My rider is simple; water, cut-up fruit, pretzels, towels, gum, and hand sanitizer.
Did you have any clothing that you were determined to get as a kid?
I was always into sneakers, so that’s one thing I wanted as a kid. I also always wanted a leather and suede jacket, like a bomber jacket.
How do you want BCG to be perceived?
I want BCG to be perceived as something that is accessible to everyone. It is for those thot work hard to achieve their dreams, regardless of
race, class, culture or creed. It is simple, clean, stylish and affordable.
ivoiCF
Blogs
August 8 2013
Stalley’s Di Quik Produced Honest Cowboy Hits the Internet
Honty.
Cameron Giles is not the only rapper who used to get it in Ohio. Stalley, the Blue Collar Gang founder and Maybach Music
Group member still puts on for the Double 0 despite having lived in New York for years now. Well, thats not entirely true. A
more accurate way of putting it would be that he still reps Ohio even though hes been living on the road for the past few years.
Such is life when youre a part of raps most visible collective, MMG. Their boss Rick Ross hit a pretty rough patch after the
debacle that was his verse on Rockos “U.O.E.N.O.” but Wales album topped Billboard this past June while Meek Mills Dream
Chasers 2 broke Datpiff.com with 2.5 million downloads, setting a record for the site. And of course Stalley is releasing his first
mixtape since last years Savage Journey To The American Dreomtoday. Honest Cowboy finds the Midwest native concentrating
on making his presence felt around the world. Most critics are on board, often hailing Stalley as MMG’s true lyricist, but his
popularity still pales in comparison to radio mainstays like Meek Mill and Wale.
We sat down with StalIley to ask him, among other things, if it bothered him that he hadn’t reached the popularity of some of
his label mates. As always, he had some thoughtful insight to share about that as well as his overall position at the label. Savage
Journey indeed.
What’s up Stalley? Missed you at Alife the other day. How’d it go over there?
The turnout was overwhelming. It was a last minute thing. It rained. People still came out to support. It was love. I hadn’t been
around [NYCI in awhile and I just wanted to come back to my home at Alife to revisit the place where a lot of this stuff was set
into motion.
Where you at now and where are you going next?
I’m in Charlotte, N.C. right now. I’ve just been doing domestic spot dates right now. Everything is promo for the mixtape. I’m
doing signings and in-store appearances and going up to radio stations. Everything. My fans deserve it.
Plans to take it overseas yet?
Not just yet, but yeah we’re heading to Europe real soon--have a show in Prague and the U.K. and a couple of other cities out
there. I’m excited. It’s always good to see the fans out there show up and show out.
So tell me about the new project Honest Cowboy?
It’s a mixtape, but you know I treat anything with my name on it like a full on album or project. So I reached out to some cold
lyricist like Schoolboy Q and some dope producers like Cardo and I got some beats by DJ Quik. Matter of fact, Q.uik mixed the
whole album.
Wow! Quik? That’s ill. How are your raps?
Oh, on this one the penmanship is amazing. I carefully craft my lyrics because this is going to be around forever so you have to
do your best every time out. If not you might get remembered for some wack shit and taint your whole legacy.
Very true. How are things over at MMG?
MMG stuff is going great. Everyone is just supporting one another. We got Self Made 3coming out Sept 17. Meek got
new Dreams Chasers 3 coming out. My project comes out [today]. We’re just hitting back to back to back.
What do you think you bring to the fold at MMG?
I bring that uniqueness, a different voice. A different reason, you know what I mean? I’m from the Midwest so I’m a little
different. But Cowboy still has that classic original Midwest difference sound for ridin’ ‘round enjoying good music and good
chronic. Swangin’, y’ know?
How much weed do you smoke? Is it for work or for recreation?
Smoking is something to help you think. I don’t know about other people, but if there’s too much going on in my life I can get
writer’s block. With a lot on my mind [weed] helps me concentrate. I can block things out or fall into a zone with my work. But I
do use it also for recreation. Like I’ve said, I’m a Midwest kid at heart, so I just like to ride around and relax.
Are you purposely playing the position of “minor league” rapper while Meek and Wale score Number 1 albums?
We’re all trying to get to that number one spot. Ain’t no playing no positions over here. We’re all trying to win. But we all have
our own lanes so we’re all successful already.
What makes you feel you’re successful?
Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Khaled, 2 Chainz... they listen to my music and know my lyrics. It’s so crazy when not only peers, but OGs,
are checking for you and now you’re music. I ran into Cee Lo [Green] in LA. He tells me he’s waiting on my album to come out.
They’re checking for me. I grew up admiring those guys. To get that respect makes me feel successful.
Plan on collaborating with any of the people who you just listed?
Yeah man, we working. Right now got collabs with Schoolboy Q and a few other cats. I think people like my collaborations
because to me it’s a vibe you get from a person. Me and Spitta are bros. Me and Rozay, you can hear it that we’re seeing eye to
eye. I can do records with anyone, but it’s bout the chemistry while working together that makes fans gravitate to it.
August 6 2013
EXCLUSIVE: Don’t Sleep. Stalley Plans To Wake Up The Masses With ‘Honest CowboyS’ Mixtape
(AllHipHop Feature) Maybach Music Group’s Stalley has been releasing music for over 5 years. After dropping three independent
mixtapes prior to 2012 and his first project under the MMG umbrella last year, Stalley believes his latest mixtape, Honest Cowboy, is
the definitive work that will force the non-believers to take notice.
“It’s going to be one that people will remember for a long time. I think this one will solidify me in the game as being top dog and
not slept on,” says Stalley on Honest Cowboy. “People come up to me and they always say that I’m slept or that I’m overlooked, but
I think this is that one that’s going to open people’s eyes up. The music is going to speak for itself.”
Honest Cowboy is a free project that Stalley describes as a musical exploration of who he really is and where he came from. The title
was inspired by his troubled father who left the family in Ohio to pursue work as a rancher in San Antonio, Texas.
“I didn’t really grow up with [my father]. That’s the reason that sparked the title and the feel of the album. That was me trying to
understand a little more about why he left his family and went down south to go be a cowboy,” explains Stalley. “I saw the parallel
of a cowboy and Hip Hop artists today. You go on these frontiers, and you work hard and try to provide for your family. As an artist,
you spend a lot of time away from your family and people that’s close to you to try and build this life.”
Kyle “Stalley” Myricks grew up in Massillon, Ohio, deeply connected to the car culture and high school sports. Massillon, a town of
about 30,000 people roughly an hour outside of Cleveland, was also the place where Stalley’s grandmother introduced him to the
songs of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and the storytelling of country music. Eventually, a young Kyle was exposed to Hip Hop,
and the future rapper found his new passion.
“When I first heard Hip Hop was 2Pac’s Strictly4MyN.I.G.G.A.Z. ‘Brenda’s Got A Baby’, those types of records, really touched me,”
says Stalley. “I dove into other music like N.W.A., Ice Cube, Scarface, E-40, Nas, OutKast.”
With tracks like Honest Cowboy’s “Raise Your Weapons” the 30-year-old emcee is harkening back to the social conscious records of
artists like Tupac who used their music to make statements about the political state of the nation, the injustice of the judicial
system, and the institutionalized oppression that affect the community of his listeners.
“I sit around and I get mad at times because nobody speaks for us. Nobody has that voice. Even people with a bigger voice than
me. These artists who have a wider reach and bigger audience never speak on things, because I think people are so afraid to get
criticized on social networks and in the media,” says Stalley. “I started [“Raise Your Weapons”] out saying, ‘They saying I’m the last
of a dying breed in a generation in a dire need of a voice like me.’ I honestly feel like that. I feel like the generation has a dire, dire
need for someone to just stand up and speak for the community.”
Stalley also uses his new project as an homage to his loves like buckets and southern Hip Hop. Both of those interests come
together on the lead single “Swangin” featuring shout outs to Houston rap, a sample of Alabama rap duo G-side, and a verse from
legendary Geto Boys member Scarface.
“You don’t really hear Scarface talking much about cars. We’re use to hearing street talk from him and the ghetto tales,” says
Stalley. “I wanted to have him do a little something different from what people are used to hearing.”
Stalley also recruited a Western voice for Honest Cowboy. TDE’s Schoolboy Q will make an appearance on “NINETEENEIGHTY7.” The
pair recently shot a video for the record in Q’s hometown of Los Angeles.
“That’s one of them records that’s going to turn up the hood. It’s definitely one that I think is going to stick and stay for a minute.
It’s a big record.”
Stalley’s desire to create a masterful work led him to record over a 100 verses. He eventually dwindling the tunes down to ten
tracks which features production from DJ Quik, Block Beataz, Si, Terence Martin, Rashad, Soundtrakk, and Black Diamond. Stalley
hopes what he calls “the album before the album” satisfies his core fans and also appeals to new audience as well.
“For anybody that listens to TheAutobiogrophy to Lincoln Woy Nights to Savage Journeythey know that the sound stays similar, but it
always grows and gets bigger,” says Stalley. “I just focus on getting sharper with the pen, sharper with the flow, and making sure
that the production stays my sound, but also grows and gets more worldly so that it can reach a wider audience. Every artist wants
to grasp the attention of a new fan every time out, and I think that’s what I did with this project.”
Stalley’s Honest Cowboy will be available for download August 8. Follow Stalley on Twitter5hi!y
Stalley Reflects On P”
August 6 2013
g Hom Tn
Culture With Scarface
r
Exclusive: Stalley explains how his Midwestern rr
ienced his I
d his time at Maybach Music Group.
Every Hip Hop head knows that summer is full of mixtape and album releases. It’s nothing new; artists have been providing fans with
their summer
road trip soundtracks for years, and these past few months have been stacked with enough hits to keep fans’ heads nodding for months.
Even as summer starts to wind down, rappers have yet to stop their frantic pace of music production, with a seemingly never-ending list
of release
dates rolling out each week. Ohio-based emcee and former NCAA Division 1 basketball player Stalley, whose Honest Cowboy
mixfape drops August 8,
is no exception.
The Maybach Music Group label rep will also be on the collective’s joint album “Self Made vol. 3,” set for release on September 17,
the same day as
Drake’s Nothing Was the Same.
With a following that has grown at the rate of Rick Ross’ tattoo collection, Stalley has continued to woo fans with his lyrical talent,
adding to the diverse
range of artists associated with Ross’ label. His ability to ditch basketball after a series of injuries, make it through the dense ranks of Hip Hop
and earn
a spot on Ross’ MMG label doesn’t hurt either.
From his shoe game and LeBron’s potential return to Cleveland, to performing with KRS-One and the evolution of MMG, Stalley
had his hands full
during our latest interview.
HipHopDX: You’ve been with Maybach Music Group for over two years now. What’s it like working with labelmates like Wale and
Meek Mill?
Stalley: All of ‘em are great guys. All of them have their own individual styles and unique ways of recording, so it’s good to basically
be around all the
P
guys—from
1 to
to
just everybody people like ) ‘
and Meek and Ross and those guys that have been in the
game a little bit longer than I have, It’s just soaking up game, picking up different ways on how to move around this industry. It’s cool.
DX: Who’s your favorite MMG artist to work with?
Stalley: All of them are favorites because they all have they own style. We’re not around each other a lot because we all have
our own personal
careers. It’s not like we’re in the studio all the time or working around each other a lot.
DX: Has coming to MMG changed your style at all?
Stalley: Nah, not at all. It’s only helped me gain more eyes and ears on me as an artist and opened up different opportunities for
me. As far as my
style, nothing has changed for me. .since hopscotch. I came in rapping.
DX: MMG is busy working on Self Made Vol. 3, which comes out September 17. What can fans anticipate off of that project?
Stalley: I’m excited about the records I have on there. I gave Ross about four or five records; I believe all of them made it. I’ve just
been sitting on tons
of music, just recording and working on my album and working on these different projects that I’ve got going on. So it was good to just be
able to throw
him a few records that I knew I wouldn’t be able to use, or wasn’t going to use on one of my projects, and have him use ‘em on the Self
Made.
DX: You’ve said before that when it comes to Rick Ross, it’s family first. Does he treat MMG like family?
Stalley: Definitely, we’re all like brothers, It’s nothing but love. He always looks out for us and lets us be us and puts us in the best
position for us to
grow and have opportunities to be heard and seen, so it’s always family first with us.
DX: Is MMG’s shift from Warner Brothers to Atlantic going to have any implications with your distribution or promotion?
Stalley: Warner and Atlantic are pretty much under the same umbrella anyways, so it was a smooth transition going over Atlantic,
to
and we all got the
same distribution and everything. It’s still Maybach. At Atlantic we still got the same push, the same team. We’re still in the same
position as far as it
goes with that priority list. We were at the top of it, so we’re great.
DX: How does your relationship with producer Ski Beatz help your sound?
Stalley Me and
we did some great music together We did the S TA L L E Y record and we did
Those are two great records that I
had videos with him that allowed people to really start to get to know me, but I think my sound really came from my Ohio brethren Rashad,
who I
did
with.
DX: What’s it like forming a relationship with a producer?
Stalley: It’s important that you sit with somebody who gets you, gets where you come from, gets where you’re trying to go in music, what
your sound is
and what you’re trying to accomplish in music, and to sit and build with one producer. Even if it’s a few producers, it’s definitely a great thing
to have a
relationship with a good producer who really gets to know you inside and out. And when I say inside-out, I mean inside of the music
and outside of the
music, just on a personal level, because it’s easier to get those emotions and those feelings out of you and into the music.
DX: You’ve cited Dame Dash, Nas and Andre 3000 as some of your influences. What did you learn from those artists about rapping that you may
not
have been able to learn from some of the Ohio artists that are doing it right now?
Stalley: Not being scared to go Out on a limb. Just go out there and grind and not really pay attention to what’s going on. You’re always
going to have
people who like you and people who don’t like you—[l learned] just being yourself. People like
and Andre 3000 are artists that came in the game
and had their own sound, their own identity, their own personalities, their own way of dressing, their own everything. As a youngin’, to see them
come
in and impact the Rap game and the world the way they did, it was just amazing to me. And that’s what drew me to those artists in particular,
especially Outkast. When Outkast came Out, nothing or nobody sounded like Outkast. Nas, even though he had that East Coast sound and
that
lyricism, it was still different than the Jay-Z’s. the Biggie’s, the Boot Camp Clik’s and the stuft that was out at the time. And I feel like that’s
what I do
with my music.
Even though I’m from Ohio and the Midwest, you’ve never heard an artist or seen an artist that looks like me Or raps like me or raps about
the things
that I rap about—even though they re still some of the things that
Kanye Common or
rapped about Ifs still the
Midwest reputation and influence, but it’s still me. And I think that’s what makes it dope and makes it unique. I come from Massillion, Ohio,
a small
Midwest town. But Nas put on for Queerisbridge, not Queens, New York or New York City; it was Queensbridge. Same with Outkast when they
did
‘_
—
—
Decatur or Savanna. They represented the Atlanta sound, but they took it so specific and exact to the neighborhood they grew up in, and that’s what
think I do in my music as well.
DX: I’m just glad there are still rappers out there listening to Boot Camp Clik..
Staltey
“
The Shining is one of my favorite albums of all time Everything about it is dope from the production to the raps the whole
vibe and mood of it, It’s just a beautiful record.
DX: Who are your top five favorite Ohio rappers/producers of all time?
StaNey: I would say Layzie, K:ayyie, Bizzie, Wish and Flesh...all the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, man. That’s my top five right there; I love Bone. But I’m
so proud of everybody else too that’s coming out of Ohio right now, like Cudi, King Chip, M1 and all those guys. It’s a good movement and the good
start of a movement.
I mean when you think of the Midwest, the only people who really had a strong impact on music was Chicago. Chicago had Crucial Conflict, Twista,
Kanye, Common to GLC. Now Chicago’s got Chief Keef and King Louie and all those guys. So we’re just trying to really put that stamp on it to and
represent for the Midwest like Chicago has.
DX: Ohio’s been putting on for a while now too though.
Stattey: t think it’s time for the Midwest in general, not just Ohio or Chicago or Detroit—because we know Detroit has great artists too, like Eminem
and Royce da 59, Bio5an and those guys. But it’s time for the Midwest to really have that movement. We’re the only people that haven’t had that
strong movement, and it’s a surge of it comm through. The East Coast had its time, the West Coast had its time, the South had its time, but the
Midwest hasn’t really had that powerful five-to-ten year. 20-year run yet, and I think it’s coming.
DX: Maybe you can change that. Honest Cowboy comes out August 8, what can we expect out of that?
Stalley: I’m caught up in it. I’m really excited about this project because it’s probably some of the most personal music that I’ve put out. It’s definitely a
different side of me. You’re always going to have that classic Stalley and riding music, but there’s definitely some records on there that get you a little
deeper into the way I think and the way I feel. I don’t want to give it away, but there’s some touching songs and some songs where I’m very
opinionated about certain things r
we dropped that and it was one of the more political powerful messages that I ye put out so
far since I’ve been doing music. And that’s what it is; it’s just a lot of honesty. It’s just me being a cowboy. Me being someone who just goes out there
and doesn’t care about what people think or say and tells you what I feel, think and want to say without caring about what you feel.
And it’s exciting because this is a big step to me. I’m someone who’s from a small town and someone who’s really to myself. I’ve always been that way.
Growing up as a kid I was always the one that walked through the hallways by myself. Even though I played sports and was popular, I just always
kept kind of stuck to myself and stayed secluded in my own thoughts, so it’s big for me to actually express myself through the music. It’s a hard thing to
do for me but that’s why I’m excited to put this out.
DX: I know you played Division 1 basketball and you’re a big hoops fan...
Stalley: Yeah man, we could talk for hours about that. And you know we from the Midwest so we get passionate about that stuff It’s still going to be
hard for anyone to get past the Heat though. I don’t know If you heard my new record “A-Wax,” but I gave Joakim Noah some love.\
DX: Before we get too heavy into the hoops, you dropped a visual trailer for Honest Cowboy about a week ago. How important is it to do stuff like that?
It seems like everyone has those visual trailers now.
Staltey: I think the trailer and those visuals give you another voice and another side that the people don’t always get to see or that you don’t get to
explain through the music. So I think it’s important that you give ‘em bloqs or trailers here and there, and give ‘em a deeper behind the scenes look into
the music. [You have to] explain a little more in detail than the music might touch on, because sometimes you can’t put everything in the song. I’ll
probably drop a few more to give people more insight on the project,
DX: You’ve given a lot of your tracks away for free on your website during a time when the debate about free versus paid-for music has been big. Why
do you give fans free music?
Stalley: The way music is—how fast it goes and how much is put out through so many different artists—it’s oversaturated. So it’s important that you
give out quality music and really get those fans to support. Once your tans know that you consistently put out great music and you’ve given them so
much, it’s going to be easier for them to trust in you and feel comfortable with purchasing your album—especially when they can get it for free. Even
when you put out music for sale they still get it for free, so it’s important that you grow that type of support and just put out that constant quality so
they’ll be like, “I know what I’m going to get so I don’t mind spending my little $10, $12, $15 for this album.” And also, I want to have that conversation
with them, meaning that I want them to know who I am and understand me a little bit more before you just throw an album in their face.
DX: Are there going to be a lot of references to sneaks and cars on Honest Cowboy and in your verses on Self Made vol. 3 like there have been in
your previous work?
Stalley: Oh yeah, definitely. I’ve got to throw that in because that’s a big heavy, heavy, heavy part of my life. Me not talking about a car or some
sneakers in my music is like
K
not talking about marijuana smoking I ye got to mention it no matter what type of song I ye got to do it Its
just something that’s so important to me and something that’s always been through my life growing up, so I definitely try and set the mood and set the
scene a little better. I’m always around a car, in a car or I want to be around a car so, it’s always going to be heard in the music. And I’ve always got
some fresh sneakers on my feet, so I’ve got to always throw that in there too.
It’s a lifestyle, man. It’s a full time job to be a sneakerhead, and I can’t even keep up. If I’m a real sneakerhead, I can’t even be doing this interview right
now. Something’s coming Out right now. There’s something to be looking Out for right now if you’re a sneakerhead. Nike drops six new releases every
week, and that’s just Nike. That ain’t including Reebok, Adidas and all that,
DX: Well I know you played Division 1 baIl at the University of Michigan and a bit at Long Island University. Who has the better shoe collection, you or
labelmate Wale? I know he played some Dl football.
Stalley: He did, he did. Both of us didn’t really have a chance to reach the pinnacles of our career, and I didn’t even really get to touch the court like I
wanted due to injury. So I think we live a little through the sneakers with that. Just being an athlete, that’s how a lot of us get started into collecting the
sneakers or just appreciating sneaker quality, the materials and the impact that it has on the culture...and the timing and where you were at and what
year and what colorways your team wore. Wale has some great footwear, but t got to say I have the best sneakers in the game, because its quality
over quantity and I have some great, great kicks. But I’m sure he’ll say he has better too, that’s just opinion. But we’re definitely two peopie who are
passionate about the sneakers.
DX: You were a guest editor for a shoe website at one point, and you wrote for SLAM magazine at one point so you know your stuff. What’s your alltime favorite shoe? Do you have a current favorite?
Stalley: The Jordan True Blue 3 is my favorite sneaker. Currently, I love the Flyknit Chukka’s in every color. Since they’ve been dropping those, I have
every single one. I’m on the search for those. There’s only one pair that I don’t have and they’re an HTM pair that dropped overseas that I didn’t get my
hand on. I have the other HTM joints, but I don’t have just this one pair. But the Flyknit Chukka’s to me are one of the best sneakers that Mike has
done in along, long time.
DX: What do you think about Hypebeasts and everything going on with Jordan’s right now?
Stattey: It’s a crazy world right now, man. There’s Hypebeasts in every aspect of culture. Sneakers, clothes, cars, jewelry, whatever man; people are
just doing whatever is popular just to get it, and they don’t really do their research or really pay attention to understand the whole culture and what
people have been through.
The thing that sucks
..
—
DX: What was it like working with Scarf ace?
Stalley: Aw man, it was a dream come true. That’s Uncle Facet I learned a lot about the swangin’ culture. Like said, swangin’ is something that I
wanted to pay homage to being a supporter of the swangers and the Houston movement. Up in the Midwest, we’re big on cars but we didn’t really do
the poke-outs too much. I know in Ohio, we did blades and we did Dayton’s, spokes and stuff like that. So just to hear a little bit about the culture—the
swangers and the original poke-outs—from him was dope. ‘ye had homies who died over fatty’s, pokers, Dayton’s and stuff like that, and to hear him
tell stories about how his partners died over these ‘84s and these poke-outs, it was great to hear how two cultures can be so similar and so passionate
about the rides.
And that’s what I really wanted to come across in the music. We enjoy, we ride, but at the same time this is a culture. This is a movement. Like I said,
“Uncle Bun and Scarface / The reason why my car laced with a detachable Alpine face.” Those guys are the reason I went and put sounds in my car
and took the Alpine.. you remember the detachable faces for the car radios? That was the reason why I did that. And then I said, “I had my trunk laced
with fifteens and loud bass ‘cause I had to listen to Screw, right! First time I poured lean I had to use up two Sprites!I swear I drove like all night!
Under that Houston star, lazy rest in peace to Pimp! And Big Moe, the Barre Baby.”
And again, people have died over this culture, over this syrup. That’s Syrup City down there, and people have died over that. People think sippin’ syrup
and drinking lean is cool. But I’m saying, ‘C’mon man, but rest in peace to the originals, to Screw and Pimp and Big Moe...it’s serious.” Pay homage,
show your love and your respect, but just know that there are consequences to everything, good and bad.
OX: You’ve worked with classic artists like Scarface, but you’ve also been on stage with artists like KRS-One, Method Man and Redman, and Camp Lo
and all kinds of Golden Age rappers. Who’s been the most fun to perform with?
Stalley: Every single one. That’s like picking a favorite from MMG; I can’t pick one favorite, because everyone has their different energy and different
styles. I picked up a lot of different tricks and trades on how to control crowds from Method and Red and Mos Def. Just watching all of ‘em is great.
These guys are from the Golden Age, and they come from when you really had to put on a show, It wasn’t just a live performance; you had to put on a
show. And that’s why I take my craft and my showmanship so serious, because coming up as a young artist—I’ve only been doing music for five years
now—but in these five years that I’ve been doing music, to be alongside some of those great artists during shows has taught me so much and the
importance of that showmanship.
DX: Who was the best to party with before the show?
Stalley: Camp Lo, probably. On the low they were the best party. They are turnt up at all times. They are some good guys, comical, very funny guys,
man, and they just let loose. I really enjoyed being around them. Those are the originators right there; a lot of people took their styles from them. A lot
of people took their styles from them, and those are two guys that came into the game, who dressed a certain way, rapped a certain way, and they
made their mark and that’s where music has to get back to.
A lot of people follow trends; if’s wack rapping. Everybody on the radio, in the club and you the wack one or you’re boring or whatever it is. But back in
the day, it was cool to be the opposite, and it was cool to be different. It was cool to rap about different things and dress a different way, and that’s what
I’m trying to lead back into the game—just having that honest cowboy mentality, that original mentality of lust being you and saying whatever you want
to say, because nobody can say your life the way you can say your life.
—
August 7 2013
Rapper Stalley wants to his fans to feel like family
Rapper Stalley just wants be honest with his fans.
This week, the Ohio emcee and member of Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group, released his second
mixtape, Honest Cowboy. Stalley tells theGrio.com his main goal with his latest effort is to invite his
fanbase more intimately into his world.
“They know I’m from Ohio,” Stalley said about his connection with his fans. [The fans] know I’m into
sports, sneakers, fashion. But, you know I really want to get them deeper into my life meet my
—
father, my mother, my kids. I want them to feel like family.”
TheGrio j Blue collar roots define the ‘Bruce Springsteen of rap’
Stalle is a car enthusiast as well. His love for automobiles is currently on display with his most recent
single “Swangin’,” which features rap legend Scarface.
“I grew up listening to Scarface,” Stalley recalled. “That’s all you would hear on the streets and in the
cars. For him to jump on my track was a true honor and blessing.”
Check out what else Stalley had to say in our Grio interview and let us know what you think in the
comments below.
LADER
August
th
15
2013
Stalley feat. Schoolboy Q ‘NineteenEighlyT’ (DL
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Stalley’s working toward a solo LP—it may drop this year, it may not. As a prelude, last week he
released Honest Cowboy, a tape featuring production contributions from DJ Quik, Cardo and Block
Beataz. Schoolboy Q’s fuzzy beard stands alongside Stalley’s more ample whiskers in the video for mixtape
cut “NineteenEighty7,” an LA drive-around directed by John Colombo, with stops in Hollywood and the
Compton swap meet. Neither Stalley nor Q were born in ‘87.
Download: Stalley f. Schoolboy Q, “NineteenEighty7” (Prod. by Terrace Martin)
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June 11, 2013
Stalleys 5 Summer Fashion Essentials
. . . . .
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When it comes to style, blue collar isn’t exactly the best term to describe Statley.
Although, he admits to being inspired by the working class “sneakerhead” is a bit more appropriate,
since the “Swangin” rapper makes countless cameos across the internet daily, just for lacing up his
favorite unreleased shoes. Recently, the Time Out NYfeatured him as one of the most stylish New
Yorkers, validating the Brooklyn resident’s superb knack for suiting up. VIBE caught up with Stalley to
--
find out what every self made individual must-have this summer. See more at:
-
September 16, 2013
Stalley Talks ‘Self Made 3’ And Beard Maintenance
With Maybach Music Group’s third compilation album Self Made, Vol. 3 sliding into stores
tomorrow (Sept. 17), Rick Ross and Co. are looking to flood the streets with new posse cuts
while also giving each member its individual shine. Stalley recently caught up with VIBE to
discuss his solo contribution called “Coupes/ Roses” and what makes him most excited about
sharing wax with his team.
“It’s still me, It’s still Stalley, I still get what I want to say. It’s not like I get into a different
character,” the Ohio rapper explains, “but it’s great because I get to ride different beats. That’s
what I get excited about because the beats that Ross selects for this project are totally
different.”
Not only will Stalley celebrate MMG’s collaborative efforts, his Honest Cowboy EP will also
drop. Watch the full interview where he also discusses taking care of his signature beard above.
You can also catch his latest visual “Cup Inside A Cup” below.
VIBe
August 8 2013
Stalley Talks ‘Honest Cowboy’ Mixtape, Menace II Society And Trayvon Martin
Stalley is known for more than just his allegiance to Rick Ross’ Maybach Music team and lengthy facial
hair. The Ohio rapper, né Kyle Myricks, is set to drop his latest mixtape Honest Cowboy Thursday
(August 8) even though it isn’t his first time at the rap rodeo.
The 30-year-old lyricist says that it was his father’s work on the ranch and the honest qualities of a
cowboy that sparked the mixtape’s title. “The title came from me honestly digging inside of me. I want
to be as honest with my music as possible whether it be with myself or my listener,” he tells VIBE. “My
father was like a cowboy. At the same time of trying to figure out who I was or what I basically wanted
to come across in the music, it was also me searching for answers on why my father wasn’t around or
why he did the things he did or why he left.”
The soul-searching resulted in a 10-piece offering that features the likes of Scarface, Di Quik and
Schoolboy Q, but it was another muse that made the cut: the character from the 1993 classic hood film
Menace II Society named A-Wax.
“People are more used to the laid back music from me so I just wanted to give out more of that edgy
feel to me as a person because that is my personality,” he says of the record “A-Wax.”
“That movie is something that I grew up with in my childhood so it’s always stuck out to me and one of
my favorite lines is ‘If you want it done right, take it to the Wax,” he adds.
Watch Stalley also discuss the possibility of writing a book, who would portray him in a biopic on his life
and how his Deadmaus-sampled track “Raise Your Weapons” speaks to the generation coping with the
Trayvon Martin case. Stay tuned for Honest Cowboy set to drop later today.
Date:
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Thursday, September 12.2013
COLUMBUS. OH
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Magazine (W)
22,23
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Stalley
music
BREA KAWAY
MUSIC FESTIVAL
BY ANW DOWNING// @andydownlng33
n Kendrick Lamar’s much-applauded guest verse on Big
Sean’s “Control,” the rapper surveys the musical land
scape and sees little match for his ample skillset, rhym
ing, “What is competition? I’m ti-yin’ to raise the bar high.”
One imagines the uber-confident, Los Angeles-born MC
would express similar sentiments if he were to assess the rest
of the field at the inaugural Breakaway Music Festival, a new
born concert venture produced by local promoters Prime Social
Group, who will also host a sister event next weekend at FC
Dallas Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
The daylong affair, which takes place at Columbus Crew
Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, brings together nearly 30 acts
culled from the worlds of rock, EDM and hip-hop, including
Lamar, whose headlining turn should easily be one of the fest’s
standouts sets. But who else could rise to the rapper’s dial
lenge? Here are a handful of acts with the potential to b-ing
down the house.
O
Page 1 of 4
r 2013 ALIVE
riji Rights RosotVod.
Account: 18769AE (61927)
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For rsprrsls or rights, iease rrIod rho pstriisher
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ALiVE!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
COLUMBUS. OH
56,835 (32)
Magazine (W)
22,23
Main
Stalley
STALEY
Massillon native Kyle
Myricks. whose robust
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Page 4 of 4
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E PLAVBOOK
April 18, 2013
http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/trending/post/ /id/16094/stalley-ta lks-playing-against-lebron-ames
Stalley talks playing against LeBron James
Jerritt Clark!Getty Images
Rick Ross Wale and Stallev Derlormed in New York all oart oF Mavbach Music Grouo.
With the NBA playoffs set to begin this weekend, Ohio native and Maybach Music Group
member Stalley will be rooting on hometown friend LeBron James closely.
See, Stalley knows that James is an Ohio guy and will someday return to resurrect the
franchise Cleveland Cavaliers he left.
—
--
1 think soon hell honestly go back and give them a ring and do as he proniised said
Stalley, who was quite critical of James during the Decision’ of 2010. When that happens.
everyone will erase the past, and hell be king again here. Hell enjoy his life back home.’
Ohio is and will always be home for Stalley, born Kyle Mvricks. He started out making
rnixtapes and started working with big-time producers and he signed with Rick Ross
Maybach Music Group and will release his debut album this summer.
In fact, growing up in Massillon. Ohio, Stallev played James in high school basketball, Stalley
was a 6-2 player also with NBA aspirations.
I tip my hat to LeBron. 1 knew he was going to be something special. I saw him up close a
lot. He was an animal, Stalley said. 1’m still such a big fan of his. He is my motivation.
Seeing him do what he does, why cant I get Grammvs
2 Why cant I sell platinum records? It
makes me work harder.”
Plavbook had a few minutes with Stalley to talk LeBron, music and his love of cars.
You played basketball as a teen. Think you could have qone pro?
1 don’t see why I couldn’t. I always had that dream. I could see myself playing overseas or
even the NBA. I’m not a person who lives out of my means so F know the road wouldn’t
have been easy. I think music is very similar. You have to put in the work.”
You were not happy when James left for Miami but have you softened your stance?
“We’re all prideful in Ohio. I think LeBron wants to live here and retire here and do it
peacefully. I understand why he left. He was from a small town. It’s like one out of a million
can make it, and he did. I get that. In my hip hop world, it’s similar. We have no big shows
or big radio play here. If you can leave and do what you need to do and then come back,
why not? That’s how it is for me, I get things done and I go back home.
Besides basketbati, you have this huqe love affair with muscle cars. Whats that scene
like in Ohio?
It’s like a Barrett-Jackson car auction scene where owners are there showcasing their
cars. The whole downtown shuts down, and you have this car show. You have carnival food
and you mingle among others. And the younger kids will sit in their cars at the Kmart or BP
gas station. It’s not like Fast and the Furious’ It’s more laid back. It’s Honda Civics with
nitro kits. Its 1976 Chevelles.”
What is your perfect car?
‘Man, I like so many. 1 really love the 1968 Camaro. I love the ‘68 427 engine. I’d love to
get one arid fully restore it. I’d want original everything. That’s more of my dream car. I’d I’d
also say the 1976 Camaro Z28s with the T-top.”
When you make it big, do you think youlI be collecting cars?
“Most definitely. Right now, I collect sneakers. Sneakers will turn into cars.”
You are known for your mixtapes but you now are working on your first album. Your
first single, ‘Swangin$ is a collobration with Scarface. Its a smooth and different
50U n d.
‘1 felt the time is right. It’s a perfect state in hip hop. People are starting to get back to
listening to more of that classic sound. Thv want musicality and Irics. I’m trying to bring it
baEk and give you an upto-date vibe at the same time. I want you to hear my music and
feel the 330 of Massillon, Ohio, It’s like when I was a kid and you’d see guys riding around
listeninQ to their music in their cars. You always wanted to know what song was blaring
from their car speakers. I want to give you that sound and that feel and that kind of music.”
June 25, 2013
STALLEY, JOE HADEN, Di CLARK KENT, OTHERS WEIGH IN ON KICKS ON COURT RACE
The 2013 Kicks On Court race is underway. Throughout the 2012-2013 NBA season, we not only caught
up with our eight nominees, but also people we’ve worked with that actually paid attention to the Kicks
On Court race and are sometimes spotted courtside at games. Here what Di Clark Kent, Joe Haden,
Stalley and others have to say about who should be crowned on Friday.
July 1, 2013
STALLEY IS JULY’S NICE KICKS GUEST EDITOR
LSEN1
STALLEY
Maybach Music Group MC and Celebrity Sneaker Stalker regular Stalley will serve as Nice Kicks Guest
Editor for the month of July. Expect to see the Ohio native pop up all over Nice Kicks this month in more
columns than just CSS. Stay tuned to Nice Kicks all July long for exclusive stories and much more from
Stalley.
Stalley On “Honest Cowboy”, MMG, Rick Ross & Spirituality
October 2, 2013
Peter Bailey catches up with Maybach Music Groups Stalley inside Circle House Studios during MMG
weekend. He discusses his EP Honest Cowboy, learning from Rick Ross, his spirituality as well as
giving back to Ohio.
July 1, 2013
3_v
Nice Kicks 0
FoIIow
nrcekicks
.@Stalley is July’s Nice Kicks Guest Editor
nicek.is/14K40VS
4
Reply
U Retweet * Favorite
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Nice Kicks
Stalley is JuIys Nice Kicks Guest Editor
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By Ian Stonebrook @ianstonebrook
Maybach Music Group MC and Celebrity
Sneaker Stalker regular Stalley will serve as
lice Kicks Guest Editor for the month of July
Expect to see the Ohio native pop up all over
Nice Kicks this month
View on web
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STALLEY
IA
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KICK
August 2 2013
STALLEY “HONEST COWBOY” LISTENING EVENT AT ALIFE NYC
Maybach Music Group recording artist and Nice Kicks’ July Guest Editor, Stalley, will be releasing a new
mixtape, Honest Cowboy, on August 8th. To promote this upcoming project, Statley will be hosting a
listening event at ALIFE in NYC on Thursday, August 1st. Being in NYC, many hip-hop and sneaker fans
alike will be in attendance. If you’re in NYC, check out the flyer for event details. Thanks to Atlantic
Records for giving Nice Kicks the opportunity to be part of the event.
August 2 2013
RECAP: STALLEY
‘i:.
@ ALIFE NYC:
HONEST COWBOY LISTENING PARTY
h1LId
Last night, MMG/Atlantic’s own Stalley returned to his old stomping grounds at the Alife Rivington where he
hosted a special listening of his upcoming project, Honest Cowboy. The Ohio native extended the invite to his
biggest fans via Twitter because he wanted to treat listeners to a sneak peak of the all the cuts that made it onto the
final Honest Cowboy track list.
Honest Cowboy drops August 8th, and Alife, along with Nice Kicks, hosted the celebration.Stalley previewed
his fan’s favorite tracks. Joints like “Samson”, “Swangin”, “Nineteeneighty7”, and “Feel the Bass”, were some
tracks that particularly showcased how the rapper’s talents have grown since signing with Rick Ross’ Maybach
Music label. Honest Cowboy is Stalley’s 5th mixtape in six years and artists like Schoolboy Q, Scarface,
andCrystal Torres threw down ill guest verses for the project. Beats were supplied by Block
Beataz and Rashad, among others.
Also in the house last night were Atlantic Records up-and-corners Justine Skye & Dusty McFly, who showed up to
support their label mate. The excited fans and A Life staff definitely turned the event into a party, proving
that Stalley’s Ohio sound is well-respected in NYC. Check out photos from the event in our slide show above and the
album art below. We also have an interview with Stalley coming soon, so stay tuned.
SOUAE
August 2 2013
Recap: Stalley’s ALife Listening Of ‘Honest Cowboy’
Last night, Stalley held a listening event at ALIFE for his upcoming project Honest Cowboy.
The listening event came hours after he shared the artwork and tracklist via Instagram. The intimate event
was equipped with an open bar, a live DJ, and a crowd shy of 100 people.
With a mic in hand, head down and often bobbing, the humble midwestern rapper stood on a couch and vibed out as
each track spun. After all ten tracks played (including the last track “Gettin’ By” being played twice due to the crowd’s
request), Stalfey hopped down from the couch.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to the Maybach Music artist. Although Stalley possesses the
signature MMG heavy and rough sound, his purely amicable aura is undeniable. Without hesitation, he greeted every
fan that approached him, including posing for pictures.
As for the music, on this upcoming project expect top-notch production, innovate sampling and notable features.
Be sure to cop Honest Cowboy on August 8, 2013.