Written by guest writer Michael Sutton
Let's get it out of the way: Chil Will is not Eminem. Outside
of regional hip-hop scenes, there seems to be a misunderstanding
of what it means to be a white rapper. Being Caucasian automatically
triggers comparisons to either Eminem or - gasp! - Vanilla Ice.
But Chil Will is nowhere near as grim as Eminem nor is he silly
like Vanilla Ice. Chil Will is Chil Will. Got that? Hailing from
San Francisco, he has built everything from the ground up - his
musical career and his own record label, Fastrak Entertainment,
which has already landed a distribution deal. How did he do it?
Read on.
Michael Sutton: When did you begin to rap?
Chil Will: I remember about five years ago writing my first
verse ever on paper titled, "Time to Shine." It took
me only fifteen minutes to write. Shortly after, I was huddled
under a cargo blanket that was pinched up by the closet door
and the corner of the wall with a $30 microphone and a cheap
four-track recorder. Instantly the rash of spitting emotions
on paper captivated me and the addiction took over. That was
when I officially began to write and record rap.
MS: What was the first hip-hop record that had the biggest
impact on you and why?
CW: I'm from a later generation so listening to older pioneers
was really going back in time. All kinds of music have been
a huge impact in my life. I've always been open to many generations,
new and old. My younger years (the late '80's / early '90's)
were heavily influenced by West Coast rap. N.W. A., Too Short
and E-40 were all setting the bar but the album that had the
biggest impact on me was Dr. Dre's The Chronic. I felt this album
set a whole new set of rules for hip-hop culture and music.
Besides the trunk shipping production, the concepts of the songs
were simple and at the same time a clear image of how they were
living. That same formula is what I use for my music today.
MS: How do you feel about the Eminem comparisons because
you are white?
CW: Personally, the Eminem issue doesn't bother me at all.
The only comparison is that we are both white. We have lived
separate lives in separate areas. I haven't gotten any heat
at all for being a so-called "white-rapper" or any
other relation to Eminem. I'm from the Bay Area where diversity
in the music biz has been active for many years, even before
Eminem. Hopefully in the years to come, my success as an artist
can be a compared to any great artist, even Eminem.
MS: Why did you form your own label?
CW: A long-term goal of mine has always been to have my own
successful business in the music industry and to hopefully contribute
positive music to hip-hop. Following my bloodlines of entrepreneurs,
any passion or ambition will give me the strength to overcome
hardships on my way to success. I'm a hardheaded leader who believes
that being your own boss is the only way to make a living, especially
when you are getting paid for your passion.
MS: How has company progressed so far?
CW: I started Fastrak Entertainment in January of 2003 with
limited resources and high expectations. On August 2, 2003,
we released The Beginning..., a raw album mainly for the streets
and to gain some
credentials as a label. The album was not professionally mixed
or mastered but still created a great buzz. Our first show was
the album release party and actually turned out to be somewhat
of a success with a turnout of 350 people. From then on, performing
and throwing events became a natural talent that dramatically
increased fan base and reputation. Currently, Fastrak has signed
a nationwide distribution deal with AK Productions/KES Distribution
through rap legend King
George. This has taken the label to a new level that will let
us expand and reach a higher potential. As we begin the nationwide
campaign for my album titled, Chil Will, Game Drastic, be on
the lookout for Fastrak touring in 2006. Our talent as artists
is phenomenal and we have gained much experience and knowledge
of the industry in our anticipation to move to the top. Fastrak
is ready to be put to work with world class marketing skills
above industry together as a perfect team for the perfect outcome,
success.
To find out more visit http://www.FastrakEntertainment.com
