24hourhiphop.com sits down with a dope rap duo out of Bronx, Ny named All Year Summer. We got a chance to sit down and talk to them about why they are 24HHH Next In Line. They talk to us about current projects and future projects. They also give us some insight to their musical influence and life growing up. Find out more from All Year Summer in the interview below and let us know what you think!
24HHH: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are?
We are Chris Toro & M.G. Friends from The Bronx, NY also known as All Year Summer. A duo pushing the boundaries not only in rap, but music. We both have a background in acting so it definitely plays a big part in our videos & songwriting. We love to tell a story in a creative way using characters in real life situations, to paint a picture.
24HHH: How did you come up with your Artist name? Tell us about it.
The summer of 2010 was one of the greatest summers ever. We just graduated high school and Chris had a free crib for a month. There was probably only 2 days where we didn't party. When thinking of a name to represent us, all we could think was having that stress-free, summer All Year round. In time, the name grew to mean much more than constant parties and no homework. All Year Summer is about being happy and doing whatever the hell you want. Plus we’re from NYC, we love the snow but wouldn't you like it to be All Year Summer
24HHH: Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?
“I’m from the greatest city in the world, The Bronx, NY. In my opinion there’s no better city to live in. There are so many different, talented, crazy, weird, interesting people everywhere you go. Its full of so much culture so being an artist in NY is perfect because your surrounded by art. “ Chris
“I love nyc. You grow up here and have the opportunity to make it right there in your backyard, but its hard to get there. It's a city of opportunity, but it can also eat you alive. Besides the harshness, theres so much to do and have an amazing time.” MG
24HHH: Who were you raised by? Tell us your family situation. Got any brothers, sisters, or any siblings? Tell us about your childhood, and how it impacted your music?
“I was blessed to have a mother and father to raise me. Unfortunately they’re separated but they remain friends. I have 2 sisters, a cool ass niece, and a dog, that is really a wookie. I had a fun childhood, played lots of sports and loved to explore and get involved with different things, like acting. My parents played tons of old music, from like the 60’s, 80’s, jazz and more. “ Chris
“I am lucky to have an amazing family. My mother, father, sister and brother are what inspire me to be great. I want better things for my family and they keep me motivated. I was rasied to believe I could be anything I wanted if I worked hard enough, and I still believe that. My parents are my role models. Growing up I heard all kinds of music, both English and Spanish. Music is boundless and it made me want to explore new ways to create as well, keep things different.” MG
Check Out All Year Summer – In The Sun (Official Video)
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24HHH: What age did you start making music?
The year we graduated high school, 17 and 18 years old.
24HHH: What inspired you to pursue making music?
The reaction from our first performance at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. We showed up with 90 cds and left with 5, that we had to save for people not at the show. Recording also inspired us to keep going. The ability to create whatever the hell you want is just too great a feeling.
24HHH: What artists/producers do you work with? Or rubbed shoulders with?
We have an in house production team, people that we have been working with since day 1. Mr O. Kay is a producer out of Harlem, Rondell Charles from the Bronx, Donovan Cortese from the Bronx and our studio is downtown at Feet 1st Studios. We also used to have a part time job at Central Park with emerging star Branchez. We did a song together called “Got Fire” which is one of our favorite songs to perform. We also got to meet Asher Roth, who is one of favorite artists today.
24HHH: What else you got coming out? New Album? or Mixtape/EP?
We recently dropped our first duo mixtape “Complementary” that's available on bandcamp and datpiff. It's a compilation of remixes we did over a variety of beats. Its something we did to give a taste to people of who we are. Hear us rap. “For the Xperience” is a different story. It's a project with mainly house/EDM/hip hop type beats, but with rap. We have singers featuring on it to really change up the sound a bit. This is not a hip hop cd. Party tracks, to hangover tracks, to freestyle. Its crazy.
Check out All Year Summer – Rock Out (Official Video)
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24HHH: Tell us about your newest single?
There are a bunch. But one song, off “For the Xperience” is called “Henny”. Ctachy melodies, heavy bass and up-tempo is something that can play at any party. We cant wait to release it. Ever at a party, you have a drink in your hand, and someone asks you to dance? If you think you’re nice you’re going to try and dance without spilling your drink. That's where the story begins.
24HHH: Any new travel plans, what you got going on?
Well Miguel just recently turned 21, he had the great idea of renting out a cabin and staying the night after skiing during winter break. Get a bunch of people and have a trippy couple days haha. –Chris
“Were actually planning to go down to marti gras. Heard so many stories but never been so I gotta go. But were in the works of booking a show down there so we might be performing during marti gras!” MG
24HHH: What is the biggest thing to happen in your career?
Dropping our music video (which the party was crazy) that dropped on June 21st, AKA first day of summer, and watching it get on to MTVU was pretty insane. Two guys from the Bronx, landing on one of the biggest music channels, is unheard of. -Chris
Getting a full page feature on El Diario was pretty awesome too. We did an interview with them, and for one day, had an article titled “All Year Summer: “Quieremos Cambiar El Hip Hop” printed all over NYC. Any deli, or gas station you went to for that one day, had a big article with our picture on it for doing what we love. That's incredible.” MG
24HHH: Where can people find you?
Updates on everything going on can be found on the AYS twitter, facebook and Tumblr. We also post videos and pictures on instagram. The links are below but besides that, we’re still pretty local, New York City is where you can find us. Were always looking for new and better spots to perform and go crazy so it’s not that hard to find us. Emilios Pizza in Throgs Neck is a good bet too.
www.facebook.com/AllYearSummer
www.youtube.com/beachbummusic1
Twitter: @AllYearSummer_ @imchristoro @inMGmind
24HHH: Where do you see yourself going in 2014 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?
2014 we plan to step everything up. Marketing will take a big step up and the name will get out there. We want to be known not only with our music, but other outlets as well, like video making and skits. There’s so much to say and ways to express it. We want to make movies, design clothing and so much more. We’re rappers, but We wont be limited like most rappers. We can be those guys playing shows with EDM, hip hop, trance, rock, or whatever we please and enjoy. That's what will separate us.
24HHH: Any last words or shout outs?
Big shoutout to my AYS family. There is a small group of people that have been with us from day one. The beginning stages of a career are the hardest, but without supporters this really wont get far. Shout out to those who inspire my music and shoutout to my muse. Our dream isn’t ours alone. We see those who believe in us and our message and that's what has gotten us this far. This is only the beginning of a long journey.
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