24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.

What’s good y’all? Its da kid Cortez outta Bed-Stuy Brooklyn for those who don’t know! Get Familiar with the name I’ma be here for awhile!!

24: You’re coming from Brooklyn, New York, an area well-known for hip-hop and home to legends such as B.I.G. and Jay-Z. How do you get around that and get your music out?

Well in Brooklyn, its survival of the fittest! Either you eat or get ate and I’m the type to eat!! Brooklyn made me into a go-getter and since a child I been grinding, just overtime my reputation spoke for itself! See If you’re in da hood niggaz gon’ know you and know what you about and I was known! Now cats respect me for being not only a real nigga but for also hustling with this music and never stopping!!

24: You were almost signed to Jay-Z’s Roc La Familia label in 2007 and had a little situation going on with Universal Records that didn’t pan out as well. You’ve never really spoken much about it either deal so could you shed some light on what happened with those particular situations?

I actually spoke about this on “Label Issues” off my “Exception to the Rule” mixtape, but both situations just didn’t fit. I feel success comes with timing and having people who believe in you surround you. In both cases I didn’t think the people around me had what it took to push me to the next level. Roc La Familia was just riding the whole “Reggaeton” phase and Universal was utilizing me as a songwriter for up & coming R&B acts. Neither situation cared for me as an artist in Hip-Hop, so I took a step back from each situation and never looked back. I’ve progressed so much since then I have no regret to my decisions, the handwork paid off.

24: Have you ever felt like too much time passes in the game where you have to make it and that window is closing?

Well we all have to be realistic and realize we all have lives outside of music and can’t rap forever! I admit sometimes I had felt snubbed at not being signed in my earlier years especially with the huge success the “South” had in the mid 2000’s and the major drop off in NY Hip-Hop. At the time I felt the new talent in NY (such as myself) was not given a respectful chance and being overlooked for copycat acts who were more of “One Hit Wonders” or “Ringtone” rappers rather than complete “artists” with a vision and a chance of longevity in Hip-Hop! I still feel the same way BUT I’m glad my situations didn’t pan out till now cuz now I feel more prepared and ready than ever before.

24: For those who may be unfamiliar with NYB and Murda Ave Gang, can you tell us about those two movements.

Murda Ave is not only a group but its family. It’s a way of life! Murda Ave consists of artists I grew up with and grinded with since day one: Billy Da Kid, Kantone, E-Rilla, Ms. Fit, Rum and Willie Neutron! We got the Album dropping in 2011 and you’ll hear a lot more from each artist actually with solo projects releasing as well. NYB is a collective of major artists with major buzz coming together as a whole and sparking a movement! Math Hoffa, D. Chamberz, Hollow Da Don, Hanz, Bless, BK Bear & the brains behind it all, Street Star Norbs. We joined forces realizing as a whole we’d be able to bring about change and deliver a fresh sound back to the streets. Watch out for the NYB album slated to release 1st Quarter of 2011! Owwwww!!



24: Over the years, you’ve definitely put your work in on the battle scene [with URL and Grindtime] as well as with the music. What can you tell us about your recent mixtape Exception 2 The Rule?

Exception to the Rule was an expression for me! I wanted to not only showcase my music talent but it was a measuring bar for me to really see my growth! It was my first release since I had a major buzz so I got to see how many fans were REALLY REALLY supportive of my music and with the huge online outlets (twitter, FaceBook etc.) I’d get real opinions and feedback! Needless to say 10,000 downloads, radio rotation and paid shows & features have proven the mixtape was a success!!

24: You have a lot of notable features on Exception 2 The Rule including Young Money MC Cory Gunz on “Killer”. How did it come about?

I met Cory Gunz at BlokWork studios in the Bronx. Cory and I kicked it off well and he’s a huge fan of battle rap! Now earlier in the week my boy AvE had played me the “Killer” record and I loved it! AvE had commented saying he hears Cory Gunz all over it. So after vibing with Cory I played “Killer” for him. He started writing on the spot! I wrote my verse, he wrote his, we laid it down and sent AvE the finishing touches and the rest is history. Cory is a real nigga. He shows love regardless of his situation or music ties! #RealNiggaTime

24: Do you feel any pressure going verse for verse with him?

Pressure? Na. At the end of the day I know what I’m capable of lyrically and I held my own! (Laughs)

24: How do you choose what artists you want on a project?

I never really chose. I just record and work with everybody. Once I’m about 20 records in and I get a feel for how the album sounds I mold the final touches and if a certain artist can bring that sound out then I’ll reach out but I never really focus on a certain collabo.

24: Do you feel like you’ve been getting the feedback you want for your music?

Yes I’m getting great feedback! I didn’t wanna be stereotyped as a battle rapper only and I feel blessed I’m one of the few who actually avoided that stigma!

24: How important is it for you to come in the game with some features but also to have people recognize you as a quality solo artist?

I think it’s important to utilize your features to touch that features fan base actually. Over time if you keep putting out quality material eventually those fans become yours. Then slowly spoon feed the fans your own material and that’s how you create your own fan base.

24: The overall feel on the mixtape was similar to that of an EP or an album with all original music. Why did you go that route as opposed to the usual jacking-for-beats/freestyle format on most mixtapes?

I wanted to showcase my music abilities and not just “punchline gun” rhymes! I wanted supporters to hear hooks, flows, concepts, my ability to make radio ready records, songs for the ladies etc. A bunch of freestyles wouldn’t have helped me. You get straight lyricism from my battles so Exception to the Rule showcased the other talents.

24: How are you going to make sure your buzz never goes down the way some artists did in recent years?

I can’t guarantee it but I will promise I’m going to try my hardest to keep improving and never slack. If I’m blessed enough those efforts will push me to the next level

24: How long do you think this process will take for you?

I feel within a year or two things will pan out and my path musically will be clear.

24: What keeps you going in a game where there are so many rappers chasing to get to where you are?

The only thing that keeps me going is the fact that I’ve met hundreds of people and heard thousands and no matter what I still feel ahead of the pack! Not to sound vain BUT its scary knowing soooo many people and knowing I can elevate past them lyrically! That’s my fuel!

24: How would you describe the changes from when you entered the game to now?

I think the game now has forced artists to be independent! That’s the biggest change! 10 years ago labels did everything, now artists promote themselves, book shows, record and engineer their own music etc. The games changed cuz now most artists have control of their own fate!

24: In today’s free download age, what do you need that you don’t have to make yourself a household name?

I think the only thing I don’t have that I need to become a household name is the financial backing that can help spread my material across the world. If I receive that push… It’s Over!!!! (Laughs)

24: What can folks expect from Cortez in 2011?

In 2011 expect a lot of music and videos! My goal is to really brand my product and surround myself with any and everyone who’s about progress. Big Moves!!

24: And when’s your debut album coming?

I’m working on an EP with my Producer Che’ Boogy and Mighty Fuzz Young! Trust me the new music I’ll be distributing will put me in a position of power! Owwwww!

24: How would the fans go about contacting you?

if anyone needs to contact me u can hit me on my twitter @Cortez_HSP, FaceBook- Cortez HSP. Please hit me up I’m definitely trying to work and make moves!!

24: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?

Brooklyn!!!!!