24: Introduce yourself to everyone and let them know where your representing?

Duke Gutta: What’s up Hip-Hop world. They call me Duke Gutta. I’m claiming Springfield(Bangfield), Massachusetts by way of LA.
 
24: What do you feel your bringing to the music world and what separates you from the next new artist?

Duke Gutta: Honestly, I feel like I’m bringing back some good old fashioned lyricism with the right mixture of hood smarts. An as cliché as it may sound, plenty of swagger. I’m pretty confident that my presence and the conviction in my music will clearly separate me from the next artist, that and my work ethic. I live for music.
 
24: Who were some  artist that you would say influence you musically?

Duke Gutta: That’s tough, because I listen to a lot of older music and unsigned artists as well. What’s on the radio now is completely uninspiring to me. In fact, I really only listen to the radio to see what’s ‘poppin’ at the time. If I had to choose I’d say Big L, Tupac, Biggie, Busta Rhymes, Rakim, the old DMX, Jay-Z, Outkast, “Harlem World” to Ma$e, Jadakiss and in no particular order.

24: Tell about some the projects your currently working on?

Duke Gutta: I’m getting ready to re-record some old mixtape records from my “National Champion” series so stay tuned for that. I’m working on my first official album under the direction of Big Chuck(not  in association of Big Chuck or Poe Boy Music Group/24HourHipHop.com) and Drama Family Ent. In the meantime I’ll be doing mixtape features and releasing two additional mixtapes called  “For What It’s Worth” and “Eye’v Gone Crazy“.
 
24: Who are some of the producers you have been working with and who would you love to work with in the near future?

Duke Gutta: Right now I’m local and I’m keeping it in LA. I’ve found that some of the hottest producers in the industry now would have a hard time holding a candle to the producers that I’m working with. J-Doe, Starr Lab, T-Gooch, THX, Seige, Dame Taylor, P.W.I.D just to name a few. Hopefully when I’m established, and have a budget, I will be able to work with whoever can make the right track for the right concept simply put. I love working with real musicians turned producers though (hint). As far as artists are concerned, I’m willing to work with just about anyone with “Talent“. But you can definitely keep a lookout for a joint project with my M.e.DIA Squadron. I mean that’s where it all started.

24: At a time when the music industry is at an Up & Down state which would you what to sign to an Indie Label or a Major?

Duke Gutta: First and foremost, as a disclaimer so there’s no confusion, I do music because I love it and it’s the only way I know how to portray what I feel inside in a constructive manner. With the way things are now, I’d work with whoever can keep some money in my pocket while I grind out. I mean, I’ve got bills just like everyone else, so it’s all a hustle. But God presents us with certain options and sometimes you just have to run with one and have some faith. So until the wheels fall off, I’m riding with my big bro, Big Chuck and Drama Family Entertainment.

24: What should the readers look out for from you in 2009?

Duke Gutta: A sharp and abrasive look into “The Gutta“. My intent is to open eyes and ears and ultimately close mouths. I’m not saying I’m gonna save hip hop or that I’ll be the best rapper alive, but it’d be foolish for anyone who comes across me, in any fashion, to ignore the obvious. I’m a force to be reckoned with and if I die trying, I’ll be the new hip hop topic of discussion.

24: How can someone find out more about to and check out your music?

Duke Gutta: They can hit up my Myspace page at www.myspace.com/dukegutta, my Facebook page, or my Twitter  at www.twitter.com/theedukeGutta. I’m pretty good about responding to messages and comments so feel free to hit me up with questions and what not. But please, please don’t be on my pages trying  promote your clubs and parties “Unless”  I’m performing(lol).
 
24: Is there anything you want to say to the readers?

Duke Gutta: To the fans, or potential fans, and supporters, I appreciate the time you take out of your day to check for me. I wouldn’t be here without you all and God of course not to mention the haters. While most people will curse you, I say hate on and hate hard. Oh yeah, one more thing if at any point during this article you thought I might have been overly confident or cocky maybe even conceited it’s probably because you my friend have low self-esteem. At the end of the day it is what is and it ain’t what it ain’t. My money is up and my faces show, God bless us all.