Cashis Interview

[Mahmoud48]

Cashis talks quitting the street life, getting clean and struggling to reach the limelight

An artist who was signed to possibly the biggest label in hip-hop at the time yet has had trouble finding the limelight, Cashis is an American rapper born and raised in Chicago but living in Orange County.

He doesn't have a lot of time on his hands, but he was kind enough to answer a few questions for Studio Leaks. In this interview, Cashis describes his struggle between life in the street and life in the booth, issues with drugs and his thoughts on recent Eminem leaks.

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Can you explain how you got into rap in the first place and how you connected with Eminem?

Rap was a high school hobby that tuned into the most intense passion of my life. A demo was sent to Shady Records, and I was signed off of that demo.

How has your music changed as you've grown, and how will it continue to change?

I actually make the music that I want to make now. No limits. At first I was only willing to divulge one side of me. But, I'm a multi-faceted person. And once I allowed that to be shown, it made my sound much more relatable and universal, without losing my core audience.

What inspires you artistically?

Life. All aspects of it. Every environment I'm in has an artistic effect on me. Sports, books, things I see while I'm traveling. My kids, women, my family. I only write from experiences that I truly know. Even in metaphor form, it is still something that I know.

What separates you from other rappers?

I've had a different road traveled, to reach the same peak. I acquired a record deal, and basically have been operating as a independent artist/label every since. So, while I went through the hard knocks of the artist side, I also went through many obstacles with all my business being self contained. But the wisdom I have gained from those experiences is what sets me apart. I revamped and reshaped my whole career in front of everyone, thanks to God, me getting off all substances but weed, the love I get from the websites and blog sites, and everybody on twitter. Now for the first time, I know what direction I am going, and I love it. And the music actually shows it.

What have been the major struggles and successes in your music career?

No release date was a huge struggle. The drugs and fake homies and disloyalty amongst people that I thought were stand up guys! And me being forced to decide on whether to be be in the streets full time, or in the booth full time. 50/50 wasn't working anymore. Having to find time between my job, and my family, my crew and how to fully devote myself to all of these things, and not be torn into pieces inadvertently.

The successes were Limited Edition Release of The CountyHound, my E.P. with no promo. It sold every copy printed. It was limited edition, and was meant to sell 10k copies total. And we definitely more than eclipsed that. I always think if we pushed it, it would've been a very successful project. All of my mixtapes have been successes for me, and my Euthansia LP, Both Discs. It will be out 6-14-11 (disc 1), and Disc 2 will be released later in the year. Both discs on Bogish Brand/Ingrooves. It established my new identity as a business, a man and a brand. Being in that position by itself is a success, but the motivation behind it will create the success that is tangible ($$$ and increased awareness).

Are you still working on projects with Eminem and other rappers in the Shady camp?

I just spoke with Em last week. He's shooten me over some songs for Euthansia. That's the homie 4 life. Him, Tracy and Paul. 4 Life. As for everybody else, I haven't really been involved with anyone else, but myself. Purposely, but not maliciously because my entire and complete focus is on continuing gaining momentum online, and to saturate myself in the California radio market. It's what every artist must do first. Flood your market and surrounding areas.

We all know I can do street tunes. But, people were unaware that I have a definite universal and urban/rhythmic sound. The connection on a mainstream level was the only missing component. Without that, I would remain the dopest rapper without the proper platform. Which steadies but not increases my awareness. Fuck that!

So with Paul and Em blessing me with the opportunity that I asked for, and to be able to put out my CD how I want to, having time to work the records and bring back the response that I am working towards, along with making paper along the way, then I will be able to come back to them in a position to secure a viable release date, with full backing and support. And with this one project being independent, it doesn't take blockbuster sales to provide the proof. I can finally get Bogish Brand with some releases under our belt, which in turn helps me to put out other artists that I'm developing now. And ultimately, lands me in a discussion with Paul and Em about bringing in a Bogish Brand situation, which would provide much more of a pay out and creative control for me, instead of my current situation being Ca$his signed as a solo artist (which is dope and has solid compensation). But, I gotta successfully do what I'm doing now, with their blessing, in order for me to even have a serious discussion about that.

Do you have any thoughts on all the recent Eminem leaks?

Nah. I'm just glad everyone is getting a chance to hear some of the tunes that I was telling ya'll about before. It could've been a big album if it would've been commercially released. But, I support whatever decision they make. I'm glad people are getting to hear it though.

What do you have coming up?

Euthansia Disc 1...6-14-11 Upcoming Singles: The Life ft K-Young prod. by Rikanatti (for sale worldwide online 4-5-11), Empty Spaces prod. by Sarom Sounds, Twilight prod by Boy from S.H.P. and Miana prod. by Eminem. Ft.Marty James, Lloyd Banks, Mitchy Slick, K-Young. and more tba. I'm not lyen vid directed by Kaliber will be out 3-15-11. I will be Droppen 1 Vid a month for the project, And a Video Album (AVideo for each song on the album) which will be for sale online also.

Thanks so much!

[TheGentlePlayer]

Great interview

[JAGODA]

Please, a source.

[Devil'sAdvocate]

thats dope

[Sam.]

Nice Read

[VenomBlackViper]

Didn't read, don't care Cashis is a boring gun rapper.
I only came in here cause I thought this would be some joke by Mahmoud like

Cashis interview

Are you gay?

I wasn't until i met Eminem, he said if I wanted to get signed to Shady Records I needed to lick mountain dew off of Bizarres balls. Too bad he didn't promise that anyone would give a shit about me after getting signed, I would have gladly licked balls for that.

Well thanks Cashis that's all the time we have, good bye & please stop picking your ass in my office.