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GYBU is joined today by two men who made a pledge back in 2008 to help keep kids out of the streets and in doing so, formed an independent record label, Outta Pocket Records. Those two fellas names are William Bowens aka Billy and Preston McCurty (Big P) and we are pleased to have them join us in this edition of our “Buzz’N” iNterview series.
Thanks for joining us fellas, it’s very much appreciated. So what was it exactly that inspired you to want to give troubled youth of the streets and help them apply their skills to music?
Billy: For me, it started with my three nephews needing something constructive to focus their time on.
Big P: Billy asked me to help him get it started.
How did the both of you connect and what are your backgrounds in music?
Billy: We were co-workers. My love for music started in 1983, when I was in a group called the New Home Boys which started by L.S.D.
Big P: For me it was growing up with a dad that was a musician, which gave me a lot of insight on the business.
In 2010, you signed on your first set of artists: Giant Jai, Tru Fiya, Illy Amin, Six Spitta, RT Charger, Young Boss & June G. Why did you guys decide to sign these artists in particular? Could you give us a quick rundown of each artist and their musical styles?
Billy: Giant Jai; a young producer and rapper in his prime. Tru Fiya; one of the best unheard artist that’s doing his thing right now. I also seen Illy Amin flavor and popularity in the community.
Big P: I found out about June on my hunt for a veteran artist for the label. Young Boss was a kid who used to spit all the time for me and was ready to do music. RT charger was an original member of the Six Slugs which Six Spitter was a member as well, in which they all were doing production with Giant Jai.
Illyamin made some noise with his video, Posted On The Block”. How did that particular song come to light and what’s up next for him?
Billy: Well we were also looking to work with experienced producers and DJ’s so DJ MO hooked me up with LOWE DILLA, a producer who worked with the 911 Click. We put him with the team and the rest is history.
Big P: Currently Illy is in the studio work on his next single joint.
Young Boss dropped his project, “Time To Feast”, that was hosted by DJ Pain 1. Talk a little about that project and about anything coming up.
Big P: We had to work with DJ Pain 1 again after the success of MTK’s mixtape, also OGN over at BAM INC you dig?!
Billy: Plus YB is booked to do some shows this fall and early 2015.
That brings us to Madtown King aka MTK, who appears to be the most popular of the roster. He had a big video on Youtube titled, Trap House”. What is it about MTK that appeals most to the label’s fanbase?
Billy: His swag and style of rap I think is the attraction for the fans.
Big P : He’s HOT!
You guys have really been focusing on establishing yourselves as a brand in 2014 by forming business relationships with Violator Allstar DJs, SpeakerBox DJs & DJ Pain 1. Explain how you were able to accomplish such a feat and who else have you been able to link with?
Billy: We have worked with Grow Men Productions in Chicago and Break Bread Productions in Madison.
Big P: Yep and one of the reason I feel people are willing to work with us is because we keep it 100 on the business side of it.
You’ve been able to line up a midwest tour for the label and also do charity events. What else are in your visions for Outta Pocket Records?
Big P: Well we did the Self Explanatory tour in 2013 and were planning the next one in spring of 2015.
Billy: As far as our visions are concerned, we’re dropping our first official album from the label this winter and launching the new web site in 2015.
Billy and Big P, where can our viewers find you online?
Find us on www.outtapocketrecords.com & Facebook
Big P: They can hit me up @Bigp677 on Twitter
Billy: They can hit me up on Facebook
It’s been a pleasure having you two join us today. Before we come to a close, is there anyone you’d like to shout out or anything wlse you’d like our readers to know about?
BIG P: Yes, shout out to Shah, Lindo, DJ Mo ,DJ Pain 1, Midwest Movement, the OPR Family and look out for Outta Pocket artist’s in Chicago this winter.
Billy: S/O to Fee, DJ Vicious Vaga, Rachel G and the OPR TEAM.
Outta Pocket Records started with a dream & a mission to keep the kids out of the streets and thru hard work & dedication, have not only succeeded in doing so but have formed strong business relationships along the way. We’d like to thank Billy & Big P for joining us for this installment of our “Buzz’N” iNterview series. Make sure to stay in tuned with the label via social media and show your support.
Interview by: @blitzb_60505
