In a city where sunshine and silicone reign, Hip Hop group Now On are showing Californians how Michigan puts it down. Initially, the trio of Jackson Perry, Haircut and IX Lives were living in Ann Arbor: where the closest thing they had to a beach was Belle Isle, snow boots were used during 10 months per year, and widespread success was just an aspiration. But the group’s big move three years ago has them bringing substance to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.
It all began with each member performing with separate groups; Haircut with Athletic Mic League, Jackson Perry with Funktelligence, and IX Lives with Ace Deuce Clique. Crossing paths while performing at the same venues, friendships led to the three collaborating until their collective chemistry prompted a permanent partnership. Fellow Detroit artist and friend, Buff1, coined the rapping/singing/producing trio “Now On”, which is an abbreviation of their motto: “Live from Now On to the future.”
With several quality full-lengths already padding their discography—“Eye Level,” “From Now On…,” “Don’t Call It a Mixtape”—the group dropped their new LP, “Tomorrow Already,” last week under A-Side Worldwide. Jackson Perry and Haircut (IX Lives couldn’t join the interview because he was attending a college business course) connected with MichiganHipHop.com to talk about changing locales, loving home, and the importance of voting. Continue reading →
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Since reciting Rakim’s rhymes as a kindergartner, Grand Rapids, Mich. emcee Willie the Kid knew he was destined for greatness. He’s already helped secure that success by making the right networking moves: a working relationship with mixtape heavyweight/T.I.’s official turntablist DJ Drama and fellow mixtape DJ/producer Don Cannon helped him nab a deal with their Aphilliates Music Group (AMG), and his older brother La The Darkman is a long time affiliate of the Wu-Tang Clan. But friends in high places can only do so much, and Willie’s shown the talent and work ethic it takes to make it happen. His witty, punchline-heavy bars have held their own alongside the likes of Young Jeezy, T.I. and Jadakiss with his appearances on Drama’s Gangsta Grillz: The Album last year, and he’s got several solo mixtapes under his belt as well. Even though Willie has relocated to Atlanta with a degree from Clark Atlanta University, he still realizes that he’s been given opportunities that not many people from his violence-laden hometown, nicknamed “Gun Rule,” get to experience. With his major label (AMG/Asylum Records/Atlantic Records) debut Absolute Greatness, which hits stores this week, he plans to do what MC Breed and The Dayton Family did for Flint in the ‘90s: permeate Hip Hop’s established geography and put on for his city. 