ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue33 (FOREST EDITION) "A Special Thanks to Volunteers!"
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The document is Thawilsonblock Magazine's November 2015 issue, featuring an exclusive interview with artist Imagine, who discusses his journey in music since 2008 and his commitment to creating meaningful connections with fans. Imagine emphasizes the importance of sincerity in the music industry and the need for community support, while addressing challenges and rewarding experiences in his artistic pursuits. He also hints at upcoming projects, highlighting a mixtape release and his second album in progress.
ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue33 (FOREST EDITION) "A Special Thanks to Volunteers!"
- 1. ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue33November 2015 For Tha Revival & Preser vation of Local Culture Inglewood, California Collection Volume One by Mistah Wilson Photography Queen Street ♠ Market Street ♠ Manchester Boulevard La Brea Avenue ♠ Centinela Avenue ♠ Beach Avenue t h a w i l s o n b l o c k . c o m
- 2. WilsonBlock100 Radio New Shows & Interviews Every Wednesday @ 1p Tune In Now @ www.thawilsonblock.com
- 3. Contents Ash Street Page29 Beach Avenue Page11,18 Cedar Avenue Page29 Centinela Avenue Page12,13,19,23,31 Edgewood Street Page15 Eucalyptus Avenue Page28 Exton Avenue Page16 Fir Street Page28 Grevillea Avenue Page24,25,26 Grosvenor Street Page17 Glasgow Avenue Page16,30 Hazel Street Page15 Hyde Park Boulevard Page17 Ivy Avenue Page18,24 La Brea Avenue Page11,12,19,20,24 Manchester Boulevard Page25,26,27,30 Market Street Page21 Myers Place Page27 Oak Street Page21,22 Olive Street Page21 Plymouth Avenue Page20,22 Queen Street Page14 Regent Street Page23 Stepney Street Page23,30 Warren Lane Page31 Exclusive Interview w/ Imagine Page5 Thanks For Giving Time! Page4 Inglewood,California Collection VolumeOnebyMistahWilsonPhotography
- 4. Welcome to ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue33! We wanted to take this very special opportunity to thank those who volunteer their time & efforts in making a positive impact in today’s world. It’s people like you who give hope to others, and who truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Thank you for giving time!
- 6. MistahWilson:Yo, Imagine! Glad to have you here for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock! How ya’ been? Imagine: I’ve gotta say that I feel great. Life has been something else in recent years and I can honestly say that I feel happy again. Life is Amazing. MistahWilson: Before we go any further, could you give us a quick background on yourself? Imagine: Of course. I’m that kid in your school you never paid much attention to, but still got along with.That one guy who was always told by the ladies,“your cute, but I don’t see you like that” when I asked em on a date.That one kid who was always up to no good causing trouble, stirring the pot but always with the best of intentions towards the world…. And I decided to be a rapper in 2008 and have been doing so ever since.The Dork became the Cool; who knew?! MistahWilson: Now, we met you when you hosted the Stars & Streetlamps stage at MakeMusicPasadena 2015. How long have you been involved in the festival? Imagine: I’ve been partnering with that festival since 2012 and it’s been a great relationship thus far.They’ve been incredibly supportive and welcoming to our hip hop stage, performers, and fans. Not to mention Club 54 as well, they’ve been super dope too. MistahWilson:Tell me a little about your performance history both as an act and hos What do you enjoy most? Imagine: Shortly after taking to the mic in 08, I realized it wasn’t easy to book an honest show.Too many bad pay to play shows later, I decided to do shows myself in 2010 and created my label, Stars & Streetlamps. Been rocking shows for myself and anyone else looking for a shot ever since. MistahWilson:Would you classify yourself strictly as a rapper? If not, what would you say your overall genre is as far as the things you do? Imagine: Rapper is one of the things I classify myself, but the best description is Artist. I do so much more than rap. I write poetry and screenplays, make movies, and even paint here and there as member of the Art Collective Ink Bombers. I just enjoy creating. MistahWilson: So, what current & upcoming projects do you have? Imagine: I just released my latest mixtape effort calledThe Liftoff. It was 2 years in the making and I feel very proud of the partnership I developed at Agruv Studios as well as the artists who contributed. It was definitely more honest and genuine of who I am as a person in comparison to the rapper persona.That journey cultivated into the overall sound and topics I wrote about. It’s a great project. Now, I’m going deeper and stronger with my 2nd Album, Beyond Clouds.That is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to share it sometime in 2016. MistahWilson: Do you consider yourself a West Covina artist? Imagine: I’ve never been one for repping my area until I started going elsewhere and performing. Hip Hop is odd in its territorial mindset, but I can’t help but divulge and partake.With that said, it’s 626 all day. Nothing but love for everybody in the overall Los Angeles scene, but 626 has got some really talented people. Exclusive Interview w/ Imagine
- 7. “I used to pull inspiration from how pissed off I was at the world for not giving me a chance or taking me seriously. I was so hell bent on proving myself that I wasn’t being myself. I’ve been learning to let that go and just do me by putting out the music I enjoy and hope people enjoy it as much as I did developing it.” MistahWilson:Who are some artists you’ve worked with and who would you like to work with some time in the future? Imagine: I’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredibly talented people with my music.TheTwinTowers are solid artists and even better people. O.K.I.M. is an amazing talent who featured on my first album; he’s a great guy as well.The most exciting collaboration was working with Susan Jon Rose, a vocalist from Australia. She was amazingly professional and such a sweetheart. No room for egos or anything like that, I only work with people I’m legit fans of and who are sincerely great people. MistahWilson:Where do you pull inspiration from when writing new material? Imagine: I used to pull inspiration from how pissed off I was at the world for not giving me a chance or taking me seriously. I was so hell bent on proving myself that I wasn’t being myself. I’ve been learning to let that go and just do me by putting out the music I enjoy and hope people enjoy it as much as I did developing it. Sonically, everything inspires me. I’ve been listening to a lot of rock lately and that’s been reflecting in my sound. I dig that. Exclusive Interview w/ Imagine
- 8. MistahWilson:What have been some challenging things along the way when pursuing a career as an artist? Imagine: I'm not sure I'm pursuing a career anymore, or anything at all for that matter. I enjoy making music and I enjoy sharing it with people.That basis alone is strong enough for things to happen. I've seen it all though; non-supportive family and friends, shady promoters, crappy venues, haters and non believers. It takes a toll, but in the end what matters is you, the music, and the fans. Everything else is secondary. MistahWilson:What are some of the more rewarding things? Imagine: Easily, there is nothing better than being at a show and seeing people sing along and finish your lyrics for you. There is a connection that is beyond words. It's so fulfilling to know that I made a difference. Exclusive Interview w/ Imagine
- 9. MistahWilson:Who are some of your influences who motivated you to become the artist you are today? Imagine: Limp Bizkit, hands down! I've always loved that band and how Fred commands a crowd at a live show.That would be a goal for sure, perform on stage with Limp Bizkit. Other than, Lupe Fiasco and Incubus have been huge influences as well. MistahWilson:What overall message are you trying to send through your brand? Imagine: When I listened to music in high school, it was like the bands were my friends.They felt as I did, so I didn't feel so alone. I want to convey the same thing. I want my listeners to be more than fans, I want them to be my friends and know they got someone out there that feels the same.That’s why I say, I make music for the lost and unloved. Exclusive Interview w/ Imagine MistahWilson: How about the mainstream? Do you think it’s gotten easier or harder for artists to break out? Imagine: It's gotten completely easier. Back in history, it was talent over hard work. If you had "it" you could genuinely make it. Now, because of the internet, hard work trumps everything. If you want it bad enough and you have the talent, you could totally make it.You gotta be a badass at what you do of course, but hustling hard will definitely get you there.There's tons of cats who are waaaay talented, but don't hustle. MistahWilson:What do you feel the game needs these days? Imagine: Sincerity and Honesty.There needs to be a genuine love for it all. People are dumb, and will support fads and trends.Yet, the individual listener will see right through bullshit and stick with the artists that really make a difference to them. can't be worrying about making everyone a fan, cause it doesn't work that way. People will gravitate towards you when you just starting doing and being you. MistahWilson: How important is giving back to the community for you? Imagine: It's very important. I feel as if the idea of community has plummeted in recent generations, I also blame the internet on that one. It's funny though, everyone is so quick to claim their hood, but I bet those same people know nothing about the hood they even claim. It's ironic. MistahWilson:What positive, encouraging words do you have for aspiring artists looking to pursue a career in entertainment? Imagine: Stop worrying about everyone else.Your creations are yours, and yours alone.There's always going to be a nay-sayer or non-believer, it comes with being in the spotlight and subject to public opinion. Besides that, do your homework and research. DIY until you can't do it anymore. MistahWilson: From your point of view, what’s the current state & condition of the local music scene (in general)? Imagine: The local music scene is on life support.There's too many people who are money hungry, promoters and artists alike.They don't care about anything but themselves and that's like cancer to the scene; a slow death. We need to cultivate the people who have a genuine love for it all and are willing to play their positions. Not everyone is a boss, because not everyone can be, and that's ok. Most importantly, we need to start putting on shows that people want to go to. Quality shows, quality music, and quality artists.Then and only then, people will come again.
- 10. MistahWilson:Yo, Imagine, thanks so much for coming through for this exclusive interview withThaWilsonBlock! Please know, you will always be appreciated here. If you have any shout outs, let’s hear em! Imagine: Much love and respect to you MistahWilson and ThaWilsonBlock for allowing me a voice to reach. My only shout out is to the person reading this right now, thank you... oh, and come out to a show sometime; let's have some fun. Exclusive Interview w/ Imagine MistahWilson:Where can we find your music and stuff at? Imagine: My handle for all social media is @that_imagine and my music can be found primarily at thatimagine.bandcamp.com “Shortly after taking to the mic in 08, I realized it wasn’t easy to book an honest show. Too many bad pay to play shows later, I decided to do shows myself in 2010 and created my label, Stars & Streetlamps. Been rocking shows for myself and anyone else looking for a shot ever since.”