INTERVIEW: Renn Tyler: Beautiful Chaos

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As we work diligently at reintroducing ourselves into the media world, I spend a lot of time critiquing artists, and determining who I would like to feature within our pages. It’s not always an easy decision. Obviously, the industry is flooded with artists, and we have to be sure any artist being considered fits the concept of our pages, and just that it makes sense. In my recent search, I came across Renn Tyler, and I’m beyond impressed. Renn certainly has what it takes to make it in this industry, and it becomes ever-so-clear at the first listen of her music. By look, she’s not what you would necessarily expect, which h is more reason why you should never judge a book by the cover. Sure, we hear that all the time, but there’s much truth to the idea. You would miss out on an amazing artist here if you took the initial look and ran with it in terms of her capability. No question, she’s beautiful by all standards, yet, she doesn’t have the “typical” hip-hop look. She’s authentic in every sense of the word, and you would be doing yourself a disservice by not giving her a listen. So we had the opportunity to catch up with her, and it’s awesome that we were able to get an interview completed. She’s perfect for our rebranding and relaunch, and I’m excited to have connected with her. We’re also her first interview, which is amazing in itself. Check out the feature below, and be sure to give her a listen. We have an artist page for her here at U.G. Digital as well, so you can definitely hit that page up and listen freely to her music. 

U.G. Digital: First and foremost, I want to thank you. It’s huge, first of all, to connect with you. I think you really have something big, especially with the single “Nada”. I liked it immediately. I don’t say that about many today, and I’m in this place where I’m not necessarily the biggest fan anymore. Honestly, I’m stuck in the 90s and early 00s. I drive uber as a side hustle, and many of my passengers marvel at the music I play because it’s often more than 20 years old. It’s a little refreshing that you’ve come along, and have something that I’m eager to play. You sound authentic, and I believe it’s a good look. We’re in a bit of a reinvention stage, even though we’re seven years in, and you’re that perfect look for us. I appreciate that so much.

Renn Tyler: Yes, thank you as well. 

U.G. Digital: So the first thing I want you to do is tell everyone who you are?

Renn Tyler: I am Renn Tyler. I’m a rapper and an artist in so many different areas. I like to dabble in all sorts of things, so whatever I’m into at the moment, I just get it done. I’ve always been unapologetically myself. That’s kinda like my mission. We’re all so unique and powerful on our own. People spend so much time trying to define themselves, and I want to encourage people to do that. 

U. G. Digital: I like what you said. You said you were “unapologetically yourself”. What fans want is somebody that puts out the music they love of course, but more importantly someone they can relate to, whose life resembles theirs, and so on. They have the same ideals, or same principles. In the last few months, I’ve been in this place where it’s like “F” everybody, I’m unapologetically me, and whoever doesn’t like it, whatever. That resonates with people. 

Renn Tyler: Right. 

U.G. Digital: You were a poet before. What took you to rap?

Renn Tyler: I’ve always been a fan. It’s always been there, but I never believed in myself as far as being that artist. I just remember going to a spoken word event, and being completely awe-struck over the spoken word and the ability to communicate through story-telling and put it to a beat. What pushed me over to rap was meeting James and Darren. It was like a snowball effect. 

U.G. Digital: I think I’ve been a huge fan  rap, R&B, soul, rock, alternative, and just a lot of different music for my entire lite. Rap was where it started for me though. I’ve also been into the diversity of hip-hop and the fact that everyone who raps is not black. There’s always this idea of somebody being a culture vulture when visibly they’re not really a part of the culture or when they’re not black, but I really look more at how organic it is though. I would imagine, though, that people judge you just by the look, without even hearing you. What has been the feedback that you get as you go out and you’re introduced to people as a rapper? Do you get the side eyes?

Renn Tyler: Yea, I think it’s still foreign for me to call myself a rapper, and I’m hesitant for that reason. In the end, that is what I’m doing though. I haven’t gotten any crazy looks though. Nothing has been too disheartening. Mostly its people who have heard me or know me already. I’m kinda like a wild card, so no one is surprised that I’m doing it. 

U.G. Digital: As crazy as society can be, I think things are changing slowly. Everyone has their own experience, and many people grow up with rap now. 

Renn Tyler: Right. 

U.G. Digital: Talk about the material you’ve been putting together?

Renn Tyler: We have a couple other songs already recorded. I write everyday. I’m always writing, so there is so much material out there that’s all influenced by my life. I don’t think there’s anything written that is not an honest experience. 

U.G. Digital: I have such an appreciation for the artist that talks about a day job (laughing)

Renn Tyler: Yea, we gotta pay bills too [laughing]

U.G. Digital: Right, but it’s just cool to know that we’re all on the same page. I have many jobs, so I know the whole thing with it (laughing). 

Renn Tyler: Yea, for sure. 

U.G. Digital: I think it’s cool though. I love what you have put out. What do you feel you want to represent as an artist?

Renn Tyler: Like I said, just being unapologetically yourself, but I also want to encourage young women. It’s so hard to be a young girl in this society. I want girls to look at me and say that’s what I had when I was younger. I want to give back in that way. So being who I am, self expression, and communicating through storytelling. Being able to take that to the next level and make music is great. I’m communicating my experience which is therapeutic for me, but they take it in however they do and it becomes therapeutic for them. I love that exchange and it’s the power and importance of life. You’re not alone and other people have gone through what you’re going through. 

U.G. Digital: I love the poetic side of it. When you think of your Jill Scotts, and many others, this is something that’s definitely being done. What are your thoughts on hip hop and its current state when it comes to women? How can you help?

Renn Tyler: I think it’s going in a good direction and I’m excited. Everyone has their own brand and it feels natural. All these dope women are making the music they want, and they can be sexy when they want. I think it’s moving in a cool direction. 

U.G. Digital: That’s dope. I ask that because there’s so many women who are phenomenal, and they struggle so bad to work together. They’ve lost a lot of respect in the industry, and it seems like it’s moving backwards. 

Renn Tyler: I think we’re coming to that place of being organic and genuine. We used to want the larger than life artists, like Brittany Spears, but now we want to know the artist is just like us. Why do you ask? Do you think it’s going backwards?

U.G. Digital: What I think is the respect is gone. You have so many dope women, and they’re constantly at each others’ necks, for wthings that seem ridiculous. It’s changed a lot of the new dynamic that was forming for them in past years. I think you have the Queen Latifahs, and the Monie Loves, and so many other females in rap who have worked so hard to not only make it more inclusive of women, but to build the respect level for women, and you have women today who are so brash, rough, and unapologetic about it, and it’ ruining the work that was done.  I look at the stuff with Nicki and Cardi, and to me, there was no point in it. They have their own styles, and are both dope, but they’re killing the game with their nonsense and it overshadows the music, which truthfully is what fans really want. It makes people pay less attention to the woman herself, and look more at the unnecessary stuff. Like Missy Elliott has this new EP out which is super dope, and I feel like it’s totally being slept on. 

Renn Tyler: That’s so true. That speaks to the nature, like people want information so bad. They don’t respect it as much. I agree as far as the beefing too. Women are so powerful, and when they get together that power is insane. 

U.G. Digital: So what are your plans as far as releasing more material?

Renn Tyler: Yea, we have a remix that is being worked on right now, and I’m excited for that. Then I’ll take care of the music video. 

U.G. Digital: I’m excited for you. I dig that we are your first interview too. I also appreciate how prepared you are today. You sound like a complete natural at interviewing. I think its definitely your time. How can people keep up with you online?

Renn Tyler: On instagram, I’m at @bulletproofteeth. That’s normally what I’m on. I also do fashion design, and hand embroidery. 

U.G. Digital: I think it’s super dope. Thank you so much. Any final comments?

Renn Tyler: My single is out everywhere, buy it on iTunes and all online retailers, including Tidal, Spotify, and so forth. Make some Tik Tok videos to it. I would really appreciate that (laughing). 

[MEET THE PRODUCER] @Jazzfeezy : MEET THE PRODUCER

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One of the things we’ve enjoyed doing here at U.G. Digital Magazine is providing coverage and showing love on all levels of entertainment and music. One of the many features we do within the magazine is “Meet the Producer”, which gives us an opportunity to spread the word about some of the industry’s best and brightest producers. These individuals are creating some of the biggest staples in music, and it’s beyond fitting for them to get some love out there. Naturally, there’s not a lot who really shine a light on the producers, so we’ve taken that lane with “Meet the Producer”. 

We’re excited to transition the feature directly to the site with this new feature with JazzFeezy. It’s definitely fitting, and lends to the things I just spoke of because our connection actually came via us showing love for one of the big hits he handcrafted, that being Hardo’s “I Know You Ain’t Got Act Like”, which also featured rapper T.I.. We tend to post via social media about a lot of the songs we enjoy, and through that post, JazzFeezy hit back showing his gratitude, which ironically is something we don’t see a lot of, whether it’s with us, or anyone. It’s honestly was pretty refreshing, and we knew at that moment we needed to connect with JazzFeezy, who we truly view as one of the game’s super-producers. 

JazzFeezy gives us an open view into his life, what got him to this point, and the things he’s got planned to elevate the production game to an all-new level. 

Check out our exclusive below…

U.G. Digital Mag: This is really awesome that we’re connecting man. Obviously, it’s been a while since we posted to that track, and it was so dope, but I honestly had never looked into the overall production. Once I saw your post, and really looked it up, I felt a little crazy. You’ve worked with so many people I follow, from Travis Porter down to T.I. and MGK, who hails from here in Cleveland. It’s dope to see all you’ve done. Kudos for everything you’ve done, and thanks again for tagging the post. 

JazzFeezy: I’ve been listening to a lot of different motivational speakers, and they’re basically like have you ever sat down and searched the hashtag of all of your hit records? That’s what prompted me, and I saw so many people showing love. Someone recommended I post, say thanks, and introduce myself. You never know what could from that, whether it be a follow, or a production relationship. That’s honestly what I did, and it’s how we ended up here.

U.G. Digital Mag: I think another thing that makes me appreciate you so much more is so many producers are out there, but they kinda disassociate themselves with “enjoying” the fame and wanting to know who really digs their music. They don’t really care who is following, and it makes them lose that human side. For you doing this, it shows that side, and my thought is that this is supposed to be fun. I think it’s really cool, and people see that you’re just like them. 

JazzFeezy: Of course. Before I started production, I was a lover of music first, and it also goes back to manners. If someone shows you appreciation, you give it right back. The fact you took the time to show love and post it, it means a lot because without that support, the song is dead. We release these songs by the ten-fold, but it’s the fan appreciation that gives it the longevity. Saying thanks is nothing, but it shows that this is a human being. Comments will say that it’s dope, but you don’t really know if it’s a bot or something. To actually say thanks and a few words behind it, it gives that person the idea they’re talking to a human being. 

U.G. Digital Mag: You’re from Canada, right?

JazzFeezy: Right. Where Toronto is, I’m about an hour north of there in Barrie, Ontario. If Toronto was like the hubcap, there’s like an hour of trees, farms, and uninhabited land; then you have a city called Barrie, and that’s where I’m from. 

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s dope man. I connected with Peter Jackson, and I thought he was so dope too. I know you guys have worked together before. What got you into music, and how did it really start? 

JazzFeezy: At 16 and 17, I began to see how easy the school system was, and I stopped caring as much. I started doing more with Sony Sound Pro, Fruity Loops 2, and Cool Edit Pro. I started tinkering with it, finished high school, went to school for a computer systems degree, and then realized that wasn’t what I wanted to do. My father let me go to a private school called Harris. It’s basically a studio, but they offer production engineering. Upon completion, they promise you a job, but there was nothing, and I was always on the Toronto scene. I went to the battle of the beatmakers, and I met Matthew Samuels who is Boi-1da, and T-Minus from Ajax, and I kept in contact with them and kept sending them beats. I had the drive and just kept following music man.

U.G. Digital Mag: I think you’re perfect for this column though. There’s a lot of people who know your work, but it’s been easy for them to overlook. You’re behind so many people. What comes next, and what more do you have planned?

JazzFeezy: In 2016, I put down the roots by working with a lot of labels. One of my managers, G. Roberson, has me locked in for a few different projects, so I’ve been working on those. We’ve been plugging away since October. 

U.G. Digital Mag: In terms of your brand, what plan is there for continuing to get yourself out there? I compare you already to the biggest names like Dre. Where do you want things to go, and what outcome do you envision?

JazzFeezy: I always write my plans down. If you’re familiar with the Boi-1da kit series, I created the first one with him. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Right. I know you have your own kit as well. 

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JazzFeezy: Right. I have one now, but in May, I’ll do volume II. I think it’ll bring more people to it. Every 3-4 months, depending on what people want, I’ll continue the kit series. Other than that, I want to get into the merchandising side of things. Maybe snap backs, T-shirts, and real merch. It’s a lot of ideas that once I get into a certain atmosphere of being known, there’s a lot that I’ll have in the works. Property out here is very cheap, so I want to buy like an acre of land and build my own house, but on the back end have my own studio with overnight accommodations. 

U.G. Digital Mag: I love the mindset. It makes perfect sense, and it’s outside the box. Not many have thought that through, and it really makes sense and goes next level. I say why not?

JazzFeezy: Absolutely. It all comes down to having better funding. The more cuts you have and credibility, people are more likely to get it and invest in you that much more. 

U.G. Digital Mag: In terms of Canada, do you look to take any of this back to that area? There seems to be so many artists there without the proper voice behind them. It’s really growing in that sense. 

JazzFeezy: That’s why I want to build the studio to have the infrastructure. We have some great studios, such as Metalworks, and Phase One Studios. I find there’s a lot of big sessions that producers go to, and they don’t necessarily keep notes about the experience. I start sessions off with my notepad, and at the end, I write down what we covered. Down the road, I want to write a book, and give my experiences. I want to offer some type of mentorship that Canada lacks. Truthfully, all of our talent goes to New York, to L.A., to Atlanta, and to Nashville. People rarely stay here. 

U.G. Digital Mag: I think it makes sense. A lot of places are that way where their talent will go to other areas, and in a sense, it’s like that here in Cleveland. The city is growing so much though, and people are now trying to build here so you don’t have to leave. Will that ever happen in Canada? 

JazzFeezy: You know what? I don’t know. There’s this mystique about L.A., and I can’t explain it. Over time I’ll talk to an artist, and they get hooked. They say L.A. has exactly what we have, but it’s also the weather. If we have a few producers come together and the proper infrastructure is there where we can set it up, they may stay. America just gives more opportunity. The actual budget you can get is much more in the states, and you just feel more valued in the states. 

U.G. Digital Mag: I get it. I love everything you have, and I’ve been going through your site. I like the set up, and can honestly say I haven’t seen it from very many producers. You make it a point to connect with your listeners, and again, I don’t see it a lot. It’s dope and game-changing. You’ll go a long way. 

JazzFeezy: It also helps with publications like yours and people who take the time. If someone takes even an email just to say I’m from here, and please check out my music, I’ll give them feedback whether it’s good or bad. I’m never out there to crush dreams, but if someone clearly recorded something on their computer and you can hear the reverb and mom cooking dinner in the background, then I’ll let them know it was a good first attempt, but if they want to take it seriously, then here’s what they can do. It’s only as serious as you want it to be. A guy wrote me back and said nobody took him seriously and that he was 16 and really wanted to do this. I was 16 once, but if you really want to do it, then you’ll find a way to get to where you want to be. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Exactly. What is the biggest take away from the time you’ve put in? What’s been the biggest lesson?

JazzFeezy: Oh man, I think it’s patience. When it comes to it, there have been situations where I know I got the cut, I know it’s on the album and everything is good to go, and then 6-months later, were still finishing paperwork and you’re still waiting to get paid. I think the mystique of people in the limelight who show you they have the money, cars, and whatever, that’s cool, but most of that is their advance. They never say 6-months from now, this will be happening. It’s too much smoke and mirrors. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Right. Now where can everyone check you out online? Facebook, Instagram, etc?

JazzFeezy: Twitter, IG, Facebook, and the website. My handle is @Jazzfeezy. People speak of Snapchat and Linked In, but you don’t have to do them all at once. I need to get more credits, stay creative, keep working, and keep following up with different A&Rs, artists, and managers. Down the road, I may do the whole Snap Chat thing. 

U.G. Digital Mag: I really appreciate this opportunity. This is something we love to do, showcasing producers man. 

JazzFeezy: I appreciate that as well. The other thing is it’s become this “cool” thing [for producers] to not have things in publications like your, and people just see songs that you do. I think it’s just the big producers who are doing articles, and the other producers are less likely to reach out and do it. To me, that makes no sense. You should do every publication you can. You need them to help you, otherwise people won’t know your story. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Right. Any kind of final thoughts at all?

JazzFeezy: It goes back to what I’ve learned the most. I think the biggest mistake I’ve seen is if you go to a networking party, and you get different email addresses for other producers, A&R people, or labels mates, I think the biggest mistake people make is they try to hit them up a week, month, or year after the fact. The best thing to do is hit them up right away so they at least know you’re serious. People always blame the A&R, but if the producer doesn’t even make the attempt to reach out, they don’t need the new guy. If you want to get into that infrastructure, you have to make that connection. So the best advice I can give is to follow up. You never know what kind of relationships can spark. The only one who suffers is that person.

[EXCLUSIVES][THE MAGAZINE] Faith20

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Without a doubt, this has been the opportunity of a lifetime. On a humble, our love for Faith Evans and her musical legacy brought along the idea of commemorating her debut album, FAITH. As many of you know, this classic LP that changed the landscape of R&B music was released in 1995. The 20-year anniversary was August 29, 2015, so to commemorate this special album, we put together a special issue with #NothingButFaith! That's right, there's now an issue of Urban Grandstand Digital devoted to everything there is about Faith Evans' debut! In that issue, we had the amazing opportunities of catching up with some of the masterminds that worked together in putting this album together. We have exclusives with Prince Charles Alexander, Herb Middleton, and in the final hour, we caught up with Q. Parker from the R&B group 112. In the issue, we also talk about the singles that were released, as well as the remixes that resulted, and how the entire recording process went along. Access our Special Issue by clicking HERE!

Now, We're thrilled to present to you a super-exclusive interview with the lady of the hour! Yes, we have an exclusive with Faith Evans herself, and she gives us the rundown on the album, the process of putting it together, BIG's influence throughout the process, and so much more. You definitely don't want to miss this!     Access FAITH20 by clicking HERE!