Get to Know: Three-1-Zero

In a world full of people dying to break into the music industry, raw talent can oftentimes be difficult to discover. Specifically in the Los Angeles area, where everyone and anyone is a "rapper" these days and claim to be the next big thing. Thankfully, Inglewood based rapper/producer, Three-1-Zero, proves to be different from the pack. Simply put, he has real talent. I got a chance to probe into his mind and ask the rising talent a few questions, and the result was amusing and surprisingly refreshing.


1. First off, tell us your name and what you do?
My name is Three-1-Zero and I do everything. Rap, write, produce, graphic design, photographer, porn star, highway sheriff. You name it, I do it.

2. Three words that describe your sound?
Fun, Soulful, Neck-Breaking.

3. Who or what greatly influences your music?
Honestly man, I've been thinking about what one person influenced me the most and it had to be my pops. He's an avid trumpet player so I've been listening to jazz and soul all my life. And just being around dope music all the time influenced the way I make music today. Another thing that influences my music is just basic everyday shit. Real life. I know the average nigga ain't rollin on dubs with money stacks to the ceiling. The average nigga got like $5 and $2 in change, and don't get paid 'til next week. I like to make shit that regular muhfuckas can relate to and humbles those who have their heads in the sky.


4. If you could have it your way, which person, living or dead, would you most want to collaborate with and why?
Kanye West, because he is the one person who I have seen put so much effort into his music. Whether he's doing a song with Souljah Boy or Michael Jackson, I'm sure he will put in the same effort. I know if we were to collaborate it would be some dope ass shit. The odds are in favor.


5. In your opinion, who is ruling the rap game right now?
Souljah Boy.


6. What songs are you constantly bumping on your iPod these days?
A lot of Black Milk and my own shit.


7. What sets you apart from other artists out there?
I study rappers who aren't obvious. It's no secret that rappers study each other. Jay studied BIG, Wayne studied Jay, Nas studied RAKIM, and they are all good in their own right. But I feel that a lot of rappers don't look outside the box when it comes to who they listen to, and from that, they all sound the same. You ask them who they are influenced by and it's the same ole Jay-Z, Tupac, Biggie, etc. I would list my influences, but chances are you've probably never heard of them. So my rhymes are a blend between my own and a plethora of dope ass rappers you've never heard of.


8. Finish the sentence: Lil' Wayne...
will die in the next ten years from a drug overdose. Mark my words.


9. Be honest, who won the classic battle between Jay-Z and Nas?
Jay-Z


10. Ultimately, what do you want people to get from your music?
Just to realize that regular muhfuckas are just as cool as the rap actors that we see all over. Like, it's okay to be a fan of a nigga you have more money than. Wouldn't you like Jay-Z more if he were your neighbor? Another thing is I just want life music to come back to the mainstream, and I think I can do that. When I say life music, I mean music you can clean out your closet to, music you can call your homies up and play cards to, music that can get you through your day. Say you were having a stressful ass day and you were just ready to go home and chill. Souljah Boy can't get you through that, T-Pain can't get you through that. But I bet if they played some shit like Tupac- 2 Live And Die in L.A., that shit would relax the shit out of you, and you'll just vibe out. Real Life music. Shit you can listen to while you wait for the moments that never come.


11. Any last words or shout outs?
GIRTH...ELLDEVINE...F2D...INGLEWOOD...CALIFORNIA...USA...WORLD...GALAXY.


12. Oh yeah...Beyonce or Lauren London?
Double L all day.


Look out for the upcoming music video for 'Corie Blount' (the newest single from Three-1-Zero). To listen to this song and more of Three-1-Zero's music, visit his MySpace music page. Also, be sure to watch out for the mixtape he'll be dropping in early summer.