Urbanian Exclusive: Matt Alonzo
If you’re not familiar with Matt Alonzo, we suggest you keep reading because you definitely have seen his work. Matt Alonzo is the mastermind behind some of our favorite music videos like Soulja Boy’s “Turn My Swag On” and the New Boyz’ “You’re A Jerk.”
Matt Alonzo is the head director/editor for Skee TV; a premier content platform and production company, which boasts 100 million+ views and Top 50 YouTube channel of all time.
The Urbanian got a chance to talk to him about his road to success, some words of wisdom, and what he is working on now.
The Urbanian: For our readers who haven’t heard of you, which music video would you tell them to go Google?
Matt Alonzo: If I had to choose it would be a three way tie between Game Ft. Travis Barker “Dope Boys”, Soulja Boy “Turn My Swag on” or New Boyz “Tie Me Down.”
TU: Tell us about your struggle to get where you are today?
MA: I started filming when I was around 6 years old, got out of high school and my parents didn’t have enough money to send me to film school. During Junior College I started helping a good friend of mine who was going to film school. I started filming and editing all his projects. He began to get good grades and he convinced my parents that film school was the place for me. So they put up the house and sent me to Brooks Institute. During my three years there I did as many internships and projects as possible. By the time I got out I had a full time salary job working for a record company directing/editing music videos.
After about 6 months I realized there was no opportunity for growth with the label I was at, so I left. I really didn’t have much of a plan; I just knew I wanted more. I struggled for a couple months doing any jobs I could find. I got an opportunity to film the opening act for a Lil Wayne concert. I talked to Waynes people and was able to film Waynes concert as well.
I edited “Gossip” that night and had it posted a day later. It ended up getting a few million views and DJ Skee saw it. He reached out and we met up. The rest is history…. We were shooting Kardinal Offishall Ft. The Clipse and The Game Ft. Travis Barker a month later.
TU: Do you think DJ Skee discovering you on YouTube was fate (Weezy video)?
MA: Yeah I definitely think it was fate. It was funny because before he reached out to me, I was looking at Skee TV and telling my partner at the time, “this is where we need to be.” I actually sent him an email first, and then about a month later he reached out to me. You can call it luck or fate, I’m just glad it worked out.
TU: What is your greatest accomplishment you would say you achieved so far in your career?
MA: I think the greatest accomplishment so far is overall being in the position I am in now. I have only been out of school around 3 years and most kids are still struggling looking for a job. I am fortunate to have a great career, and a great company (skee.tv) behind me. I was able to get in early and not only be the top Director/Editor but also own equity in the company. Now I am going to add another hat and become the head of film/video production.
TU: What is your ultimate goal in your career?
MA: My ultimate goal is to Direct feature films. Ever since I was young, I wanted to make films. I graduated from Brooks with my BA in Feature Film and it has remained the overall goal.
TU: What words of advice do you have for young directors on their grind trying to make it in the industry?
MA: My advice to all the kids out there is to keep the end in mind at all times. We all go through ups and downs but as long as you know where you want to go, you will never get lost. Most importantly do not give up. It might take years to get to where you want to go, so just remember it is a process. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen tomorrow, as long as you keep working.
TU: Did you ever feel a little hopeless before you made it, if so what did you do to “bring yourself back”?
MA: I never felt hopeless because I had confidence in my talent and my work ethic. I knew there was a place for me in the industry, but it was frustrating at times not knowing how to get in. You have to look at the big picture everyday and your overall goals. You can’t let the small things get to you.
TU: What are some projects you are working on now?
MA: We just released E40 Ft. Snoop Dogg, Too Short, and Jazze Pha, I have three music videos coming up with Ice Cube and a video with Fashawn as well.
TU: Anything we didn’t ask that you would like to add?
MA: Thanks to Carissa Rossi for putting this piece together!
TU: Thanks for doing it Matt!
For more on Matt Alonzo, check these out:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matt-Alonzo-Director/42321278048?ref=sgm
Interview: http://vimeo.com/13162371
Carissa Rossi
10 Worst Lyrics from the 10 Richest Rappers
Preemptive apology to BuzzFeed, however I had to pull this story and it’s respective images into a post. It goes without saying that rappers make gratuitous amounts of money, and their lavish lifestyles off of – often - inane and complete bullshit. That my friends, is what we call the game, and here are some of it’s best players alongside their lyrics and fiscal worth.
Jay- Z – $63 Million
Diddy – $30 Million
Akon – $21 Million
Lil’ Wayne – $20 Million
Dr. Dre – $17 Million
Ludacris – $16 Million
Snoop Dogg – $15 Million
Timbaland – $14 Million
Pharrell Williams – $13 Million
Kanye West – $12 Million
Top 10 Secondary Sitcom Characters
One thing separating the truly great sitcoms from mediocre ones is the usage of secondary characters. You know, these are the characters who see little-to-no plot development, and instead used for laughs. They usually appear in the background and don’t even appear in every episode. When properly used, they become scene-stealing hilarity. So below, in no particular order, are The Urbanian’s choices for best secondary sitcom characters.
Butters (South Park)
In its many seasons, South Park transformed into a vulgar show about four young boys, into a vulgar show about a town. While the show still primarily centers around the happenings of Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny; the other natives of South Park have also come to the forefront. The most notable of these characters is of course, Butters. Butters is such a good character, he’s even received star treatment and have had episodes centered around him. This happened most recently in season 13′s Butters’ Bottom Bitch where Butters becomes a pimp. So the little boy who has everyone saying, “Oh, hamburgers,” is an easy choice as one of the top secondary characters around.
Creed Bratton (The Office)
One of the primary reasons many people believe The Office can go on sans Steve Carell is because of a strong supporting cast. While I don’t necessarily agree with that sentiment, I do believe one of the few remaining highlights of the show (although he was terribly underused in its last season) is Dunder Mifflin’s Quality Insurance man, Creed Bratton. Creed is an old man who no one really knows anything about. To be short, he’s bizarre. Creed is usually limited to one or two lines per episode, but his lines are usually the highlight of that episode. He steals, sells fake IDs to minors, and gets other people fired. What’s not to love about Creed?
The McPoyles (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
The bathrobe-bearing and greasy McPoyle family manages to pop up everyone now and then on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to gross out our favorite bar owners. One of the great things about Sunny is the fact there aren’t any “straight characters,” meaning everyone on that show is bizarre and goofy. One way the show manages to normalize the rest of the cast is by bringing in the McPoyles to creep everyone out.
Jean-Ralphio (Parks & Recreation)
Despite only appearing in three episodes through, when Jean-Ralphio shows up in Pawnee’s Parks Department, he is there to do one thing: be the ultimate douchebag. Just by looking at his name, you can probably guess this character sways more to the douchebaggery end of things. On the show, he’s Tom’s friend and go-to guy to squeeze some dollars out of.
Dylan (Modern Family)
Dylan embodies every father’s worst nightmare: the not-so-bright boyfriend. Dylan and Haley, like most teenagers, believe themselves to be hopelessly in love. Dylan is of course in a band and sees music as his future. He charms Haley in the oddest of ways such as taking a picture of themselves, editing it on his Mac to make it look like a painting, and then blowing it up.
Star-burns (Community)
His sideburns are enough to make you laugh when he does appear.
Randy Marsh (South Park)
As it was mentioned previously, South Park is the ultimate show about secondary characters, so it’s fairly easy to include two characters from it on this list. Randy (Stan’s Dad) is another easy inclusion. He’s been involved in some of the oddest happenings on the show. From pooping out the biggest turd, getting testicular cancer on purpose, discovering warped speed, and more – Randy’s done it all.
Lloyd (Entourage)
Fans of Entourage are more accustomed to Lloyd being the easy target of humor as Ari berates him nonstop. With the new season however, Lloyd is no longer the assistant and has moved into a position of a little more power. What makes Lloyd great is not only is a good target of humor, but he also has his own funny quips. One is able to laugh at and with Lloyd when watching the show.
Daniel Tosh’s dog (Tosh.0)
He might not be a character, but when Tosh decides to bring his dog along for a sketch, whether he’s holding him or he’s just in the background, it’s a guaranteed laugh.
Urbanian Exclusive: Greg Selkoe
“There are three reasons why I believe we got so successful; one is we get lucky, two is we knew the market and were very excited about it, and three is we had the tenacity,” said Selkoe.
From his parent’s basement to a Boston-based empire, CEO and owner of Karmaloop.com, Greg Selkoe has built a home for street-wear brands worldwide. Prior to Karmaloop’s inception, niche shops had found themselves pocketed within their respective brick and mortar outlets. Now, brands like Crooks & Castles, 10 Deep, and Obey have made their way across the world – handedly – with Karmaloop serving as their globe-trotting intermediary.
“If you went to Ohio University or University of Minnesota, you had no access to this stuff. Even if you lived in big cities there weren’t a lot of boutiques and most of the time they wouldn’t have your size. During the time when Triple 5 Soul was a big brand and you would see it on DJ’s but no one could buy it anywhere,” said Selkoe.
Then, in 2008, a new project was born – Karmaloop TV. Aiming to transcend the growing divide between under-the-radar and a mishandled mainstream by MTV, Karmaloop TV has progressed as a showcase for both artists, retailers, and “Verge Culture” news.
“The Verge Culture is a cut and paste culture tapping a convergence of tastes and styles gleaned globally through the web, mashing them up and making them their own. They communicate digitally, are socially progressive, and are the most tech savvy people on the planet, their musical tastes and interests are as broad as they wish them to be,” piped Selkoe.
After having set a successful precedent with Karmaloop TV shows ‘The Daily Loop’ and ‘Global Loop’, the giant has recently enveloped Skee TV; a premier content platform hosted by none other than DJ Skee, that boasts 100 million+ views, a KIIS-FM presence, and a Top 50 YouTube channel of all time. A recipe for success would be an underplay.
The two have catalyzed a tentative December 2010 launch for an on-demand cable debut, with a network launch in tow for February of 2011.
Cross-spectrum, cross-culture, and multi-generational, the network will delve into the underserved growing niche of educated, tech-savvy, alpha consumers whom make up ever-changing verge culture contingent.
“We will have the Chip tha Rippers and the Chiddy Bangs of the world on it” hinted Selkoe.
So here’s to a heads up to MTV, and a nod to Complex, Karmaloop has pulled out the stops.
What started in a basement, grew into a gleaming Boston hotspot, and has transgressed into a worldwide brand proselytized by 50,000+ brand evangelists. Selkoe and his brand are truly a personification of Urbanian ideal, and serves as a testament and reminder that verge culture is converging – not with the mainstream – but with those whom live the lives, breath the brands, and embrace the culture.
To see more of Karmaloop & Karmaloop TV check out:
Carissa Rossi
Meet the DJ’s of the W.6 Mix
The Urbanian “gets familiar” with the three hottest DJ’s on West 6th Street in Cleveland, Ohio. West 6th is the main strip in Cleveland’s Warehouse District. The street is home to many of Cleveland’s best restaurants, bars, and night clubs. It is also the place where people get a little extra crazy and drink a bit too much. We ask the guys what they think about the West 6th scene, their favorite club, and more……
Meet DJ FLACO (FLACO FLASH) he is the resident DJ at Velvet Dog on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Flaco recently was the winner of the 2010 IDJ Awards “Mixologist DJ.”
www.djflaco.com
Meet DJ Kosher Kuts he spins at The Mercury Lounge (Mondays and Tuesdays), Sushi Rock (Wednesdays), Velvet Dog (Thursdays and Sundays), and Fortress (Saturdays).
Meet DJ Donkis he is the resident DJ at Barley House.
http://www.mediafire.com/?jivnzo0ya0q
The Urbanian: How did each of you get into the industry?
Flaco: I started djing in 92′ just for free all local house parties and proms and shit like that. I dropped a mixtape and never looked back, now I get booked overseas the most, they really appreciate good music!!!
Kosher Kuts: I got into the industry through bartending and through supporting other djs/events.
Donkis: I’ve been dj’n for about six years now; I started out like every other DJ out here, from the ground up. I dj’d holes in the walls and bar and grill style restaurants. I currently work at z1079 and I have been there 7yrs! I worked the night shift for 5 of those years and have always been fascinated by music and like others I have an ear for music. Every night at the station after I finished my work I would spend 2-3 hrs practicing on the turntables. One day Mick Boogie came in while I was mixing and we talked and I told him I wanted to be like him a DJ. He told me one thing that stuck in my mind. He said, “If u can mix this whole crate of records then u can do be a good DJ!” at that time I thought it was impossible, but now knowing tempos and beats it all made sense. Now a day’s technology cheats the real essence of dj’n. efore the industry standard”Serato”. (DJ software) you would have to train yourself to have a keen ear. It was AFI’s Prelude 12/21 ‘blended with Lil Jon’s- Snap your fingers. I posted it on a AFI fan page and overnight it was a hit. I was soon contacted by Crunk Energy Drink and was sponsored by them; I was being played on Sirius shade 45 and was heard locally on 92.3 on a weekly show called “The Flipside.” After making networks thru people it got me gigs. My first big club gig was Silk formerly next to shooters. There I got turned onto video djing which I Do at Barley House now!
TU: What was your favorite event you spinned at down town?
Flaco: Has to be the party for the NBA they rented out Velvet Dog during the playoffs in 2007. The party was bananas! It was full of celebs and I got to see an NBA trophy up close, I had to take a picture.
Kosher Kuts: DEW Tour After Party at Ultra Nightclub, the event was packed full of pro skaters, bikers, motorcross… It was just an all around crazy night and the crowd had a great response to the music i was playing!!! Everything fell into place!!!!
Donkis: I’ve DJ’d alot of celebrity events in the likes of Playboy, Shaq, Josh Cribbs, Kim kardashian, Troy Smith all thanks to Barley House in Cleveland. But the event that sticks out the most to me is Monster! I’m currently sponsored by Monster Energy Drink and I did a Snowboard competition/ freestyle event! I liked It the most because Ur combining my 2 favorite things dj’n and snowboarding
TU: What is your opinion on the W6th scene? Hate it or love it?
Flaco: In all honesty West 6th is the place to be in downtown Cleveland, it offers the most variety in the city, it’s never an empty seen, rain or snow! As for the hate, let em’ hate because hate is everywhere.
Kosher Kuts: My opinion of West 6th has changed throughout the years, things at the moment are kinda crazy… a younger crowd has stepped in and is the majority of the crowd at the clubs. Which in turn means maturity is sometimes not always there. But things go in cycles so clubs, club owners, police, need to work through this in terms in which everyone is safe downtown and has a good time!!
Donkis: My opinion of the w6th scene is mixed. Some days I have a blast and other days I don’t. I love the atmosphere the style of the clubs going up the street. I just don’t enjoy how people act drunk, annoying drunk girl requests. THAT’S MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE! Requests shout outs! Let me work! W6th is great but I can do without the cocky muscle head god’s gift to guys, snobby drunk girls, and the people that think VIP is so great! It’s overrated; we are not in Vegas people! Stop acting like u r the shit it’s Cleveland!
TU: Where did you guys come up with the idea to collab on a mixtape and pass it out in the bars? Did you get a lot of positive feedback from it?
Flaco: If I’m not mistaken it was Donkis’ idea at first and Kosher was on it heavy to get it started. The feedback was great and people love free shit (especially when they know it’s good.
Kosher Kuts: I believe the idea was mine or Donkis’s but I am not really sure, but Donkis was the one to put the idea into motion and got everyone together and on the right page to make the CD. Me personally, got a lot of positive feedback from the mix, I really wanted to do something way different than everyone else on the mix, I wanted to show the diversity I have.
Donkis: The concept on the W6th Mixtape was something I came up with, a DJ in LA (DJ jayceeoh) put out a mixtape called the super 7. He took 7 dj’s from all the hott states and put them on one cd. I thought to myself why not do that with w6th but take them from every club on 6th. No one that i know of has ever exposed w6th for what it was. So I wrote up a proposal had every dj give it to the club and we were officially sponsored. We never came outta pocket which is always good. We would have had 6 dj’s on it but the one never turned his mix in, so we moved on! But I’ve heard some good things about the mixtape! It’s def something I wanna do again!
TU: What is the craziest thing you have seen while Dj ing?
Flaco: I caught a dj acting like he is mixing and rocking a party, but it was all a mixtape done by another dj and at the peek of it the cd skipped!!! Not cool homie!!!
Kosher Kuts: Craziest thing I have seen – too many to name….way too many
Donkis: Just some flashes of breasts but I love how u can control a crowd to the point where every persons hands r up! No Lie! It’s cool to see and a great feeling
TU: Whats your favorite club on West 6th?
Flaco: of course Velvet Dog, we have the best rooftop hands down!!! Really we do!!!
Kosher Kuts: The Mercury Lounge, its ideal for DJs to play at….the sound is great the club is a perfect size (not too big and not too small) it’s a chill place that can get crazy in a matter of a second
Donkis: Of course I’m gonna name Barley House! But my favorite type of music is HOUSE!!!!!! All day!!!
Carissa Rossi
Urbanian Exclusive: MGK
When you hear the name Machine Gun Kelly, most think of the famous gangster from the 1920’s. But this Machine Gun Kelly is an entertainer.
“I consider myself to be an entertainer, given that I’m most known as MGK “the rapper” I don’t have a problem with the label, I just want the people to know that I am much more than that,” Machine Gun Kelly.
The Urbanian: For those who haven’t heard of you yet, what would you like to tell them about your music and who you are?
MGK: As far as the music goes…Google 100 Words and Running, and YouTube Machine Gun Kelly you’ll get your music fix there. On a personal level: everyone calls me “Kells” or “K”, I’m a 20 year old white boy residing on the Eastside of Cleveland, OH, and I am loud and obnoxious troubled youth that spends weeknights pissing parents off by turning their daughter’s room into a giant orgy-fest. That is all.
TU: What is your favorite song you have produced so far?
MGK: The fans influence which song is my favorite, and right now their’s and mine would have to be “Chip off the Block” simply because that shows my original style, which was straight up raw and rapid-fire delivery. When I perform that shit the crowd always goes nuts because when you take an energetic song and add it to one of the most energetic live performance set’s (this is just my opinion, but if you’ve ever been to one of my shows I’m sure you’ll co-sign) you get pure mayhem…which is what the fans want to see! Rage!
TU: What are your top 3 favorite hip hop web sites? 
MGK: Worldstarhiphop.com, LeakJones.com, and of course TheUrbanian.com, durrrr!!
TU: What message can you give younger rappers who are trying to master the grind?
MGK: Fuck what the critics and haters have to say (this is something I’m still trying to learn haha…those bastards} and understand that it’s not about what you do IN the studio, it’s about what you do OUTSIDE of it because there are millions of people recording daily but there is a reason why only 2% of those songs are getting heard.
TU: What was the creative influence behind your latest mixtape and when do you plan on releasing another one?
MGK: Being broke!!! Haha nah I’m just playing…well actually? No I’m not. But I’m going to have to credit my creative influence on the 100 Words and Running mixtape to my hunger to be heard, I’ve been rapping since I was 13 but my true breakout came when I released that mixtape at 19, which means no one was fucking with me for like 6 years! So I probably just hopped in the booth like “yo, their gonna give me my respect THIS time around!”
TU: Where and when is your next show?
MGK: This Friday (Aug. 6 2010) I’m in Cincinnati with Big Sean, and Saturday I’m headlining in Buffalo, NY but I’m most excited for my show at Peabody’s back in my city (Cleveland, OH) on August 28th….its about to be a fucking RAGER!
TU: Is there a meaning behind all of your tattoos? What do some of them represent?
MGK: Of course! I hate these fucking rappers that just ink their body with a whole bunch of nothing, which is damn near all of yal! Fucking posers. I believe tattoos are a lifestyle not a fashion trend. But anyways, my favorite tattoo right now is the one on my lower stomach that reads “Almost Famous” because as my career grows I’m still humbled every morning when I look at that tattoo, and I’ll always remember how much it sucked to ALMOST be famous haha. I just got this quote from the movie “The Sandlot” on my shoulders which I think is one of the illest one’s I have as well, it says “Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die” I’m trying to be a legend in my city man! I have symmetric tattoos on my wrist, my left one says “Live Free” and my right has chain links which pretty much symbolizes that you can either live a life under the limitations of “the man” or you can live for yourself and live for the moment.
TU: What are you most proud of so far in your career?
MGK: My win at the Apollo Theater in NYC! First rapper to ever win at the Apollo, and i did it TWICE…just sayin. But that was over a year ago so now I’m most proud of the strength and loyalty of my FANS. They don’t know it, but on days where I feel hopeless their comments/messages make me get out of bed and continue my grind.
TU: What is your ultimate goal you would like to accomplish in your music career?
MGK: A comfortable lifestyle for my team, my family, and myself which is something I don’t think any of us have truly had growing up.
More on MGK:
facebook.com/machinegunkellymusic
twitter.com/machinegunkellymusic
Mixtape: http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/11284/machine_gun_kelly_100_words_and_running.html
Carissa Rossi
DOWNLOAD: Dirty Girls Like Dirty Beats
“Lyrically influenced by the hip hop masters, musically influenced by the Chicago club scene, Na Palm combines both genres to create his signature sound. He started out free-styling at late-late-late-night after-hours; now he’s packing the country’s hottest clubs…and the Kid’s just getting started.”
I heard of Napalm via Facebook and thought he was kinda cute so I decided to give him a listen…. I immediately thought this was some dope material. Great party music and gets you pumped up!
I am currently trying to get an interview with Napalm to learn more about him but this kid is coming up download and see for yourself!
MORE ON NAPALM:
http://www.facebook.com/napalmchicago
For booking info:
NaPalmBooking@gmail.com
DOWNLOAD HERE:
http://www.datpiff.com/pop-mixtape-download.php?id=m0779f00
Carissa Rossi
Kanye West Tweets Cartoonized, Hilarity Ensues
Well, for those of you not in the know – @KanyeWest has graced the Twittersphere with his presence. In the wake of such a momentous new member, Kanye has littered his profile with clever anecdotes and priceless life advice. Things like: “Fur pillows are hard to actually sleep on”, and “you wanna know what goes through my mind in the early afternoon…. suits and Brazil yes!”.
In lieu of thus, a user of the Internet somewhere (cue me being too lazy to find out specifics), has found cartoons and inserted some of the highlight tweets Mr. West has posted. Hilarious.
Dora The Explorer Explores Your Mind
Movie parodies are a hot commodity these days on the YouTube, so when you mix the most talked about film of the year with an adorable little girl saying funny things, you got yourself a bonafide viral video.
This live-action Dora the Explorer meets Inception trailer may have dropped two weeks ago, but it appears a lot of people have missed out on it due to the hype surrounding the Toy Story 3/Inception parody. Watch below and enjoy.
Chris Webby’s Mixtape Release Party
“The Chris Webby Mixtape Release Party was off the chain,” said Anthony Ando, Founder of The Kick Back Movement.
Chris Webby’s Mixtape Release Party at Marquee in NYC was packed with lines out the door the entire night. Many loyal and passionate fans came out to support their favorite white boy rapper.
Webby’s private table was flowing with bottles all night, but he spent most of the night making his way around the club to greet his fans.
“Just when things really started to pop off, Chris Webby turned it up a little. He rocked the mic with a much anticipated performance of some of his hottest fan favorites. The dancing crowd cheered and sang along with the drunken rapper, who somehow still managed to spit out every word of his lyrics with vigor,” said Anthony Ando.
Some said the sound quality could have been better, but when everybody in the crowd knows the words, it’s barely noticeable. What people learned from this party: Chris Webby was born to do this……..
