HYPETRAKAugust 14th 2013

In honor of his freshly-released mixtape Honest Cowboy we sat down with MMG’s very ownStalley who shared some personal details behind his latest body of work. The Ohio native revealsthat Honest Cowboy and its title were inspired by his fathers work on the ranch and the honestqualities of a cowboy. Accordingly, the 10-track offering provides an in-depth account of theOhio nativeTsinner life which simultaneously opens the door for his upcoming full-lengthrelease, due later this year. In addition, Stalley opens up about his role within the MMGmovement, his thoughts on DJ Khaled’s “proposal’ to Nicki Minaj, and much more. Watch theinterview above and grab you own digital copy of Honest Cowboy here.

HYPETRAK TV: Stalley - Cowboys & Rappers

AP.LNIFI-1DFAugust 12, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Stalley Talks Upcoming Debut Album, MMG’s Place In History, “New Legends” & More

by Yohance Kyles (@HUEYm1xwItRILEY)

(AliHipHop Features) Midwest rhymer Stalley recently released his second official project with Maybach MusicGroup. The Massillon, Ohio native says the Honest Cowboy mixtape is the “one that’s going to open people’s eyesup. The music is going to speak for itself.”

While Stalley is going to let the tracks do most of the talking on his behalf AllHipHop wanted to connect with the“Swangin” performer to get his take on a few topics not covered in the music. Stalley discusses some of his businessventures, the status of his debut album, his view on this generation’s “legendary” emcees, and whether MMG is in thesame league as Death Row & Roc-A-Fella.

AllHipHop.com: How has being signed to Maybach Music Group influenced you?Stalley: It really just influenced me to stay the same, and keep doing what I’m doing and to stay gung-ho in what Ibelieve in. It helped me realize I do something special with the individuality that I have. It really is that special,because it isn’t the same as everybody else on MMG and everybody else as far as just music. I think a lot of themusic sounds the same. They use a lot of the same producers. They make music for the club, for the radio. I think thereason that Ross selected me to be on MMG is because I had my own unique sound that was still able to be asuperstar in a sense. So I keep on grinding, doing what I’m doing.

I spoke to Rockie Fresh a few months back, and he was saying how Ross as a label head doesn’t micro-manage much. Do you feel he gives you free rein and the opportunity to explore your own concepts?He definitely doesn’t micro-manage. He allows you to have free rein to do what you want to do and let you learn fromjust being an artist. Someone like me and Rockie Fresh, we’re young artists, so it’s a lot of learning to go through andexperiment with. You got to find yourself as an artist. I don’t think anyone can really point you toward a direction or asound. It’s got to be organic and natural, and that’s why I decided to go with Maybach Music, because Ross wasallowing me to do just that.

You never really gave a release date for your album, but you’ve been talking about it for a while. I’m sure youhear people saying things like Stalley’s album is never coming out. Does that impact you at all?That doesn’t affect me at all. People are always going to talk. When I put out the album people are going to say!shouldn’t have put out the album. It’s just waiting on the timing for myself. You only get one first album. I want tomake sure it’s right. Everybody over at the label’s excited. Everybody wants the album to come out, but I said Ipersonally felt like I wanted to give the opportunity for the fans to get to know me a little bit more and listen to me alittle bit more before I gave them the project.lt’s not because “Swangin” isn’t doing good, or they pushing me back.You know you hear all that stuff like, ‘You know he ain’t dropping cause the single ain’t popping’ or ‘Stalley ain’t nevercoming out.’ I hear that all the time. People are always going to have something to say. Like I said, you only get oneopportunity to come out with your first album, and I want to make sure that it’s right and classic in my eyes. If it’s notclassic in everybody else’s eyes, I want to make sure it’s classic in mine before I put it out.

You’re on a label with some pretty well established artists. You’ve got Ross, Wale, Meek Mill. They’ve all putout albums that were fairly successful. Do you feel any pressure to match their success?feel no pressure coming from the camp or anywhere. We all are individuals. We all have our own style, our own fan

base. That’s what makes MMG so great, because we all do our own thing, and we all come together to make goodmusic. So yeah, it’s no pressure at all.

How do you feel when people compare MMG to legendary labels like Death Row and Roc-A-Fella? Do youfeel like MMG is at that same level as those crews were during their prime?We definitely making our own stamp in music and in Hip Hop. Roca-fella and Death Row, it’s hard to come behind theBad Boys and people like that with the hit music they put out, but we doing the same thing. We’ve been holding itdown for the past five summers. If you want to say it like that. It’s been dope. It’s even an honor to be mentionedamong those groups.

There’s the Self Made Vol 3 coming out soon. We know there’s Lupe and Jadakiss on the album. Have youguys worked with anybody else that might show up on that project?I’m sure there’s going to be a ton of special guests. That’s something that Ross does. He puts that together. Heusually allows us to come with records of our own and puts the records together. I’ve been in the studio working on afew records, and he’s kept all of them. I’m excited about a solo record that I got on there that didn’t really fit my albumor my mixtape, so I gave it to him. He kept it, and it’s amazing.

What’s the status of your Blue Collar Gang clothing brand?It’s coming together. This fall we’re dropping a new season. It’s going to be a lot of chambrays. We’re working onsweat pants and different designs. I hate to say a clothing line is a clothing line with only t-shirts and hoodies. It’sactually evolving into what we want it to evolve into, and that’s a full line brand. We got, like I said, chambrays, crewnecks, hoodies, sweat pants, socks and hats. It ‘s really blossoming into something special.

What about other corporate partnerships? I know you did something with ESPN a few years ago.We got some cool stuff. I still have that relationship with ESPN, with Nike. I got a couple of other brands that I’mworking with. I got a few things I can’t speak about, but I’m slap-dab in the middle of the culture with streetwear andfashion in general, so I got a lot of cool things coming about.

We know you’re heavy into sports and cars. What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of music?I read a lot. I’m into literature.

What book would you recommend?I’m reading a book right now called Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski. I’m just getting into it. It’s about his lifegrowing up, his parents coming over from Germany as immigrants, him growing up in California, the people he cameacross, how it was adapting to a different neighborhood. It’s a good book so far. I would definitely recommend that. Iwould also recommend any book by Hunter S. Thompson.

There has been a lot of talk in Hip Hop the last few months about the “new legends” with artists like KendrickLamar, Drake, i. Cole. Do you feel like the current generation of young emcees are getting the proper respectas compared to more universally accepted legends?Within anything it’s hard for people to step down. Michael Jordan don’t want to give LeBron and Kobe proper respectfor being LeBron and Kobe, so there’s always going to be that disconnect. People are always going to want to holdonto that title or that position. That’s just the way of man just having that macho mechanism about them. I think that indue time all us will be placed in our proper placements as far as the history goes. People always want to be

SelF Made Vol 3 Ccer Art

mentioned as legends, but don’t do anything legendary. You got Pac and Nas and Jay Z. People that you call themlegends for the way they not only revolutionized music but the whole culture and the way of living and the way ofthinking. It’s hard to give somebody that proper legend stamp. Those words get thrown around so much these days;legend, classic, timeless, It is really though? That’s just my opinion.

What separates Stalley as an artist from other emcees?Just my personality. The passion that I have. The drive that I have. The voice that I have to speak from my heart andfrom a place that nobody’s ever been. I grew up in Massillon, Ohio. It’s not many places in the world like that, sothat’s where I speak from. I speak from my experiences that are much different from everyone else’s. That’s whatmakes us all individuals.I would say one big thing is everybody’s chasing a record for the radio, for the club. I make music for the cars. I makemusic that jams that you can vibe to, and that’s really what separates me and that lyricism aspect. I don’t think peopleare really lyricists no more. I think that’s the big difference between me and those guys.

HYPEBEAST

August 21, 2013

Essentials: Stalley

Kyle Myricks, or Stalley in hip-hop circles, is a prolific rapper best known for his candid rapdelivery and trademark beard. Signed to Rick Ross’s MMG imprint, Stalley recently released hisnew mixtape, Honest Cowboy. Featuring the likes of Di Quik, Scarface and ScHoolboy Q, themixtape is a personal extension showcasing the Ohio rapper’s acute rhyming styles in full force.For his Essentials, Stalley presented a number of items from his BCG — Blue Collar Gang —

imprint, a fashion brand dedicated to hardworking individuals who share the same self-madevalues, alongside expansions of the Stalley brand with accessories including a lighter, an iPhonecase, and a fro pick to keep his beard looking impeccable. Elsewhere, Stalley enlists Air Jordan 3for foot patrol and a Just Don All Leather Cleveland Browns Snapback to rep his hometown.Without compromising cleanliness for style, Stalley makes sure a DiamondClean Toothbush isclose by to “keep the pearly whites on point.”

Ga#WatchWednesday: Our man @Stalley shows off

his #Rolex Sky-Dweller - @natelyOctober 9, 2013

• BilihoordJuly 27, 2013

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PICK YOUR KICK: STALLEY’S SNEAKER PREFERENCES

July 23, 2013

Stalley has shoes, perhaps too many to chose. In this installment of Pick Your Kick our July Guest

Editor shares his preferences on popular silos and colorways, both new and old alike. What are his takes

on some of the recent sneaker debates and age-old questions? Read on to get Stalley’s say and his kick

preferences

AIR JORDAN 5 “GRAPE” VS AIR JORDAN 5 “BLACK GRAPE”

Kick Pick: Air Jordan 5 “Grape”

Stalley: ‘Woah, putting the pressure on me? (Laughs) I’ve got to go with the classics, the white ones. Just

a classic colorway, crispy. Even though I love the black ones, I’ve got to go with the whites.”

INICEKICK5J

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Kick Pick: Black/Red

Stalley: “Black and red. Classics, all day. You know, that’s one of my favorite shoes. I love that shoe beat

up. I used to wear that shoe when I worked at ALIFE. I wore that shoe everyday for probably two to three

months straight just because I love the way that shoe looks when it’s broken in. I know a lot of people like

their shoes crispy, but there’s a few shoes that I like worn or kind of beat up. That Jordan 1 is amazing.

Even to skate in that shoe. If you skateboard, I think that’s the best shoe to skate in.’

AIR JORDAN 1 BLACK/RED VS. AIR JORDAN 1 BLACK/ROYAL

NIKE LEBRON 9 VS. NIKE LEBRON X

Kick Pick: Nike LeBron 9

Stalley: “The 9s. I think the 9 is much better than the X. I like a few of the Xs, but I didn’t like as many Xs

as I did the 9s. I would say the ‘Taxis’ and the ‘Black History Months’ are my favorites”

NIKE LEBRON 8 “SOUTH BEACH” VS. NIKE LEBRON 9 ELITE “SOUTHBEACH”

Kick Pick: Nike LeBron 9 Elite “South Beach”

Stalley: “I like the 9, I like the 9 Elite.”

CONVERSE CHUCK TA YLOR VS. CONVERSE PRO LEATHER

Kick Pick: Converse Chuck Taylor

Stalley: “Chuck Taylors all day. That’s one of my favorite shoes of all time, it’s just a classic shoe. I really

like the Skate CONS. The Skate CONS look better as I look down on my foot because the regular Chucks

are narrowS”

I.J1CEKICKS)

July 11, 2013Kickstarter: The Shoe That Got Stalley Hooked

As announced last week, MMG artist Stalley will be serving as Guest Editor for the month ofJuly on Nice Kicks. While Stalley will contribute to the site in a number of ways on an array ofcolumns, his work and story begins with the pair that started it all.In this installment of Kickstarter, Stalley shares the shoes that got him hooked. Recently retroedbut forever his first pair, hear from Stalley about the basketball kicks that got him in thesneaker game.

Stalley: “The pair of sneakers that really kicked it off for me were the David Robinsons fromback in the day, the Air Force 180s. I was in elementary school playing basketball at the Boys &Girls Club and I was going to the store to find some sneakers. Those sneakers were just soperfect at the time. They were super high and David Robinson was also one of my favoriteplayers. I think that’s when I really fell in love with sneakers. Everything about them — thecolorway, the comfort, the Air pockets, the big tongue — it was an amazing shoe.”

“I definitely rocked them to school, but I was one of those guys that would always test out theshoes I got for style for basketball too. I had to play in everything even though friends andfamily would always ask me why I was playing in them. I had to test them out on the court. Itwas a two-way shoe for me. My mom got those for me and they were a blessing. That was like$140 at the time but she looked out as mom always did.”Stay tuned all month for more exclusive content from our July Guest Editor, Stalley.

INICEKICK

July 11, 2013

Back in the Day: Stalley Recalls Working at ALIFE

ALIFE Rivington Club was top tier and still is. It was one of the first sneaker boutiques in NewYork City, let alone the world. With details like the carpet, the finished wood, the slidingladders, the leather sofas and the glass chandeliers, ALIFE Rivington Club was one of a kind. Itrevolutionized the sneaker game.

I’ve worked so many jobs. I was working at Sharper Image and it was going out of business. Thelast day we were packing up the store to leave, I get a call from one of my friends at ALIFE.They knew me there and knew that I always came there to shop and kick it. They were likefamily before they were family. [My friend] called me and was like, “Yo, you looking for a job?”and I was like, “the funny thing is, I’m just leaving Sharper Image. This is my last day, I have nojob, so I am looking for a job.” I went in the next day, and met with Trey and the rest of theowners. They told me that they wanted me to manage the ARC Sports store that they wereopening across the street.

MMG artist Stallev is the July Guest Editor for NiceKicks. coin. As Guest Editor, Stalley willcontribute to the site in a number of columns. Today, Stalley kicks off our Back in the Daysegment with a narrative of his days working at the famed NYC sneaker boutique ALIFE.

Knowing that I had a sports background, they wanted me to manage that store, merchandise it,and come up with cool ideas to bring in not only cool sneakers and do collaborations, but towork with brands that were specifically made for sports performance. I brought in Newmansbatting gloves, and we did collabs with Saucony, Nike and New Balance. It was stuff like thatthat ARC was all about. That was really how it started. They reached out to me just knowing thatI had style, that I was a part of the culture, that I had influence within the scene, and they wantedme to help manage and build up the store.

The owners of ALIFE knew not only about the artist and music side but they knew that I had ahistory playing sports. They knew that the knowledge that I had would help them cross over tothe athletic customer. We’re all into sneakers and a lot of us get into sneakers because of sports.A lot of us like LeBrons because of LeBron. A lot of people really like Jordans because ofJordan. I think that they were really trying to put together a performance shoe that looked goodwhen you were going to a nightclub but you could also run in or play basketball. They knew withmy knowledge and my background that I could put them in that direction in terms of comfort butstill have enough style to make it look good since I’ve always had my own personal style. I’vealways been somebody that always did my own thing.

During my time at ALIFE, I was a part of the “Tennis Ball” Reebok Pumps, Rivington Club xASICS Gel Lyte Ills, the Saucony Shadow 6000s, the New Balance 1300s and 576s [Editor’sNote: The 3M 576s were cancelled due to production issues], the Nike Dunk High, and the AirForce 1, which was a classic shoe embossed with stars with the gum bottom. A New York Cityclassic shoe at that. Those were just a few of the collabs that I got to see there and have some

pboto by adamcrooklyn

input on. Of course, the head designers and the owners have the last word, but we all got to haveour opinions in helping with the designs and colorways.

Every time we had a special release, we had lines of people camping out down the block. Everyrelease was special. The most memorable release was when the Questlove x Nike 1 WORLD AirForce is came out. They were red, green and gold with the elephant print on them. We actuallyhad Questlove come spin in the courtyard and sign autographs. We had about 100 or so pairs.There was a line around the corner for like two or three days. I used to come open the gateand see the same guys waiting there. You know, somebody might have their girl come swap outfor them for a couple hours while they go home, shower, do what they gotta do and come back. Iremember standing there next to Questlove, ringing everybody up when they came into the store.We’d let like three or four people in the store and Quest was right next to me signing their boxesor their pairs. That was one of the most memorable events.

It was an honor for me to be a part of that. ALIFE was one of the first companies to havecollabos going up on eBay for over $1,000. We held events in the courtyard with artists like JohnMayer, Just Blaze, Three Six Mafia, Bun B, Nas and eventually myself with the rest of theMaybach guys last year when Self Made Vol. 2 came out. ALIFE Rivington Club is veryimportant to the sneaker culture, and back then, it was really the sneaker store. When I workedthere, people traveled from all over the world to come take a picture in front of the store. And it’snot like it has a beautiful marquee or entrance — it’s just two glass doors and a plaque. Youreally have to know where it’s at to even get there. To see people come from Australia,Barcelona, Amsterdam and places like that just to see the store or buy something just to get ashopping bag is crazy. Not too many stores can say they’ve done that.

I ICEKICK

July 4, 2013Celebrity Sneaker Stalker

Decked out debuts detail this week’s Celebrity Sneaker Stalker. From BET Award festivities tomusic video shoots, we get our first on-foot looks at new releases from LeBron, Jordan, Reebokand adidas. What did Swizz Beatz, Trinidad Jame$, Guest Editor Stalley and more wear thisweek? Read on to find out and let us know who rocked the best kicks on Twitter and in thecomment section.

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NICE KICKS STAFF PICKSJuly 13, 2013

As summer hits its stride, the selection of sneakers start to grow. This week we saw new patterns on newfavorites, and new colorways on old favorites. We also saw some tremendous tributes to a legendarybaseball player to commemorate the MLB All-Star game. Check out the Nice Kicks Staff Picks for theweek, and let us know what your favorite kicks were this week.

“I’m gonna have to go with the Jordan 1 ‘Shadow.’ It’s a great colorway for a very good everyday shoe. Iused to wear Jordan l’s for a month or two straight just to give t that character and worn beat up look.The ‘Shadow’ 1 is perfect in its color blocking. It’s really just one of the OG shoes that still has a freshappeal today.”

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CELEBRITY SNEAKER STALKERJuly 18, 2013

Retirees in retros, rappers in Reeboks and active athletes all star in Celebrity Sneaker Stalker. This week, we see

Champagne Papi pulling from his Jordan cellar, numerous Yeezy 2 sightings and Stalley in unreleased LeBrons. Who

rocked the best heat this week? Let us know on Twitter and in the comment section.

Also click here to vote for which kicks Guest Editor Stalley will rock in CSS later this month.

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I JICEKICKS

SWANGIN’ WITH STALLEY: OUR JULY GUEST EDITOR’S

FAVORITE CARS TURNED KICKS

July 31, 2013

Today marks the last day of Stalley’s turn as Nice Kicks Guest Editor. In honor of the rapper’s love of automobiles

and sneakers, we decided to create three new kicks colorways inspired by some of his favorite rides. Check out

Stalley’s favorite cars turned kicks below, and let us know which pairs you would rock in the comments.

1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO 55 X NIKE LEBRON 9 ELITEA muscle car paired with a signature sneaker from one of the more powerful basketball players in the NBA. Too

easy, right? Nevertheless, matching the Nike LeBron IX Elite up with the ‘68 Camaro SS worked in the shoe’s favor,

toning things down on the multi-paneled sneaker with a matching contrast of white on the Swoosh and midsole.

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1986 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO X AIR JORDAN 1Pairing up two icons from the 80s was a no-brainer. As fixtures of inner cities across the country, you probably

would have come across this combination of car-and-sneaker roughly 25 years ago. Being an 80s baby, it’s no

surprise that Stalley has an affinity for the classic Monte Carlo SS and has taken quite a liking to the Air Jordan 1.

Both feature a simplistic design with clean lines, and each subtly makes a profound statement.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE C7 X NIKE LUNAR FLYKNIT CHUKKATwo things make this combination perfect. First, the Corvette C7 is not even out, and last time we checked, it’s a

commonality for rappers to have their hands on what’s still on the horizon. Second the Lunar Flyknit Chukka is

virtually the concept sneaker of Nike at the moment, sporting both Lunar and Flyknit technology. With Stalley

showing that he’s got quite the versatile sneaker closet, and having rocked Flyknit kicks in the past, we wouldn’t

put it past him to lace up a pair of these.

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CELEBRITY SNEAKER SELECTOR: PICK GUEST EDITOR STALLEY’SKICKS

July 16, 2013

Nice Kicks readers know that Stalley has no shortage of shoes. While the July Guest Editor has no problem putting

together an outfit, this week he’s giving readers the chance to pick out his kicks for Thursday’s Celebrity Sneaker

Stalker. For this installment of Celebrity Sneaker Selector, check out the three pairs that Stalley is considering

wearing this week. Cast your vote in the poll below and tune in to CSS on Thursday to see if you picked his kicks.**upDATE** The voting period has been extended. Stay tuned to Celebrity Sneaker Stalkerthis month to see if

Stalley wears the kicks you picked.

Stalley: “I’d probably wear these with some sweatpant shorts or go denimondenim. There’s a lot of ways I mightrock them. I might even rock them with some colored chinos, something different than tan.”

Stalley: “That shoe is just so comfortable and just done so well. The black suede with the little hits of red and greymake them one of my favorite shoes of the past few months. I love Converse, but that Cons in general is amazing.You can dress those any way you want.

Stalley: “It’s summer. I’m trying to stay comfortable and not do too much. The comfort, the technology and theattention to detail make these a beautiful shoe. I have every color. I don’t think there’s one that’s come out yetthat I don’t have.”

SLAM CITY SKA TESX CONVERSE CTS MID

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NIKE LUNAR FLYKNIT CHUKKA

Stalley Searches For His Father And Explores His Inner Cowboy On New Mixtape

And MMG’s ‘Self Made Vol. 3’

MMG is a powerhouse in hip-hop right now, with Wale’s The Gifted topping the Billboard chartsand Meek Mill & Rick Ross shelling out bangers all summer. However, one particular MaybachMusic Group member has been waiting in the wings for his opportunity to shine. Stalley signedwith MMG back in 2011 when he was known for his beard and a pair of early mixtapes, and thesigning was received with mixed emotions from fans; here was another talented artist andanother win for the roster, but an uncertain fit with what Ross was building with the Maybachbrand.

The Blue Collar Gang head honcho already established a name for himself before MMG,creating a niche for his “Intelligent Trunk Music” and building a following. Since the signing theOhio native has appeared on Self Made Vols. 1 & 2 and dropped another mixtape, SavageJourney To The American Dream, but things have been relatively quiet for the past two years.That’s not to say any time has been wasted—Stalley has his mixtape Honest Cowboy slated todrop on August 8th, with his debut album on deck and an appearance on MMG’s Self Made Vol.3 set for September. Stalley swung by the XXL offices this week to speak about the impact of hisfather on his projects, why he signed to MMG and his quest for knowledge. —Emmanuel C.M.(@ECM_LP)

August 5 2013

June 13, 2013

Ear to the Street j

Inspired you to create your own clothing line?FTj My love for fashion, but more importantly for me, with the BCG

clothing line, is giving it that blue-collar feel. Where I em from alot of kids can’t afford the expensive streetwear, so I wanted to make something that not only is fashionable, but at the same time represents them andtheir lifestyle. You know, that blue-collar vibe.Let’s talk specifically about your line.As of right now, it’s just the basics: T-shirts, hoodies, baseball shirts, and more,but we got some hats coming out and other items as well, [definitely want BCGto develop into a lull line, and eventually get into cut and sew. I want my line tocreate oxford and flannels, khakis and stuff like that,What’s your ultimate goal with BCG clothing?I just want to gel my clothing on as much people as possible. The self-madepeople, the people that work hard, the people with dreams, the people withgoals. Blue Collar Gang is for everyone. I want to also do collaborations withbrands that we enjoy and like. t mean, there are many possibilities.As you know, fashion trends come and go In Hip-Hop, but what’s onetrend you hope never comes back and why?Laughs.] I guess it would have to be the tall tees and the glittery jeans. I hope thatnever comes back around. I never understood the concept behind the tall tees.All this clothing talk, but what about your debut album coming out soon?It comes out this summer We are 85% to 90% done and we got the firstsingle coming out really soon. I don’t have many features because I am trying to keep away from that. I feet like I can hold things down myself withouthaving many people carrying the weight.How will it differ from your mixtapes?We spent a lot of time with different producers and musicians in post-productiondeveloping this album and making it as musical as possible. If anyone followsmy career, they know I always have a mixtape with a concept behind it, I justwant to amplify the album, give it a global Sound. I’m really just trying to put allthe elements that I always wanted to into my music.When all Is said and done, how would you like people toremember your music?I just want people to remember my music as honest. I’m being me, and hopefully neonle can lake omethinn from it w,.,,s.

TIll MAGAZINI Iii HIP-HOP MUSIC. CULTUI1I II POLITICS

StaUey talks BCG Clothing and his upcoming album debut.

*CROSBYQAugust 6 2013

Stalley on Manners, “Sexomatic”, and the Importance of HandSanitizer I Style Profile

Since dropping his debut mixtape in 2,.J, gje has been making a name for himself in the rap game. In 2010, the Ohio rapper signed toMaybach Music Group and has appeared on Self Made Vale. I & 2, and is set to drop his album Honest Cowboy on August 8th on iTunes. Checkout his single “Swangin”featuring Scarface:We sat down with him to discuss his favorite music, beard upkeep and who the mast polite rapper is.First of all, when is the album coming out? What can we expect?The album is coming soon, no official date [since this interview took place, it’s been announced that Honest Cowboy is slated for on August 8threlease.] But you can expect a lot of openness and honesty in the music. I’m really diggin’ deep inside myself and trying to be mare personalwith the music. You can also expect amazing musicality and production.Fair enough. What should people be talking about in rap right now that they aren’t?Honestly, I think people should be talking more about current events and the problems in the social world and in our comm unities. People oremore boisterous now than they hove been in the past. People used to speak more about families and values, and I think that needs to comebock in music.Who’s making music you listen to outside of hip hop?Outside of hip hop, I’m listening to Devandro Banhart, Kurt Vile, Jim James, Rhye, Superhumonoids, and Blue Hawaii.Describe the beard regimen. Got any secrets for us?Just take core of your beard like you would a heod of hair. Wash it, condition it, pick it.When did you know you were going to make music your life?I knew! would make music my whole life, in 20091 got laid offfrom my manager position at jjbecause of slow business. That’s when Ifelt likethat was a sign. I was already working an music on the side while working atAlife anyway, so Ifelt like it was the right time to take it full on. Ihove a voice that needs to be heard and that 9-to5 life wasn’t the life! wanted.You’re following 0 people on Twitter. What’s that about?I was hesitant to join Twitter at first because I’m not really into social media. I like how artists used to be, coming from afon perspective, whereyou actually had to research or take an interest in an artist to find who they ore, ond what they’re about.Today, you can find Out everything in five minutes, and it takes some of the mystique away. I’m on Twitter for my fans and the people that oretruly interested in what I’m doing. I use [it] to interact with my fans and! respond to my followers when they tweet at me, but I don’t spend allday watching my timeline.Who would you really like to collaborate with?Whoever wants to collaborate with me and make good music.What’s the most surprising song on your personal iTunes?Maybe some David Bowie or “Valentine” by Fiona A ogle, or “Sexomnatic” by the Bar-Kays.You’re an Ohio dude — do you still dislike watching LeBron succeed outside of Cleveland? Did you ever?I love seeing LeBron succeed and seeing how gracefully he does it. I love that he still puts on for Ohio and the 330. His success is our success, soI love it.What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?The best concert lever went to was either Kings of Leon at MSG or the Diesel 20-YearAnniversory show, when Hot Chip brought out Chaka Khan.You just shot an editorial with Wish Atlanta for Comme des Garcons PLAY, and you’ve modeled before. Are there any other brandsspecifically that you’d like to work with?I would love to work with ,j,, yJyim WTAPS, and Neighborhood. I also always love working with my clothing brand Blue Collar Gang; we’reabout to release anew season in stares and online.

Who is the most polite rapper in the game?lam.Fair enough. Got anything on your rider that we should know about?My rider is simple; water, cut-up fruit, pretzels, towels, gum, and hand sanitizer.Did you have any clothing that you were determined to get as a kid?I was always into sneakers, so that’s one thing I wanted as a kid. I also always wanted a leather and suede jacket, like a bomber jacket.How do you want BCG to be perceived?I want BCG to be perceived as something that is accessible to everyone. It is for those thot work hard to achieve their dreams, regardless ofrace, class, culture or creed. It is simple, clean, stylish and affordable.

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August 8 2013

Stalley’s Di Quik Produced Honest Cowboy Hits the Internet

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Cameron Giles is not the only rapper who used to get it in Ohio. Stalley, the Blue Collar Gang founder and Maybach MusicGroup member still puts on for the Double 0 despite having lived in New York for years now. Well, thats not entirely true. Amore accurate way of putting it would be that he still reps Ohio even though hes been living on the road for the past few years.Such is life when youre a part of raps most visible collective, MMG. Their boss Rick Ross hit a pretty rough patch after thedebacle that was his verse on Rockos “U.O.E.N.O.” but Wales album topped Billboard this past June while Meek Mills DreamChasers 2 broke Datpiff.com with 2.5 million downloads, setting a record for the site. And of course Stalley is releasing his firstmixtape since last years Savage Journey To The American Dreomtoday. Honest Cowboy finds the Midwest native concentratingon making his presence felt around the world. Most critics are on board, often hailing Stalley as MMG’s true lyricist, but hispopularity still pales in comparison to radio mainstays like Meek Mill and Wale.We sat down with StalIley to ask him, among other things, if it bothered him that he hadn’t reached the popularity of some ofhis label mates. As always, he had some thoughtful insight to share about that as well as his overall position at the label. SavageJourney indeed.What’s up Stalley? Missed you at Alife the other day. How’d it go over there?The turnout was overwhelming. It was a last minute thing. It rained. People still came out to support. It was love. I hadn’t beenaround [NYCI in awhile and I just wanted to come back to my home at Alife to revisit the place where a lot of this stuff was setinto motion.Where you at now and where are you going next?I’m in Charlotte, N.C. right now. I’ve just been doing domestic spot dates right now. Everything is promo for the mixtape. I’mdoing signings and in-store appearances and going up to radio stations. Everything. My fans deserve it.Plans to take it overseas yet?Not just yet, but yeah we’re heading to Europe real soon--have a show in Prague and the U.K. and a couple of other cities outthere. I’m excited. It’s always good to see the fans out there show up and show out.So tell me about the new project Honest Cowboy?It’s a mixtape, but you know I treat anything with my name on it like a full on album or project. So I reached out to some coldlyricist like Schoolboy Q and some dope producers like Cardo and I got some beats by DJ Quik. Matter of fact, Q.uik mixed thewhole album.Wow! Quik? That’s ill. How are your raps?Oh, on this one the penmanship is amazing. I carefully craft my lyrics because this is going to be around forever so you have todo your best every time out. If not you might get remembered for some wack shit and taint your whole legacy.Very true. How are things over at MMG?MMG stuff is going great. Everyone is just supporting one another. We got Self Made 3coming out Sept 17. Meek gotnew Dreams Chasers 3 coming out. My project comes out [today]. We’re just hitting back to back to back.What do you think you bring to the fold at MMG?I bring that uniqueness, a different voice. A different reason, you know what I mean? I’m from the Midwest so I’m a littledifferent. But Cowboy still has that classic original Midwest difference sound for ridin’ ‘round enjoying good music and goodchronic. Swangin’, y’ know?

How much weed do you smoke? Is it for work or for recreation?Smoking is something to help you think. I don’t know about other people, but if there’s too much going on in my life I can getwriter’s block. With a lot on my mind [weed] helps me concentrate. I can block things out or fall into a zone with my work. But Ido use it also for recreation. Like I’ve said, I’m a Midwest kid at heart, so I just like to ride around and relax.Are you purposely playing the position of “minor league” rapper while Meek and Wale score Number 1 albums?We’re all trying to get to that number one spot. Ain’t no playing no positions over here. We’re all trying to win. But we all haveour own lanes so we’re all successful already.What makes you feel you’re successful?Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Khaled, 2 Chainz... they listen to my music and know my lyrics. It’s so crazy when not only peers, but OGs,are checking for you and now you’re music. I ran into Cee Lo [Green] in LA. He tells me he’s waiting on my album to come out.They’re checking for me. I grew up admiring those guys. To get that respect makes me feel successful.Plan on collaborating with any of the people who you just listed?Yeah man, we working. Right now got collabs with Schoolboy Q and a few other cats. I think people like my collaborationsbecause to me it’s a vibe you get from a person. Me and Spitta are bros. Me and Rozay, you can hear it that we’re seeing eye toeye. I can do records with anyone, but it’s bout the chemistry while working together that makes fans gravitate to it.

EXCLUSIVE: Don’t Sleep. Stalley Plans To Wake Up The Masses With ‘Honest CowboyS’ Mixtape

(AllHipHop Feature) Maybach Music Group’s Stalley has been releasing music for over 5 years. After dropping three independentmixtapes prior to 2012 and his first project under the MMG umbrella last year, Stalley believes his latest mixtape, Honest Cowboy, isthe definitive work that will force the non-believers to take notice.“It’s going to be one that people will remember for a long time. I think this one will solidify me in the game as being top dog andnot slept on,” says Stalley on Honest Cowboy. “People come up to me and they always say that I’m slept or that I’m overlooked, butI think this is that one that’s going to open people’s eyes up. The music is going to speak for itself.”Honest Cowboy is a free project that Stalley describes as a musical exploration of who he really is and where he came from. The titlewas inspired by his troubled father who left the family in Ohio to pursue work as a rancher in San Antonio, Texas.“I didn’t really grow up with [my father]. That’s the reason that sparked the title and the feel of the album. That was me trying tounderstand a little more about why he left his family and went down south to go be a cowboy,” explains Stalley. “I saw the parallelof a cowboy and Hip Hop artists today. You go on these frontiers, and you work hard and try to provide for your family. As an artist,you spend a lot of time away from your family and people that’s close to you to try and build this life.”Kyle “Stalley” Myricks grew up in Massillon, Ohio, deeply connected to the car culture and high school sports. Massillon, a town ofabout 30,000 people roughly an hour outside of Cleveland, was also the place where Stalley’s grandmother introduced him to thesongs of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and the storytelling of country music. Eventually, a young Kyle was exposed to Hip Hop,and the future rapper found his new passion.“When I first heard Hip Hop was 2Pac’s Strictly4MyN.I.G.G.A.Z. ‘Brenda’s Got A Baby’, those types of records, really touched me,”says Stalley. “I dove into other music like N.W.A., Ice Cube, Scarface, E-40, Nas, OutKast.”With tracks like Honest Cowboy’s “Raise Your Weapons” the 30-year-old emcee is harkening back to the social conscious records ofartists like Tupac who used their music to make statements about the political state of the nation, the injustice of the judicialsystem, and the institutionalized oppression that affect the community of his listeners.“I sit around and I get mad at times because nobody speaks for us. Nobody has that voice. Even people with a bigger voice thanme. These artists who have a wider reach and bigger audience never speak on things, because I think people are so afraid to getcriticized on social networks and in the media,” says Stalley. “I started [“Raise Your Weapons”] out saying, ‘They saying I’m the lastof a dying breed in a generation in a dire need of a voice like me.’ I honestly feel like that. I feel like the generation has a dire, direneed for someone to just stand up and speak for the community.”Stalley also uses his new project as an homage to his loves like buckets and southern Hip Hop. Both of those interests cometogether on the lead single “Swangin” featuring shout outs to Houston rap, a sample of Alabama rap duo G-side, and a verse fromlegendary Geto Boys member Scarface.“You don’t really hear Scarface talking much about cars. We’re use to hearing street talk from him and the ghetto tales,” saysStalley. “I wanted to have him do a little something different from what people are used to hearing.”Stalley also recruited a Western voice for Honest Cowboy. TDE’s Schoolboy Q will make an appearance on “NINETEENEIGHTY7.” Thepair recently shot a video for the record in Q’s hometown of Los Angeles.“That’s one of them records that’s going to turn up the hood. It’s definitely one that I think is going to stick and stay for a minute.It’s a big record.”Stalley’s desire to create a masterful work led him to record over a 100 verses. He eventually dwindling the tunes down to tentracks which features production from DJ Quik, Block Beataz, Si, Terence Martin, Rashad, Soundtrakk, and Black Diamond. Stalleyhopes what he calls “the album before the album” satisfies his core fans and also appeals to new audience as well.“For anybody that listens to TheAutobiogrophy to Lincoln Woy Nights to Savage Journeythey know that the sound stays similar, but italways grows and gets bigger,” says Stalley. “I just focus on getting sharper with the pen, sharper with the flow, and making surethat the production stays my sound, but also grows and gets more worldly so that it can reach a wider audience. Every artist wantsto grasp the attention of a new fan every time out, and I think that’s what I did with this project.”Stalley’s Honest Cowboy will be available for download August 8. Follow Stalley on Twitter5hi!y

August 6 2013

August 6 2013Stalley Reflects On P” g Hom Tn Culture With Scarface

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Exclusive: Stalley explains how his Midwestern rr ienced his I d his time at Maybach Music Group.Every Hip Hop head knows that summer is full of mixtape and album releases. It’s nothing new; artists have been providing fans with their summerroad trip soundtracks for years, and these past few months have been stacked with enough hits to keep fans’ heads nodding for months.Even as summer starts to wind down, rappers have yet to stop their frantic pace of music production, with a seemingly never-ending list of releasedates rolling out each week. Ohio-based emcee and former NCAA Division 1 basketball player Stalley, whose Honest Cowboy mixfape drops August 8,is no exception.The Maybach Music Group label rep will also be on the collective’s joint album “Self Made vol. 3,” set for release on September 17, the same day asDrake’s Nothing Was the Same.With a following that has grown at the rate of Rick Ross’ tattoo collection, Stalley has continued to woo fans with his lyrical talent, adding to the diverserange of artists associated with Ross’ label. His ability to ditch basketball after a series of injuries, make it through the dense ranks of Hip Hop and earna spot on Ross’ MMG label doesn’t hurt either.From his shoe game and LeBron’s potential return to Cleveland, to performing with KRS-One and the evolution of MMG, Stalley had his hands fullduring our latest interview.HipHopDX: You’ve been with Maybach Music Group for over two years now. What’s it like working with labelmates like Wale and Meek Mill?Stalley: All of ‘em are great guys. All of them have their own individual styles and unique ways of recording, so it’s good to basically be around all theguys—from — 1 to P to just everybody people like ) ‘ and Meek and Ross and those guys that have been in thegame a little bit longer than I have, It’s just soaking up game, picking up different ways on how to move around this industry. It’s cool.DX: Who’s your favorite MMG artist to work with?Stalley: All of them are favorites because they all have they own style. We’re not around each other a lot because we all have our own personalcareers. It’s not like we’re in the studio all the time or working around each other a lot.DX: Has coming to MMG changed your style at all?Stalley: Nah, not at all. It’s only helped me gain more eyes and ears on me as an artist and opened up different opportunities for me. As far as mystyle, nothing has changed for me. .since hopscotch. I came in rapping.DX: MMG is busy working on Self Made Vol. 3, which comes out September 17. What can fans anticipate off of that project?Stalley: I’m excited about the records I have on there. I gave Ross about four or five records; I believe all of them made it. I’ve just been sitting on tonsof music, just recording and working on my album and working on these different projects that I’ve got going on. So it was good to just be able to throwhim a few records that I knew I wouldn’t be able to use, or wasn’t going to use on one of my projects, and have him use ‘em on the Self Made.DX: You’ve said before that when it comes to Rick Ross, it’s family first. Does he treat MMG like family?Stalley: Definitely, we’re all like brothers, It’s nothing but love. He always looks out for us and lets us be us and puts us in the best position for us togrow and have opportunities to be heard and seen, so it’s always family first with us.DX: Is MMG’s shift from Warner Brothers to Atlantic going to have any implications with your distribution or promotion?Stalley: Warner and Atlantic are pretty much under the same umbrella anyways, so it was a smooth transition going over to Atlantic, and we all got thesame distribution and everything. It’s still Maybach. At Atlantic we still got the same push, the same team. We’re still in the same position as far as itgoes with that priority list. We were at the top of it, so we’re great.DX: How does your relationship with producer Ski Beatz help your sound?Stalley Me and we did some great music together We did the S TA L L E Y record and we did Those are two great records that Ihad videos with him that allowed people to really start to get to know me, but I think my sound really came from my Ohio brethren Rashad, who Idid with.DX: What’s it like forming a relationship with a producer?Stalley: It’s important that you sit with somebody who gets you, gets where you come from, gets where you’re trying to go in music, what your sound isand what you’re trying to accomplish in music, and to sit and build with one producer. Even if it’s a few producers, it’s definitely a great thing to have arelationship with a good producer who really gets to know you inside and out. And when I say inside-out, I mean inside of the music and outside of themusic, just on a personal level, because it’s easier to get those emotions and those feelings out of you and into the music.DX: You’ve cited Dame Dash, Nas and Andre 3000 as some of your influences. What did you learn from those artists about rapping that you may nothave been able to learn from some of the Ohio artists that are doing it right now?Stalley: Not being scared to go Out on a limb. Just go out there and grind and not really pay attention to what’s going on. You’re always going to havepeople who like you and people who don’t like you—[l learned] just being yourself. People like and Andre 3000 are artists that came in the gameand had their own sound, their own identity, their own personalities, their own way of dressing, their own everything. As a youngin’, to see them comein and impact the Rap game and the world the way they did, it was just amazing to me. And that’s what drew me to those artists in particular,especially Outkast. When Outkast came Out, nothing or nobody sounded like Outkast. Nas, even though he had that East Coast sound and thatlyricism, it was still different than the Jay-Z’s. the Biggie’s, the Boot Camp Clik’s and the stuft that was out at the time. And I feel like that’s what I dowith my music.Even though I’m from Ohio and the Midwest, you’ve never heard an artist or seen an artist that looks like me Or raps like me or raps about the thingsthat I rap about—even though they re still some of the things that

— Kanye Common or rapped about Ifs still theMidwest reputation and influence, but it’s still me. And I think that’s what makes it dope and makes it unique. I come from Massillion, Ohio, a smallMidwest town. But Nas put on for Queerisbridge, not Queens, New York or New York City; it was Queensbridge. Same with Outkast when they did

Decatur or Savanna. They represented the Atlanta sound, but they took it so specific and exact to the neighborhood they grew up in, and that’s whatthink I do in my music as well.DX: I’m just glad there are still rappers out there listening to Boot Camp Clik..Staltey .. “ — The Shining is one of my favorite albums of all time Everything about it is dope from the production to the raps the wholevibe and mood of it, It’s just a beautiful record.DX: Who are your top five favorite Ohio rappers/producers of all time?StaNey: I would say Layzie, K:ayyie, Bizzie, Wish and Flesh...all the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, man. That’s my top five right there; I love Bone. But I’mso proud of everybody else too that’s coming out of Ohio right now, like Cudi, King Chip, M1 and all those guys. It’s a good movement and the goodstart of a movement.I mean when you think of the Midwest, the only people who really had a strong impact on music was Chicago. Chicago had Crucial Conflict, Twista,Kanye, Common to GLC. Now Chicago’s got Chief Keef and King Louie and all those guys. So we’re just trying to really put that stamp on it to andrepresent for the Midwest like Chicago has.DX: Ohio’s been putting on for a while now too though.Stattey: t think it’s time for the Midwest in general, not just Ohio or Chicago or Detroit—because we know Detroit has great artists too, like Eminemand Royce da 59, Bio5an and those guys. But it’s time for the Midwest to really have that movement. We’re the only people that haven’t had thatstrong movement, and it’s a surge of it comm through. The East Coast had its time, the West Coast had its time, the South had its time, but theMidwest hasn’t really had that powerful five-to-ten year. 20-year run yet, and I think it’s coming.DX: Maybe you can change that. Honest Cowboy comes out August 8, what can we expect out of that?Stalley: I’m caught up in it. I’m really excited about this project because it’s probably some of the most personal music that I’ve put out. It’s definitely adifferent side of me. You’re always going to have that classic Stalley and riding music, but there’s definitely some records on there that get you a littledeeper into the way I think and the way I feel. I don’t want to give it away, but there’s some touching songs and some songs where I’m veryopinionated about certain things r we dropped that and it was one of the more political powerful messages that I ye put out sofar since I’ve been doing music. And that’s what it is; it’s just a lot of honesty. It’s just me being a cowboy. Me being someone who just goes out thereand doesn’t care about what people think or say and tells you what I feel, think and want to say without caring about what you feel.And it’s exciting because this is a big step to me. I’m someone who’s from a small town and someone who’s really to myself. I’ve always been that way.Growing up as a kid I was always the one that walked through the hallways by myself. Even though I played sports and was popular, I just alwayskept kind of stuck to myself and stayed secluded in my own thoughts, so it’s big for me to actually express myself through the music. It’s a hard thing todo for me but that’s why I’m excited to put this out.DX: I know you played Division 1 basketball and you’re a big hoops fan...Stalley: Yeah man, we could talk for hours about that. And you know we from the Midwest so we get passionate about that stuff It’s still going to behard for anyone to get past the Heat though. I don’t know If you heard my new record “A-Wax,” but I gave Joakim Noah some love.\DX: Before we get too heavy into the hoops, you dropped a visual trailer for Honest Cowboy about a week ago. How important is it to do stuff like that?It seems like everyone has those visual trailers now.Staltey: I think the trailer and those visuals give you another voice and another side that the people don’t always get to see or that you don’t get toexplain through the music. So I think it’s important that you give ‘em bloqs or trailers here and there, and give ‘em a deeper behind the scenes look intothe music. [You have to] explain a little more in detail than the music might touch on, because sometimes you can’t put everything in the song. I’llprobably drop a few more to give people more insight on the project,DX: You’ve given a lot of your tracks away for free on your website during a time when the debate about free versus paid-for music has been big. Whydo you give fans free music?Stalley: The way music is—how fast it goes and how much is put out through so many different artists—it’s oversaturated. So it’s important that yougive out quality music and really get those fans to support. Once your tans know that you consistently put out great music and you’ve given them somuch, it’s going to be easier for them to trust in you and feel comfortable with purchasing your album—especially when they can get it for free. Evenwhen you put out music for sale they still get it for free, so it’s important that you grow that type of support and just put out that constant quality sothey’ll be like, “I know what I’m going to get so I don’t mind spending my little $10, $12, $15 for this album.” And also, I want to have that conversationwith them, meaning that I want them to know who I am and understand me a little bit more before you just throw an album in their face.DX: Are there going to be a lot of references to sneaks and cars on Honest Cowboy and in your verses on Self Made vol. 3 like there have been inyour previous work?Stalley: Oh yeah, definitely. I’ve got to throw that in because that’s a big heavy, heavy, heavy part of my life. Me not talking about a car or somesneakers in my music is like K not talking about marijuana smoking I ye got to mention it no matter what type of song I ye got to do it Itsjust something that’s so important to me and something that’s always been through my life growing up, so I definitely try and set the mood and set thescene a little better. I’m always around a car, in a car or I want to be around a car so, it’s always going to be heard in the music. And I’ve always gotsome fresh sneakers on my feet, so I’ve got to always throw that in there too.It’s a lifestyle, man. It’s a full time job to be a sneakerhead, and I can’t even keep up. If I’m a real sneakerhead, I can’t even be doing this interview rightnow. Something’s coming Out right now. There’s something to be looking Out for right now if you’re a sneakerhead. Nike drops six new releases everyweek, and that’s just Nike. That ain’t including Reebok, Adidas and all that,DX: Well I know you played Division 1 baIl at the University of Michigan and a bit at Long Island University. Who has the better shoe collection, you orlabelmate Wale? I know he played some Dl football.Stalley: He did, he did. Both of us didn’t really have a chance to reach the pinnacles of our career, and I didn’t even really get to touch the court like Iwanted due to injury. So I think we live a little through the sneakers with that. Just being an athlete, that’s how a lot of us get started into collecting thesneakers or just appreciating sneaker quality, the materials and the impact that it has on the culture...and the timing and where you were at and whatyear and what colorways your team wore. Wale has some great footwear, but t got to say I have the best sneakers in the game, because its qualityover quantity and I have some great, great kicks. But I’m sure he’ll say he has better too, that’s just opinion. But we’re definitely two peopie who arepassionate about the sneakers.DX: You were a guest editor for a shoe website at one point, and you wrote for SLAM magazine at one point so you know your stuff. What’s your all-time favorite shoe? Do you have a current favorite?Stalley: The Jordan True Blue 3 is my favorite sneaker. Currently, I love the Flyknit Chukka’s in every color. Since they’ve been dropping those, I haveevery single one. I’m on the search for those. There’s only one pair that I don’t have and they’re an HTM pair that dropped overseas that I didn’t get myhand on. I have the other HTM joints, but I don’t have just this one pair. But the Flyknit Chukka’s to me are one of the best sneakers that Mike hasdone in along, long time.DX: What do you think about Hypebeasts and everything going on with Jordan’s right now?Stattey: It’s a crazy world right now, man. There’s Hypebeasts in every aspect of culture. Sneakers, clothes, cars, jewelry, whatever man; people arejust doing whatever is popular just to get it, and they don’t really do their research or really pay attention to understand the whole culture and whatpeople have been through.The thing that sucks

DX: What was it like working with Scarface?Stalley: Aw man, it was a dream come true. That’s Uncle Facet I learned a lot about the swangin’ culture. Like said, swangin’ is something that Iwanted to pay homage to being a supporter of the swangers and the Houston movement. Up in the Midwest, we’re big on cars but we didn’t really dothe poke-outs too much. I know in Ohio, we did blades and we did Dayton’s, spokes and stuff like that. So just to hear a little bit about the culture—theswangers and the original poke-outs—from him was dope. ‘ye had homies who died over fatty’s, pokers, Dayton’s and stuff like that, and to hear himtell stories about how his partners died over these ‘84s and these poke-outs, it was great to hear how two cultures can be so similar and so passionateabout the rides.And that’s what I really wanted to come across in the music. We enjoy, we ride, but at the same time this is a culture. This is a movement. Like I said,“Uncle Bun and Scarface / The reason why my car laced with a detachable Alpine face.” Those guys are the reason I went and put sounds in my carand took the Alpine.. you remember the detachable faces for the car radios? That was the reason why I did that. And then I said, “I had my trunk lacedwith fifteens and loud bass ‘cause I had to listen to Screw, right! First time I poured lean I had to use up two Sprites!I swear I drove like all night!Under that Houston star, lazy — rest in peace to Pimp! And Big Moe, the Barre Baby.”And again, people have died over this culture, over this syrup. That’s Syrup City down there, and people have died over that. People think sippin’ syrupand drinking lean is cool. But I’m saying, ‘C’mon man, but rest in peace to the originals, to Screw and Pimp and Big Moe...it’s serious.” Pay homage,show your love and your respect, but just know that there are consequences to everything, good and bad.OX: You’ve worked with classic artists like Scarface, but you’ve also been on stage with artists like KRS-One, Method Man and Redman, and Camp Loand all kinds of Golden Age rappers. Who’s been the most fun to perform with?Stalley: Every single one. That’s like picking a favorite from MMG; I can’t pick one favorite, because everyone has their different energy and differentstyles. I picked up a lot of different tricks and trades on how to control crowds from Method and Red and Mos Def. Just watching all of ‘em is great.These guys are from the Golden Age, and they come from when you really had to put on a show, It wasn’t just a live performance; you had to put on ashow. And that’s why I take my craft and my showmanship so serious, because coming up as a young artist—I’ve only been doing music for five yearsnow—but in these five years that I’ve been doing music, to be alongside some of those great artists during shows has taught me so much and theimportance of that showmanship.DX: Who was the best to party with before the show?Stalley: Camp Lo, probably. On the low they were the best party. They are turnt up at all times. They are some good guys, comical, very funny guys,man, and they just let loose. I really enjoyed being around them. Those are the originators right there; a lot of people took their styles from them. A lotof people took their styles from them, and those are two guys that came into the game, who dressed a certain way, rapped a certain way, and theymade their mark and that’s where music has to get back to.A lot of people follow trends; if’s wack rapping. Everybody on the radio, in the club and you the wack one or you’re boring or whatever it is. But back inthe day, it was cool to be the opposite, and it was cool to be different. It was cool to rap about different things and dress a different way, and that’s whatI’m trying to lead back into the game—just having that honest cowboy mentality, that original mentality of lust being you and saying whatever you wantto say, because nobody can say your life the way you can say your life.

Rapper Stalley wants to his fans to feel like family

Rapper Stalley just wants be honest with his fans.This week, the Ohio emcee and member of Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group, released his second

mixtape, Honest Cowboy. Stalley tells theGrio.com his main goal with his latest effort is to invite hisfanbase more intimately into his world.

“They know I’m from Ohio,” Stalley said about his connection with his fans. [The fans] know I’m intosports, sneakers, fashion. But, you know I really want to get them deeper into my life — meet my

father, my mother, my kids. I want them to feel like family.”

TheGrio j Blue collar roots define the ‘Bruce Springsteen of rap’

Stalle is a car enthusiast as well. His love for automobiles is currently on display with his most recent

single “Swangin’,” which features rap legend Scarface.

“I grew up listening to Scarface,” Stalley recalled. “That’s all you would hear on the streets and in the

cars. For him to jump on my track was a true honor and blessing.”

Check out what else Stalley had to say in our Grio interview and let us know what you think in the

comments below.

August 7 2013

LADERAugust

15th2013

Stalley feat. Schoolboy Q ‘NineteenEighlyT’ (DL < 0

Stalley’s working toward a solo LP—it may drop this year, it may not. As a prelude, last week hereleased Honest Cowboy, a tape featuring production contributions from DJ Quik, Cardo and BlockBeataz. Schoolboy Q’s fuzzy beard stands alongside Stalley’s more ample whiskers in the video for mixtapecut “NineteenEighty7,” an LA drive-around directed by John Colombo, with stops in Hollywood and theCompton swap meet. Neither Stalley nor Q were born in ‘87.

Download: Stalley f. Schoolboy Q, “NineteenEighty7” (Prod. by Terrace Martin)

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viBeJune 11, 2013

Stalleys 5 Summer Fashion Essentials

. . . . .

0 0

When it comes to style, blue collar isn’t exactly the best term to describe Statley.

Although, he admits to being inspired by the working class -- “sneakerhead” is a bit more appropriate,since the “Swangin” rapper makes countless cameos across the internet daily, just for lacing up hisfavorite unreleased shoes. Recently, the Time Out NYfeatured him as one of the most stylish NewYorkers, validating the Brooklyn resident’s superb knack for suiting up. VIBE caught up with Stalley tofind out what every self made individual must-have this summer. - See more at:

Stalley Talks ‘Self Made 3’ And Beard Maintenance

With Maybach Music Group’s third compilation album Self Made, Vol. 3 sliding into storestomorrow (Sept. 17), Rick Ross and Co. are looking to flood the streets with new posse cutswhile also giving each member its individual shine. Stalley recently caught up with VIBE todiscuss his solo contribution called “Coupes/ Roses” and what makes him most excited aboutsharing wax with his team.

“It’s still me, It’s still Stalley, I still get what I want to say. It’s not like I get into a differentcharacter,” the Ohio rapper explains, “but it’s great because I get to ride different beats. That’swhat I get excited about because the beats that Ross selects for this project are totallydifferent.”

September 16, 2013

Not only will Stalley celebrate MMG’s collaborative efforts, his Honest Cowboy EP will alsodrop. Watch the full interview where he also discusses taking care of his signature beard above.You can also catch his latest visual “Cup Inside A Cup” below.

VIBeAugust 8 2013

Stalley Talks ‘Honest Cowboy’ Mixtape, Menace II Society And Trayvon Martin

Stalley is known for more than just his allegiance to Rick Ross’ Maybach Music team and lengthy facialhair. The Ohio rapper, né Kyle Myricks, is set to drop his latest mixtape Honest Cowboy Thursday(August 8) even though it isn’t his first time at the rap rodeo.

The 30-year-old lyricist says that it was his father’s work on the ranch and the honest qualities of acowboy that sparked the mixtape’s title. “The title came from me honestly digging inside of me. I wantto be as honest with my music as possible whether it be with myself or my listener,” he tells VIBE. “Myfather was like a cowboy. At the same time of trying to figure out who I was or what I basically wantedto come across in the music, it was also me searching for answers on why my father wasn’t around orwhy he did the things he did or why he left.”

The soul-searching resulted in a 10-piece offering that features the likes of Scarface, Di Quik andSchoolboy Q, but it was another muse that made the cut: the character from the 1993 classic hood filmMenace II Society named A-Wax.

“People are more used to the laid back music from me so I just wanted to give out more of that edgyfeel to me as a person because that is my personality,” he says of the record “A-Wax.”

“That movie is something that I grew up with in my childhood so it’s always stuck out to me and one ofmy favorite lines is ‘If you want it done right, take it to the Wax,” he adds.Watch Stalley also discuss the possibility of writing a book, who would portray him in a biopic on his lifeand how his Deadmaus-sampled track “Raise Your Weapons” speaks to the generation coping with theTrayvon Martin case. Stay tuned for Honest Cowboy set to drop later today.

Date:Location:Circulation (DMA):Type (Frequency):Page:Section:Keyword:

Thursday, September 12.2013COLUMBUS. OH56,835 (32)Magazine (W)22,23MainStalley

BREAKAWAYMUSIC FESTIVAL

BY ANW DOWNING// @andydownlng33

r 2013 ALIVEriji Rights RosotVod.

O n Kendrick Lamar’s much-applauded guest verse on BigSean’s “Control,” the rapper surveys the musical landscape and sees little match for his ample skillset, rhym

ing, “What is competition? I’m ti-yin’ to raise the bar high.”One imagines the uber-confident, Los Angeles-born MC

would express similar sentiments if he were to assess the restof the field at the inaugural Breakaway Music Festival, a newborn concert venture produced by local promoters Prime SocialGroup, who will also host a sister event next weekend at FCDallas Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

The daylong affair, which takes place at Columbus CrewStadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, brings together nearly 30 actsculled from the worlds of rock, EDM and hip-hop, includingLamar, whose headlining turn should easily be one of the fest’sstandouts sets. But who else could rise to the rapper’s diallenge? Here are a handful of acts with the potential to b-ingdown the house.

Account: 18769AE (61927)-L295

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Page 1 of 4

ALIVE!

music

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STALEYMassillon native KyleMyricks. whose robustbeard could make .enJames Harden jealous, hasbeen on a tear as of late,following his 2012 mixtape$avagq Jowney to the American Oream with August sHonest Cowboy. His latestis both brainy and brawnymixing street-level taleswith comparatively off-kilterflights of fancy. As theMC puts It succinctly onSpaceshps &iödgrain’.he Specializes in intelligent trunk musIc for theunique

Date:Location:Circulation (DMA):Type (Frequency):Page:Section:Keyword:

Thursday, September 12, 2013COLUMBUS. OH56,835 (32)Magazine (W)22,23MainStalley

printing imperfections present during scanning

While Schoolboy Q sounds forevertroubled by the ways of the idd,Memphis rapper Juicy J, bornJordan Michael Houston, spendsthe entirety of his latest brushingaside drama. The MC’s Stay Trfp’,plays like a hifrhop version of‘Entourage’ presenting his life asan endless, consequence-free blurof parties, women and drugs. 1Jv-ing like a roCkstar,” he rhymes onSmoke ROliW’rt’ueneverbeet..

• sober, brutW&deubt this wi11.bèa commorjâWsentanin the

Page 4 of 4

2013 ALiVESI R,hls Reaseres.

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iuici

E PLAVBOOKApril 18, 2013

http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/trending/post/ /id/16094/stalley-ta lks-playing-against-lebron-ames

Stalley talks playing against LeBron James

Jerritt Clark!Getty Images

Rick Ross Wale and Stallev Derlormed in New York all oart oF Mavbach Music Grouo.

With the NBA playoffs set to begin this weekend, Ohio native and Maybach Music Groupmember Stalley will be rooting on hometown friend LeBron James closely.

See, Stalley knows that James is an Ohio guy and will someday return to resurrect thefranchise — Cleveland Cavaliers -- he left.

1 think soon hell honestly go back and give them a ring and do as he proniised saidStalley, who was quite critical of James during the Decision’ of 2010. When that happens.everyone will erase the past, and hell be king again here. Hell enjoy his life back home.’

Ohio is and will always be home for Stalley, born Kyle Mvricks. He started out makingrnixtapes and started working with big-time producers and he signed with Rick RossMaybach Music Group and will release his debut album this summer.

In fact, growing up in Massillon. Ohio, Stallev played James in high school basketball, Stalleywas a 6-2 player also with NBA aspirations.

I tip my hat to LeBron. 1 knew he was going to be something special. I saw him up close alot. He was an animal, Stalley said. 1’m still such a big fan of his. He is my motivation.Seeing him do what he does, why cant I get Grammvs2Why cant I sell platinum records? Itmakes me work harder.”

Plavbook had a few minutes with Stalley to talk LeBron, music and his love of cars.

You played basketball as a teen. Think you could have qone pro?

1 don’t see why I couldn’t. I always had that dream. I could see myself playing overseas oreven the NBA. I’m not a person who lives out of my means so F know the road wouldn’thave been easy. I think music is very similar. You have to put in the work.”

You were not happy when James left for Miami but have you softened your stance?

“We’re all prideful in Ohio. I think LeBron wants to live here and retire here and do itpeacefully. I understand why he left. He was from a small town. It’s like one out of a millioncan make it, and he did. I get that. In my hip hop world, it’s similar. We have no big showsor big radio play here. If you can leave and do what you need to do and then come back,why not? That’s how it is for me, I get things done and I go back home.

Besides basketbati, you have this huqe love affair with muscle cars. Whats that scenelike in Ohio?

It’s like a Barrett-Jackson car auction scene where owners are there showcasing theircars. The whole downtown shuts down, and you have this car show. You have carnival foodand you mingle among others. And the younger kids will sit in their cars at the Kmart or BPgas station. It’s not like Fast and the Furious’ It’s more laid back. It’s Honda Civics withnitro kits. Its 1976 Chevelles.”

What is your perfect car?

‘Man, I like so many. 1 really love the 1968 Camaro. I love the ‘68 427 engine. I’d love toget one arid fully restore it. I’d want original everything. That’s more of my dream car. I’d I’dalso say the 1976 Camaro Z28s with the T-top.”

When you make it big, do you think youlI be collecting cars?

“Most definitely. Right now, I collect sneakers. Sneakers will turn into cars.”

You are known for your mixtapes but you now are working on your first album. Yourfirst single, ‘Swangin$ is a collobration with Scarface. Its a smooth and different50U n d.

‘1 felt the time is right. It’s a perfect state in hip hop. People are starting to get back tolistening to more of that classic sound. Thv want musicality and Irics. I’m trying to bring itbaEk and give you an upto-date vibe at the same time. I want you to hear my music andfeel the 330 of Massillon, Ohio, It’s like when I was a kid and you’d see guys riding aroundlisteninQ to their music in their cars. You always wanted to know what song was blaringfrom their car speakers. I want to give you that sound and that feel and that kind of music.”

STALLEY, JOE HADEN, Di CLARK KENT, OTHERS WEIGH IN ON KICKS ON COURT RACE

The 2013 Kicks On Court race is underway. Throughout the 2012-2013 NBA season, we not only caught

up with our eight nominees, but also people we’ve worked with that actually paid attention to the Kicks

On Court race and are sometimes spotted courtside at games. Here what Di Clark Kent, Joe Haden,Stalley and others have to say about who should be crowned on Friday.

June 25, 2013

STALLEY IS JULY’S NICE KICKS GUEST EDITOR

LSEN1

STALLEY

Maybach Music Group MC and Celebrity Sneaker Stalker regular Stalley will serve as Nice Kicks GuestEditor for the month of July. Expect to see the Ohio native pop up all over Nice Kicks this month in morecolumns than just CSS. Stay tuned to Nice Kicks all July long for exclusive stories and much more from

Stalley.

July 1, 2013

Stalley On “Honest Cowboy”, MMG, Rick Ross & Spirituality

October 2, 2013

Peter Bailey catches up with Maybach Music Groups Stalley inside Circle House Studios during MMGweekend. He discusses his EP Honest Cowboy, learning from Rick Ross, his spirituality as well as

giving back to Ohio.

July 1, 2013

____

Nice Kicks 0nrcekicks

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.@Stalley is July’s Nice Kicks Guest Editornicek.is/14K40VS

4 Reply U Retweet * Favorite ••• More

Nice Kicks

Stalley is JuIys Nice Kicks Guest Editor -

By Ian Stonebrook @ianstonebrook

Maybach Music Group MC and CelebritySneaker Stalker regular Stalley will serve aslice Kicks Guest Editor for the month of July

Expect to see the Ohio native pop up all overNice Kicks this month

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August 2 2013

STALLEY “HONEST COWBOY” LISTENING EVENT AT ALIFE NYC

Maybach Music Group recording artist and Nice Kicks’ July Guest Editor, Stalley, will be releasing a newmixtape, Honest Cowboy, on August 8th. To promote this upcoming project, Statley will be hosting alistening event at ALIFE in NYC on Thursday, August 1st. Being in NYC, many hip-hop and sneaker fansalike will be in attendance. If you’re in NYC, check out the flyer for event details. Thanks to AtlanticRecords for giving Nice Kicks the opportunity to be part of the event.

August 2 2013

RECAP: STALLEY @ ALIFE NYC: HONEST COWBOY LISTENING PARTY

Last night, MMG/Atlantic’s own Stalley returned to his old stomping grounds at the Alife Rivington where he

hosted a special listening of his upcoming project, Honest Cowboy. The Ohio native extended the invite to his

biggest fans via Twitter because he wanted to treat listeners to a sneak peak of the all the cuts that made it onto the

final Honest Cowboy track list.

Honest Cowboy drops August 8th, and Alife, along with Nice Kicks, hosted the celebration.Stalley previewed

his fan’s favorite tracks. Joints like “Samson”, “Swangin”, “Nineteeneighty7”, and “Feel the Bass”, were some

tracks that particularly showcased how the rapper’s talents have grown since signing with Rick Ross’ Maybach

Music label. Honest Cowboy is Stalley’s 5th mixtape in six years and artists like Schoolboy Q, Scarface,

andCrystal Torres threw down ill guest verses for the project. Beats were supplied by Block

Beataz and Rashad, among others.

Also in the house last night were Atlantic Records up-and-corners Justine Skye & Dusty McFly, who showed up to

support their label mate. The excited fans and A Life staff definitely turned the event into a party, proving

that Stalley’s Ohio sound is well-respected in NYC. Check out photos from the event in our slide show above and the

album art below. We also have an interview with Stalley coming soon, so stay tuned.

_

‘i:. h1LId

SOUAEAugust 2 2013

Recap: Stalley’s ALife Listening Of ‘Honest Cowboy’

Last night, Stalley held a listening event at ALIFE for his upcoming project Honest Cowboy.

The listening event came hours after he shared the artwork and tracklist via Instagram. The intimate eventwas equipped with an open bar, a live DJ, and a crowd shy of 100 people.

With a mic in hand, head down and often bobbing, the humble midwestern rapper stood on a couch and vibed out aseach track spun. After all ten tracks played (including the last track “Gettin’ By” being played twice due to the crowd’srequest), Stalfey hopped down from the couch.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to the Maybach Music artist. Although Stalley possesses thesignature MMG heavy and rough sound, his purely amicable aura is undeniable. Without hesitation, he greeted everyfan that approached him, including posing for pictures.

As for the music, on this upcoming project expect top-notch production, innovate sampling and notable features.

Be sure to cop Honest Cowboy on August 8, 2013.