Hip-HopKings.com caught up with Cashis to speak about Shady Records and future projects.
HHK: Thanks for taking the time to speak to us Cashis. I want to quickly start by re-winding to the beginning of your career with Shady Records. It was Dart Parker who received your demo. What was your reaction after you were asked to fly out to NYC? And was this the point where you knew you’d made it in the music business?
Cashis: Yeah. “Dart A.I. Parker” Haha. We like Shaq and Kobe in the All Star Game. When I flew to NYC, I knew it was game time, and I was determined to show them what a talent I was. Yeah, that point is definitely when I made my entry into the music business.
HHK: The first recording session resulted in eight records in the space of four hours. At this point were you on “trial”, or had you already secured the signature to Shady Records? And what happened after the recording session?
Cashis: I was on trial until right before the “County Hound”. Even after “The Re-Up” I was unsigned, just in a demo deal. After the session, I knew there was no other option for me, but to make classic music with Shady Records.
HHK: When you met Eminem for the first time, how did it go? And what was it like speaking to a lyricist that you admire so much?
Cashis: It was cool, I was high as hell. We laughed and kicked it for a minute, and when he started playing beats, it was a wrap. I knew that Em’ would produce the majority of my project. It was cool speaking with him, because I met Marshall. I met Em’ later on when the cameras were rolling haha. And the respect that he had for my craft made me go in the booth and make the homeboy proud.
HHK: Since then you’ve managed to feature on the massive hit “You Don’t Know”, and worked with Eminem, 50 Cent, and other Shady Records artists. During your time at Shady, what has been your favourite project to work on? And which producers have you worked with in the studio too?
Cashis: My favourite project to work on is, “The Art of Dying” which is my current album. It separates me from the norm, and it is exactly what I’m living right now. I feel as if it is the truest form of who I am today. I’m in with “Neff-U”; he’s got about four tracks on my album. “Muggz”, “Rikanatti” and “Jake One” have got about three on there along with “Tha Bizzness”. Now I’m cooking up something with “Scoop Deville”, “Jelly Roll”, “J Wells” and the legend “DJ Quik”. Its real westy round here nowadays bruh, haha.
HHK: The County Hood E.P was a massive stepping stone for you as an artist. The limited edition release was received very well by fans, and sold just short of 7,000 copies. Did you get involved with the promotional side of the release? And what side of the business rules and tips did you learn from the release?
Cashis: Thank u G! It sold 36k hard copies, plus digital sales, and a good amount of ringtones were pushed and that was with little to no promotion. I didn’t get involved with the promotion; it was meant to be a project that fans stumbled upon, and enjoyed. Which it did and a lot more, so I’m extremely happy. It was marketed to sell 5k copies total, so we all feel good about that. I’m heavily involved with, “The Art of Dying” promotion though.
HHK: A lot of people have asked me for updates regarding the release of your debut album “The Art of Dying”. For fans across the world, what’s the latest on this? And are there any confirmed guest appearances or producers who will feature on the record?
Cashis: The press releases should start going out in 2-3 weeks, announcing my release date. We are looking at Summer time, just like with, “The County Hound” EP. I’m also releasing a “Bogish Boy” album on my label this summer, and get my artist exposure and paper, while I’m on tour with Em’ and everybody this year. I’m still finishing my wish list of artists; all producers’ and artists’ are confirmed though. It will all be in the press release, it’s a major movement around here.
HHK: The record was changed to “The Art of Dying”. On AfterMathMusic.Com you gave quite a pessimistic answer to the reason behind the name change. Do you feel that other rappers are still glorifying the urban culture, and were fake threats / publicity stunts the reasoning behind your disagreements with Royce, The Game and CamRon?
Cashis: I don’t do publicity stunts. I was ridden for the lack of respect I felt that Em’ was being given, with the “Royce” thing. But, since then he’s my big homeboy, and he and Em’ are cool. So I play my position and show respect, because it isn’t about rap with me. I beef with grown men, in an Urban Survival manner, so I don’t have time for war of the words, when we can use fists and guns instead. As for Game, I wanted the “West”. He said some slick shit about Em’, and I retaliated, period. Now he’s on his own grind, doesn’t talk shit, respects my music and videos. He’s the only nigga besides “Snoop” and “E-40”, who are bringing in sales on a mainstream level for “The West”. I’d b a hater not to respect that. I chopped it up with “Juice” a gang of times, and really fam’, it’s like, “Game” lives in Glendale, and I live in the County, 45 minutes away. We could jus get it cracking on site instead of making records, but, that isn’t my beef. I just like to stay in trouble. I saw my homeboys in a beef, and jumped in. Now, I’m like the sh*t he’s doing for “Nipsey” and “Jay Rock”, and he fell back from coming at 50 Cent, so there is no need for a beef. Plus, I didn’t get a dime for the little freestyle I did, so why put myself on the frontline for free? CamRon, I didn’t know I dissed Cam’. I was talking about the skinny jeans niggaz, and I think niggaz in pink are gay. But, I actually used to hit the block to “Dipset Music”, so unless Cam’, got issues with me personally, I don’t have issues with him. If any nigga does have animosity on their chest for me, niggaz know I am not going on that ho shit. All u got to do is say my name bruh. I’m on the edge for real, new cases, new baby coming and a new album. One of those three situations will affect my life this year. I got whackers though, so kill me, we’ll fight for eternity after my funeral.
HHK: Having the chance to talk with a member of the Shady camp, what’s the latest regarding the Eminem and Dr.Dre albums? Have you heard any songs off the record? And just HOW big is 2009 going to be for Shady / Aftermath?
Cashis: They like everything to be grand, and presented with precise timing, so I can’t say much about those two projects. But, they are on fire though! From 2006 onwards, everything has been Shady, just like I said before, and now it’s time to come out of the trenches, and fully service this real rap movement we are bringing back, along with everybody else who is willing to go buck and make this rap game what it should be, “AutoTune Killa” rap or “Die nigga”.
HHK: With the exception of the album release, what are your other plans for 2009? And have you ever considered an International tour for your fans abroad?
Cashis: I’m also looking to drop the “Homeland Security LP”, and “Kadillak Kaz’s” debut album, “A Bogish Boy LP” and the new “Preme” solo E.P. I also have some films to begin this year, and I’m getting endorsements sewn up right now. So, this year will be a take off year for me. I’m definitely doing a full international tour with The LP. I couldn’t get my passport cleared to finish the tour last year, that won’t happen this time ya’ll!
HHK: Where are the best places where fans can check for updates? And is there anything else you’d like to add to the interview?
Cashis: http://www.cashisonline.com and just Google me. Anything I say or do spreads like the plague, so I am not hard to find. I want to thank the fans, I appreciate ya’ll, and I hope to continually keep you entertained, by a real Capo, from Shady/Interscope. I WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN, NOR BETRAY YOU!
HHK: Thanks again for speaking to Hip-HopKings.com Good luck with the album release and keep in touch.
Cashis: Thank you my homeboy Ryan. Keep pushing the truth out there bruh. Deuces!
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