OHH.COM: How has the response been from people around the “O”? Do you feel any “pressure” of being the next to blow?

Wes Fif: I always have, and continue to get nothing but love from the people of the city. In a sense they look to me as the one to put it on the map.To be the spokesperson, to kick the door down so to speak. Nah I don’t feel any pressure at all, it’s a beautiful thing to me. I’d love to be the one to kick the door down, at the same time I wouldn’t mind coming through the door 2nd or 3rd. At the end of the day I just do my thing, make music that I think is hot and supply the streets with it.

OHH.COM: You have definitely been on your grind for sometime. As a result; you were once signed to Slip N Slide. What is the difference from going from unsigned to signed?

Wes Fif: I wouldn’t really consider that shit being signed. It was what it was and it was an experience to learn from. But not once did it feel like a real situation. So, to be honest I’m not really in a position to answer that question for you. I’ll let you know when I get signed though. Ha.

OHH.COM: In the current state of the music industry; what kind of deal would you suggest new Artists seek from a label?

Wes Fif: I think it all depends on the particular situation. It’s important to find a deal that best fits you. If you feel like it’s a good situation for you, and you’ve looked over everything (and your legal team) and you’re confident in it, go for it.

OHH.COM: I want you to elaborate more on a distribution deal vs a promotion deal etc. I want our readers to know the difference because many of them do not know the difference or even know that those deals exist.

Wes Fif: Well depending on your situation there are a few types of deals. In my situation, me and Dawgman have Clientell Music Group, a production company/label-which I am signed to via production deal. I say we because I am involved in all the day to day operations involving my projects; be it marketing, promo, or whatever. So when a label enters a situation or as we say “gets in bed” with us, it’ll be a situation where me (artist) and the CMG (prod co.) split the advance to agreed split %, and we split the average royalty rate of 12%-meaning the recoupment comes outta both shares. And CMG will get back invested money via my share of the royalties until I recoup. Its similar to a artist deal, but with the production company in the middle- making sure the album is “produced” and delivered. A distribution deal is more so for those labels with the money needed to promote on a national level w/o the labels money or a promo,video budget from the label. All they need is for the label to put the product in the stores when the release comes. This may or may not be as lucrative as a artist deal or a venture between prod deal/major for a single artist. The label ain’t puttin the big bucks up, so for a inexperienced label the artist may not get to be as visible nationwide. Then there’s other kind of deals like single deals, 360 deals, etc etc.

OHH.COM: The Hip Hop Scene in Orlando has gone through many changes. What are your thoughts on the current Orlando Hip Hop Scene?

Wes Fif: Man to all my ARTISTS out here doing your thing, keep your head up and do YOU. Go to the people with your music. A lot of times, and even with me we complain about certain DJs not doing things to help the city out. That is very true but there are DJs that are gonna help and do their part for they city as a whole. It all boils down to fuck niggas and niggas thats gone help. SOME of these DJs are FUCK NIGGAS and are in a position to do shit but they won’t and dont plan on it. They’d rather help the careeers and movements of other cities. But there are way more genuine DJs out there that ARE breaking records and keeping a ear to the streets, and I salute them niggas, and those are the niggas I fuck with, and the DJs you should fuck with too. You can’t force a man to do shit he dont want to do ya dig. So like I said to all the artists in the city tryin to jump in this shit, focus on making sure the people know who you are, cause they’re the ones going to hold you down; and fuck with the DJs who WANT to make shit happen – stop pullin the dicks of the niggas who too busy on some other shit.

But back to your question, my bad for the rant. I think it’s coming along. Only so much can be done when EVERYBODY ain’t cooperating. It’s a lot of movements going on throughout the city and its beautiful to see. Somebody bound to break in the game soon. I’ll be right there to support.

OHH.COM: You have definitely expressed your concerns about some Djs. To play devil advocate, what responsibility lies with the artists? For example, if I am a Dj, how can I take you seriously when you approach me with a cd with writing in marker with no contact info, you don’t know what bds, mediabase or mediaguide is (thanks TUMS for the info) and you want me to play a song that I never heard before during the peak time in the club but you want me to play it cause its the hottest shit? So you say…

Wes Fif: I’m glad u asked that. Let’s be clear. As an Artist u DEFINATELY need to be up on mediabase, bds etc – especially if radio play is one of your goals. It’s stupid not to be up on something you’re putting a lot of hardwork into.

As far as the marker with no contact info shit, different levels of artists can do different shit. If you don’t KNOW these DJs, or if you have no NAME for yourself, meaning being in demand. You better not pull the Sharpie on CD thing, you won’t be taken seriously. However once you reach a certain stature – it can suffice in certain situations. Like its been times when some of my DJs that support the movement called and needed music on a CD – no matter what it looks like they just needed it. In this instance I could write my name and the song name on the CD and be cool- because they know I’m a certified artist and it was upon request. But when u making those first impressions you need to appear as professional as possible. I can’t fault DJs who don’t take artists seriously who aren’t taking themselves seriously.

Also, its pretty assanine for any nigga to expect the DJ to play some never before heard shit in the middle of a set while the club is jumpin. He not gonna do that for you unless he (1) cosigns you or (2) has already heard your record and likes it – but in that case he already has it. I wouldn’t want a nigga walkin in the booth while I’m recordin talkin bout “ay cuz listen to my verse”. So DJs must be shown the same respect. Approach him before or after his set, introduce yourself, pass him your material, ask him to check it out, then go back to your grind. Now he knows you and if you go grind the streets and your name growns, he has your shit. Don’t pester him. Everytime you’re in his spot- go show love to him let em know you’re there. Now-to be fair; some DJs say this is what you need for them to fuck with you or your record BUT that’s not always true, be warned. But that’s a definate way to raise DJ awareness of you.

In the same token, there’s 2 or 3 niggas that’s actually hot in the streets and some DJs KNOW for a fact they are hot in the streets – even outside of Orlando and Florida, but for some reason these DJs won’t spin these niggas in the clubs. That’s where the problem arises in my opinion. Its stupid as fuck that when you go to Miami, you hear nothing but Miami shit, same with ATL, TX. But why is it in Orlando, you hear everything BUT Orlando shit, makes no kinda fuckin sense to me. Miami, Atlanta, even Tampa DJs’ is damn near dying to make sure their city gets on and stays on, and we have just as much talent here as anywhere. And I’m talking niggas who’s actually been grinding. Between niggas like Treal, Armstrong, Me, Bedo with the “Money To The Ceiling”, Popov’s joint and a couple others (no disrespect to anybody else with hot shit), nigga we could have a fuckin’ Orlando segment at the club, of HOT music just like anywhere else. But it don’t look nowhere near close to happening. And these are people that have did what the DJs ask-laid a foundation and got hot in the streets. So what’s the problem now? We not even going to get into radio. I was involved ina record that was on Wild 98.7, Hot 107.9, and V 103, all higher ranking stations then ours, and couldn’t get on ours, crazy as fuck. Shout out to DJ Prostyle though, looked out on Power 95.3 with the spins and actually gettin behind a record, and other locals-attempting to help the Orlando scene as a whole.

He’s not the only one but I thought of him because I mentioned radio.1 time for all the DJs who really want to see Orlando on and eating not just they little circle of niggas. I fuck with yall and I love yall for that.

So to answer your question in a nut shell, The artist definitely needs to have their shit together and come correct. But once that is done and they actually have a buzz – and have done what they’re supposed to do. Then you need to do your part Mr. DJ. And I don’t think its a DJ out that would disagree that if a nigga put in his work he deserves help. DJs and artist have to learn to co-exist man.

OHH.COM: I get many requests from up and coming artists to get booked on shows. Can you explain to our readers the best way to get paid shows or just on shows period when you are unsigned?

Wes Fif: The best way to get paid shows is to be in demand simple and plain. That goes back to getting hot with the people, the ones who frequent the clubs. When you get booked you get booked because those same people are coming to see you. As far as shows period, you need to not be picky if you just started rapping 3 days ago, and take what you can get. Another way is to build relationships with the promoters, they are the ones who select openers for big acts. Last but not least, pay to open -Ii’ve never done it myself but hey it’ll get ya on stage 9 times outta 10.

OHH.COM: Over the past several years you have switched Management. What made you switch Management companies? What do you think makes a good Manager?

Wes Fif: I switched because the things promised to me weren’t done, and wasn’t nothing really being done period. I don’t think it should be the manager grinding alone and the artist chilling. I don’t think it should be the artist grinding alone and the manager chilling. The latter is what was happening in my situation, so I decided to dead it.

I think a manager needs to be on same page with the artist and what they’re trying to accomplish. They need to grind just as much as the artist if not more. If the artist dont get money then the manager doesn’t either. Another fuck up alotta smaller managers with no staff do is take on 4-5 artist when they haven’t even remotely broke their first artist.

OHH.COM: At what point in your career did you feel that you “made it”?

Wes Fif: I’m not there yet.

OHH.COM: What’s the legacy that you want to leave in the music industry?

Wes Fif: Just that I did my thing, and made a impact in any way shape or form. That I made quality street music. When its all said and done I want my name to be synonymous with Orlando and Florida period.

OHH.COM: If there is anything that you could do over in your career, what would it be and why?

Wes Fif: It’s a few things but that’s the past. I would advise people to think before you enter into situations and to see what’s what and gain a understanding 1000% before you proceed.

OHH.COM: Any Shout Outs? Anything you want to promote?

Wes Fif: Shit shout out the whole 407 and 321, from O up to Bokey back down to the K and everything in between. I got us, i appreciate everyone’s support. I ain’t gone let the city down. Log on to www.wesfifonline.com . The mixtape “All Or Nothin” w/ DJ Prostyle on the way….followed by the digital album “Flight Risk”. One time for everybody supporting the movement, fuck you if u aint. My Street Smart/Black Flag Money Gang family, I love yall niggas and you know that.

OHH.COM:If someone wants to contact you, how should they get at you?

Wes Fif: If it’s business hit Leon @ 407-704-4600 | ldotb@tmail.com , if ya just want to show love or chop it up fuck wit me on the hip fizzleboy@tmail.com – remember time is money so aint nothin free ya dig.

All my DJs PLEASE reach out to me, need hosting, need drops, I got you! drops@wesfifonline.com (please include scripts).

–Orlando Hip Hop Staff