The 2008 “Set The Stage on Fire” Winner – Staten
Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tags: Set-The-Stage-On-Fire , staten , ya boy javi
On July 23, HipHopRuckus.com helped sponsor the “Set tha Stage On Fire” Hip-Hop and R&B showcase presented by NG Records in New York City. True indeed, every artist who came out and performed blazed the mic but it was Staten Island’s Staten – yes that’s right ‘Staten,’ it’s not a typo – who took the winner-take-all event.
From the opening cipher Staten was poised on making it his night. His song “Tip Her” had industry suits immediately buzzing. The dude’s music and stage presence is impressive. Staten’s young with an old man’s soul. So without further adieu, HHR introduces you all to Staten.
YaBoy: Staten, how long you’ve been rapping?
Staten: I would say that I’ve been rapping for close to 3 years but I’ve pretty much been trying to make a career out of it for a little over a year.
YaBoy: What made you want to become an emcee?
Staten: First and foremost I just have this crazy passion for music and hip-hop. Music runs my life, I have a stereo in every single room in my house, literally, and you will not catch me without my iPod. Secondly, I love the feeling of rocking the crowd and making music that other people can feel and relate to. Lastly, I’m better than most other rappers trying to do this. [Laugh]
YaBoy: I can dig, who are some of your musical influences?
Staten: My brother Big U, who is a singer/rapper/producer/writer [laughs], is the real reason why I even got into music – check him out on iTunes – then the Big Homey, Jay-Z, because he is just overall the greatest; Wayne because he just has the craziest swag; Diddy because he just keeps music fun; and Pharell because he’s always bringing something new, whether it be singing or rapping or a crazy beat. I just like trendsetters – oh and I’m a big Trey Songz fan.
YaBoy: I like that list. You recently won the “Set tha Stage On Fire” Hip-Hop and R&B showcase in New York City, which HHR helped sponsor, tell readers a little about your experience and how you felt after winning the event.
Staten: Well the first thing I should say to be honest is that I was hella-nervous just because I had never performed my music off of Staten Island. But the actual event was very well put together, the competition was good and the crowd, sponsors, and judges were all very receptive to me. Everybody showed a lot of love. The true feeling of hip-hop was definitely in the building.
Winning the showcase honestly has been the highlight of my career thus far because it let me know that I’ve been doing something right and people are actually feeling my music and acknowledging it. Lastly, I have to pay respects to you guys at HHR and the other publications and sponsors because they have helped me a lot with gaining exposure. You guys (T-Eazy and NG Records) really followed through.
YaBoy: Thanks for the compliment. I understand that you are releasing your first solo mixtape album later this year entitled Staten’s Island. It’s a bold title, what made you decide on that title?
Staten: Aside from me feeling that I’m one of the most honest representatives from my borough – I am not saying that I run it, but the title is actually talking about my point of view. I have respect for all artists from Staten Island but with this album I’m looking to shine a new light on my life in Staten Island.
I feel since Wu Tang was the only major success from here we all get categorized the same way they do, as real gritty and street. We all from the streets but I’m just looking to bring fun and swag to Staten Island music. I want people and fans to feel like they can come out to the island and party and have a really good time because that’s how I live.
YaBoy: True, what should fans expect to hear on the mixtape?
Staten: Hot shit! I mean bottom line I’m ill with the words and all that but the one thing I want fans to know is that my music sounds good to listen to. I make sure that I have a vibe to my music almost to where you can feel how I felt recording it rather than just spittin’ bars and punch lines all day – I like to call it situational music.
My songs talk about situations you find yourself in on any given day. My music is for everybody. If you really want to know what to expect just go to myspace.com/cliftonboyz. But ultimately please just support it when it comes out because I promise it’s good music and it’s all me. I produced and wrote the entire project.
YaBoy: Nice. Lastly, where will Staten’s career be five years from now?
Staten: No bull in 5 years I want a Grammy [laughs]. I want to lead the new age of artists coming out of New York and put Staten Island back on the music scene. Also be CEO of my own music label with a #1 record on the charts. I’m aiming high, I gotta do it big.
YaBoy: I dig playboy. Stay up and stay focused.
Listen to “Tip Her” and I know Staten already told you but visit him at myspace.com/cliftonboyz.
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