Perfect Attendance Cypher
Exclusive, last-minute, off the dome, freestyle from some of the Perfect Attendance performers. When you check it out comment here, on twitter, somewhere! These emcees want to get an idea of how you feel! #shoutout to everybody who witnessed it at Taco Mac Philips Arena Make sure you are at 529 tomorrow night at 11pm. It's not gonna be something you wanna miss.
Al K!ng - Little Monster
Niko Villamor - Another Day At the Office
Niko is very unique. “My rap name was Uniq. I had friends who said they couldn’t call me Unique so they just called me Nik. One day someone called me Niko and it stuck since then. So essentially everyone is calling me the nickname for Unik, not my first name Dominik,” Niko Villamor says how he came to be.
From the Bay to the A, Niko’s street smarts and artistic side make him real diverse when it comes to lyrics. He’s dropped several mixtapes across the coasts that show his ability to be himself when it comes to the mic. When introduced to Fadia Kader by DJ Smilez, he was thankful for the opportunity to perform at Perfect Attendance. The music Atlanta has to offer is endless and he respects everything the city brings. “Young Lyxx is dope. Mums FP is dope. A lot of people on the [Perfect Attendance] showcase are dope and people I respect. Atlanta has a lot of dope talent. Love Mach 5. I would love to work with everyone. The industry in Atlanta is built off synergy.”
The White Light Syndrome project from last year, includes his team Dj Smilez, 080, and Niko putting together music for the masses with a different kind of synergy. His Rescue Ops mixtape dropped last year as well and received great feedback. “Let’s Go,” a track with Lloyd is going to be his breakthrough song at all costs. The song has been deemed special by his peers and other tastemakers, so he’s ready to push it. “I did that record and I kinda slept on it. People told me I gotta do something with it, it’s special. So I’m really gonna be pushing that record hard. Definitely gonna try to get big with that.”
Being compared to Kanye West was new to him, but now he’s getting a lot more recent artists on the list. “I’m being compared to Drake and Kid Cudi. I like those artists so I don’t mind being compared to them,” he says. His artist inspirations vary because he is mainly inspired by life. He’s expanding his sound by listening to jazz and getting into alternative music to get a better idea of how to switch things up. Niko enjoys being a sponge, taking it all in, and giving his fans his all.
His sound is very moving, lively, and soulful. Niko wants his fans to enjoy the experience of listening to him. “If someone can play me to start their day whether they’re going to McDonalds or traveling to France, then I’m doing my job. I want to be motivating. I’m not just gonna stunt on them and make them feel unsuccessful about their life,” Niko expresses.
Balance is very important. As an artist, he makes a point to balance out his hood music and his crossover music. “I’d love to work with Young Dro. People don’t know he’s a great artist. But don’t get it twisted, I’ll turn around and do a track with Will.I.Am too. You gotta have balance,” he says.
April 3rd, he’s gonna balance out the stage with a performance filled with surprises, friendly competition, but no gymnastics. “I’ve got some things lined up that I’m working on for the show. I’m gonna jump, but no backflips. I mean everyone’s good people but I’m gonna go up there and do what I gotta do. Incentives don’t change my performance. I’m always gonna work hard.” Win or no win, he’ll take the handshake at the end. It’s just another day at the office for him.
Young Lyxx - Self Made
Have you ever met the artist that became a rapper because they were forced to do it. “My girl cousin used to rap and we stayed at her house all the time. She used to make us rap. Eventually, it sparked my interest,” 20-year-old Young Lyxx begins. The partner in entertainment company Top Heavy and upcoming emcee in his own right is making moves before turning legal.
One of the younger performers, Lyxx doesn’t have to prove himself to anyone. He was introduced to Fadia Kader on various occasions at Broke and Boujee parties and through other acquaintances. While keeping her in the loop about his music, she selected him for this month’s emcee showcase.
His EP, Label Me, was a jumpstart to putting himself out there and really gaining new fans. He stresses that to get real support from the streets, you gotta stay visible and in touch with what’s going on. “People always wanna feel like they know you and what’s going on with you,” Lyxx adds.
Being apart of the younger generation, his main inspirations are more current include Jay-Z, Wayne, Kanye West, Fabolous, and T.I. but he’s been compared to Kanye West because his delivery can be slow but slick at times. Other than the shrugging rapper himself, Lyxx finds himself in his very own lane. Working with former Perfect Attendance performer Khaos Da Rapper only adds to his individuality. The No Place Like Home mixtape is a collaboration displaying their great chemistry.
Recently, he’s been up on XXL Magazine Freshman Class edition. In order to get where they are, he’s studying their artistry and what makes them successful. “I’m really on the XXL freshman class right now; like Wale[2009], Wiz Khalifa, J Cole, and Big Sean. I respect all of them and what they do. I would love to work with all of them,” Lyxx says.
His upcoming projects include Rosaries on a Dresser, Kill Radio, and a mixtape compilation of Top Heavy artists. On April 3rd, he’s more focused on showing the crowd his growth.
“I’ve know Lyxx since his freshman year in college. He has definitely grown. He could rap then but now I really respect what he’s doing and I can see he’s taking it to the next level,” Mums FP commends. He’s been doing this for a minute, so it’s time we get to see where he is going.
Mums FP - Dats the Homie
Everybody loves Mums FP. Over half of the Perfect Attendance performers named him as someone they enjoyed working with or want to work with. He is talented, more lyrical than anything, and apparently the best thing since the beginning of the 20th century.
“Okay I’m like the biggest thing to happen to recording music since recording music,” he laughs. Don’t get it twisted though; Mums ego is nowhere to be found in his caring and charming attitude towards his life, others, and his career.
“If you are reading this interview and you haven’t checked out Money Makin Nique, you should check him out. I mean if Fadia Kader put them on the bill it’s a go because she has a great ear and sense for music,” Mums praises.
Mums FP has known Fadia for years now. Through the party life, showcases, and the underground scene, they have built a great relationship that’s allowed for him to take her musical criticisms. “She was one of the first people I let hear my stuff about three years ago and still is. I value her opinion and what she has to say.”
Rapping since he was in high school, Mums FP hustle and bustle has paid off. Originally a killer[Killa Cam] and C Mums, he ended up taking his stage moniker from his grandmother for his mumbling voice and FP for "Frees the People," which is reminiscent of Juneteenth birthday. He’s now at the top of Atlanta’s underground scene and his work should definitely not be looked over.
Claiming to be hip, but not a hipster, Mums has reinvented himself with every release. The 24 mixtape was themed by the television drama "24" with “Perfect Suspect” being a favorite track of the ladies. His 4th Quarter mixtape sparked the hit “Showcase” feat. Dreamer of Hollyweerd. In Case of Fire…Use Stairs is coming later this year and the promotion has begun.
“When I promote I get posters done, shirts made, and if I have the budget, I want to get one of those planes that will be pulling my name behind it. Keep in mind I am my budget,” he laughs.
Mums live show is the best promotion available. He’s anxious to get back to the stage that he’s been away from for the last couple months. His real time rap that is provided by his life inspirations set him apart from the other performers but not his comparisons.
“I’ve been compared to Lupe and Curren$y, but I don’t currently have any big inspirations; just the average Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye. I just live life and learn from that.” On April 3rd, we get to hear these stories. Through crowd participation, his comedic personality, and the push for a dancing at 529, the show is guaranteed to be a pleasure.
Money Makin Nique - Show and Prove
This Springfield, Mass. emcee calls Atlanta home. The car fanatic drives a 1985 BMW and can talk about cars all day, but more about that later. He used to go by the stage name Rolls Royce, but later adopted ‘Money Makin’ to his nickname Nique to avoid lawsuits and being cliché. His name displays his love for Mekhi Phifer’s character from what he considers an epic movie, “Paid In Full”. “I picked my name from my favorite character of my favorite movie. Money Makin Mitch was played by Mekhi Phifer. It’s a dope movie,” Nique clarifies.
Leaving Atlanta’s AIU after the first year, to really push for his music career put Nique in a position with an industry veteran. “My mother always watches me from a distance and she used to be in this industry so I can understand why she doesn’t like what I do. That’s my mother though and we cool. She always gonna love me and I’m always gonna love her, even though she thinks I’m wack,” he expresses.
Now, Nique is at a beginning point where he has found his way in the industry and his niche. “I really found my direction this time around and my concepts are clearer,” Nique says about his recent self-titles mixtape release.
The 19-year-old considers himself an aesthetic individual as he sees the beauty in everything. He can't explain it in detail, but he loves everything about cars from the tattered leather to the smooth woodgrain. He truly see's the art in automobiles with a Rolls Royce Phantom being his dream car.
He’s inspired by more recent artists and performers that have taken over and are in the process of taking over like Curren$y, Young Dro, and the Neptunes. However, to be compared to a Houston rapper’s voice and a gangster character’s face, is funny to him.
“I’ve been compared to Nas which I guess is a compliment, but you know when you sit in a room with your friends and talk about who ya’ll look and sound like? Yeah, I got Slimm Thugg’s voice cause I talk so deep and Money Makin’ Mitch’s face,” he explains.
Nique’s excited about Saturday’s showcase. He is looking forward to building his network and seeing artists that have been blowing his advances off. “This year I’m really looking to collaborate more and work with more people. That’s what this show is doing for me. And I’d really love to work with Mums FP especially but he blows me off. It’s cool though, I can respect he wants me to show and prove. That’s what he’s about.” He’s also looking to work with a close friend of his, the Daredevil.
The newcomer going out and gaining fans after being criticized to get out and about to make things happen. “I’m being a lot more social after someone told me I really gotta get out there. I'm going out more and shaking hands, meeting people. I can’t just sit on my ass and try to speak it into existence.”
You can find him at Mufasa's house recording his upcoming mixtape, The Lion King, represents his horoscope and his personality. “It’s gonna be fierce, like a lion. And I’m a leo,” Money Makin Nique exclaims. Everyone gets to meet this lion Saturday for sure.
On April 3rd, Nique plans to put on a genuine hip hop show like Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, some of his favorite performers. The crowd should not expect any jumping or nut-grabbing to take place. Just pure hip hop.
Gas Money from Christopher Simms on Vimeo.
Floco Torres - Remedy for ADD
“I should’ve kept my butt in school,” the 22 year-old from New Jersey said about his attempted transition from the north to the south. When a marketing internship opportunity in Atlanta went sour, Floco Torres had to make a quick decision midway in his drive down the east coast.
“I was in Virginia, with my car packed up and everything. They called and said they couldn’t afford me because of the recession. I had family in Georgia so I just called my grandmother in Macon and asked could I stay with her until I can get things together.” According to Torres, the music scene in Macon, Ga is eclectic and beautiful, so he does not regret a bit of the move.
The hip-hop, alternative rock artist likes to put his hands in all genres to see what he can come up with, but his creativity lies with alternative music, yet that’s not where it ends. Rocking with Macon stars lyricist Al King and hip hop duo City Council gave him insight on ways to make it in the south. “I saw City Council perform at the Perfect Attendance in October. I saw what the showcase did for them and I had to be apart.”
In a city where everyone where every one wears shades and wants to be ‘that guy;’ Floco is just a skinny black dude wearing combat boots paying tribute to a Hispanic woman from his past. Well, he was skinny. “My friend’s grandmother used to call me floco and it means ‘skinny’ but I got some weight on me now. She passed away when I was sixteen. I took that nickname and her last name because it was always there.
His strategy is pretty basic. He has a Spanish stage name, he’s African American, and has the musical passion and motion of Kurt Cobain. People have to get to know him first musically before placing any judgment. At times it works, but mainly they want to know more about his name. “At first, people are more interested in my name than my music, but at the end of the day they can still relate to my music.”
The fan base that the show junkie is building from performing at least three shows a week and participating in community activities across Macon show his ambition, hustle, and great personality. It’s easy for new artists to get caught up in making moves online only but it’s really all about getting the music out there.
Floco didn’t fall for it and he knows at this point it’s more than the internet. Everyone is on the internet promoting and talking about music. Since that doesn’t work for people anymore, he’s got the cure. ““A lot of shows are paid, a lot are not paid, but you gotta get on the road and perform for these people. Their attention span is shorter, so you gotta be in their face,” Floco encourages upcoming artists like himself.
Interestingly enough his musical relationship with fellow musical partner and Perfect Attendance performer, Al King, is a definite way to put on for their city. “I released the EP Psychedelphia as a split release with Al King’s Phantom of the Art Gallery,” Floco says. With a spot at the Macon music festival, Braggjam, there were over 700 people that were in attendance for the first performance of Al King and Floco Torres’ latest EP collaboration Social Collision. More relationships following his work with King are expected in the future because of the talent along the Perfect Attendance bill. “I’ve been working pretty closely with Al King in the last year but I’d love to work with Mums[FP] and do a record with Niko[Villamor]. They’re real dope dudes.”
Many may think that his location hinders him from growing in the industry and making an impact musically, but Floco’s putting it out there for the other seven performers to know April 3rd is a competition. “You can expect a bashful, high-energy, emotional, artistic fifteen minutes from me. Honestly, I love everybody but I’m leaving it all on the stage! I’m coming for everybody’s head!” He’s coming for your fans too.
TheAkapella - Consider Me An Emcee
“Every rapper should aim to be an emcee,” the Columbus, Ga lyricist expresses immediately. The Akapella is a true word professional. He’s worked to be good at what he does. At 14, he won his first talent show and knew that rap was his ultimate future.
“I used to cipher and freestyle with my homeboys. Eventually I started harnessing my skills, getting a little more creative, and working at it. Nine years later, I’m finally doing a little something,” Akapella continues.
Inspired by Kansas City artist Tech 9ine, Tennesee rapper Haystak, and last month’s Perfect Attendance winners Clan Destined, Akapella draws creativity from their stories and music; along with a popular Tupac track. “Tupac’s “Hail Mary” makes me wanna go so hard. That song definitely set it off for me and my interest in rap.” Since then, he’s been ready to take off.
With his wordplay and talent as a freestyler, he took on the name the Akapella after realizing his ability to spit bars with no music. The name suits him perfectly as he is known in the online circuit as a brilliant upcoming emcee.
Some of his past mixtape releases may have gangster connotations, but he’s not about that life anymore. “No more dirt for me,” Akapella laughs as he talks about the bigger and better things coming up. Later this year, he will be releasing the Reality Buzz mixtape, which he’s been putting together the last couple months.
He was selected to perform in Fadia Kader’s Perfect Attendance showcase after being recommended by BK Jaxon of the SP Agency. Taking this huge step in his career with a showcase that is mainly about bringing and adding to your fan base, Akapella admits he was never doing music for the fans until now. “When I started, I’ve always done me. It was never about fans until recently,” Akapella says.
The type of guy that claims to be and is, claims to do and does; on April 3rd there will be a performance that Atlanta has not seen but definitely needs to check out. There’s an oil mine in Columbus everyone should get familiar with. “I’m really gonna show Atlanta what we’re made of and what we got down there.”
More than a jackpot, it’s a movement. So get with it.
