When you think of the Hype in BZHypeMeter.com, don’t think of it as high energy (truth is we’re  more laid back than most) but think of hype as in high quality…as in great…as that is what we try to reflect in our features. With that said, Deron Thompson, aka Deady on da Beatz (da Belizean Hitmaker) is a Belizean Producer of great quality. The hard working, self-made beat maker is responsible for Mc Melo’s BlueNote Hunter and behind the sound of your last Duets winners, Jeremy and Earlyn. Here is how to achieve a sound of greatness. 

Where are you from?

Deady: Born in Belmopan City but now I live in Camalote Village, that’s where I got my studio.

So how did you end up becoming a producer? Better yet…a hit maker?

Deady: Well this started off like when I was 8 years old. I started playing different instruments in the church and by the time I was 13 I was playing over 8 different instruments. At that age I started a rap duo with my cousin and we called ourselves 3D. We were doing some cheap recordings and using known riddims at the time and it wasn’t until one day my aunt told me “why unu no stop use people riddim and start mek yo own”. Then I decided to give production a try, got a copy of FL Studio and from ever since I have been making beats. I got the name Hitmaker from a guy off myspace, he used to always rap on my beats and liked them. He didn’t know a thing about Belize and said the name sounded unique and just stared to call me “Belizean Hitmaker.” That’s how I started.

Speaking of locally, everything I’ve heard from you has sounded extraordinary; where do you get your inspiration and what makes you stand out?

Deady: Well first of all, I read a lot. I study my craft, I study different instruments and I listen to a lot of different genres. I’m mostly known for producing crunk which is known for heavy 808 drums but I like to mix that with some reggae skanks or some ethnic synths. I can make any genre, so I would say my style is no style. I can do just about anything it’s all about mixing different styles together. My dreams are what inspire me. If you want to make it big you have to work hard. If you want to be the best you have to work the hardest. I’m not the best but I’m definitely one of the hardest workers in the game.

So have you worked with a lot of artists and if so who? Or do you guys keep it in house at Jag Camp?

Deady: Well I started working with a lot of artists when I just started. In the past I’ve even worked with minor artists on Def Jam and Shady Records on mixtape songs. Presently I’m working with JAG Camp artists in-house because we are about team work and we’re building a fortress from the bottom trying to make it to the top. But I also produce for any artists who are interested in investing in their career and buying beats.

How can someone reach you for beats?

Deady: Just email jagcampent@gmail.com (or check him out on facebook )

What are your personal thoughts on the local music scene?

Deady: Well locally there is a lot of work that needs to be done. Belizeans need to be doing quality stuff that’s the only way we will ever be heard. We need to get to a point where people won’t even know it’s a ‘local’ song playing. But the music industry is about to take off in Belize and I like the direction it is heading at the moment.

  

Compared to the usual local stuff, the stuff out of jag camp seems to be of higher quality….I don’t think that is by accident is it?

Deady: Well to have quality you have to be willing to spend and when you spend you have to know how to use what you have. We have invested in JAG Camp and that’s what makes our quality stand out. On the other side I’ve taken audio engineering courses, read over 50 books on audio engineering and I’ve also worked with a professional engineer from France who has shown me a lot when it comes to being a professional. So when it comes to mixing, our engineers are capable of bringing the best out of our artists.

So what current projects are you working on?

Deady: Well at the moment we are working on an album as a group entitled “JAG Camp Allstars” and also this year we will complete Jacob Diggz’s Album called “Rebel Music”. All other artists are working on mixtapes at the moment and also dropping singles through the year which will be distributed globally on  Itunes, etc through Universal Music Group. By summer we will start other albums as well but that’s all in the making.

What advice do you have for other young producer and artists?

Deady: Work hard. Don’t try to get in the game for money or fame because you are going to fade away slowly. Money might come, fame might come but be original and don’t change. Take risks while making music because music has no rules involved as long as it’s listenable. And most importantly, take time to study music. If you don’t know to play an instrument take some piano lessons, drums etc. That will shave off a couple years or experimenting with stuff; garbage in, garbage out.

Anyone you want to thank or shout out?

Deady: I would like to thank bzhypemeter.com for this interview. Also big up to my JAG Camp family, Jacob Diggz, Del Beatz, FiyaMan, MC Melo, Jeanie, Dertty Dhurr, Bird, So Smoove, our manager Wild Turkey and the ZMG Family and everyone who believes in us. Thanks for the support! 2011 will never be the same♦

Once again I introduce to you guys another tattoo artist of Belize and his artwork. His name is Karym “Wimpas” Sosa, and he is 26 years old. He currently resides in Benque and works mainly out of his house. Here is how it went:

How many years of experience do you have tattooing?

Wimpas: Professionally, 8 yrs.

Why did you become involved in tattooing and tattoos?

Wimpas: Grew up around tattoos and my older brother was a tattoo artist also. So I picked it up from him.

Where are you located, or where do you mainly tattoo from?

 Wimpas: I tattoo at Benque where I live but I also do a lot of traveling within Belize and sometimes to other countries such as Mexico and Guatemala. The easiest way to locate me is to give a call to 605-6470 or email me at wimpasink@yahoo.com and I let you know when I will drop by your area.

Lauren: What would you say is the most outstanding tattoo that you ever did?

Wimpas: Well every time I do something more outstanding than before. I always keep surprising myself.

What styles of tattooing do you use?

Wimpas: I do most it free hand cause I like to keep it original. I love black ink. And I would say my style is a little gothic mixed with things I see around me.

What do you get out of tattooing, or why do you do it?

Wimpas: Basically this is part of my hustle, but in time it became part of me. Tattoos pay good money and let me express my art.

Do you feel that it is well received in Belize?

Wimpas: Belize has now accepted tattoos as their own; I’ve had parents getting tattoos with their children like if it was a walk in the park. It’s not like before I think it’s because we are more than the ones that are not tattooed.

What would be your advice to someone who wants a tattoo but is not sure what to get?

Wimpas: If they’re not sure what to get they are not ready. Tattoos are for life, and they mark moments in life, just try to embrace the experience you want to remember on your design and you are ready.

Tell me something about yourself that makes you an outstanding tattoo artist.

Wimpas: Well I put my love into my work and try to read my clients mind so we are on the same page before we start designing. That’s basically all I need to start free handing.

By, L.Young

 Here is what’s cooking…first we travel to Camaloete to check out a Belizean HitMaker, then we’re in south side Belize City to observe a regionally accredited mix master and finally, we head to Dangriga to learn from an International Belizean Fashion Designer.

So BZHypeMeter.com went down to Dangriga this week to check the Ilagulei sports bar and restaurant. You really can’t miss it; it practically welcomes you to Dangriga. Inside is spacious and classy with room to breathe, great design and the necessary flat screen tv’s to top off the trendy sports bar ambience. The club is re-launching and starting off with a banging line up which includes Punta Rebels (with Supa G), Linda Blease, Mr. Hype Alfrain Supal and more. Definitely a can’t miss event if you are in the area and if you aren’t, you need to get there.

Also, look for future events at Ilagulei featuring BZHypeMeter and friends coming soon.

 

 

 

Jasfy Clothing  has released some nice pieces that appeal to those wanting to do something special for that person for Valentines day. In addition, it is fully customizable so if you want to reflect letters that are more personal to you, that is possible as well.

Show them you care with Jasfy. Price is $25.00 bz for the white and $30.00 bz for color tees, order at www.Jasfybelize.wordpress.com or contact 621-6791

If you really want to impress you can pair the Jasfy “I Heart U” Tee with a custom, made by order, Charm Bracelet from Leticia Gallardo which goes for only $20.00. If you don’t get both (why wouldn’t you?) atleast get one and show that person you care in a unique and special way.