Meet the MusicWorks Panelists: Blimes Brixton, Boogey the Beat, Steve BBS Teixeira

Releasing a great song is the key to any successful career in hip hop music and co-writing, collaborating, or working with the right producer can be one of the most valuable and rewarding ways to hone your craft. In an open discussion with Blimes Brixton, Boogey the Beat, and Steve BBS Teixeira, we will explore the benefits of connecting with other hip hop artists, producers, and building a community of collaborators.

From the heart of San Francisco, Blimes Brixton is an MC and vocalist armed with an unmatched passion for artistry. Her musical background extends two generations to a blues musician father and jazz musician grandfather which could justify her keen attention to musicality. Her distinctive voice is globally appreciated; early on in her career, the lyricist joined the likes of Too Short, Adam Vida, & France’s Scratch Bandits Crew on various releases and co-headlined a 25 city European tour with LA rapper Gavlyn. Most recently, Blimes' undeniable talent and unique history as a battle rapper sparked collaborative efforts from hip-hop icon Method Man. In 2016, Blimes established her own imprint label, Peach House Records, which is focused on highlighting talented women in the industry. Now in 2018, Blimes embarks on a fresh journey with solo album Castles, to expand her sound and reach fans globally.

Boogey The Beat is an Anishinaabe DJ and Producer who blends traditional Indigenous songs with modern electronic beats. His DJing skills have landed him on stages for the Indspire Awards, Canada Day 150 Main Stage in Ottawa, National Aboriginal Day LIVE presented by APTN, and multiple festivals across Turtle Island. His first single, HOKA, reached number 1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown and landed him licensing opportunities providing music for CBC, APTN, and Vice Media. His latest single, “Smoke Signals”, also reached number 1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. A collaboration with Winnipeg-based funk band Burnt Project-1 on the release titled 'The Blacklist' earned them a nomination for Aboriginal Recording of the Year at the 2013 Juno Music Awards.

Steve BBS Teixeira, is one third of the rap trio, 3PEAT. The Winnipeg-born rapper, producer and DJ has made a name for himself by crafting the signature 3PEAT sound and contributing to the Winnipeg Hip Hop scene. Steve’s penchant for collaboration has seem him contribute to various projects including 2oolman of A Tribe Called Red, Charlie Fettah, and Royal Canoe. A voracious music consumer, Steve can always be seen singing along to his favorite songs while keeping the floor dancing as a DJ. The sole producer on 3PEAT’s self-titled debut EP, the project earned earned the group a nomination for Best Hip Hop Artist at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Along with 3PEAT, Steve has played over 60 shows across Canada and the US and the group have their sights set on the US.

Get to know them better with our little Q+A...

Q: If you could invite five famous or noted people (past or present) to dinner who would you choose?

Blimes: Oprah Winfrey, Missy Elliot, Princess Nokia, Roald Dahl, Drake  

 

Boogey the Beat: My first choice would have to be Dr. Dre. It was his production and song-crafting skills that really made me fall in love with hip hop. Second would be Jimi Hendrix. Third pick is DJ Kool Herc. Fourth is Noah Shebib aka 40, and for the final pick I'd bring someone really out there like Lenoardo da Vinci.

Steve BBS Teixeira: Prince, J Dilla, Quincy Jones, Jay-Z

Q: What’s your hidden talent?

Blimes: I'm trained to drive buses

Boogey the Beat: Most people are surprised to find I can actually play a little guitar and drums. I'm pretty sure I can also still pull off a gnarly kickflip on a skateboard.

Steve BBS Teixeira: Graphic Design and art direction

Q: What is the best praise or advice you’ve received?

Blimes: The best praise that I've ever received is that I inspire people to be comfortable being themselves. The best advice I've ever received is, as a person in the public eye, never be ashamed to share with your fans who you are. They want to hear you. They want to see you. 

Boogey the Beat: I've had a few indigenous youth comment on how some of the music I've made got them through some tough times. It's also done the same for me, so that's got to be one of the best feelings in the world.

Steve BBS Teixeira: From 2oolman of ATCR: To just keep doing it because once in some way or another everyone has been in the same position. That time is the key ingredient and if you put in the work you'll eventually see the return.

Q: Who was your role model when you were a child?

Blimes: My mom and dad. My dad is a blues musician and I look up to him so much. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. He's been recording, performing and touring for 25+ years. My mom worked full time and took care of my sister and I. She was strong and enduring of the burdens of motherhood. I have drawn a lot from watching her over the years. 

Boogey the Beat: Was fortunate enough to be raised around strong indigenous women in my family. So they've always been who I looked up to since I was a child.

Steve BBS Teixeira: Goku from Dragonball Z or my Father.

Q: From your experience, what has been the most difficult part about being a hip hop artist?

Blimes: The most difficult part of being a hip hop artist is the work you have to put in to get heard. You have to invest so much in having a well polished product and then you have to fight through a sea of other artists to be seen. It takes years of tireless effort, thick skin and a really strong network but to do what you love and get to inspire others, it all ends up being worth it. 

Boogey the Beat: I think one of the most difficult parts is forgetting to just be ourselves. Sometimes we as artists, or beatmakers/producers, want to sound like whats "hot" right now. Fads come and go, great music is timeless. 

Steve BBS Teixeira: Not being taken as seriously as other musicians because we don't play instruments or the lack of awareness and infrastructure for up and coming hip hop artists isn't necessarily built in the market where we happen to be from.