#MixtapeAddict | Interview w/ JOE KRUEL @KruelEmpire

Originally from Colorado Springs, get familiar with hip-hop artist Joe Kruel. After releasing several mixtapes and projects under various names, he is back with a new video called « CO Vibes/Smokin Fire » that will satisfy the ears of all stoners around the world. We had the chance to sit down with him and ask him the famous « Mixtape Addict » questions. Check out the interview below :

Who is your all time favorite DJ ?

I’ve always been a big fan of DJ Qbert ever since I’ve seen Wave Twisters back in the early 2000s.

When was the first time you heard about a mixtape ?

I became a hip-hop head in the early 90s. First mixtape I can remember is « Return Of The DJ« . That tape changed the game.

The Boom DJ’s – Return of The DJ Volume 1

We know you’re from Colorado, how was the mixtape game out there and who was the biggest mixtape DJ in your area ?

The mixtape game out here is pretty decent! There are many DJs out here to get connected but in my opinion I’d say the biggest one out here is DJ Amen. He’s been putting mixtapes out since early 2000s.

What do you think about the over-saturation of new artists in the music industry ?

I think there’s good and bad with it. Yes, it’s a lot more competition and music for your stuff to get lost in, but also I think it’s great that nowadays you can easily get your music out there for many to hear. Now it just comes down to how well you got your social media game going. Definitely makes serious independent artists more encouraged to learn the business side of things.

What are your plans to get bigger in the future ?

Right now my focus is on growing my fanbase by staying consistent with my music, I aim to drop at least 1 new single every month. I’ve been networking with lots of bloggers, social media influencers, playlist curators and promoters. Plus, I got a few things up my sleeve in regards to creating excellent content to push on my socials, email campaigns, and more.

Who is your favorite hip-hop entrepreneur and why ?

I’d have to say Russel Simmons. He pioneered the whole way to be a hip-hop entrepreneur! He’s done everything from being a record executive, writer, film producer, launching a few clothing brands, etc.

If you could pick two producers to make a EP who would you choose ?

I’d say 2 of the best producers right now that would be awesome to work with are Metro Boomin and Hit-Boy.

Do you have a special ritual when you go to the studio ?

I always smoke 1 blunt before and 1 blunt after. Once I’m in the studio it’s straight work. No messing around.

Do you see solidarity in the underground hip-hop scene in Colorado ?

The hip-hop scene in Colorado is flourishing. The interesting thing is that there are various different hip-hop circles in Colorado, just depending on the type of music the artist makes. So often times local shows have a unique paring of artists and fans. Of course with that there is some beef between groups etc but for the most part it’s all love out here.

If you could get a collab done with an artist from outside of the U.S who should you choose ?

I listen to music from all around the world so there are many artists outside of the US that I’d love to work with. Though I’d say lately I have been listening to a lot of Shurik’N so if I could get that collab lined up that’d be awesome.

How long have you been doing music and what keeps you inspired to stay in the marathon ?

I’ve been making music since 2004. Making music can definitely be a hard grind and weigh heavy on you some times. I’ll admit I stepped away from music for a good six years and just recently got back into the swing of being an artist. For me, music is my sanity so I just focus on that and aiming to make the type of music I want to hear because I know that if it’s something I like many others will vibe with it too.

If you could bring back a hip-hop legend from the dead, who would you choose ?

That’s a tough question because there are so many greats that have passed. Most recently DMX may he rests in peace. Though I’d say the artist that was most influential to me personally would be Big Pun. I’d bring him back so we could collab.

If you had 3 words to define yourself as an artist, what would you say ?

Dope as fuck !

Any words of advice for the young upcoming artists ?

I’d say just keep at it. Polish up your sound and put some real work in growing your fanbase by learning real social media marketing techniques, learn the music business regarding contracts, split sheets, royalties, etc. Protect your self, your music, and your brand. I’ve learned a lot of these lessons the hard way and trust me that’s not the way you want to learn it.