Tell us about your name - where did the name "AllTyme" come from?

Well my name is an acronym for "All Lyrics Looking To Your Music Encounters", basically embracing the challenge of my music up against my peers and competitors.  And as far as where it came from? It was a light bulb idea, it just came to me one day, and it stuck ever since.

When and how did you first become interested in music?

Early H.S. is when I started my love for the music. We'd be at the lunch table freestyling and battling each other. One night, I actually stayed up and wrote my first verse and memorized it. The next day I spit it, and had the table on my every word. Ever since then, that's when I knew I wanted to be a LYRICIST MC. Not just a rapper

How long have you been playing music?

Too long to not be in this game yet.  LOL.   I've been into this music for a while, but I really started taking it more seriously coming into this year looking for that next level. Nothing happens before its time though!

Where are you originally from?

I'm from born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn. My background is of West Indian descent. (Barbados)

Tell what life was like for you growing up in Brooklyn?

Exciting!! I love the hood. There's always something going on around every corner in BK - a lot of energy to keep you on your toes. BK is the only borough I've been in where I've hand to God seen kids younger than 4 years old playing double-dutch at 2 in the morning, in the streets, like everything is O.K.  LOL! 

Tell us about the music scene there - Where do you perform?

The music scene here is alright. I've seen more energy as far as the support from a crowd to the artist in other places though. So it's really true, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. I'll perform anywhere there's a mic, and a few good ears to listen. Lounges, talent shows, showcases, parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs. You name it, I'll perform.  LOL

What are your musical influences?

Most of my musical influences believe it or not come from the stuff that's out now. It keeps giving me that reassurance that I have a chance.

Does anyone in your family play music?

My father does. He plays the piano, bass, and guitar.

What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life?

I play music all of the time, whether I'm upset, happy, hype, feel like thinking, feel like partying and everywhere. There's no wrong time or place to ever play music.

What else do you do besides play music?

I write a lot......no, I mean A LOT. Instead of shoeboxes full of shoes and sneakers, my shoe boxes are filled with papers and writings. Short stories, movie scripts, and of course my one love, my Books of Rhymes. When I want to just relax, I love movies, especially horrors, spending time with my daughter, and perfecting my craft.

Let's talk about your music.  Your song "I Need You" is an instant classic!  It really shows your lyrical ability.  Tell us about the creation of that track.

I spent a couple of months making this tune! The track was produced by Incksalonious for Lady Brown Skin Productions. When I heard it, I had to take the track off her hands. The lyrics came to me as fluidly as having a conversation with a good friend. It took half an hour to write - chorus and all.

What your favorite thing about this song?  Is it about a real person?  If so - tell us who it is!

My favorite thing about this song is the actual track and how my lyrics fit on it. It's genuine, I like the way everything was able to just flow together smoothly. The song is good energy to get you out of your seat, yet soft enough for the laid back head nod.

"Hustla's Theme" is definitely one for the fellas - a real lean, ride, and bob ya head joint!  Tell the world about how AllTyme "shakes da' block"!

Hustla's Theme!!! That's my joint right there. That's gonna be my next single. That's for my money makers, grinders, whether it's the 9 to 5, working for yourself; however you get your money!! AllTyme a grinder. Besides working 2 jobs on the side!!  Lol. This music is how I "Shake the Block".

While the track is nice, it's the lyrics of this song that really make it stand out!  Why do the lyrics of this song mean so much to you?

Because honestly anyone can make a "Hustla's Theme" kind of song easily. A quick down south beat, easy and catchy hook that's gonna appeal the masses, heavy radio play. Hopefully for me too.  Lol! This song is my answer for quick hits that come out of no where so easily.  The "This is why I'm Hot", the "Umma do me", "Duffle Bag Boys", the "They Know". The thing with me though is, no matter how much sugar you sprinkle on shit, you just can't call it a brownie. At the end of the day I want my songs playing 5, 6, 10 years from now, and still get the same respect and impact as day one. Can't do that by saying bullshit on a track. You HAVE to treat listeners with intelligence, respect, and give them something real to listen to on a track!

OK - tell us about "Guys Night Out/Helluva Weekend!"  This song - is just NASTY!  So tell us - what do you like so much about big assess?

What's not to like - are you kidding me!! EVERYTHING.LMAO!!! This is indeed one of my more vulgar songs. This is a bit out of my norm, but I love variety and will give you EVERY angle I can hit. But I'm the ASS-man, it's what most attracts me to a woman, as far as the physical aspect goes. Some dudes like breast, some like a pretty face and small waist. I don't know exactly why, but that's my thang right there!! I love it all shapes and colors. I would say size, but you gotta be 40+ and I don't mean ya age. Hit me. Lol

Tell us about the best big ass you've ever seen!  Whose was it- and what made it better than all the rest.

Ah Man, you gonna make my head hurt trying to narrow it down to one! But I think the craziest ass I've seen has to be the ass of the girlfriend of this girl I was dating. Her ass is so serious, we (me and my boys) nick named her "Wings" cause that's what her thighs look like from the front. Just imagine the rest!!! The thing that made it crazy was her ass and thighs looked like they belonged to *@$damn horse, and her waist was like a pencil. Shit, I'm drooling just talking about it now. I'm a see if I can get her in a video one day. I guarantee ya'll gonna feel me on that one when ya'll see it. Damn, why you made me think of that one!!!  LOL

You came really hard on this track!  What is your favorite line from this song?

Thanks I have several lines I like in this song, but one that seems to stand out most, I like, and get the most attention is probably "see I'm the ass-man, and I'm the ass master, AllTyme the anal assassin causes much disaster" If I'm get down and dirty, I'm a go hard all the way!

"Make A Way" is a really nice jam that talks about the reality of hood life - it's very different from the rest of you tracks.  What inspired you to make this song?

This track here is one of my more conscious, let me talk to you records right there. The inspiration behind this is so simple "life....in the hood". All day everyday, the struggles, the progress, the set backs, the come backs. The experiences and the realities as well. All of it inspires me.

The last two songs I wanted to ask you about are the two that are dedicated to the ladies - "Try My Best" and "My Voluptuous Love".  Tell us the story about "Try My Best"

I actually wrote that for a special person in a while back. That was my gift to her on Xmas night. Anyone can go out and buy some nice shit, but it says a lot for a person to tell another person how they feel through an original song, through writings and poetry. To make something from scratch and present it from the heart. Now that's special! And no I wasn't broke!

Nowadays, it seems like most MCs choose not to write or perform these types of songs - why do you think that is?

As far as writing goes, I feel like some artists may not want to touch THAT part of their lives. They can talk about shootings, killing, and drugs, but God forbid they don't want anyone to know they have a heart and softer side.  LOL. Or some people don't know how to express themselves the way they would like to about love the way they might like to. As far as performance wise, I would guess that's because of the look of it. Image wise to be on stage rapping about love, especially if you want to be known as a tough guy; "love songs" wouldn't fit the agenda properly. Another reason: energy. There isn't a lot of energy in love songs. It's more laid back so you take your time, feel it, and digest it. When you're doing a show, you want to bring certain energy to make the audience get out of their seats and chant along. A lot of loves songs can't deliver that same feeling.

"My Voluptuous Love" is about your love for the plus-sized ladies.  What do you like the most about big girls?

Do you even have to ask......that big ass! LOL I love curves, nice voluptuous curves.

Are big girls better in bed than other women?  If so, tell us what it is that makes them so much better!

For me personally, yeah, I tend to like the lovin' of a big girl over a skinny one. For one visual, I'm a visual person, and like to see everything a lil' bigger. A nice big body feels better over you for real.  Lol. It's like having a nicely quilted winter blanket, as opposed to a skimpy summer bed spread.....in the winter, which one you messing with???

How did you develop your lyrical style?

That's from constantly writing. I'm always writing something. After a while of doing anything you like to do and are comfortable with yourself, you kind of develop your own personal style and touch to it almost automatically.

Of the songs we have discussed, which one means the most to you

Personally? I'd have to say "Try My Best".  If people were to ever get married to a hip hop song, I would be honored if this was picked as the first song they danced to.

You've battled through a lot of difficult times in your life.  How have those difficult times impacted you in your career as a musician?

I think all set backs and disappointments makes for stronger character, and inspirational story. I used negative events and recycle them into positive energy. I've been told, I'm very resilient.  Lol!  Easier said than done, but it's a mind set. If your mind is set solid on something, its damn near impossible to break that.

Do you freestyle?  If so, tell us about your craziest freestyle battle!

What kind of lyricist would I be if I didn't?  Lol. I'm not really into battling. I do remember embarrassing this one cat. He's into that freestyle battling, and tried to show me up while I was talking to a homegirl of mine he was feeling. So he's breaking me down in freestyle, and I get back at him, shut him up for the rest of the evening and continued with my convo. You want to try and look good on my expense, you better bring your top gunners when you coming to me!!

Tell us more about "The ALLTYME Experience!"

The ALLTYME Experience!!! Yes, this is my finest hour. I spent some good solid time working on this project. I like to think of it as my "Audio Biography LP" It's my first LP, and I named it this, because like any good relationship your about to get into (me and this "game"), you have to introduce yourself. You have to get into the "what are you about", the "where are you coming from", etc. So this album is a personal introduction to the world. Get to know me!

What makes this kind of music "good" to you?

You can actually sit there and listen to it, digest it, and get some food for thought. I like to and feel that I do capture the listeners' attention, and they have interest in what I'm saying. And I mean word for word.  Nowadays a lot of fancy tracks, and hard drum kicks is what's able to help people stomach some of the garbage coming out now. It's like your child can't stand taking his/her medicine, so you have to pour it in their kool-aid to help them get through it.

Why did you choose to play this kind of music?

Hip hop is all around me, and I love music. All kinds of music, but this genre fits me best. I'm sure if I lived in Nashville, I'd be fucking around wit a guitar in my arms and a cowboy hat on my head, trying to get on a record with Toby Keith. You know sometimes it's not us that pick the thing, sometimes it's the thing that picks us.

How has your West Indian heritage influenced your music?

To tell you the truth, my West Indian culture is probably the only thing that has no real influence on my music unless I make a reference in a song. However, Calypso and Soca are the main sounds, not hip hop.  So this music is more of my "American side" so to speak. Now if we were talking about a nice plate of rice and peas with some stew chicken, I could talk about that West Indian influence all interview. LOL

Tell me about a time when you felt like giving up on music - how did you get through that rough period?

There was a time that I had stopped writing and recording for about two years straight. If anyone has ever put their dreams put on hold, or have it taken from them, just for a day it feels like an eternity. I kept myself real busy with other side projects that didn't have anything to do with music. Now that I'm thinking about that time, I feel like I couldn't have been that strong or confident in my material, because now, I couldn't imagine going that long without my music.

How do you feel about the music that's on the radio today?

Upset, hurt.  LOL. It's like "why"? Who's signing off on these records? It does give me hope though. That sense of "wow if this is what's hot, than I need to hurry up and get my stuff to the right people".

Where do you get your ideas from?

Every day is a new rhyme; I get my inspirations and ideas as soon as I open my eyes in the morning. Music is all around us. Just me sitting on my steps and trying to "school" my lil cousin on politics, girls, and how to move properly in the "hood", that's a song right there. Hence the first verse in "Make a Way".  Ideas are all around.

What is a normal day like for you?

I'm always very busy and I'm not even "on" yet. I think I have a lot going on like any other determined person(s) out there. Typically a regular "productive" day consists of me spending quality time with my daughter. I'm always writing, so that gets squeezed in there somewhere. I work at nights, I also have partners, so depending on what kind of progress was made for the day, or moves that I'm trying to make, I update them, and they help keep my schedule along and organization smooth. I always try to physically go and see family and friends. That's one line of communication I don't take for granted. As busy as I think I am, I know I haven't seen anything yet.

Do you have any pets?

No, I had hamsters a long while ago and that didn't end too well.  I would love to get a nice sized aquarium for a nurse shark and other lil fish and such. But for now, no pets.

Who is your "famous" favorite musician and why?

Styles P hands down. His flow is tight, his lyrics and delivery are the same way. A lot of rappers say some hot shit, but very few can actually capture the listener to make you believe their story. I think Pac was the best at that, R.I.P

Who is your favorite musician friend?

Well I have quite a few, and I consider them family. One good friend of mine though who's actually been in the game and gives me good sound advice, is my boy Trigger the Gambler. That's Smooth the Hustlers brother, you remember "Broken Language"? It was a big tune...heavy from back in the day.

What motivates you to create?

I think my stronger motivation comes from when I just finished hearing a crazy nice track. Especially if it's for me to write to, forget it. I'm like kid in a candy store. The energy and excitement is through the roof. It's like when Jordan used to see a clear lane to the basket, his eyes would get real big and out came the tongue.

Does your family influence your art?

Yes, their very supportive of me. I think when people could see something for you stronger than you can see if for yourself, that's the people you need to surround yourself with, and stick to. I love family.

Is there anything tragic that has influenced you art?

Yeah, Bush getting into office.  LOL!! Have you seen what this motherfucker's done to our economy. They say we're supposed to go through a recession worst then the first 2. If that ain't some fire under your ass to make you make a move, I don't know what is!!!

The Ladies (and some of the men) want to know!  Are you married, single or in a relationship?

Ya boys door is open.  

Tell us what does AllTyme look for in a woman?

Honestly I don't look for specifics. Beauty can only keep a person interested but for so long. After that she better be a damn good cook and have a sweetheart personality.

So a nice personality (sense of humor, not serious all the time, knows what she wants, how to get it, common sense, and conscious) is what I usually tend to seek out. All the other stuff usually falls into place.

What type of women does AllTyme try to avoid?

I don't avoid anything or anyone. I try to embrace people for what they are and determine how I would deal with them from there. I guess the only thing that would make me avoid a woman really would have to be her stupidity and ignorance. I can pretty much deal with anything else.

If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I'd probably go to Jay-Z's house.  Lol! I'd go there to cut a tune with him, run my music by him and get his opinion, and honestly by dinner time, walk out of there with the proper deal that I'm looking for.

What is your dream?  Where do you want your music to take you?

To take the world by storm!! I want every person who believes rap is dead, and hip hop is in a terrible state, to choke on their words after they've heard "The ALLTYME Experience". My dream is for people who lost love to believe in good music again. That they're still artists out there who really do appreciate this art and isn't in it for a quick buck........That's really true to this!

Tell us about your most embarrassing moment as a musician.

I don't get embarrassed easily. But I remember once I was performing at this spot "Crash Mansion" in the city. I started out nice and did an a cappella that went over great. There was a live band so I had them play "Show me what you got" and I spit an original song over it. I never actually practiced the song to the track prior to the performance, or else I would've known.....the two don't go together. So I guess having to stop cold in the middle of a performance on stage in front of a room a strangers and a live band behind you is kind of nervous. LOL!

Tell us about your proudest moment as a musician.

My proudest moment to date is this one particular show I did. It was just a regular show, nothing too special but the energy I felt was so real, it felt like I was "there" already. Like I was head lining.

What is wrong with the world today?

Too much technology and not enough brains. Everything is fast and convenient, but there's never any time. Everyone wants to be a boss, but then where are the workers?? Too much talking, not enough listening....can I stop now?!??! Before this interview turns into a book with this question. Lol!

Tell us one thing about you that would shock the world!

I'm not a hater, but I get a kick out of them, and feed off of their negative energy.  LOL

What do you do for fun?

Write, make music, and make productive moves. I love watching movies, especially horrors. I'll lose a whole day to just good movies.

Other than MySpace, where can we find you and your music?

I'm trying to be everywhere. Other than MySpace, you can hit me up on Black Planet (music.blackplanet.com/alltyme), Streetcred.com, Whosnextonline.com, Loud.com, Imeem.com, hi5.com. I have my music currently playing on Newartistradio.net; soon it will be WSCR365, and major radio, and hopefully your favorite radio station soon! The ALLTYME Experience will also be on iTunes very, very soon.

Tell me anything that you would like the world to know that we haven't asked above.

First I want to thank you for this opportunity and interview. I hope it is as interesting to your readers as it was for me to answer, great questions! I just want the world to know and be ready for ALLTYME. Good music isn't gone, dead, and it isn't as far as you think. If anyone read this interview and left with the feeling like "this guy isn't like THOSE other RAPPERS", "this is someone I want to follow him and his music" or even "who the *@&# does this guy think he is" then I feel like this was the perfect interview and that I "set up" properly.

-AllTyme

The ALLTYME Experience LP

ProPanda Productions 

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Comments (1)

1  Alltyme music Written by Somesweetsunshine , on 04-06-2008 09:26 , IP: 192.193.221.144 Hey Alltyme,    I like your music and loved your interview. You gave me a great vibe about you so I know your personality shows in your music. You music makes me smile and it makes me comfortable with who I am dare I say a "Voluptuous" woman.   I like the part of your interview when you said "No matter how much sugar you sprinkle on shit it still can't call it a brownie" ahhahahahahaha...Now that was funny.    Keep up the good work and the great humor,    Your bud,    Sunshine

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