Interview: cab cabernet + d.o.f. + dunn deal promotions



Harlem-based rapper/producer/director and Krushed Grapes Lifestyle owner Cab Cabernet presents the self-directed music video for “Maiden Harlem”, the Roddy Rod-produced single third single from Krushed Grapes: Harlem Vintage, Cab’s forthcoming album featuring guest appearances from VonQwest, Noni Kai, Kat Starr Johnson and Priciliya Marie as well as production from Roddy Rod, RTNC (the producer behind Your Old Droog’s album, J. Bless, Declat, Tigga-Bounce, Frank Lotz and White Indian. The “Maiden Harlem” video comes on the heels of the music video for first single “The Lifestyle” (watch) and followup “Le Connoisseur” (watch). Formerly known as Hanif-Jamiyl of New England group Maspyke (of whom Roddy Rod is also a member, Cabernet performed alongside Mos Def, Q-Tip, Slick Rick and EPMD, co-founded Bukarance Records, and ghostwrote for numerous artists before reinventing himself in 2006, founding a private all-male escort service catering only to female clients and opening a cigar lounge. In 2009 he released the album Krushed Grapes (listen on Soundcloud) and the following year he unveiled Krushed Grapes Footwear, a line of luxury, handmade sneakers. KG Lifestyle also produceds handmade leather accessories including wine carriers, cigar cases, briefcases, wallets and hats, sold and customized at the customer’s request. ‘Maiden Harlem’ is an ode to the most famous neighborhood in the world, Harlem USA, Cab says. “It’s a trip down memory lane, as well as a celebration of the people, the history, and culture of Harlem. The video was shot on location at Harlem Week and follows me as I walk through various neighborhoods. Peep the conversation with the old man at the end of the video. Classic.” Click here to watch the Cab Cabernet/Krushed Grapes: Harlem Vintage EPK.


  
What is the most important thing you’ve learned in the independent music game?
 
Most importantly the artist has to become a businessman/woman if he/she wants to survive in the independent area. You don't have the major label machine dumping cash and resources into your artistry, so you have to get creative, and work a lot harder and smarter. Great talent without the work ethic always will lose to the semi-talented grinder. If you're not willing or able to tour 4-6 months out of the year, you’d better have income coming in from another source. 
 
What inspired you to rep the Harlem of days past?
 
Old Harlem is the Harlem that influenced the world, and is the reason for the new renaissance in Harlem today. Folks new to the neighborhood want a taste, or should I say a large slice of the culture, history, people of Harlem. But this pie is only so big, and there are only so many slices to cut. If the culture continues to be cut out of Harlem, Harlem will cease to exist as we know it. 
 
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about women from your days running an escort service for women only?
 
So many lessons learned. 1. Women's needs can be totally different from men. 2. Many women are not who they feel they are, they are who they think you think that they are. This is one of the reasons why this industry is so closeted. Women will only share this experience with her closest girlfriends, in order to protect her reputation and/or identity from judgmental men and mostly other women. 3. The only thing that women hate more than too much attention, is no attention at all. The rest you'll have to read the book, or watch the film to find out (coming soon).

 
Which do you prefer: Facebook or Twitter? And why?
 
Twitter is more effective in my opinion for the artist, as it keeps it short and sweet, and directs the follower to the source in a few short words. Facebook is more about feeding the ego. People start to value their lives based on how many people "like" their post. Even for the finest broad, it's impossible to walk down the street and get 200 "likes" in a day. But if every time you post a pic, you get that attention online, you get addicted. And then you feel rejected if you don't get it from your true friends or loved ones in real life. Everyone is a celebrity on FB, but not everyone deserves to be celebrated, ya' dig? 
 
How would you best sum up Krushed Grapes: Harlem Vintage?
 
From concept, to lyricism to musicality...one of the most important Hip-Hop albums of our time.

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