When it comes to hip-hop, the only band that comes to mind is legendary rap artist The Roots. But, times are changing. Rap mogul P. Diddy proved to America that another hip-hop band with an R&B feel can be formed.
The MTV television series “Making the Band II” introduced music fans everywhere to fresh and new urban artist. Starving artist from the East and the West coasts auditioned for a chance to be apart of the highly successful Bad Boy label.
After defeating thousands of people for the position, Babs, Fred, Chopper, Dylan, Ness and Sara made the final six. Each individual brings a different flavor and style to the group.
With the completion of two seasons of MTV’s “Making the Band II,” Bad Boy has a completely different new style and flavor. Da Band made it through the many disagreements, all the fights, and let’s not forget the famous cheesecake walk.
On Sept. 30, Da Band released one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, “Too Hot for TV.”
At 8:15 that night, we had a chance to speak with Babs, Fred and Choppa on a unusual cell phone conference call. (Dylan, Sara, and Ness were in another vehicle and unable to participate in the interview.)
“Man, I got family coming out the woodwork now,” Chopper said. “They be like I’m your second cousin or uncle. I don’t believe nothing no more, you dig.”
“We just came from a in store signing at Circuit City and it was crazy,” said Babs. “My chain has been ringing off the hook today.”
On Making Da Band II, Babs went from being originally cut from the show to receiving a phone call asking her to come back and join the other prospects in the house. After battling two other female MC’s, she grabbed the title.
“I’m the only female MC which makes me stand out,” says Babs. “I just bring the Brooklyn rawness to the group.”
Throughout all the struggles Fred has faced, he has never let go of his dreams. He recommends the same for anybody who wants to make it in the game.
“First you have to set your goal, and then chase your goal,” says Fred. “Don’t let nothing get in your way.”
He says that you will most certainly face obstacles while you are trying to reach your goals, but don’t let them stop you.
“I grew up in Liberty City and that’s self explanatory,” Fred said. “It’s truly a blessing to be able to carry the load.”
New Orleans native and youngest member of Da Band, Chopper was the most playful and energetic of the group. Chopper had a lot to say about the statements about Da Band having an advantage over other new artists due to the show bringing in fans before their music was even heard.
“I’m 18 and they try to pick at me a lot, but that comes with being young,” Chopper said. “People like our personalities and we have music to back it up.”
He also talked about why he chose to try and be apart of Bad Boy Records instead of No Limit or Cash Money, since they are based out of New Orleans.
“I didn’t want to be a statistic,” said Chopper. “I didn’t want to be a normal guy from New Orleans, that gets signed to a normal record label and just be a normal rapper. I want to be something big.”
Chopper also expresses some of the hardships growing up in New Orleans.
“My mom had to pay like $50 a month when we lived in the projects,” Chopper said. “New Orleans is a rough place and I have seen a lot of killing. I wouldn’t want to raise none of my kids there.”