WBM Features: Hillz Music

Music is the art of thinking with sounds.

-Jules Combarieu

There's something about passion that can't and possibly won't ever stop the mentally and emotionally motivated. Mind you, there may be setbacks, disappointments and hindrances along the way, but for one reason or another these are the catalysts continue to propel us forward toward the very things we want.

Take the man behind Hillz Music for example. Ever since he was young, music, especially hip hop was something that he couldn't help but be drawn to. It was around him, he learned from it, he lived by it and was mentored by some of the best. The culmination of all these experiences coupled with the vision Hillz Music had for himself brings him to where he is today--overcoming adversity and all. There's not a thing he can't nor a thing he won't do for music, better yet for his family.

Get an up close and personal look at the man behind Hillz Music as he shares his beginnings and what the future has in store with Why Blue Matters.



[As Told To Why Blue Matters]



So tell me a little bit about yourself:

Hillz Music: Well I was born and raised in Philly where I really got caught up in hip hop. When I became a teen we ( my mother and I) moved to Orlando Fl. Around 14 I started rappin, hangin out with older dudes that were goin to the studio, By 16, I was cool with one of the original promoters in the city and started going to all the shows coming down. Back then dj nasty, dj kahaled, & dj caesar all dj`d together as a team called hit men dj`s and I got to be around them at a early age. From there my love for the music just took off. By the time I was 19 I moved to Atl to explore my options in music and see what was out there. A few years later I moved back to Orlando and really started hitting the studio heavy. Within a couple years a friend of mine Godzillest became a instructor at Full Sail and by chance met one of Diddy`s Hit Men producers Young Lord, we chopped it up and came to a agreement that I would fly to N.Y. and record 5/6 songs with him...

Realizing that a company deal would bring more control and money to the table I started hustlin so I could take my team with me and invest in them as well. It`s crazy now but around 2grand shy of my goal I got set up, did a little time and came home to a mother that had stage 3 cancer and a family with kids that needed me. I`ve been grinding this music ever since. Through a friend and artist Viper I was re introduced to some industry people and took off.


Who is Hillz Music?

Hillz Music: Hillz is not your average artist, I do this because I have a family's legacy riding on me to make it. Both my brothers died at a early age and I`m whats left to be successful for us all. I am proud to be married and have kids that i love and I see no reason to hide them. I rap about things I really lived, I grind for more then myself, I always have and always will.


Interest(s)?

Hillz Music: Outside of music, I`m a basketball (Cavs) and football (Eagles) nut. I also love history and reading books weather they`re business, black history or whatever...


How long have you been involved with music?

Hillz Music: Over ten years.


Do you play any instruments?

Hillz Music: Nope. lol, When I was yunger I had a drum machine and a keyboard that I used to make beats, then when I met Godzillest I realized he was alot faster then I was so I sold my equipment and focused on business and writing.


How important is innovation to you?

Hillz Music: Innovation whether it`s on the business or artistic side is very much needed. The game has become watered down. Sales are down for a lot of reasons, contracts are either 360 deals or you have to bring a huge projects to the table. So being able to be a forward thinker is needed if your going to set your self up for success.


What does success mean to you?

Hillz Music: Success means the world to me. I`m driven by ghosts and un fulfilled legacies of my brothers, and the expectations of my family to be successful.


What inspires and motivates you?

Hillz Music: The ability to fulfill my mothers dreams for me, the need to provide for more then just my self and the desire to help and lead others.


What's in your iPod?

Hillz Music: Jay Z, Jeezy, T.I., Kanye, Freeway, Ace Hood, Bali, Bun B, Pac, OutKast a lil Wayne & Ross and some R&B.


Who would you like to collaborate with?

Hillz Music: JAY, Jeezy, and T.I. would do it...


Current projects?

Hillz Music: Well we`re working with Konvict now on a couple of their groups, also doing something with one of DTP`s new groups. Also be on the look out for that Dj Elamentz & Dj Drama mixtape coming soon!!


Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Hillz Music: Running a company with my partners Godzillest, Billy D. and our LifeLine fam. Having about 8-10 acts, establishing our producers/Artists The Colleagues, MasterMind Beat Boyz, Hazel, RayJean Grey, Stereo Hogzz and jet setting....


Biggest accomplishment?

Hillz Music: It`s a tie... 1st time a signed artist asked me to jump on a rec. (shout out to Maybach Music & Cash Chris!) and getting my 1st placement for one of my producers.


What type of impact would you like to leave with your music?

Hillz Music: To establish and build a company that can rival the success of early DefJam.


Any advice for those looking to pursue their goals and dreams?

Hillz Music: To never give up, when you hit a wall, stop and analyze the situation. Chances are when you put your self last for a moment you can open doors and create relationships that last a lifetime.


For More On Hillz Music:

HILLZMUSIC ft. BALI "HOOD CERTIFIED" prod by MasterMind Beat Boyz http://www.zshare.net/audio/645516009c4b4b66/

HILLZMUSIC ft. Konvict Muziks RAY LAVENDER "GET MONEY" prod by GodzIllest http://twiturm.com/fy7wa

HILLZMUSIC "WELCOME 2 W.50" prod by DON CHEEGRO & DIRTY HARRY http://twiturm.com/gbbg9