Ottawa, ON – 9_4 (pronounced nine-four) is quickly establishing himself as one of the hottest artists emerging from our nation's capital. Representing East-Ottawa's Manor Park, 9_4 is fresh off the release of his brand new video single "Radical Jamaican" featuring Dynamic and is preparing for the release of his next mixtape Me, Myself & Nine Volume 2: Deja Voodoo to faciliate the buzz for his album debut.
HipHopCanada's new media partner, "Hold It Down Media" caught up with 9_4 at a local concert in Ottawa to discuss the video single and other pending releases he is preparing for. The full episode, the first of many to come for Hold It Down TV can be found right here exclusively on HipHopCanada.com.
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Interview conducted by Johnny Mazaratti
HipHopCanada: In your opinion, how was the Ottawa scene changed over the last 5-10 years?
9_4: Back then Cap City wasn't really getting the push it needed to become a T-Dot, Van City or MTL because of how small the city is. Now, thanks to a couple of break through artists, video companies, radio, the magic of the internet and a hunger to be heard Ottawa is on the come up. We have an underground scene in Ottawa that I think has always been there but is just now grabbing people’s attention, nation and worldwide.
HipHopCanada: Do you feel there is a lot of unity in your local scene?
9_4: As much loyalty as there is here, there is almost just as much disloyalty (believe it or not). We need to follow the formula of what other Canadian cities have done and work together when it comes to this music shit. I’m not saying that Cap City hasn't but we need more, and I think it's just a matter of time before we as a city wake up.
HipHopCanada: Can you describe the theme behind Me, Myself & 9, Volume 2? What message are you trying to get out to your listeners?
9_4: I'm just letting the people know that if you have a God given talent you should use it before it's too late or it's taken away from you and that 94 million is coming in a BIG way this time round.
HipHopCanada: When can we expect a full-length album?
9_4: I'm not going to say when you can expect a full-length album from me, not because I don't know when but because I want to keep my fans and listeners guessing and also tuned into the moves I plan to be making.
HipHopCanada: Do you have a new video in the works with Crigger-Nacker Films to follow-up from “Radical Jamaican”?
9_4: I actually do have another video in the works and it will be shot by Crigger-Nacker Films because of the job they did on the first one. I won't give away too much but it will be a track from Volume 2 of the Me, Myself & 9 Mixtape series.
HipHopCanada: When can people catch a live performance next?
9_4: My next live shows will be “O&J presents Morrison Quarry Blockout - July 12th in Ottawa. Bo Jangles 6th Anniversary Music in the Park, July 27th also in Ottawa and HipHopCanada Importfest 2008, September 6th in Toronto. For more information on shows check out http://www.myspace.com/0904.
Hold It Down Media is a video hip-hop entertainment magazine showcasing Canadian talent broadcasting online via HipHopCanada.com Canada’s premiere online source for hip-hop entertainment and information. Hold It Down Media combines interviews, opinion polls, live performance and music video clips to form a well rounded short format (10 -25 minute) entertaining television style program.
