Name: Mike O. & D.Moon (from the group 40 Long)
Where from: Tallahassee & Wellington, FL
How long have you been in the game: 2-3 years
What made you get into hip-hop/want to be an emcee?
Mike O: Because people told me I couldn’t, or I shouldn’t, Or I’m foolish, or I’m unrealistic, or that’s not a career, yeh yeh we’ll see.
D Moon: I've been into hip-hop for as long as i can remember.... i was always trying to put together rhymes, even when i was a younger kid... but when i was a Sophomore in college is when i really started getting serious about rhyming... my close friend Chris Dunn would make beats in his dorm room all day and i would sit and watch...one day he told me to spit and from then on i haven’t been able to stop....he really helped me perfect my skills
What makes you different or stand out from everyone else?
Mike O: I am the most magnificent, most clever, most outrageous, most sexy, emcee that hasn’t broke yet. If you come to one of our live shows you will see what I mean…
D Moon: I'm me. I'm not gonna try and be something I’m not just to get accepted by others... I'm not gangsta, I'm not from the hood.... I had a great life growing up... and I’m gonna stay true to that and talk about things I know.
Inspirations:
Mike O: All the greatest to have ever “changed” the game. I mold myself after the best, so I can learn how to be the best.
D Moon: Of course, my family.... but musically i would have to say I’m influenced by so many artists of all different genres... from Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Buffett to Eminem and Tupac..... and everything else in between... I feel that the fact that I listen to so many different kinds of music allows me to be more creative than people that limit themselves to certain genres
Current projects: Opening for LMFAO during UM FSU weekend (Rivalry Music Festival) Working on 2 music Videos for our records Blackout and Rhythm, Performing at Big’uns in Key West.
If you could change something about the current state of hip-hop, what would it be?
Mike O: Nothing. It has surpassed every other genre of music as far as popularity goes. It dominates radio and Clubs. It’s good to have competition in the game, let the consumer wash out the wanna-bes and build up the great ones. If I could change one thing about Music as a whole, I would say focus on other songs except the single. Go buy albums again, go get an artists full and completed work. Support your favorites; don’t pick and choose what songs you want. You don’t buy a DVD and only pick your favorite scenes. Itunes f**king pisses me off. You can never be a respected artist if you have to keep putting out Club jams to sell for 1.29. We keep putting all the one-hit wonders on the top of the itunes chart because they will sell-out to make a buck. BUY ALBUMS so we can be creative artists again, Instead of molding our sound off whatever “single” sells on iTunes. Fuck iTunes. Sorry about that tangent music is sounding the same because it has too, because people buy the single and use pirate bay to get the album. My craft is being killed because we as consumers love music so much; we have to have it right away. When was the last time anyone waited in line for the release of an album…The Gun’s N Roses – Use Your Illusion release in the 80’s? There is no anticipation anymore; it’s like knowing all your Christmas gifts before Santa Claus drops his ass down your chimney. It’s sad, and it is hurting MUSIC.
D Moon: I would like to bring back real lyricism and storytelling.... i mean i understand the need for club tracks, and we have a few ourselves... but i really love the songs that you just sit back and listen to the metaphors and imagery and just get lost in them... that what i would like to see more of.
Upcoming projects: Re-establishing a relationship with my pen and paper, back into the studio in the fall to make more songs that make people feel.
Future goals:
Mike O: F**king Itunes in the ass…and trying to get signed of course, keep doing shows and becoming a must-see act. And of course making good music.
D Moon: My goal is always to be the best there is.... that's my goal for everything i do.... i feel that if you are not trying to be the best at what you do, then you shouldn't be doing it.
What’s on your mind/anything to get off of your chest?
Mike O: I think I covered it on the previous question. All I wanna say is when you listen to our music, please listen to it. Our tracks have depth (Minus the club joints, which we have to make) but they are strong and help you learn about us as people. Listen to our words.
D Moon: It seems like there is so much hate going on in the game right now... I think we all just need to focus on our own grind and keep to it...stop worrying about everyone else’s business and just do you. and keep it light, and enjoy life.
Any links to tracks, twitter, websites, etc:
40 Long Fan page on Facebook
Facebook.com Mike Oellrich
Big shout out to you my man, thanks for the interview and keep doing what you’re doing. It’s good to have people who care. And not take sh*t for granted. 40 Long loves Meddafore, the Philly Mixtape King!
