Blake Carrington

10 local buzz bands set to break big Rock, pop, punk and rap: The best music now is ripe for the picking and locally sourced:

9. BLAKE CARRINGTON
October is a big month for Blake Carrington. First the emcee performs at Atlanta’s A3C hip-hop festival. (Other boldface names include ?uestlove, Talib Kweli and ScHoolboy Q.) Then his album, Failure, drops October 31, with production by Ric Notes and Junia T as well as collaborations with Kardinal Offishall and Raz Fresco. After honing his performance skills at NXNE, SXSW and, most recently, Manifesto, Carrington takes his show on the road: a college tour – Million Dollar Failure – is set for the new year. - NOW Magazine

“Dare 2 Dream” is presented by:
Oui Self Made | Lady Luck Ent. | Lucky Charms Films. A Callowgrove Films production

Features appearances by:
Big Boy | Ray J | Iyaz | DJ E-Man | Black Wall Street rapper S.H.O. | Marcel Jones | J Sway

“Dare 2 Dream” is produced by:
Marcel Jones
“Dare 2 Dream” is shot and directed by:
Chris Strikes

“Dare 2 Dream” music is by:
Ric Notes | Rich Kidd | Blake Carrington - Oui Self Made Inc.

“Dare 2 Dream” is presented by:
Oui Self Made | Lady Luck Ent. | Lucky Charms Films. A Callowgrove Films production

Features appearances by:
Big Boy | Ray J | Iyaz | DJ E-Man | Black Wall Street rapper S.H.O. | Marcel Jones | J Sway

“Dare 2 Dream” is produced by:
Marcel Jones
“Dare 2 Dream” is shot and directed by:
Chris Strikes

“Dare 2 Dream” music is by:
Ric Notes | Rich Kidd | Blake Carrington - Oui Self Made Inc.

VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
VIBE sat down with rapper on the rise, Blake Carrington, where he tells about his career's rough start, and his new mixtape, Dare to Dream. - VIBE Magazine

Name: Blake Carrington

From: Born Toronto raised in Buffalo NY

Projects Released: Welcome to My World (2009), Love is a Risk (2010), Dare2Dream hosted by the LA Leakers (2011)

Influences: God, Life, O.U.I (Our Unique Impression), Experiences Good or Bad, Stevie Wonder, A tribe Called Quest, OutKast, 2pac, Notorious BIG, Jay-z, Kanye West, Sade and Big Boy from Power 106

Website(s): http://www.blakecarringtonsworld.com, twitter.com/carringtonworld, youtube.com/carringtonsworld, http://soundcloud.com/blakecarringtonsworld, http://www.facebook.com/BlakeCarrington



What prompted your start for your career path?

My family was in the music business so I was a part of it since I was 5 years of age. My father was a Rapper named De Dot Tee he always used to freestyle to me and played music of all types. I played a lot of basketball in high school, and I would always freestyle with the team and one of my friends at the time told me to take it serious so I did and here I am.

Who first recognized your talents and what it meant to you?

My Dad was one of the first ones to recognize I had talent. It meant so much to me till this day, I look at my father as my hero he’s been though so much and it made him the man he is today because of that him recognizing I have talent will always mean the most to me.

First problem you have come across?

The First major problem I came across is when I got Booed at Amateur Night at the Apollo theater in Harlem New York in 07. It was a problem for me because the first time I did the show I won twice. When I got booed on my third try felt like the world came down on me but it made me a better person and great performer in the end cause I didn’t give up.

As an up and coming artist what was it that you seen that you needed to improve on?

My attitude I used to have a bad attitude I used to think my talent alone would just take me there but it wont. Talent is only 20% so I improved on my attitude, music and hustle. I always plan improving on everything that’s why I’m glad to have my team OUI around me because were the type of team to improve each other.

How will you make an impact given a chance?

Well no chance is given so I will take mine. With that being said staying true to what I do and displaying my story and personality would make an impact on not just music but the world.

Why should people take notice in your work?

People should take notice to my work because I display my Own Unique Impression of my Story, Energy, Passion and Versatility. - Jenesis Magazine

Blake Carrington spoke to 24WiredTV about how he got his start in rapping. He went on to discuss what makes him stand out from other hip hop artists. Carrington also touched upon running his own company, Oui Self Made. Click here for the full video and leave a comment. - 24wired.tv

Around 1 a.m, Toronto-bred, L.A.-based Blake Carrington burst onto the stage and did not stop churning out sweaty, energetic hip hop, getting the crowd to bounce right along with him. With his act, Carrington smashed the boundaries between performer and artist as he invited the crush of people to surge in, performing in the midst of a crowd of swaying dancing people rapping right back at him. People who couldn’t get down into the crowd lined the stairs and the overlooking balcony. Artists from the cancelled Smashmouth showcase at the Rivoli were also in attendance, and Carrington invited them to come up and share the stage, including rapper/producer Rich Kidd. His spitfire style combined with the others to create a show that felt more like a crazy hip hop dance party.
- Cadence Mag

By Anupa Mistry
Blake Carrington might be hip-hop's first motivational speaker. You'd think it's the eternally beautiful California sky talking ? he recently relocated from Toronto to Los Angeles ? but as Carrington speaks at length on recording, moving and lessons learned the hard way, you realize it's his disposition that's sunny. This charismatic optimism is the reason Carrington (who has been rapping seriously since 18) named his latest release Dare 2 Dream. Hosted by Power 106 FM radio/DJ crew L.A. Leakers, the 14-track mixtape is a patchwork of producer Ric Notes' dreamy, synth-driven melodies tempered by old school drums. Rich Kidd-featuring single "Fresh(er Than The Rest)" mirrors Carrington's Californian ambition; it's breezy, sunset-hued production complements the playfully technical prowess of the two rappers. But it's the expectant father's honesty that makes Dare 2 Dream a promising listen ? from acknowledging and transcending parental legacy on "5 Months" to being a high school basketball team bench-rider on the demented bounce of "Kodak Moment" (featuring the Cool Kids' Sir Michael Rocks). "I don't have a problem showing the world when I'm low or when I'm happy, or that I'm bigger than my circumstances," Carrington says. "Sometimes people stay in uncomfortable or bad situations because they don't realize they can leave, and I want to tell them to go for their dreams despite the distractions."

You and Chris Strikes have been working on a documentary to accompany the album. Tell me about that.
Part one of the Dare 2 Dream documentary takes place in Tokyo, when I was on tour with Big Boy from Power 106, Ray J and Iyaz. Chris Strikes and I wrote it together and we're doing multiple parts for a web series. I want people to come with me on my journey ? to my meetings, when I'm in L.A., NYC, at my lowest points ? so they can appreciate the artistry more. It's kind of, hopefully, like, documenting my rise.

Your name has been in Toronto rap circles for a while now. Why relocate to L.A.?
I've always said I wanted to go to L.A. and chase the dream, but something would always come up. A few years ago, I was ready to go but my nanny, my grandma, got cancer so I stayed to be near her. She died on the same day I was supposed to go and freestyle for Jay-Z, who was in town for a show. After that, I met Snoop Dogg in Toronto and told him I'd see him in L.A. at Rock The Bells and he was like, "Alright, bro." I took a three-day bus from Buffalo, NY to L.A. The fare was $258 and all I had was $160 from selling my mixtapes, but I told the guy at the station that I do music and Rock The Bells was going on out there. When I got to L.A., I ended up backstage at Rock The Bells and saw Snoop and he couldn't believe that I was there. It made me want to build and get exposure.

What's surprised you most about the scene out there?
I didn't know how accessible these people are. I'm building with these guys from Power 106, but also Snoop's son. I just ran into Big Sean at LAX. It's helped me realize that just trying to talk to somebody ? not being afraid to do that ? gets you a little further than where you are.

Do you find there's more attention paid to hip-hop from Toronto and Canada now?
In a big way! Drake's success has done so much because he's doing it in a way that hasn't been done. It's always good to have somebody like that from your city. As an artist, I'm proud to see it and I use it as motivation.
(Independent) - Anupa Mistry

VIBE's in-depth sit down with Blake Carrington, breaking down his journey through the music scene to get where he is today. Plus, some freestyle action that you will only see here! Check it out on VLN TV!
VIBE.COM - Jamal @Vibe_Jrock

Splash Mags WW Interview with Blake Carrington at The Key Club - BET Award Weekend - Host Adriana Davalos - Splash Magazine on June 30th, 2011

Splash Mags WW Interview with Blake Carrington at The Key Club - BET Award Weekend - Host Adriana Davalos - Splash Magazine on June 30th, 2011

I need ya’ll to pay very close attention to this new kid in the Hollywood scene. With sounds of true Hip-Hop, the heart of a champion, and dreams bigger than your whole team, he is making it known that he is the “voicebox of all dreamers.”

Having only been in Los Angeles for three months, Blake Carrington has been everywhere around Hollywood lately. From being on tour with L.A.’s Power 106 Big Boy and DJ E-Man to performing in nightclubs, he’s letting everyone know he’s in L.A. for a purpose. He not only wants to be successful in the music game but he wants to be an inspiration. He wants to inspire people to follow their dreams and never give up no matter what hardships come their way. With a life full of trials and tribulations, the Canadian native is living, breathing, and believing that his daily grind will soon pay off. With his natural talent, faith, and dedication I have no doubt in my mind that it will. Please meet an artist I truly believe in—Blake Carrington.

TWID: Where are you from?

BC: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

TWID: How long have you been pursuing music?

BC: I’ve been pursuing music ever since I was five. My father, he was a rapper, so I’ve been around music for a long time. But I pursued it seriously when I turned 18, after just leaving high school, and I have just been on the ride ever since.

TWID: Speaking of your father, who is your father?

BC: My father, his name is DeDot. He is an artist from Buffalo, NY. When he was younger he was performing with Slick Rick, Dougie Fresh, and mostly all the people from the old school era.

TWID: Who are you currently trying to get signed with?

BC: Well, I just recently started my own company called OUI Self Made. It’s my own company, which consist of my producer, myself, my video director, and my business manager. We all partnered up together, and started our own company, and basically right now, we are in the process of talking to some labels, and they’re talking about bringing us on but right now, the main focus is building the brand of Blake Carrington coming out as an artist out of OUI Self Made.

TWID: What inspired you to get into the music industry?

BC: My inspiration from music comes from life. They say a picture is a thousand words but you can take a moment of life and write it down and make a song about it and it can become timeless. So years and years from now even if I am not around as an artist, people can still capture the moment I was in when I wrote that song… My dad, he was almost there trying to take it to the next level but then he got caught up with some bad things. I seen him get shot in front of my eyes when I was five and after his recovery he went back to the streets [and] went into drugs. People thought he was finished but now he’s 15 years clean. So my inspiration is God and life but it’s also my father…He’s my hero because of what he’s been through and me witnessing that. Most people, in his stage of life would have just gave up and said, “No I’m done.” But I have been through worse situations as well but when I think about what my father has gone through I realize quitting is not the option. I gotta go for my dreams no matter what. This is what I’m about and this is what inspires me and the daily grind that I have been on.

TWID: Who are your musical influences?

BC: My father, Talib Kweli, Nas, Slick Rick, Busta Rhymes, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Beethoven, and Jay Z for teaching me that I can establish my own business in this industry. This may sound weird but Walt Disney has been a great inspiration for me and what he did with his career. He built something out of love that’s lasting forever. He said, “Dreams come true. You just have to have the courage to go after it.” That will stick with me forever.

TWID: Do you have any mix-tapes out right now?

BC: Yes, I do. If you visit BlakeCarringtonsWorld.com you can download my mix-tape “Love Is A Risk.” My next mix-tape “Dare To Dream,” hosted by the L.A. Leakers, drops July 1st.

TWID: Who have you performed or collaborated with?

BC: Talib Kweli, The Cool Kids, and Dougie Fresh.

TWID: What is Blake Carrington’s music and message about?

BC: I got that good music about life. What everybody goes through whether it’s good or bad. But no matter what, I try to have fun with it. I am the “voicebox of all the dreamers.” I tell my story without forgetting my journey. I represent going for your dreams no matter what. I tell my friends it’s not a black thing, it’s not a white thing, it’s a life thing so do the right thing. Somebody said baby steps count too as long as you’re moving forward. Dare to Dream.

Visit Blake Carrington’s website and download all his fresh new music at www.BlakeCarringtonsWorld.com or you can follow him on Twitter. - Posted by The What It Do Consumer Review on June 20, 2011

Prepare for lift-off with Toronto’s local rap astronaut, Blake Carrington. His latest release Dare 2 Dream follows-up last year’s Love Is A Risk mixtape as a space journey that yet again demonstrates his innovative production style and imaginative rapping. Part Kanye, part Neptunes in aesthetic, Carrington bangs out tracks like “Welcome (To The Other Side)” and “Cruising On Mars” that explore a deeper side of his character. “Fresh(er Than Most)” and “Smooth Operator” are also stand outs. And, with “Cole Sweat” and “Kodak Moment” feat. Sir Michael Rocks of The Cool Kids, Carrington proves he still has his fair share of swag for the world. What’s showcased in Dare 2 Dream might have more listeners looking towards the Northern Lights. - Posted by Urbanology Magazine on , July 16, 2011

Prepare for lift-off with Toronto’s local rap astronaut, Blake Carrington. His latest release Dare 2 Dream follows-up last year’s Love Is A Risk mixtape as a space journey that yet again demonstrates his innovative production style and imaginative rapping. Part Kanye, part Neptunes in aesthetic, Carrington bangs out tracks like “Welcome (To The Other Side)” and “Cruising On Mars” that explore a deeper side of his character. “Fresh(er Than Most)” and “Smooth Operator” are also stand outs. And, with “Cole Sweat” and “Kodak Moment” feat. Sir Michael Rocks of The Cool Kids, Carrington proves he still has his fair share of swag for the world. What’s showcased in Dare 2 Dream might have more listeners looking towards the Northern Lights. - Posted by Urbanology Magazine on , July 16, 2011

There’s something infectious about Blake Carrington’s presence. He’s a ball of energy, with eyes that light up like a pinball machine when he talks about music…or life…or his plans…or pretty much anything, actually. This unrelenting hopefulness permeates through the room wherever he is and on the stage whenever he spits. Today, he’s seated inside the Round Tree Restaurant, in downtown Toronto. Dressed in camouflage cargo pants, Timberland boots, a red vest and a Minnesota Timberwolves snapback, Blake is as eager to talk as he is to get started on his fresh made chicken pizza.

“I live my life like I have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” he philosophizes. “Because, at the end of the day, what am I losing? Nothing. I could have said no to that trip, but if I did I wouldn’t be talking to you. I wouldn’t have a crazy fuckin’ video. I wouldn’t have the Big Boy contact. I wouldn’t have a few roots out there.”

The trip he’s talking about was to Japan. The video he’s talking about is “Revenge of the Nerds.” And the Big Boy he’s talking about is from Power 106 in L.A.

As I unearth the movie-worthy stories of his adventures, his dedication to creating opportunities is astonishing. Let’s begin at the beginning, shall we?

With $160 in his pocket, Blake shows up at the bus station to catch a ride to Los Angeles. The problem is the ticket cost nearly $300. The price he’d seen was for online purchases only, but after hearing Blake’s reason for going, the attendant takes $160 and sends him on his way. Blake spends the next three days on the bus in the same clothes, with no money left even for food.

“A lady I met on the bus said I looked like her son, so she bought me some food,” remembers Blake.

That was how Blake first got to L.A. and since that trip, he’s been building his contacts steadily with every trip. Needless to say, the next time he made it there, he was more prepared.

Fast forward to November 2010, after talking his way to access at the American Music Awards, he approaches Big Boy on his way out. A short introduction later, Big Boy invites him to the radio station for 6:45am the next morning. Blake shows up at 6:15am, after being up all night at the after parties networking.

“I had the same clothes on that I wore to the club when I showed up at the radio station. I couldn’t afford to sleep,” Blake says.

Making conversation with Big Boy, he hears the long time radio personality is headed on a trip to Japan in the coming months. It will be his 29th time there. Blake expresses enthusiasm about hitting the Japanese market one day too. The informal meeting ends, Blake leaves some of his music behind and everyone goes on with their lives.

While at work back in Toronto, Blake gets a call from his manager telling him Big Boy invited him to Japan to perform alongside Ray Jay. Ecstatic and surprised, he obviously accepts and flies to Japan, on his own money, in late December 2010. With him, he brings Chris Strikes, who Blake describes as “one of the hungriest directors out here.” They spend the next week exploring Japan, shooting a short documentary as well as the video for “Revenge of the Nerds” which later debuted on MuchMusic’s RapCity.

“Big Boy hadn’t even heard my shit when I was in Japan,” reveals Blake. “I got to Japan and he’s like ‘ok I’m going to be honest with you, I haven’t heard your shit.’ It was just the hustle that got me there…He told me to go extra hard at sound check for his sake. I’m a ball of energy on stage, so I killed the show and after that it was mad love.”

Not bad for what started with a $160 bus ride.

“I was excited!” says Blake about landing in Japan. “(Laughing) I was thinking like Ryu from Street Fighter. Only time I been to Japan was when I played Street Fighter. I see the culture and the people, everybody bowed to us, it was crazy…It didn’t really hit me until I was on the train going to the hotel and I just had a moment. It was around Christmas time and I had to use some of my Christmas money because Big Boy and those guys didn’t pay for us to go out there. It was another test.”

Blake cites the 1996 Jay-z song featuring Memphis Bleek “Coming Of Age,” as a parallel analogy for his situation. Jay-z raps about Memphis Bleek as the kid trying to come up in the game and gives him little tests about street smarts and loyalty. Blake recites the line “(Jay-z)Here’s a thou. (Memphis Bleek) A G? I ride with you for free, I want the long term riches and bitches.” Maybe his first test was the early morning meeting in L.A., that he showed up early for. Maybe the next test was whether he’d come out of pocket to fly across the world at Christmas time. Maybe the next test was sound check. Who knows what the next test will be, but Blake seems to be running headfirst towards it.

He’s set to release Dare 2 Dream, hosted by LA Leakers in the coming months and recently took another trip to California to shoot a video with Rich Kidd. He plans on moving to L.A - POSTED MAY 8TH, 2011 BY HIPHOPCANADA

Blake Carrington hits the refresh button on the hip-hop scene north of the border. Combining soulful delivery with cleverly crafted lines, he bops and bounces in the booth to music compositions that are out of this world. From winning at the Apollo twice to performing with the likes of Doug E. Fresh to Talib Kweli, Blake is ready to put his new sound on display. So while many play catch-up with his futuristic style, with the release of the new LA Leakers-hosted mixtape, Dare 2 Dream, Blake Carrington the “Gentleman on Mars”, is ready to win the race. The mixtape is presented by Oui Self Made.

We just posted the first video single “Fresh (er Than The Rest)” which premiered on nationally on MuchMusic on Thursday June 30th. It will soon begin to air on numerous television stations internationally – you can view it on HipHopCanada now! Watch the video or download the mixtape for free after the jump. - POSTED JUL 2ND, 2011 BY HIPHOPCANADA