Really Not Radio™ is beyond ecstatic to be able to showcase talent such as the mighty Raw Syl. We've had the opportunity to spend some time in the studio with Raw Syl, and let me tell you she is an engineer and producer's dream artist to work with. Her work ethic is crazy. She comes in ready to go and will easily knock out a few songs a night (no punching in over here), not only does she produce a majority of her tracks, she masterfully creates engaging stories with her straight up, honest lyrics. After listening to this mixtape multiple times, and I will still be knocking it even after her next music release. I find she clearly articulates a lot of the things we want to say, but don't quite know how to put in words. She not only does this well, but she will use a few different characters featured in her songs to communicate this to you. After you listen to this mixtape you will completely understand what I mean. The Goon-Brat mixtape has a nice variety that will cater to your every mood. A little something to listen to on your headphones to really get into what Raw Syl is sharing with you. A few tracks will get you ready to hit the streets, while other tracks will make you want to spend some time with your lover and tell them how good it isssss....ooookkaaaaaay! Maaaan, I can't even pick a favorite track on this mixtape. I can only pick ranges of songs that are fire depending on my mood. However, I do want to highlight the last track, "Balle con Migo", which totally took me by surprise because a majority of the song is in Spanish and it's soooo fuego! It had me feeling like I was back in the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico on nice sun-shiny day, shades on, posted up between the old buildings and people watching. Good times. Without further ado I present to you Raw Syl....GOOOOON BRRAAAAAAT! Make sure you check out the interview below and press Play...
Really Not Radio: Go on ahead and please introduce yourself to the beautiful people. Tell us a bit about Raw Syl.
Raw Syl: Hello…….Raw Syl's in the building my friends….i'm an artist from Northern Cali…I'm also the daughter of legendary funk artists Cynthia Robinson and Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone.
RNR: Sooo, I'm feeling the mixtape like no other, BUT, off top, before we get too deep into thee questions let us know the meaning behind Goonbrat? Any Goonbrats you want to shout out?
Raw Syl: Well….it's a movement…Go0n~Brat was derived from the saying "a Go0n's brat" which is a Go0n's lady. With that being said, we have "Go0n" way's cause we've been "Go0n" raised. Wus hatning' Lette, Knuckles, Choko, B, TT, Marie, Christy,Tanya, and all the rest of my Go0n~B family.
RNR: I recognize some of the tracks that you selected for this mixtape, which are SMACKINEM btw, but what about the other productions?
Raw Syl: The other productions are just some instrumentals i wanted to sha'dangle with.
RNR: Ahaha I love it okay since you get down with the production...what's your instrument or program of choice to create music?
Raw Syl: Lately i've been just using Garageband and my good ole' trusty Triton.
RNR: Okay, Okay...one day I was messing around with Garageband and was blown away by the great sounding samples that come with it, and you can never go wrong with the Triton. When I listen to your music it reminds me of some Angie Stone for her soulful, passionate vocals, your rap delivery gives me that witty...comical E-40, Mac Dre Bay Area flow. Your topics are very relatable like Frank Ocean and your lyrics are expressive and in your face like Missy Elliot. What are some of the influences past or present that inspire the music that you create?
Raw Syl: LOl….i have to say thank you….you are too kind and i'm highly flattered. But to answer your question, I'd have to say Mia X…..Boss….and my moms and pops of course.
RNR: Mmmhmmm...Mia X always came with it, and your parents I know are total inspiration for you. What's your recording process like from freestyle, writing to recording, and how long did it take you to complete this mixtape?
Raw Syl: It depends….most of the time, I'll be driving somewhere, or doing something like cooking, and a song will just pop up in my head. At that point I'll drop everything to write it down, and or record it on my phone or something to remember the melody until i can get into the lab. As far as how long it took to make Vol.1…it took about 8 or 9 days.
RNR: That blows me awaaaay 8 or 9 days to come up with 11 songs is hard to do...girl you good, you got talent [Coming to America reference] What's your favorite song on Goonbrat mixtape vol. 1? Why?
Raw Syl: I'd have to say #7 "Rock'n wit u"….it's an original track (mine) and it just slaps to me.
RNR: What would be your ideal artist to collaborate with?
Raw Syl: E40, Jeezy, Carl Thomas, Tank,….that's just to name a few.
RNR: What can we expect from Raw Syl over the next year or so?
Raw Syl: More music, videos, and merch.
RNR: Yesssss, I know I can't wait. Tell the listeners where's the best place to get a hold of you for collabs or just keeping up with the day to day activities of Raw Syl?
Raw Syl: Come find me on twitter @RawSyl
RNR: Well, alrighty then I just want to thank you for your time, and sharing with us. Just so you know you always have our support. So, make sure you send us all the exclusives here first :-) To the listeners/readers make sure you follow Raw Syl on twitter to support real, good music. We thank you in advance!