GBlock Tez & Rico Tellem - 10 Questions
PIFF Music Empire general Jamal Gasol recently started his own label to showcase talent from his home-turf of Niagara Falls, NY (AKA "Dirty Waters") and starts with with GBlock Tez & Rico Tellem, both of whom have been making waves locally for years and with their skills, will be making waves all over for the rest of they eat and beyond.
The label's inaugural mixtape United We Stand, Divided We Fall featuring all three artists just dropped and is well worth checking out for fans of that real hard hitting underground hip hop that is both grimey and soulful.
We caught up with both GBlack Tez and Rico Tellem who answered our legendary 10 Questions.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
GBlock Tez: Honestly, my love for music came from my grandmother. Growing up it was always music playing in the house, all different genres.. Seeing how music made people feel at a young age was the start of my love for music.
Rico Tellem: Music has literally been my life. My Father was DJ Chill Will a staple in my city. From there he had a studio where I would sit in study and learn.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
GBlock Tez: Meek gotta be #1 for me as far as influence. I feel like he has the biggest impact on how I deliver my lyrics it would be crazy to work with Meek for sure! Ain’t no bigger inspiration than Benny The Butcher though! That’s a real one! I remember lockin in with Benny at DJ Shay studio for like 3 days watching him work taking in any jewels he gave me. I definitely wanna run it back I need another feature from the Butcher!
Rico Tellem: The artist that influenced me the most were not in the industry. As I said previously my father had a studio and there is where I met Fonz Carter. He’s a street legend in my city and that’s who made me want to really rap. His style and the game he would give me, he gave me my 1st rap name “Quiet Storm” he was more than a rapper he was living his raps and telling his story. Another artist was Jason Boog Seright, he was the 1st to put me in the booth, I often say Fonz was Jay Z and Boog is Nas.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
GBlock Tez: I actually just dropped a project last month called “Selfmade.” It’s available on all streaming platforms! Tap in & check it out. I feel like it will give a glimpse of how versatile I can be with music. I plan to drop 2 more projects before the end of the year, I’m always workin!
Rico Tellem: I just recently dropped a project called “Rico De Mayo” on my birthday May 6th. Which is why that’s the title, because May 5 is Cinco de Mayo so May 6th Is Rico De Mayo! I have another project on the way but y’all can tap in to my music on all streaming platforms just type in Rico Tellem.
4. How would you describe your sound?
GBlock Tez: There’s no way to describe my sound because I don’t have one particular sound.. I feel like my music depends on my mood. I may work on melodies one day in the studio then get on some Griselda shit & REALLY rap the next session.
Rico Tellem: I would describe my sound as “Me” I have no box. I lived all aspects of life in a real way lol, whether it be parties I was a party promoter, I was in the streets I also went to school so I got a lot of game and knowledge and I’m giving that, and I love women so i make music for them. However I’m feeling at the moment that’s what I’m doing and I’m giving you me!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
GBlock Tez: My proudest moment to date as an artist has to be getting in the studio with Benny. It wasn’t like I sent a song & he sent it back, I actually got so see bro recording process & soak up jewels about the game. This was before the world knew em! Now to see what he’s accomplished from where he was at when I met em is inspirational.
Rico Tellem: I had a couple but 1 off top would be the Shade 45 freestyle I did back in March. I believe I say that because I couldn’t prepare for. Ain’t no picking the beat you just gotta stay ready which I was and it was a moment!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
GBlock Tez: Only advice I can give is to believe in yourself & be consistent with everything you do! Consistency is key! Even when you don’t see progress keep going.
Rico Tellem: I Would say be self-confident because people will try to kill your dreams especially non-dreamers. Remember every rapper/singer started where you are so believe in you and stay consistent.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
GBlock Tez: Yea, tap into my guy IamCk & N.I.N.O Mafioso they both consistent with the craft & deliver good music!
Rico Tellem: Yes..My city NIAGARA FALLS N.Y. it’s a lot of young talent there, in all types of music ..NIAGARA FALLS got something to say!!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
GBlock Tez: “Selfmade.” & “United We Stand Divided We Fall” of course! Out now on all streaming services!
Rico Tellem: I’m not gone lie Ima R&B dude lol, I listen to a lot of that, but I got Yo Gotti in rotation, This United We Stand” that’s about to drop. Also, mine as well but I’m my worst critic so I like to listen and critique myself.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
GBlock Tez: I’m a big family man so I love to be with my kids if I’m not in the studio working! Lately I been boxing though, got my hands polished up & ready to go so to any rapper that got diss tracks in mind, chill out haha!
Rico Tellem: I watch a lot of podcasts like, My expert Opinion, Drink Champs, Millions Dollars Worth of game and the greatest sports show out now “It Is What It Is.”
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
GBlock Tez: Three things I can’t live without when I’m in the studio.. Shit #1 gotta be gas! I’m a big smoker, I can’t spend hours in the stu and not have no za! The second one gotta be snacks depending on how long the session is! For the most part I’m always in the studio for hours so I gotta have something to eat! Last but not least, need some Red Bull! Juneberry to be exact!
Rico Tellem: “Tito’s and Lemonade”…My phone and my brother Peacoat Kenny, my bro know my sound so anytime I drop I need his ear, plus he’s an artist hisself so he know what I be looking for when he record, mix and master.
Interview: Gavin Brown