“Two forces engaged to create a musical collage…“ – Mullage
The year of 2009 saw an abundance of newcomers to the hip-hop world including B-Boi and B-Town, who collectively form the duo Mullage (From The Ground Up Records/Jive). Musically, they bring a different sound and a new flavor to the ATL hip-hop scene with their smooth delivery, mellow style and infectious hooks. Their debut single Trick’N easily became a summer anthem with its T-Pain assisted hook and massive appeal. Riding the wave of their successful single, Mullage has been busy putting in work in the studio, releasing Elevators: The Pre-Album last fall and, more recently, a new mixtape entitled This Is For The Radio. “We’re always working” comments B-Town. “We never know what’s going on in our city because we’re always working”. Yet with all this work, there is still a need to address detractors that would label Mullage the latest “one-hit wonder” in hip-hop.
“It’s simple, do your research” says B-Boi. “Go download the pre-album, and then download the mixtape This Is For The Radio and all questions and concerns will be answered.” That mixtape, a compilation of 15 songs, features mostly original music but also includes remixes of songs from artists like The Dream and Sade and “pays homage to the artists that made it possible for us to do what we do.”
Watching the fellas interact, it’s easy to see their similarities in character and the differences that allow them to complement and feed off one another. Of the offerings on This Is For The Radio, B-Boi’s says Summertime is most reflective of his character and style. “That’s my persona; I got a real bright persona. I come in the room and brighten it up. That’s just how I am. With my personality, people draw to me.” On the flipside, B-Town chose the “speak-your-mind” nature of The Art of Storytelling and the mellower Grindin’ to interpret his individuality.
Though they’re signed to From The Ground Up Records thru Jive Records, B-Town describes the journey they’ve had since scoring a deal by simply saying “It’s been tough.” In the video interview, we talk at length about an incident at Howard University’s homecoming where the duo’s performance set was downsized immensely due to Fabolous’ disregard for the other performers on the bill. And that’s just one example of the hardships they’ve faced as newcomers to the music industry, but steadfast they remain. “I just want people to understand that this is a dedication of your life, there’s nothing outside of this,” B-Town continues and later likens their label situation to that of industry veteran Monica. “If you wanna know what we’re going through, look at Monica’s show. She’s been in the game for, how long? And they still don’t know what to do [with her]. We’re in the same situation.”
“It’s the work ethic, the consistency and the music” B-Boi says confidently of the factors that separate Mullage from their numerous fellow newcomers to the industry. “Communicating with the fans is one of the most important things. Twitter is one of the most important things we have, we’re able to communicate with our fans daily and find out what they like and what they wanna hear from us.”
While their mixtape game may be hefty, a full length album is definitely on the way. “It’s coming along, it’s still being slow roasted” B-Town says. The Element of Versatility is expected to be available this summer from Mullage and promises even more hits, and a broader peek into the lives of the two former military men. “We’re making relevant music and we’re basically telling you our story from beginning to end but it’s something that everyone can look forward to being involved in.”
Following the interview, I learned that Mullage was solicited, invited and interviewed by XXL Magazine to be apart of the Fresmen 2010 list but when the final list was produced, Mullage was not in the line-up. They’ve recorded a track that addresses the snub entitled XXL Valedictorians (click here to listen and download) I’ve firsthand heard some of their new music and I can definitely vouch for the fact that Mullage is NOT done! Watch the full video interview below that goes into much greater detail addressing the issues of being labeled a “one-hit wonder”, being snubbed in the industry and the discussion about their HOT new mixtape, This Is For The Radio, available right here for download. Check it out…
Sound-Savvy Interviews Rap Duo MULLAGE from Mack Sound-Savvy on Vimeo.
