Shout out to Los Angeles based rappers Ill$hay and Swazzy Blue who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss their DOPE new collaborative EP “Pink E & The Brane”, as well as the visual for the track “100s On 100s”. We also got a chance to learn more about how the two artists connected, whether there were songs recorded for the EP that didn’t make the cut, how the city of LA is reflected in their music, and much more.

After reading our Q&A with Ill$hay and Swazzy Blue, be sure to connect with them on Instagram, stream both “100s On 100s” and “Pink E & The Brane” on Spotify, and be on the lookout much more dope music from these two of LA’s Finest in the future!

How would you say that the city of Los Angeles inspires or is reflected in the music that you create?

I’m born and raised in LA so it has influenced every bit of my music. I speak on my surroundings and what the people around me are going through. Even the way I spit is influenced by my city.

Tell us about how you two initially connected with each other and then decided to collaborate on the "Pink E & The Brane" EP?

We were living in the same neighborhood and got introduced by a mutual Producer friend (God Aktive Prod./mngmnt). He was the one that got us to record together first. We've been building ever since.

Of the six songs on the EP, why did you select "100s On 100s" to develop a video for?

We felt it had all the pieces needed for a hit. Beat knockin’... a catchy hook just about everyone can relate to. We laid our bars and by the end of the session we knew it was definitely "Video Worthy". We went to @Juddyremixdem who was directing II$HAY's "OG" video and brought the vision to life. I want to give a special S/O to my cousin.

"J-Money" (@certifiedjmoney) I called him up the day of the shoot and said we needed more whips for the video. 'bout an hour and a half later J rolls up in a brand new Fisker... Google it if you don’t know.

FREE J-MONEY.

Were there songs that you guys recorded that did not end up on the EP? If so, why did they not make the final cut and will we ever hear them?

There were several songs that did not make the final cut, for various reasons. Because of that and issues we had over the artwork for the cover, we’ve decided to release a "Pink E & The Brane EP" *World Domination Special Edition*, physical copies with the original uncensored cover art that will only be available through our social media trivia contests and challenges.

What are your thoughts about the rap music scene in Los Angeles for up and coming rappers right now?

I love the diversity of styles and creativity that’s coming from LA right now but I feel that it’s over saturated with "rappers by default". That’s someone who hasn’t found their TRUE passion yet, but someone made the mistake of gassin' them up when they made that one song and told'em it was lit. Now they're making that same song every time they get in the booth til it hits.

So a message to all reading this... next time your homie asks you "what'chu think about this song?" If it’s TRASH... Tell'm it’s TRASH!". It may hurt his feelings for the moment but you may help him find his true calling.

As for what’s worth listening to coming from LA...? I only see the ones around me that’s really out here grindin'. My Savage Turf Bandit Gang reps Bryan TKS and King E. Young Contra and Rambo from The "Vishmode" camp. My cousin J-Money. Remember those name because you’ll be hearing them a lot.

Stream and Share “100’s On 100’s” on Spotify

Stream and Share “Pink E & The Brane” on Spotify

Connect with Swazzy Blue: Instagram

Connect with II$hay: Instagram