Thursday, November 12, 2009

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Zach from Team Blackout Interview With Hiphop-Movement.Blogspot.Com!!

Tuesday, 13 October 2009
INTERVIEW WITH ZACH FROM TEAM BLACKOUT!

Got an interview with Zach from Team Blackout here. Is Dope check it out !



1. Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name's Zach. I am 1/3 of the hip-hop trio Team Blackout. We made several appearances on MTV's hit reality series Run's House. I'm from Queens, NY. Along with music, I'm a junior at The City College of New York where I study Jazz Performance. Along with being a rapper I am a jazz drummer and I have been studying jazz for about 5 years now.


2. What was the first ever hiphop song you listen to?

The first hip-hop song that ever caught my attention was Jay-Z's "Can I Get A". That song stands out to me. I was about 10 years old at the time when the Hard Knock Life album came out and I fell in love with hip-hop.


3. What was the first hiphop album you brought?

The first album I ever bought was Eminem's Slim Shady LP.


4. Is their any artist in music who has inspired to become an hiphop aritst?

There are so many artists that have inspired me to pursue a career in rap but artists like Nas and Jay-Z definitely had a major effect on me.


5. When you made Team Blackout what were your thoughts about it?

When Team Blackout was first created, I was very excited. JoJo and I used to record together before we met Reggie. We used to record in the basement of his mom's crib in Queens on a karaoke machine. We then worked our way to using a boombox and making cassette tapes. Eventually we started using a professional studio. I always reminisce of those times. That's all we loved to do, just sit in the basement and record. It's crazy to see how far we have come.


6. What hiphop artist could you compare yourself to if you can?

I wouldn't want to compare myself to anyone. I want to create my own lane and do my own thing but I would say I definitely look up to artists like Kanye West, Nas, The Roots, and other artists of that stature.


7. Can you tell us about your mixtape which you are currently making?

Yes, at the moment everyone from Blackout is working on solo projects. My cd is called In My Own World. I'm very excited about it. I'm in the process of recording it now. It's definitely gonna be different musically but still a lot of fun. It's gonna give fans a chance to get to know me better, bring them into my world. So be on the look out!!


8. What is your favourite song team blackout has made so far?


I would say my favorite Blackout song would be either Gotta Have Her or It's Your. But I love them all.


9. Has being in Team Blackout change your life in anyways?

Being in Team Blackout has definitely changed my life. It's opened up the doors to be successful musically. We were fortunate to make several guest spots on Run's House and get exposure internationally. It's been the stepping stone for many more great things to come.


10. Team Blackout work with Rockwilder on "Lights Out" what was that like?

It was great working with Rockwilder. Shout outs to Rock and his production crew Chris and Teeb-better known as Drop Zone!! They're very talented producers and gave Blackout a distinct sound. They helped mold us as artists.


11. In next year what can we expect from Zach as a solo artist and Team Blackout?

Next year, I plan on doing a lot of performances and promoting In My Own World which will be out by then. I want to get the ball rolling and start my movement. Expect all of our projects this upcoming year.


12. Finally this is the last question is their anything you would like to say the readers?

Thanks for all the love and support. Shout outs to Hiphop-movement.blogspot.com! Appreciate u having me on the site. While I work on the official cd, I have been releasing a new freestyle just about every week all over the Internet. Check out www.twitter.com/zach89, http://www.zachfacts.blogspot.com/, www.youtube.com/zachtv14, www.soundcloud.com/iamzach. In My Own World is coming soon!
Posted by HipHopCulture at 01:09 6 comments

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Derek Jeter Passes Lou Gehrig on All-Time Yankee Hit List



Congratulations to Derek Jeter for passing Lou Gehrig for most hits by a Yankee. 2,722 Career Hits!

-Zach

Monday, August 31, 2009

"Fly in the Sky"




zSHARE - 01 Fly in the Sky.mp3

Let me get your feedback! Shout outs to Thievery Corporation (My song "Fly in the Sky" was my version of their "Sex Elevator Music" Check it out!)

-Zach

Zach Elyshevitz: A Fresh Face in the Hip-Hop World

« Fashion Week Wish: Roksanda Illincic | Main | Street Chic: New York »

August 24, 2009
Zach Elyshevitz: A Fresh face in the Hip-Hop World



Recently I had a chance to talk to a good friend of mine, Zach Elyshevitz, from Team Blackout. Some of you might have seen him on MTV’s Run’s House. Check out what this young, confident yet humble guy has to say about the hip-hop world. (hint: It’s not dead. It’s just entering a new era!) Get to know more about him on his blog and Twitter.


First, tell us about yourself and Team Blackout.

Well, we officially formed Team Blackout in 2003, around the time that the New York City Blackout occurred. One of my group members, JoJo Simmons (Rev Run’s son), and I have been good friends since first grade. We decided around eighth grade that we wanted to form our own rap group. Eventually we met our third member, Reggie, during freshmen year of high school, and the rest is history. We've been fortunate enough to make several appearances on JoJo's family's show, Run's House on MTV. Since I was a little kid, I had a passion for music, and I have always been involved in it in some way. I started playing the drums when I was 10 years old, and it was at then that I found hip-hop and immediately fell in love with it. Along with being a hip-hop artist, I am a jazz-performance major at the City College of New York.

What are the messages that you try convey to your audience? What are some of your inspirations when writing a song?

I always want to make music that people can relate to. I like to incorporate my personal experiences into my songs and give people a better idea of who I am. Hence my new track, "I'm Me.”

Tell me about that song.

When I wrote my song "I'm Me" I guess it was my way of venting. While I was a member of Team Blackout and making appearances on Run's House, the world never got a chance to really get to know me. I feel like people have all these assumptions about me and our group because of who we're affiliated with on the show. I'm proud to have that affiliation with the Simmons family; however, I feel like there's so much to me that the world doesn't know yet. My new mission is to let them know.

Can you describe your sense of fashion? What is your style?

My sense of fashion is still evolving. This past winter, I guess you would say I was going for that hipster look. I was rocking a lot of button-downs and vests, but still throwing on the Adidas to keep it hip-hop. I try to stay up on what’s happening as far as fashion, but give it my own little twist.

Finally, is there any special project or event coming up?

Right now, I am working on my first solo mix tape! It's called In My Own World. I don't have an official release date, but I'm taking my time and trying to make the best music possible. For the time being, I will be releasing a new song every week on the Internet while I work on the official mix tape.

—Mitsu Tsuchiya, Fashion Assistant

Posted at 07:52 PM in Chic Week | Permalink
Comments
so good! Keep it up Zach! The world is watching and we like what we see =)

Posted by: MJ | August 25, 2009 at 02:33 PM

Zach
I honestly believe that you will excel in your hip hop career. Continue to make good music and it will take you far. You have a great talent,you need to let the entire world see your tight lyrics.

Posted by: CJ | August 25, 2009 at 11:54 AM

Nice interview, Mitsu! (ps-Run's House is one of my favorites...)

Posted by: Johanna | August 25, 2009 at 10:17 AM

yay mitsu!!!

Posted by: rachel gilman | August 24, 2009 at 11:32 PM

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Street Struck: The Big L Documentary Trailer



I'm glad that they're doing a documentary on the homey Big L. He was one of the most lyrical emcees to ever touch a mic. He was definitely ahead of his time. I feel, and I think most will agree, that he doesn't get the recognition he deserves. I'm looking forward to seeing the complete documentary.




R.I.P. Big L

-Zach

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Jay-z Interview with Bill Maher Part 1



Nice interview...Peep the gift that Bill gives Jay at the end...That's whatsup.

-Zach

Thursday, August 27, 2009

"Forever" Drake featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Eminem



Wow!! What a lineup!! You know there's nothing but good things ahead for Drake when you have Eminem on the track with you!

-Zach

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

R.I.P. Aaliyah



R.I.P. Aaliyah

We miss your talent, beauty, and the great music you gave us. You will never be forgotten.

Monday, August 24, 2009

"Scenario Freestyle"




Listen here zSHARE - 01 Scenario.mp3

Bringing it back to the days of the Tribe...put my own lil spin on it...leave me ur comments!

-Zach

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Recording my new track "I'm Me"



I just released my first track called "I'm Me". I got it buzzing on the internet rite now. It's defintely a real record addressing certain issues that have been frustrating me throughout the past year or two. The track speaks 4 itself. But what I want to say for everybody that always got something to say...get all the facts before u judge who I am, how I came up, or the work I put in to progress my career. I'm not mad it's apart of the game but I'm just saying. Check out my track "I'm Me". Thanks 4 all the love!!! My movement has just begun!!! Mixtape coming soon!!

oh and subscribe to ZachTV14!!

-Zach

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Zach TV Riding Through Queens



Rollin through Queens with my homey Reggie. Subscribe to ZachTv at www.youtube.com/zachtv14

-Zach

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Zero 7 "Destiny"



I was just put on to this group, Zero 7. This video is mad creative. I love the animation. They got a cool vibe. You gotta love good music!!


-Zach

Monday, July 6, 2009

The Game apologizes to G-Unit



I think this was very big of Game to do. Throughout the years, there's been a lot of beefing back and forth between Game and G-Unit (which has been very entertaining none the less). But I think more artists should man up and make moves like this that would help squash beef. It would be very healthy for hip-hop. Let's keep it on wax!

-Zach

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Tribute to Michael Jackson



I know it's been a few days since Mike's passing, but I hadn't put anything up right away because I was really hurt about the news. Although the Jackson 5 and the beginning of MJ's solo career took place slightly before my generation, I was still fortunate enough to have been introduced to his music at a young age. I know Michael Jackson's music has effected so many people's lives in a positive way, but I can without a doubt say that if it weren't for him, I wouldn't have wanted to pursue a music career. Before hip-hop, I was a big MJ fan and always studied his dance moves and watched all his videos, as well as listened to all his albums. The first time I ever performed in front of an audience was in third grade at my school's halloween party where I performed Billie Jean at the lip sync contest (check my bio). I still have the pics and the video of that day. Maybe one day when I have the courage, I will post it lol. I ended up winning the contest. From that point on, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. Eventually I found Hip-Hop.

Here are the links to some of my favorite MJ videos including Beat It, Billie Jean, Leave Me Alone, Thriller, and Rock With You

R.I.P Michael Jackson...forever the King of Pop


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hK3Y1Ehv9c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqxo1SKB0z8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En-cHBv7UpA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5KAJw4y8wE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8





-Zach

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Monday, June 22, 2009

Zach TV Freestyle



Spitting a verse in the studio. I am working on a mixtape as we speak but I haven't come up with a title yet. Any ideas?

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!! We appreciate yall!!!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Zach TV



Me and Reggie in the studio recording for his mixtape. We went back to the old studio we used to record at in Queens before we got signed. Zach Tv is in full effect!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Marc Ecko Sweat Equity Showcase

Last night, I attended Marc Ecko's Sweat Equity Showcase at Marc Ecko Enterprises. It was a great event which showcased the work of young designers. I had a great time and was happy to meet a lot of great people. I was even more fortunate to meet Marc Ecko himself who was, in my opinion, a cool down to earth guy. New up and coming Reggae artist, Bruck Up, performed as well. He got some fire coming so be on the look out for him! Here are some pictures from the night:












-Zach

Monday, June 15, 2009

Sega Genesis










While cleaning my room, I found my old Sega Genesis!! I'm not a real videogame head but I know I have something legendary on my hands lol. I haven't played it since I was like 8. I still have mad games like Street Fighter, Sonic, and Vectorman to name a few. I even have NBA Live 97!! Wow. I used to play with the Bulls. That was back when Michael Jordan was never in the videogames but they had Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman haha. Anyway, the only thing is I'm missing an S Cable to plug into the tv. At least I think it's called an S Cable. If anyone knows what kind of cable it is or where I can find it, let me know. Gladly appreciate it.

-Zach

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Zebrahead



This is my favorite movie of all time. I felt a certain connection with the film, being of mixed race. I appreciated how the movie depicted different races united through Hip-Hop. Not to mention the main character's name is Zack and is Jewish like me lol. In my opinion, this film is not acknowledged the way it should be. If you ask me, it's a classic and a must see. May I add, Nas' first single "Halftime" was featured on the Zebrahead Soundtrack!

-Zach

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Happy Birthday to Me!!



Today is my 20th birthday. The big 2-0 lol I spent most of the day with my girl. We had a fun, eventful day. The night before she took me to a jazz club called Smoke which is located between 104th and 105th Street and Broadway. The club provided a small, intimate setting. We both had an Alaskan Salmon dish which was great and the band we saw peform was even better. Major props to the band, especially the drummer Johnathon Blake. Dude was nasty on the drums. I'm trying to take drum lessons with him. Today, me and my girl chilled around the city and hung out in Lincoln Square. Overall, I had a lot of fun and a great birthday.

-Zach

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Illmatic



This is my favorite Hip-Hop album of all time. The lyricism, delivery, and imagery that Nas brought to the game is something that can never be dublicated. Go get it if you don't already have it. Classic!

-Zach

XXl Top Ten Freshmen



I got mad respect for all the artists that made the list. Look out for me! I'm coming for that number one spot! ZACH!!!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Jazz Standard with Steve Wilson, The Sirius String Quartet, and my long lost cousin



I met my cousin, Donald Hunt, for the first time yesterday at the Jazz Standard Club in Manhattan. He performed there with the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, the Sirius String Quartet, and saxophonist Steve Wilson. The Jazz Standard provides an opportunity for young musicians to play every Sunday helping spread jazz to the youth(I played for the JSYO for two years). It was nice to meet a relative that is heading in a positive direction, especially a relative around my age. He's 18 and will be studying Jazz at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He plays cello and along with music is a talented basketball player. Be on the look out for my cousin!

-Zach (Team Blackout)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Peter Rosenberg Interviews Drake



Being Black and Jewish myself, this is great to see. Light skin is in! lol

-Zach (Team Blackout)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Team Blackout on BET The Deal

Yesterday, we did an interview for one of BET's shows The Deal. We shot it at JoJo's crib in New Jersey. It was definitely a good look. This is actually history for it will be Team Blackout's FIRST TELEVISED INTERVIEW. This interview will hopefully allow yall to get to know us a little better so be on the look out for it.

They're gonna be playing our new video for our single "Gotta Have Her". So definitely big ups to BET! I don't know when its gonna air but they said they should be done editing it in a couple of weeks. The show airs at 2 am though. I know it's late lol but its all good its still a good look. When I find out I will give yall the details.

Oh and please follow me on twitter.com/zach89

-Zach (Team Blackout)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Team Blackout's Official Single "Gotta Have Her"

Things have been really hectic for me lately. When I say things, I mean school. I have finals coming up and mad tests and homeworks to finish in the next couple of weeks. I've been on my school flow hard body but I'm looking forward to starting the summer break so I can really concentrate on my music grind.

Speaking of music grind, we Team Blackout have finally released the video for our official single "Gotta Have Her" featuring Chris Grayson...Drop Zone!! The video is starting to spread which is a good sign. It's on mtv.com, bet.com, and many other websites. We're waiting for MTV and BET to pick it up on television. Be on the look out. So definitely check it out and request it on all your local radio stations! Don't be afraid to leave your comments. I want to know what yall think of the video!!




-Zach (Team Blackout)

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Run-DMC Rock N Roll Hall of Fame

There's nothing like putting the pen to the pad and writing something that's real. I've come to realize that as artists, we need to always write "the real". And what I mean by "the real" is writing what you feel. Speak about what's going on in your world, bringing your world to our world. Listening to artists such as Kanye and recently, Drake, have got me in that mindstate. I promise to put down the real and nothing but the real so help me God.

Shout outs to Run-DMC for being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame!! They changed lives including mine.



-Zach (Team Blackout)

Saturday, April 11, 2009

A night in Long Island

Last night's performance went well. Although we rocked it for a "small" crowd (and small is just an understatement lol) we still had fun. I guess sometimes you perform for a big crowd and sometimes you play to the furniture. Anyways, shout outs to everyone in Amityville that showed love. Also, shout out to the other acts that performed: Sketchnote and C-Lite. After our set, we did a rap cypher on stage with our New Skool family (Bonkaz and Young Star). We hit up club oragin last night in Long Island after the show. After a couple hours, me, reggie, my boys nova and keeze hit up a diner. That was about it for the night of a rock star.

Oh, by the way I'm on twitter now. Yup I'm jumping on the twitter bandwagon lol. But you can still find me on blogspot, myspace, and facebook.

twitter.com/zach89

-Zach (Team Blackout)

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Team Blackout Performance Tomorrow Night!!

Date: April 10, 2009

Time: 6:45pm

Admission: $10

Location: Village Pub South 198 Broadway Amityville,New York 11701

Come and show some love. Tell all your friends about it.

See You There.


-Zach (Team Blackout)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

"Gotta Have Her" Coming To Bet.com!!

School has been real crazy for me lately but Spring Break is almost here and I couldn't be more happy. I don't have any plans at the moment. I'm probably just gonna relax in the crib, do my music grind. Team Blackout performed at the John Jay College Fashion Show a few weeks ago. We performed our official single "Gotta Have Her" and another song off the album "Lights Down Low". Shout outs to everyone at John Jay College and my boy CJ for organizing the event! The "Gotta Have Her" video should be premiering on Bet.com very soon. So be on the look out for it. Request it on all your local radio stations please!

Good Looking Out.




-Zach (Team Blackout)

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Thursday, February 26, 2009

T.I. Road To Redemption

In my last blog, I talked about how my mom has been blogging about finding your spiritual path. While we are on that subject, I thought I'd shed some light on it. I never realized how many people are out there who don't know what their purpose is. I feel very fortuanate to actually know, at a young age, what it is I want to do and what is my life's purpose. Who knows? As you get older, you change and your life purpose may shift. But I know that my life's purpose is to make music and heal people through Hip Hop. Not to be on some crazy spiritual stuff, but when I think about it, that's what it all boils down to.

Recently, I have been watching TI's show on MTV called T.I. Road to Redemption. It's one of my favorite shows out right now. Through the problems that T.I. has faced with the law and his impending year and day sentence in prison for gun possession, I believe T.I. has truly found his life's purpose. Other than making great music and being one of the greatest entertainers today, T.I. has found a way to make a strong impact on people. I think it's great that he is able to take the mistakes that he's made and shine positive light on the situation while helping those who are heading in the wrong direction. You should definitely check out the show. It airs every Tuesday night. Besides the show, T.I. has been doing a lot of community service, speaking to the youth about making good decisions. Check out this clip.


-Zach (Team Blackout)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

My Mom's on Her Blog Game!!

School has definitely been keeping me busy. I've been doing a lot of work trying to keep up with my classes. It's not easy but I'm getting through it. I got a math test tomorrow that I'm not looking forward to. Wish me luck. Anyways, I figure I let you know that my mom has her own blog page lol. You should check it out it's called www.yourspiritualpath.blogspot.com. It's actually very interesting. My mom, along with working in the advertising industry, is a certified holistic health counselor and Reiki master. She's in to spiritual healing. It might sound weird but it's actually very relaxing. If you have had a Reiki session you know what I'm talking about. But on her blog page she talks about finding your spiritual path and how she found hers. She's been sick with pneumonia for the past month or two, so she has been spending a lot of time at home resting and thinking. She decided to get on her blog game lol. If you have the time, you should check out her page though. You might even get some information about me that you might not know lol.

-Zach (Team Blackout)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Back in School

At the moment, I am chilling in my dorm room. Monday was my first day back at school for the spring semester. My schedule is kind of crazy this semester. I'm taking math and speech along with my music classes. If you didn't know, I am a Jazz Performance major. I have speech class at 8 IN THE MORING!! That is not a good look lol. I'm grinding it out though. I'm definitely making it happen while still maintaining my rap career. Team Blackout is getting ready to release the official single "Gotta Have Her". The video should be out very soon. Be on the look out. Well I'ma be out gotta do some homework.

Friday, January 23, 2009

My Global Grind Freestyle!!!



Check it out!! Tell me what you think!!




-Zach (Team Blackout)

Live at Global Grind!!!

At the moment I am sitting in the Global Grind office. My man JoJo just started working here full time. He's been doing mad work with global grind, doing a lot of blogging. Check out his blogs on globalgrind.com. While Team Blackout is in the midst of finally blowing up, we fiening to take over the corporate world lol. I'm looking into getting an internship at global grind and hopefully moving up in the ranks. For now, I'm just getting acquainted with the staff and seeing how things work. JoJo and Anthony have been schooling me to a couple of things. We going to start taping a NEW SKOOL DVD soon. I'll keep you posted on that. I just remembered that I start school again on Monday. I am not looking forward to that but you gotta do what you gotta do right?. Well I'm on the quest to be rich. I'll holla at yall.




-Zach (Team Blackout)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Diddy interviewed Obama 4 Years Ago!! I found this very interesting



I'm loving this interview. I think its mad crazy to be looking back at this old footage. It feels like it was meant to be. Diddy did this interview with PRESIDENT OBAMA when the Kerry and Bush election was taking place. Is Diddy some kind of prophet? lol Who knows but all that matters now is we got a black President!! Happy Obama Day!!!

-Zach (Team Blackout)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Happy New Year!!

It's been a minute since I have posted up a new blog. I'm way overdue. Sorry for that but Happy New Year to everyone. Team Blackout ended 2008 on a good note. Back in November, we performed at Booker T. Washington High School in Virginia. We had a lot of fun in Va. Shout outs to everyone who was rollin with us showin us a good time and shout outs to the fans and the radio stations. Here's a pic from that performance:





But now it's a new year, new swag, new everything. We started 09 right with a performance at BET's Blaze the Stage and yesterday we did an interview for Kiss Fm 95.7!!

-Zach (Team Blackout)