If you come to Pittsburgh looking for music you’ve heard of Wiz Khalifa..you should of heard Boaz, and you probably heard Mac Miller. Well in a perfect world…it’s not hard to find out that this city has it’s own culture that stretches across all three rivers (and Bridges). Talking with Franchise [East End Empire Recording Artist] I come to an understanding just by listening to him speak, that he isn’t a rookie to the game. Freshman…maybe more fitting and this young emcee is far from reaching his peak, and being from a place where music isn’t the most sought out career, he’s calling the plays on the go…and doing a very good job.

Mr: What It Do Franchise!

412s Franchise

 Fran:

same grind different day my man

MR: To start this interview off right… Let everyone know how long you been grinding…

 Fran: Well i’m 22 now going on 23 me and my people started out recording music on the kareoke machine in my mans spot in the spring of 2001 so in april it will be 9 years

Mr: What’s your Motivation?

Fran: Good Music & Down To Earth Artists

MR: Every artist has a vision of where they want to be, ultimately…where would you say you are [right now] in your career?

 Fran: Basically just grinding, doing shows here and there, putting out mixtapes trying to build a name for myself and also a brand

Mr: You speak and deliver like a veteran, how long did it take for you to find your swag [so to speak]?

Fran: I say it took me prolly till 04-05 to really grasp & understand music more and then about 2007 i basically worked on just polishing myself and it’s been crazy ever since

Mr: Who were some artists that you listened to growing up? and How have they influenced you?

 Fran: All the pioneers for sure…Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Kool G Rap, Slick Rick, Nas, Jay-z, The LOX, AZ, Wu-Tang…the list truely goes on and on we could be here for days [laughs] but, they all have been influential and as a youngin even know i would just study their music like it was homework.They all have made me better at understanding the art of storytelling and basically just how to mold yourself as a prolific emcee.

Mr: Do you think that Underground HipHop is “under-rated” and how do you feel about “mainstream?”

Fran: Yea at times i feel the underground doesn’t get the recognition it should but lately i feel its gotten a lot more luv so it’s coming along. The mainstream is good….theres a few new emcees i really like and think can go far, i like the mainstream artists who are original

MR: How did you come up with your name “Franchise?”

 Fran: Haha, honestly when we were like 13 and 14 i had a corny stage name (T-Rock) and i knew i couldn’t rock wit that so i just came up with franchise and the rest is history foreal

Mr: Whats the hardest thing about releasing a new project and working on another one?

 Fran:  For me just the politics, far as creating the music, concepts, and everything thats really nothing especially when im focused….i’m a beast [haha]

MR: When your in the studio, what are five things you need and a few things you don’t allow while your in a session?

Fran: 1. Few Of My People 2. Cognac 3. Haze or Kush 4. Dope Beats 5. A few pretty woman or 2…or 3 haha. far as not allowing im not really sure if i came upon that yet i’d say no reggie smoke definently but then the people will think i’m the lonely stoner or something [hahahaha]

Mr: Any last words?

 Fran:  Lookout for Henny & Haze Hosted By DJ Rated R coming in april, grab ya 58′s and keep it locked cuz i got powerful quality music coming for yall in 2010 and beyond

What is the best way to reach you for booking?

Fran:  Prolly the best way for booking is to reach me at my email (Franchise412@gmail.com)

Twitter?

Fran:  i’m an avid user of my twitter so holla at me and i’ll defly tweet back, i love interacting with the people/fans -

http://www.twitter.com/412sFranchise

Myspace?

Fran:  you can go here and check out music but i’m usually never on there anymore but i will respond back if you send a comment, message, etc.. -

http://www.myspace.com/pghsfranchise

Facebook?

Fran:   u can talk to me directly on here and also see how MY party life is hahaha

Mr: Thanks for your time!

Fran: No problem and definently big ups to my man Motor, Taylor Gang, & BlogOrDie  

Franchise (412sFranchise) on Twitter

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Franchise [Latest]: Franchise - Money, Sex, Drugs EP |Blogordie!

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