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Biography
[Check out our exclusive interview with AC below and cop his AUTOGRAPHED mixtape here! ]
Although never at a loss for witty lyrics, AC (born Antonio Charneco III) does not limit himself to the cunning street talk that tends to be overused by so many of his peers. “I try to stay different from what's out, but still on a mainstream tip,” says the 21 year old mixtape all-star. “My lyrical content deals with things people go through everyday.” It's those same lyrics that have gained AC notoriety as being one of the hottest artists on the mixtape scene.
That notoriety grew even larger recently when “The Truth About the Industry”, which addresses the controversial topic of rhyme biting in Hip-Hop, began to generate a buzz on radio stations nationwide. Popular mix show DJ's such as Spinbad and DJ Khaled quickly brought “The Truth” to the airwaves. On this record the Brooklyn born emcee makes his statement loud and clear by letting everyone know that “we're all a little guilty of this Hip-Hop crime”, pointing out the fact that nearly all emcees borrow lyrics from each others songs.
The excitement that spawned from the release of “The Truth” is just the beginning. Using the momentum that he has gained from radio exposure, he is releasing This Is AC – The Mixtape much to the streets, and the industry's, anticipation. The mixtape, his debut solo project, is a display of both personal and artistic growth. Throughout the disc AC proves to be at the top of his game.
On “They Don't Know”, he demonstrates his acrobatic-like vocal abilities without sacrificing substance as he declares his feelings about the current state of rap music stating he's “sick of these lame hooks / these rap Dane Cooks”. The conceptual song “Analogy” is exactly the kind of outside the box thinking that separates AC from his peers. While “Could've Been” and “Dream” prove that AC is a deep and introspective artist aiming for longevity in an industry that is know for short careers.
Even though he is just now releasing his first solo mixtape, AC is no stranger to the game. He has made countless appearances on compilations by such luminaries as DJ Envy (Hot 97), Big Mike, and DJ L. However, it has been the support of Tapemasters Inc., whom he met while attending college, that has developed AC into the street level celebrity he is today.
Never one to sleep on an opportunity, AC tirelessly recorded new songs so that he may be featured on Tapemasters Inc.'s monthly releases. This work ethic lead to the release of Tapemasters Inc. Presents: Slim and AC: 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted. Hosted by DJ Envy, Big Mike, and DJ Smallz, Most Wanted saw AC trading verses with his partner in rhyme for 17 punchline heavy tracks, squeezing in numerous conceptual songs to let it be known that these emcees are more than one trick ponies.
Never content, AC is now developing into an up and coming producer as well. He describes his productions as “grimy” and “36 Chambers style”, referring to Wu-Tang Clan's classic debut album. This seems suitable once you consider that, currently a resident of Staten Island , he cites Wu-Tang as an influence along with Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z.
Whether it is for rapping or producing, AC is at the top of the list of Hip-Hop's future superstars. The hype that is building around this underground heavyweight is growing and people are starting to take notice. Along with the support of some of the biggest names in the industry, all of this attention is sure to make AC two very popular letters in the vocabulary of Hip-Hop fans worldwide.
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Interview
AC whats good, we know you’ve been in the game for a
minute now, but for those who are new to your music,
why don’t you tell them a little about yourself, how
you got started, and how you got to the point that
you're at now?
Well for those that follow me, you know I been grindin for a minute - paying my dues with countless appearances on mixtapes. I started out with a little 4 track in my basement overdubbing cassette tapes. I'm still not exactly where I need to be but I’m definitely happy with my growth. I look forward to taking my status to the next level in months to come.
So you just dropped the new tape 'This Is AC' hosted by Dj Envy & Tapemasters Inc., actually I heard its more like in an album format, what can we expect?
The tape is real hot, alot of different concepts and its definitely a breathe of fresh air from the norm.
Are there any guests on it? What producers did you
work with?
Its mostly me, hence the title 'This Is AC' but I do have my partner
$lim on it. Provoke and Wu Tang's own Shahiem is on it as well. As far as producers: the late great J Dilla (R.I.P), Phoenix, Shotti and Lefty, Hasan Insane (producer of Perfect Strangers, a mixtape thats
buzzin right now), Black Friday and Black Genius. Mostly up and coming dudes, but don’t get it twisted.. NOTHING LESS THAN THE BEST OVER HERE.
A new rapper pops up everyday, how do you separate
yourself from them?
Shit I'm just smarter. I try to hit people with the witty shit all day. That’s my whole thing.. I mean how many tracks can you have about
killing a motherf*cker? Man if you was killing all them people you said, you'd be locked up. That shoot em up shit is easy to write, I think outside the box.
Tell us about 'The Truth About the Industry.
'The Truth About the Industry' record was just a concept I thought up when I heard Cam come at Jay. I fucks with Cam musically, I always liked him, but come on, you can’t do a diss record getting at someone for something you’re guilty of. That’s like my aunt that had cancer telling
me I shouldn’t smoke while she’s speaking through a cancer Kazoo. Feel Me?
Yeah for sure. For those that don’t know, can you name some DJ's
mixtapes that you’ve appeared on throughout your career?
Tapemasters Inc., DJ Envy, Big Mike, DJ Smallz, DJ Onpoint, DJ Keyz, DJ L, DJ Camillo, and a whole lot more.
Yeah I’ve heard you on a ton of Envy and Tapemasters
mixtapes, how does it feel to be supported by two big
names in the game?
It feels good to be recognized for my hard work.
Do you have a website people can check out?
www.ThisIsAC.com - Come see me, you can find new music on there, pictures, news etc. You can also check me out at www.myspace.com/thisisac.
Can you tell us about any future projects?
We gonna really grind on this new tape, you’ll be hearing alot from me.
I hear that - where do you see yourself five years from now?
Shit I don’t even know if I’m having platanos or pork chops tonight. Don't ask me that...HAH !
Alright haha...any last words or shoutouts?
Shout out my brother Joe, Tapemasters Inc., Popular B, DJ Young Legend (paris Hiltons man) and Brain Scully (publicist extraordinaire) - and everyone that is part of the project and the movement.
Cool, its been real, we will keep pumping the tape out there!
Mixtape One is the Truth.
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