Nino's Corner goes 1-on-1 with CTE recording artist 2Eleven, as he readies the release of his latest mixtape "Product of the Block Volume 2." 2Eleven's gritty and "in-your-face" rhymes can be traced back to his Inglewood, CA roots...the same roots that produced Hip-Hop icons such as Mack 10. Following the recent success of his "Product of the Block Volume 1" mixtape, 2Eleven puts out some new material to continue delivering some of the hottest music in California. In this sit-down interview, 2Eleven gives us some insight into the beginning stages of his rap career, his latest mixtape, CTE affiliation, and upcoming CTE features and projects.
Interview by @NinosCorner
Artist @2Eleven
NC: For those who are new to 2Eleven, give our viewers a little insight into the real you.
2Eleven: I'm an up & coming rapper from Inglewood, inspired by the music industry. I'm working on bettering my craft, and my future. I want to get more people familiar with the 2Eleven brand.
NC: So when did you first start rapping?
2Eleven: I started rapping around 2000, 2001 with a DJ named DJ Jamar. By the time I started working in the industry, I got a job at Island Def Jam. I went to NYC, and I was working with a producer who worked at the legendary Daddy's House studio. I was the youngest guy hanging with them. I saw Fat Joe, Nas, and other people coming in, getting beats, and writing their lyrics. So I ended up sneaking in the studio, making songs on my free time. I moved back to LA, and I made a mixtape and started selling it. In 06 - 07 I met Suge Knight. I've been grinding ever since.
NC: Growing up, what kind of music and artists did you listen to?
2Eleven: I was a big Bone Thugz In Harmony fan. I listened to Biggie, Tupac, MC Breed, DJ Quik, Snoop Dogg, and the whole Death Row movement.
NC: How did you link up with Jeezy to become a part of CTE?
2Eleven: I met Jeezy through one of my homeboys. One day I was in Las Vegas, at Magic. He introduced me to Jeezy, and we been riding together ever since.
NC: Tell us more about your new mixtape, “Product Of The Block Volume2” and when/where can people find it?
2Eleven: "Product Of The Block Volume 2" drops on 2/11. It's the sequel to "Product Of The Block Volume 1" where I went hard in streets, and it solidified me as an artist. It was the best mixtape in LA period. This time around, I've grown as a artist. I'm talking about life, growth, and motivation. I'm touching every aspect. I got songs for the women, songs for the hustlers, the trap, and the strippers. I made sure that I touched the hearts of the people. I'm working with Young Jeezy, Mack Maine, Freddie Gibbs, and TY$. I got some special surprises as well for the project that will surprise my fans. Production wise, I'm working with Drumma Boy, Justice Leauge, Lil Lody, Purps, Fuego, and a few others.
NC: I’ve been hearing of a CTE compilation LP dropping soon. When will that come out and how many songs can we expect to hear you on?
2Eleven: When Jeezy greenlights the situation, everything will come into motion. For now, we'll say coming soon.
NC: Who is (are) your favorite artist(s) and why?
2Eleven: Besides me, I'm full of myself. I would say right now, 2Chainz. I think he's one of the hardest people in the game right now. He's motivation for me. He's been down for 10 years plus, and he's coming in making a buzz. I take my hat off to him.
NC: Who are you feeling in the game right now?
2Eleven: Not just because he's my label mate at CTE, but Freddie Gibbs. He's talking about real life shit. His lyrical skills are something else.
NC: Besides the new mixtape and CTE Compilation LP, what can fans be looking out for from 2Eleven?
2Eleven: I got some great music, motivational music coming this year. Got some hits. Coming in giving them 2Eleven. Everyone can relate to this in every city all over the map. Not just west coast, or down south.
NC: Where can people reach you and learn more about 2Eleven?
2Eleven: Follow my Twitter @2Eleven. Download my mixtapes on datpiff.com {Search 211, 2Eleven}, Google 2Eleven. Checkout my website, official2Eleven.com as well.
NC: Thanks for your time. Do you have any last comments for the fans reading this interview?
2Eleven: "Product Of The Block Volume 2" will be availablele on 2/11 hosted by DJ Ill Will. New music from 2Eleven coming on iTunes soon !!!
