Los Angeles Hip Hop

LosAngelesHipHop hooked up with Compton, California native Wes Coas to discuss all things west coast. This is a real exclusive only found right here on LAHH for fans are true to the bone, west coast. Wes Coas gives us some true insight on the left or fresh coast, discussing life growing up in Compton, west coast artistic influences, his California style, current west coast artists, his favorite Los Angeles hot spot and even in his mind, what is the biggest misconception about an artist on the west coast.

After the interview, check out Wes Coas’ two new singles off his latest project, “Great Western Form” which is available now. There is a digital download link for the entire album below, and also links to where you can purchase physical hard copies of the project. Enjoy. Interview and music after the jump.

LAHH:  What was life like growing up in Compton?

Wes Coas: I love my city. People don’t understand that the environment you grow up in shapes you in a way that stays with you for life. I grew up when gangs were really active so it was a point where you had to watch what you wore. I didn’t start wearing red until I was in Texas. But the hood is really colorful and talented so I love my people as all people should love there own.

LAHH: Did you do a lot of acting out as a teen in Compton? Or would you say you were a level headed teen in Compton? 

Wes Coas: This is a weird question, but let’s say I did me and sometimes I did stupid stuff and other times I was cool….but I pretty much tried to keep things cool because I lived with my mom and her rule was don’t bring it home. That’s all I can really say.

LAHH: Which artists influenced you most growing up?

Wes Coas: Ok first and foremost, Ice Cube, not NWA but Ice Cube. When he left NWA so did I, I love NWA but like most things in L.A you gotta’ choose a side. I was a big MC Eiht fan, as well as DJ Quik. IF you said Compton I was all for you and your music. I loved Biggie and I grew with people who resembled the “Reasonable Doubt” Jay-Z. I was an Eazy-E fan but more so because I felt like he owned everything. Daz [Dillinger] was also one of my favorites. I know it’s primarily West Coast people but I listened to a lot of East Coast music growing up; those were just my root favorites.

Common’s “One Fay it Will All Make Sense” is my favorite album. So I was influenced a lot by that record.

LAHH: Would you describe your style as that of a California artist?

Wes Coas: You can’t really pigeon-hole California because I can’t speak on the things that Nipsey [Hussle’ speak on because I didn't gangbang so you really gotta understand that he's really putting his hood on his back. I understand it and relate to it because that's my California. In the same vein, I can't really relate to the new boys because I didn't know that L.A but I like them little dudes because they’re having fun. You have the underground artists and traditional hip hop like Aceyalone (“Arithmetic” is still one of the dopest songs I've ever heard). We’re not even talking about the Bay with [Mistah] Fab and Keak [Da Sneak] and the Hyphy movement. I was born here, and represent where I come from so call it a California style or better yet, just know when I do it, I’m doing it for the West Coast because I’ve been through it and a piece of it sticks with me.

LAHH: How often are you still in Compton or Los Angeles?

Wes Coas: I’m home a lot more often than people know. Sometimes I sneak in to just kick it and then head back to Texas. 

LAHH: What’s your favorite Los Angeles hot spot?

Wes Coas: In N Out – Off the plane, that is my first stop every time, no delays; Animal Style, no pickles 

LAHH: Who is your favorite west coast artist and why?

Wes Coas: There isn’t just one, and really, it’s conceited to say me. I have a list of people I listen to if I come across something new. I like Nipsey Hussle, Bad Lucc, Game, Soopafly, 7th Letter, Chris Clarke, Mista Fab and Jadox. West Coast music is so diverse, the only thing is we don’t get any radio play outside of California and that’s been the complaint I’ve had since I was kid. People better believe though, we’re known and that’s why I wanted to make this new album I just put out, “Great Western Form.” I wanted a West Coast album. I’ve said it before, and this is no diss to anyone, but it’s really the best West Coast album since “Chronic 2001” because it was made to be a West Coast album, not anything else.

LAHH: What’s the biggest misconception about life on the west coast?

Wes Coas: That we can’t rhyme, and I don’t mean tell a story or insight some type of violence lyrically but I mean rhyme lyric for lyric and verse for verse. We weave a lot of lyricism in the streets because in California, you’re in the streets always dealing with some hood stuff of some nature. But I know when it comes down to pen to pad, I’m killing emcee’s on any coast and that was made on the West Coast; finger to blackberry or whatever, wherever you write your rhymes.

[Ice] Cube is one of the greatest of all time, listen to Snoop Dogg too. On the West, we make songs but don’t get it twisted. You listen to my new album, “Great Western Form”  and tell me I don’t have lyrics and that 7th Letter don’t have rhymes and we didn’t hold it down for the West from a lyrical stand point. Then I’ll ask you to name 5 better West Coast albums since “Chronic 2001”. “The Documentary” by Game was a dope Hip Hop album constructed by people on the West. But we’re talking straight West Coast purpose.

To sample the project before downloading or purchasing, check out the two singles off the album below:

“Cash Rules”

http://usershare.net/e9ocg5zxywu7

“Nacho Cheese”

http://usershare.net/jv442woq14xb

Entire “Great Western Form” album for download:

http://limelinx.com/files/25f4265ee4622eb1116f4643a61cff1c

Purchase a hard copy:

www.imaflycat.com

Stay tuned for more on Wes Coas.

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