| Unsigned Hype Marc Payne |
 With hip-hop rebuilding itself to focus more on the love of music rather than record sales, Marcus Payne, 19 year old rap artist and poet from Los Angeles, strives to be a part of that movement. Payne describes that since age fourteen, “I love the struggle of an artist because it’s a life long process and achievement.” He and his newly founded World Premiere Empire are focused on taking the upbeat club bangers Payne grew accustomed to growing up, and transforming his love for lyrical brilliance into music for a mainstream audience. As an “all-around” artist, Payne comments on how through his maturity not only as a person, but a man hunting for success, he began focusing on lyrics, soon “falling in love with the poetry of hip-hop.” He further explains how he “mixed the two together and created Marc Payne.” The Two Sides of Payne, Marc’s unreleased album that is set to drop in early July of this year, is a long awaited masterpiece, which encompasses another side of this multi-dimensional poet. Succeeding in bringing back the talent of the West Coast, is Payne’s ultimate goal, proving that his love the lyrical word and good music, will bring him much success in his endeavors. Marc PayneLocation: Los Angeles, CA Contact: www.myspace.com/marcpayne or marcpayneworldpremiere@hotmail 
Urbansteez.com Interview with Marc Payne
Marc Payne: How you living, world?? I'm Marc Payne residing in the city of fallen angels, palm trees, and wannabe's(Los Angeles, Cali) Urbansteez.com: How long have you been pursuing a career in the music industry? Marc Payne: I started making beats on Fruity Loops at the age of 14. I sold my first beat to an underground artist at 16 and I made chump change selling tracks coming up. As I got older I realized that I could spit better than the majority of rappers I came in contact with, so I began working on my lyrics. From then I got signed to an independent label, K2K Records, as a producer/artist. I developed my writing skills through my involvement in poetry and now I feel like I'm entering my prime as a lyricist. Urbansteez.com: What were you into before music? Marc Payne: I came out the womb with headphones and a notepad, HA! Na but really my grandmother said when I was born I had the fingers of a pianist so she signed me up for piano lessons around seven years old. I've been playing the keys and making music ever since. I had hoop dreams for a couple years, but that ended as soon as I hit high school. So I dropped the ball, picked up the mic and been running ever since. Urbansteez.com: As an artist how would you describe your style and why? Marc Payne: Honestly, I believe my style is all over the place. I never want to limit myself to one category, but if I had to pick, it would be "other," (Marc laughing). I can perform a club track with the best of them, but I can rock an intellectual/political track with a conscious rapper as well. My flow is adaptable because I let the music speak to me before I write. Growing up, I was influenced by different artists with different styles. My brother, Swoop, is a professional choreographer so I grew up listening to upbeat club style music. As I grew older, I started listening to lyrics more and I fell in love with the poetry of hip hop; I mixed the two together and created Marc Payne. Urbansteez.com: If you had your pick which label to be signed to, which label would it be and why? Marc Payne: At the moment I'm building my own label: THE WORLD PREMIERE EMPIRE!! I would never leave my baby so if I signed, it would be a distribution deal where everyone on my squad gets picked up. I love how Ludacris does business so Disturbing the Peace would be a good look for the distribution deal, but I'm far from trippin. Urbansteez.com: Who in your future would you want to collaborate with and why? Marc Payne: That's a long list my friend. Production wise, if I worked with Dr. Dre or DJ Quik, I would feel like I made it. As a young Los Angeles boy that's all I grew up on; they're living legends in a sense. Truthfully, there are a lot of dope artists and producers who are not known to the mainstream that I want to work with because they have their own original sound. I want to work with anybody who is on their grind and is capable of bringing something different to the game. I'm not the type of dude to turn down a feature (exceptions of course), but I feel like the fan base grows when you do tracks with other known artists. Urbansteez.com: What are you working on now, and when can we expect to hear more of you? Marc Payne: I'm working on a concept anthology entitled "The Series of Payne." The first CD on deck in the anthology is my poetry CD, entitled "The Phases of Love." I have recently completed the album and it's about my maturity process told in a story of a relationship. In that album, I become Marc Payne. The next album on deck in the concept anthology is "The Two Sides of Payne," which is set to drop on Amazon, Rhapsody and Itunes in Early July. I wanted this album to be a street banger because I felt it necessary to capture my night life experience growing up, getting money and dealing with jealousy. Since I'm known in the poetry circuit I felt like the rap album embodied a different person so I consider it the two sides of myself. The next album Déjà vu is going to be released 4/20 of 2009 and will predict my death. Aside my music projects, I'm working on building my artists' careers of Meda4 and J Houston who are on the World Premiere roster. The hustle never sleeps and I'm trying to stay busy. Urbansteez.com: Who are your influences? Marc Payne: I'm influenced by artists who do more than just rap, as Jay-Z would say, "the ones who open the market up." Therefore, anyone who signs themselves is an influence in my book, like Ludacris, Jay, Pharell, 50 cent, etc. Musically, I'm inspired by just living my life and listening to music. A lot of the time artists try to force the music and that's when it's hard for inspiration to miraculously occur. Urbansteez.com: What do you think of the hip hop / music world right now? Marc Payne: A lot of people say Hip hop is dead because of low album sales, but realistically no one is selling because downloaded music changed the game. I feel hip hop is going through its detox process because the mainstream has been eating it up like crazy. The dope original artists are now doing what they love doing. True artists are now making music just to make it. Those ideals are what formed hip hop and that is what is bringing real hip hop back. Urbansteez.com: What will you do with your first royalty check? Marc Payne: With my first royalty check I'm flipping the money so my next royalty check is triple the first one (just a Hustla's Mindframe). Urbansteez.com: When you make it big, what car will you first purchase? Marc Payne: I'm definitely getting a custom joint. I want something that looks like a spaceship or the Batmobile. I'll probably end up opening my own car store so it'll be a car that the majority of the world has never seen before. Urbansteez.com: What's in your sound system right now? Marc Payne: A lot of Los Angeles up and coming acts are in the whip at the moment. I'm loving Snoop's new joint. He definitely got placed in my top 5 favorite rappers category after that "Ego Trippin" album. I listen to everything though so it's no telling based on my mood. One day I'll be bumping DPG and the next I'll be bumping a poetry or rock album. Just no telling!! Low key, I just started listening to Brittney Spears and all the bubble gum artists because I'm studying how to make those records. There's too much money to be made in the industry!! Urbansteez.com: which female in the game would you pursue first and why? Marc Payne: Growing up I was in love with Lisa Raye, HA! I use to watch The Players Club religiously growing up. But I know she's wifed up, so I'd have to say Lauren London. As long as I don't end up in a book like Karine Steffans did, I'm good. Urbansteez.com: How can fans contact you in the future (myspace, email, PO box, etc.)?? Marc Payne: Holla at ya boy Marc Payne at www.myspace.com/marcpayne , the facebook site (search for Marc Payne), or for booking information contact: marcpayneworldpremiere@hotmail Urbansteez.com: ANY SHOT OUTS??? Marc Payne: Big up to The World Premiere Empire!! I don't want to name any other people or labels because that can go on forever so I'm going to just say the whole New West Coast movement. We are definitely bringing attention back to California. Shouts to anyone who read this article and supports me as an artist. Much love and Thanks!! Marc Payne ft. Meda4 & B Young- Get FreakyMarc Payne- Haters make the world go Round
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Comments (27)...
PAYNE is tha future of tha industry....good shit payne...ill b der when that shit blow up more den eva. much luv Payne...
Ya Boi Vic Hill tha money maaaaaaaan 1!
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April 11, 2008
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I see you promoting Marc! An artist with a businessman's mindset--and that's exactly what's gonna take you far. I admire you on a number of levels. Don't stop doin what you're doin, and you can count on my support in the future.
That girl you call Dev =]
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April 11, 2008
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So great!!! Big ups to urbansteez.com for knowin wussup and knowin that Marc Payne is bringin it, and SO MUCH LOVE TO MARC PAYNE for keepin those flii hits comin!!
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April 11, 2008
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This interview is a perfect display of the essence of Marc Payne...fun, intelligent, professional, determined, and amazingly talented. He is success in the making and he never fails to impress. He is someone to admire and you should definitely listen to his musical genius. "Phases of Love" blew my mind and i can't wait for his next album.
I've got much luv and respect for marc payne! -aviva
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April 11, 2008
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yea marc making it big time. remember the little peeps u grew up wit ha. make the fam proud cuz
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April 11, 2008
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Big ups to urbansteez.com to recognize that Marc is an amazing artist... His cd phases of love is off the chain and i look forward to witnessing his growth into a world renown artist and producer... keep doin your thing mr.payne!!!
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April 11, 2008
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This is the realist nigga / Rapper out and you no ill always support you my dude, from the chi to cali we holdn it down
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April 11, 2008
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Marc payne is the voice our generation has been missing in the music game, he's definitely is someone to look out for.
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April 11, 2008
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I known my boy Marc Payne since Freshman year of High school. Ive see this man grow as an artist and a person. He is the future of the West Coast/Los Angeles hip-hop/rap scene. Hes a versatile artist, who truly lets the music speak to him. right now im in atl and i let people listen to a demo of PHases of Love, and EVERYBODY loves it. stay up MARC Payne
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April 11, 2008
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Hey Marc, I think you have a mature concept of the genres you are pursuing and of the difference you want to make. I admire your consciousness and your adaptability. These are what are going to sustain you when the world tells you 'no.' I think your mindset is what makes you a successful Black man already and all you can do is get better. Take advantage of your education and your street smarts. I'm very proud of you already. Keep setting the standard higher for yourself!
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April 11, 2008
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marcus payne is the hottest up n comin artist in tha field!!!! keep doin ur thang the marc payne way...proud of u mayneeeeee!!!!!! luv yaaaaaa
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April 11, 2008
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Dude is amazing. Plain and simple. It's impossible not to like the songs on his myspace. Don't zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........
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April 11, 2008
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Do yourself a favor and listen to this man's music right now. Intelligent, musical, and bumpin' all at the same time: you're in for a treat.
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April 11, 2008
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marcus my luv. wat else can i say? u kno i absolutely adore u and im SOO honored and greatful i met u!
ur a musical genius nd brilliant lyricist. u gon change the game baby!! u r inspirational on a whole lotta levels boo! keep up the hard work, i cant wait to c u go HUGE! loooove uuuu 
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April 11, 2008
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Marco!!!! You're such a brilliant artist and person...you know I have your back in anything you do....210% homie! Love you!
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April 11, 2008
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MARC PAYNE is the future of the game. Glad to see that yall on ya job looking for the best new up and coming artist cuz thats what marc payne is. keep doing your thing marcus ya music is fire and when that album come out its gonna be crazy!!! much love stay up Peace!
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April 11, 2008
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Marc Payne I'm proud of you my nigga and the moves that you are making in this game. Its not always easy to make a name for ones self and your doing the damn thang. In everything you do always stay positive, focused, and humble, don't forget that success is in your hands now and it just depends how far you want to take it.
much love med
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April 12, 2008
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Marc...I'm speechless. I love the article and how well it represents the real you....I think it's appropriate to say your time is now....can't wait to witness your journey to the top.
SO MUCH LOVE to you and your movement. stay dope *one*
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April 12, 2008
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To those of you who do not know Mr. Marc Payne, he brings a breath of fresh air to a rap game currently being suffocated by recycled lines over mediocre beats. His music possesses the unique ability to nod the heads of real G’s, as well as motivate the most diverse of crowds to move their feet. He is, in a word, great.
I am so proud of you and I can't wait for the day that the whole world gets the privilege to experience even the slightest bit of the man that I have come to know. I know you will do great, and you know that I am here to help you with whatever you need along the way. I love you, your music, and even your low budget movies. -Monie Mone.
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April 12, 2008
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Marc,
I've been loving the sound of all your creations man, from poetry to hip hop. Just keep doing what you do man, I can tell you love this and as long as you stay honest to it you'll be fine man. Congrats on all of it hommie and Im real proud to see what you're doing for yourself and the ppl that helped you get there, thats real honorable man. So stay up and keep killin em! duvie
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April 12, 2008
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Marc Payne is the next biggest thing! Real talk I think he is going to help bring more attention back to the West Coast in a year..keep making hit music fam!
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April 13, 2008
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Im so proud of you my nig. Like forever I grew up with you and I've seen you progress and grow. Your a very talented person and I'm glad you really take advantage of your talents and gifts. But yea payne I don't what else to say except keep doing yo thang and you know I always got yo back.
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April 14, 2008
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I love the interview, your music is real cool...cant wait to see what happens
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April 14, 2008
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well well well....what to say about Mr. MArc PAyne...also known as P...
i would have to start off by saying that GOD has blessed u tremendously and HE will continue to do so...u have such a brilliant mind and such a captivating sound that ur DESTINED for greatness...i love ur hustle....cuz u know im tha bizznessWoman...lol... MR. Pin and Pad should b ur alias cuz thats jus who u b...im delighted to kno that the world will get to kno the man that i had the privilege of living down the hall from... jus stay humble and remember this is only room for one CT in ur life...lol.... make that money hunny... 
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April 14, 2008
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dam dog some real shit was said right there especially about the detox of the game. i like where your heads at. i expect big things and a custom car haha
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April 16, 2008
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Marc you are incredibly intelligent and articulate. I was very impressed about what you said about the supposed death about hip hop; I never thought about it that way. I feel good that I know you right now, not because of the interview, but everything you said it was refreshing and enlightening and dope as hell. ON SOME REAL SHIT
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April 18, 2008
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