Rostam’s 30 is LTCL Magazine’s new initiative led by DJ Rostam to introduce new hot artists to our college readers. Simply put, we interview these artists with 30 questions and provide their music links for you to download and listen to daily. Let us know what you think about Andujo with a comment below!
Full Name:Matt Andujo
Stage Name:Andujo
Occupation:Emcee
Genre:Hip Hop
Gender:Male
Age:21
Where did your stage name come from?It’s my government name. When I first started making music I couldn’t think of a stage name that I thought fit me well, so I just started putting out music under my real name. I had all the intentions to eventually create a stage name that I could go by, but “Andujo” just stuck with my fan base, so I stuck with it as well.
Where are you from?I’m from a city in southern California, Whittier. Whittier is a dope town, its about 20 minutes from DTLA and has a lot of underground cats who are on the come up. It’s kind of crazy, because growing up I wasn’t too involved with the Hip Hop scene in Whittier, I was aware of it but never really made an appearance in battles or shows up there, I always just kind of observed it and learned from older dudes who were progressing with music. Around 17, I actually started producing music for local lyricists in my city and I used that as an outlet to start actually writing my own lyrics and getting involved with music. It’s cool now because whenever i’m back in my city those dudes that I used to look up to hit me up asking me for tips. It’s a dope feeling.
Where did you start your career?I would say my “career” with music is just starting up. I made 2 mixtapes while attending ASU (one that comes out on December 20th) so I guess I would say it started here (In Arizona) since that’s how I created a buzz. Now that i’m done with school though, i’m moving up to Portland, OR where i’ll be working full time at BnB studios with some pretty dope producers and an engineer that compliments my work ethic. So definitely my music career is going to start picking up like crazy since I will now be in the studio full time.
What city do you represent?I represent the “562”. My hometown of Whittier, CA. I also show a bunch of love to Arizona since those fans out there really support my music and my success.
What gave you that initial push?Initially, It was just my love for music and those around me motivating me to use my talents to create music others can enjoy. I think now my motivation is for sure bringing good Hip Hop back to people who miss it. Hip Hop is really losing its substance and there’s a few artists out there reviving it (Kendrick, Mackelmore, Yonas) and I just want to be a part of that movement.
How long have you been in the industry?I’ve been in it for a little over a year.
If you had to give a thank-you speech, who would you thank and what would you say?At this moment, I would thank my supporters, those fans who hit me up on twitter saying that my music inspires them, that really gives me that push to keep doing what I do. I would thank my manager and friend, James, who has been there from day 1 and is always making calls, setting up shows, staying in studio sessions for hours with me. He loves this music sh*t, sometimes I think more than I do, and that’s for sure a dope characteristic to have as a manager.
What makes you a softie?Love songs. I get my Drake on from time to time.
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?I would be doing exactly what I’m doing now. I already have the mind set that I can’t fail, I wake up everyday and write music. When I’m in the studio, I put my heart into every track. You have to have faith that what you are doing is something that you will succeed in. There was a point in time when I thought I would fail with music and so I quit for a bit, but I realized that I was selling myself way short and ever since this has been all that matters to me.
What are three hobbies of yours other than what you do?Besides music, I like to party. I went to Arizona State, its in my DNA. I like traveling, the plan is to see the world before I die. I also just like chilling with my family and friends, there’s nothing like some quality time with family to keep you sane and happy.
Pepsi or Coke?I don’t drink soda. I’m a big Gatorade fan though, Lemon-Lime is my sh*t.
Rap or Hip Hop?Hip Hop.
House or Dubstep?House.
What do you eat a lot more than anything else?Those who know me, know that I love to eat just about everything. My favorite food is BBQ though, catch me grubbin’ on some ribs at any chance I get.
What was the first event you ever played at/put on?It was a Hip Hop showcase in AZ to find the best artist to open up for Juicy J. It was on my 20th birthday on July 7th of 2011 and was a crowd decided event. There was about 25 rappers who competed and I ended up winning the entire thing, it was pretty dope because my Mom and friends from back home drove all the way out to watch me do my thing.
What are some of your accomplishments in the field?I’ve opened for a bunch of mainstream artists, Wale, MGK, Juicy J, Tyga, Slum Village, etc. It’s been fun traveling all around doing shows. I’ve done a lot of other things in music that I’m very proud of but I’m putting all that behind me because I am looking to accomplish new features with music coming in the near future.
What makes you different than everybody else in the industry?I know every rapper feels that they are different but I think what sets me apart is that I make my fans relate to me and my stories. I’m just an average kid who talks about life, dreams, relationships and other things that people feel. I also put my emotion into my tracks, which people can really vibe to.
Do you produce? If so do you prefer performing or producing?I can produce, I tend not to though because i’m blessed enough to have some really ill producers who like working with me.
Who would you love to perform with?Right now, I would love to perform with K.Dot, Kendrick is really putting on for the west coast while staying true to himself and his music. I respect him and look up to the dude.
What’s your longterm goal?I honestly just want to make music forever. If that means get a deal, build a huge fanbase, or whatever…that’s the goal.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?I honestly use the studio as the best place to chill and clear my mind. That’s like therapy to me.
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?At my show in AZ with Wale, I got a little too drunk before the show and during my set I forgot the lyrics to one of my newer songs so I freestyled a whole 16 bars. It was still dope and the crowd didn’t even know, but my team and I had a mild heart attack .
What advice would you give to up and coming artists?Find yourself. Don’t try to be like Mac Miller, Don’t try to copy someones style. Find the artist that is within you and work your ass off to bring he or she out. I still haven’t found myself 100%, but that all comes with persistence.
What are your goals for 2013?Take over the f*cking world.
Shits TIGHT!!!