KAREEM FORT (August 2011) | Interview By: J Double

   By now our readers should be well aware of the upcoming hip-hop documentary “DEMOS: An Independent Artists Guide To Success” the heat seeker film featuring a bevy of today’s hottest artists, executives and industry veterans. Dubcnn recently got the opportunity to sit with the film’s producer Kareem Fort to discuss the upcoming project as well as the state of hip-hop.

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Interview was done August 2011

Questions Asked By: J Double

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Kareem Fort Interview
A Dubcnn Exclusive


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Dubcnn: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us, and let our readers know a little bit about yourself as well as your upcoming film. Let our readers know how you got your start in the entertainment business?

My start began when I was twelve years old, at least that’s when I remember falling in love with the arts of music, the business side started much later, I would say around 1998 I began studying the business of music, asking questions and being interested in the how and why


Dubcnn: Let’s get into your upcoming film “DEMOS” when did the project begin, who’s in the film and is there a release date set yet for the film?

The film began while speaking with my wife about the numerous unsolicited emails that I get from aspiring artists inquiring about how either to get into the business or sign with HiPNOTT Records, the label I run with my partner Kevin Nottingham.

The idea was originally gonna be in book form but I thought it would be much challenging and entertaining to do a film about it. Nobody knows me but they may know Rapper Big Pooh, Naughty By Nature or Talbi Kweil. People will have access to see the film in early 2012, but I’m entertaining several distribution outlets at the moment, so we shall see. The film features NO I.D., Marsha Ambrosius, Planet Asia, DJ Quik, Da Beatminerz, Tony Rock, Dumbfounded, Mack 10 and a ton of other artists


Dubcnn: What are some things viewers will be surprised to see in the film?

I think viewers will be surprised to see the honesty. Rappers are known for embellishing the truth but in the film I have artists like Mac Miller, Crooked I, Thurzday and J*Davey giving honest info about how to achieve a certain level of success without a major label.


Dubcnn: Which interview was your favorite from the film?

There were a few that stick out in my head but if I had to choose, my favorite interviews would be between DJ Quik, Terrace Martin and Tony Rock


Dubcnn: With a genre as scrutinized as indie hip-hop, how do you feel this film will changed peoples opinion about the genre, if at all?

I’m not sure if it will change people’s thoughts about the genre but I am hoping that it will inspire that 12-year-old kid who thinks he/she wants to be the next big artist. I hope that the information in the film really sparks much needed dialogue about the music industry as a whole. The industry has changed so much over just the past few years and I hope this film puts things in perspective.


Dubcnn: Will there be a soundtrack to the film, and if so who will be on the soundtrack?

Yes absolutely! I don’t want to give too much away regarding the soundtrack but there will be artists like Raven Sorvino, Gods’illa, K. Sparks, Rapper Big Pooh, Skyzoo and more


Dubcnn: Aside, from being the film’s producer you’re also an industry exec, which hat do you prefer to wear vs. the other?

Honestly, I like them both. I’m learning everyday about the film industry and I am loving the process but music is second nature to me.


Dubcnn: What’s next after the film “DEMOS” will there be any other film projects in your future?

I would like to do another documentary, I am in conversations with DJ Houseshoes, I would love to tell his story. I think he’s talented and is very weill respected not only in Detroit but all over the nation.


Dubcnn: With mixtapes being disbursed at an alarming rate these days, as an exec what it is that you look for in an artist trying to get signed?

I think one of the best ways to get noticed is to be professional. I would also say that its very important to have your product packaged professionally. There have been many times where I get CD’s and if it’s not presented or packaged properly I may not even listen to it. If you are submitting via email, the same rules apply; Don’t send me your whole catalog and don’t send unfinished product. That happens too often, STOP!


Dubcnn: Any last words before we close out the interview?

Kareem Fort: I just wanna say that I appreciate the opportunity to be interviewed on such a great site like dubcnn, thank you for supporting “DEMOS”, it is very much appreciated. I want to thank my team, Kevin Nottingham, Hassan Phenomenon, Verv Somerault, Soul Wallace, my director Matt Friedman, and a big thanks to Nobody Famous doing the score for the film. Make sure to stop by DemosDocumentary.com and hit me up on Twitter.






 

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