Planet X Media

1. (Pat) Hello please introduce yourself to the readers?

(Mac) I'm Mac the Rebel, 1/2 member of Guerrilla Alliance. 

2. (Pat) When did you first become interested in hip-hop and was it long before you discovered the underground scene?

(Mac) I was born in the Bronx, so my environment was mostly hip-hop. There wasn't much of an underground scene till the mid 90's, but me being young,
and unknown in the 2000s, when I wanted to rhyme, it gave me an idea of what it represented. You had to be good, know how to rhyme, and play with words in a style that don't sound like someone else,
and the quality can't sound like trash.

3. (Pat) Who were the first hip-hop artists that you heard? Who are some of your favorite hip-hop artists from the scene today?

(Mac) Wu Tang Clan and Intelligent Hoodlum (Tragedy Khadafi) were the first artists I heard, then came to 2pac, Biggie, Redman, Boot Camp Click; they was the first, until the new era of music came in and the quality started to sound replicated, or way too much of the same serving. That made me appreciate Hip-Hop, to the point I just look at the beginning, and learning its history. Then I learned about Kool G Rap, Rakim, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane; then soon I followed the traces through what I listened to up to following the same vein of hip-hop music up to '97 and beyond, which is where underground hip-hop was being repped. Killah Priest, Ill Bill, Chino XL. Too me, anyone from my time, or anyone I’m just a fan of put out something new, I’m a bump it, because that's the hip hop I remember. I can't and refuse to follow what the machine tells us about the evolution of our roots when it comes to music. Nowadays, it’s all about who's the most outrageous, and crazy personality they can be on the internet.

4. (Pat) When did you first get the idea to start singing and rapping? Do you do anything special to keep your voice and throat healthy?

(Mac) If I know I’m a have a lab session or use my voice today, I drink Ginger tea to soothe the throat and clean any toxins. Then take a water with me, I sip almost after each take.

5. (Pat) Where do you draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some topics and subjects you sing about?

(Mac) I draw inspiration to whatever my heart desires. If something is inside us that needs to be discussed with someone, you would tell that one you trust to discuss it with. But to me, I’m talking to listeners on what I like to write about, it could be something in-depth to the soul that awakens another consciousness to never lose focus, and do what you feel is necessary, or correct, based on anyone within poor circumstances, whenever living in public housing, or whenever under peer pressure growing up as a young teen. And add spiritual guideness in the only way I can. Plus making sure I keep it hip-hop, because that's the culture we rep.

6. (Pat) How many hours a day would you say you work on lyrics?

(Mac) When I was younger, A lot. I had rhymes, learn new words, wanted to use it if it sounded dope to use in a rhyme. Nowadays, I only write when I get inspired to write something, but I definitely crafted my own style well to the point that it does sound more tough every time. 

7. (Pat) How long does it usually take to complete one song?

(Mac) Depending the concept. If it's just Bars and flows, maybe around 15 - 30 minutes. But if it's a story, or something deep I gotta speak on, it may take some time ranging from hours to days. If you want to include recording and not just the writing process, then it's based on whenever you got the time or need to make time.

8. (Pat) Are you satisfied with how things have gone with your music so far?

(Mac) Well, I didn't expect to go as far as I did. But me and VX of my duo group Guerrilla Alliance have worked hard to make a name for ourselves here in the Underground scene, as solo though, not much satisfied lol. But I do have material, and if people is feelin' it, they know where they can look me up and discover something new and original.

9. (Pat) Please tell the readers a little about your releases and where can the readers purchase them? Besides releases do you all have any other merchandise currently available?

(Mac) Check out www.planetxrecords.net, the main source of where to check PXR artists and the music. My latest release "American Villain LP" OUT NOW on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Guerrilla Alliance "the Dark Rift" Out Now on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music. "The Last Taino Warchief EP" Coming Soon this year 2021!   

10. (Gaz) Can you tell us about the Hobo with a Machete mixtape and which movies inspired the mixtape?

(Mac) Hobo with a Machete is the new mixtape project Coming Soon from Guerrilla Alliance. Basically it's a mixtape of Parodying Movies most us in the 90's grew up on. The name is from 2 of the latest grindhouse flicks, "Hobo with a Shotgun” with Rutger Hauer and "Machete" with Danny Trejo. We did a track based off the 2 films and making it into a whole different storyline. Plus the whole mixtape is of other cult classics like "Point Break", "Mad Max", and "Hellraiser", which once the listener hears the track, they'll know or would have to guess what movie we're spitting metaphors on. It's a Hip-Hop ode to Cult Cinema Classics basically.

11. (Gaz) Favorite songs?

(Mac) So far, "Mac-Chete goes to Scumtown" (Lyric Video Coming Soon), but I also like "Ex-Presidentz" which parodies Point Break and "8'o Clock in the Morning" which explains "They Live" and today's world.

12. (Gaz) Would you like to do something again based on other movies and comics (if Marvel, back when Marvel was good)?

(Mac) Yes, and No. Yes, because it would be interesting, and gives us more lyrical exercise to play with the content. And No, because I feel me and VX need a break in music, plus, we don't want "Mickey Mouse" suing us lol

13. (Gaz) Your artwork has always stood out to me as having an authentic grimy street style coupled with a darker comic book appeal. We've talked about it many times, but for the readers could you please share with us some of the inspirations behind your art and which artists drew your attention?

(Mac) I’m a comic nerd. So me and VX follow ideas, and vision, influenced by other source material, or our own imagination, but we do it professionally and how it should be envisioned. Even if it means, playing with the ideas a bit. Like my artwork on American Villain LP was just that, the concept plain and simple. Me underground, as a ruler of my domain, on the run hiding from the heroes who would look at me as the bad guy, or "the villain" for speaking truth and doing what’s right, and explained in lyric form.  Hobo is the same in comic context, but in a more different conceptual idea and more cinematic.

14. (Gaz) What have been some of your favorite art designs that you have worked on both for yourself and others?

(Mac) Artwork for the GA 'Empire of Fear' album by Skam2 is legendary.

15. (Pat) Besides underground hip hop do you currently listen to any other genres or underground or mainstream music? If yes, what are some genres you listen to and who are your favorite bands and artists?

(Mac) Right now, my taste in music is more universal. I listen to a more metal, a lil' bit of punk music, Reggae, and I still pop-in some Soul/Old School R&B mixes.

16. (Pat) I know you, Gaz, and VX did a radio show, which is now 2 YouTube shows called Ancient Visionz & Paradigm Reviews about underground music, movies, and interviews. Can you tell us about the shows and what do you like to feature/cover?

(Mac) Ancient Visionz is something I’m more Guest appearing in, as I have limited control on what happens there, but I get involved when I can on it. As for Paradigm Reviews, I’m have more of a hand-in as I’m a big Movie buff. As we cover movies that are Popular, Controversial, or Widely discussed by criticism, with a lil' jokes on the side to entertain the reviews we do. On Paradigm Reviews, we do have more movies to over soon. You can check, youtube.com/planetxfilms for more updates on that.

17. (Pat) I know with the covid crisis going on this year it has probably been hard to set up shows and get motivated to do them. But what were some of your favorite shows this year?

(Mac) I wasn't able to make any shows this year since it's a bit early. 2020 I did perform early in the year in an event in Delaware, and in Philly with Guerrilla Republik before Covid hit. That was a good event, dope acts came through and did their thing.

18. (Pat) Are there any shows planned for early 2021? Where can people find the YouTube channels?

(Mac) We'll see, depends how restrictions are elsewhere because of COVID and how much we boost our music out there to be in demand.  

19. (Pat) If you could pick what would you say are the five best releases that came out in 2020? What about the five worst?

(Mac) Oh boy, lol. 5 of the Best in 2020 in Hip-Hop? There really wasn't much. I guess Busta Rhymes ELE 2, The LOX Livin' Off Xperience, to me was the only new rap I was able to rock out and call it seriously dope. Top 5 worst, well every trap-replicated related album you can think of that sounded the same shit for the past 10 years could fit that spot, sounding like Drugs made it and not the Person. Worst single goes to WAP. Some women feel this track because it bumps, or because it "speaks to them". But that jawn way too rachet, and I definitely say Cardi B isn't someone I would call a "dope female artist" but just Eye candy that can put simple rhymes together. Seriously, she just pop-rap entertainment, not a real street MC or hip-hopper. That's all I can say for any of that.

20. (Pat) Besides music we are huge movie fans here do you enjoy watching movies? If yes do you have a favorite genre?

(Mac) Of course, I’m a HUGE movie buff. Action obviously is my go-to, but I enjoy my share of Horror, Sci-Fi, War/Historical Drama, Documentary, or Thriller/Suspense type movies.

21. (Pat) What are some of your all-time favorite movies and what are some of the current movies that you have been watching?

(Mac) I love a lot of classics. My favorites of all-time, "Apocalypse Now", "The Godfather", "Taxi Driver", "Goodfellas", "Scarface", "The Thing", and just a lot more. I can watch those movies and others movies on my list again and again. I recently watched "Train to Busan" and "Creed 2". Creed 2 was great!  And Train to Busan was dope also (though I have mixed feelings about that ending).

22. (Pat) Who are your all-time favorite Actresses and Actors? Are there any directors that you enjoy watching the most?

(Mac) Denzel to me is the GOAT at this point. Way too great of a catalog he has. Scorcese is still one of the greatest directors at this point. I think those 2 should collaborate.

Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out. Do you have any final comments for the readers?

(Mac) Check out my Instagram and Twitter both @mactherebelpxr, and check for any music updates at www.planetxrecords.net Check out for the new mixtape “Hobo with a Machete" from Guerrilla Alliance, Coming Soon. And "The Last Taino Warchief EP" Coming Soon after!

1. (Patrick) Hello please introduce yourself to the readers?

I am VX: Heaven's Assassin former solo artist & owner of Planet X Records.

2. (Patrick) When did you first become interested in hip-hop and was it long before you discovered the underground scene?

At a very early age I listened to the 90s legends on the radio, I caught on to sub genres quite early as well starting with the Detroit (Horrorcore) UG rapcore scene, and later moving on to the Philly (Lost Children Of Babylon / Jedi Mind Tricks) and Boston / NYC east coast underground scenes.

3. (Patrick) VX I know you run the label Planet X Records when did you first get the idea to start a label? Are you satisfied with how things have gone with the label so far?

Just before 2008 I had the idea of consolidating my crew at the time and using an imprint to release Mac and I's brand of revolutionary hardcore hip-hop.

4. (Patrick) Do you have any friends that help you run the label or do you do everything yourself? How many hours a day would you say you work on label business?

Yes Gaz Visionz of Ancient Visionz is a contributor to Planet X Media, as well as my other group members and PXR roster we all promote together. Depends it could be 2 hours or 5+ hours depending on the task at hand if we have some serious planning or organizing to do.

5. (Gaz) What is the biggest challenge with running PXR/PXM aside from translating Gaz's audible English?

Nothing. Just translating Gaz is a paramount task in itself. Psyche I lied, probably these days would be promotion since online music is literally the most congested it has ever been with over saturation. Other than that, budgeting, maintaining a media presence are all challenges one should expect. Piracy is a difficult issue as well.

6. (Gaz) How has PXR evolved over the years to become part of the new entity Planet X Media?

Aiming for a focus on Film making with PXF (Planet X Filmworks sub on the tube) and new divisions such as Planet X Comics (our line of comic books) We are hoping to break to new ground to every medium we can with Planet X MEDIA!

7. (Gaz) With that said, can you tell the readers about Planet X Media and the various subdivisions?

Oops. Didn't see this question coming. PXF, PXC as previously mentioned. Follow our twitch.tv/planexgames PXG we will do many 90s style shooter (FPS), and beat em' up game reviews and commentary. That’s 4 or 5 divisions already. Let us know if you guys want more.

8. (Patrick) Who were the first hip-hop artists that you heard? Who are some of your favorite hip-hop artists from the scene today?

Snoop & Dre, Cypress Hill, Rage Against the Machine

Fav today: Chino XL, Killah Priest, Ill bill, Madchild

9. (Patrick) When did you first get the idea to start singing and rapping? Do you do anything special to keep your voice and throat healthy?

I "tried" to make an EP at 15. Emphasis on tried. Later on I recorded more and got better. I smoke cigars and other "Legal" hemp extracts. I do drink hot green tea.

10. (Patrick) How long does it usually take to complete one song?

Solo? Not long. Collaboration just as long as everyone takes to send their parts in, for our new project we are going pretty fast, since the tracks only take film reviewing for research. 2-3 weeks I'd say maybe shorter or longer depending on how well we know the film concept.

11. (Patrick) Where do you draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some topics and subjects you sing about?

Each project generally has a different concept, "The Dark Rift" is a spiritual mystic one. our new project "A Hobo With a Machete" is a "grindhouse" film style mixtape. So each track is a different film, there is everything from "Universal Soldier" action movie track to "Hellraiser" the horror film about Pinhead. It's really quite interesting what we are doing conceptually. Every track is one of our favorite movies.

13. (Gaz) Can you tell us about the Hobo with a Machete mixtape you mentioned and which movies inspired the mixtape?

ALL OF OUR FAVORITE MOVIES EVER. Expect mac and I's fanboyism to over flow with tracks like:

Point Break
A Scanner Darkly
They Live
A Hobo With A shotgun

and more.

14. (Gaz) Favorite songs from Hobo With a Machete?

Day of Reckoning, Mac-Chete In Scum Town, EX-PREZ, it is too hard to choose from my own songs. Go check on youtube for yourself!

15. (Gaz) Would you like to do something again based on other movies and comics (if Marvel, back when Marvel was good)?

Let's see how the fans like this one, if they even do HAHA! I would certainly like to release original Planet X brand comic books, and Marvel fan projects would be cool like Cable or Punisher.

16. (Patrick) Please tell the readers a little about your releases and where can the readers purchase them? Besides releases do you all have any other merchandise currently available?

You can find Guerrilla Alliance / Planet X Records on apple music / spotify / youtube / all streaming platforms and we do have physical hard copies of our CDs. I think I have a few PXR bandannas and beanies left over, maybe.

17. (Pat) Besides Underground hip-hop do you currently listen to any other genres or underground or mainstream music? If yes, what are some genres you listen to and who are your favorite bands and artists?

I listen to Rock / Metal, Grunge Rock, Reggae.

Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, GnR, Sabbath / Ozzy / Zeppelin / Bob Marley, SoAD, RATM, Serj Tankian.

18. (Pat) I know you, Gaz, Mac, and did a radio show, which is now a youtube show about underground music and movies. When did you first get the idea to do a YouTube show?

We had an old talk radio show, we eventually decided to return and convert it over for YT a few years back.
 
19. (Patrick) I know with the covid crisis going on this year it has probably been hard to set up shows and get motivated to do them. But what were some of your favorite shows this year?

We had lots of good ones, I enjoyed the "Joker" review, and I like our action reviews such as "The Night comes for us" we had some cool stuff, engage with us via YT comments and we take ideas for reviews we focus on action / kung fu / sci-fi / horror but are open to most genres.
 
20. (Patrick) Are there any shows planned for early 2021? Where can people find the youtube channel?

youtube.com/planetxfilm SUBSCRIBE we have TONS of new content coming soon including a 2020 roast (much deserved) and all new review content!

21. (Patrick) If you could pick what would you say are the five best releases that came out in 2020? What about the five worst?

Chino XL had a fire EP release, Madchild dropped a fresh album I am so out of the loop honestly. There was some pretty bad mainstream stuff I heard but I ran for my life.
 
22. (Patrick) Besides music we are huge movie fans here do you enjoy watching movies? If yes do you have a favorite genre?

I do probably action which I'd extend to action / sci-fi . I'm a classic 80s/90s Sci Fi Film head think John Carpenter, Kubrick etc.
 
23. (Patrick) What are some of your all-time favorite movies and what are some of the current movies that you have been watching?

1. Apocalypse Now 2. Godfather Pt II 3. Blade Runner 4). Conan the Barbarian 5). They Live, current movies TENET was pretty good still waiting for the new DUNE currently I watch the Italian crime show "Gomorrah" it's amazing and has a companion film as well. I mostly watch shows like "Oak Island" or other shows like "The Boys" "Mayans MC" and some comedy stuff. Swamp Thing was actually incredible.

24. (Patrick) Who are your all-time favorite Actresses and Actors? Are there any directors that you enjoy watching the most?
Sigourney Weaver, Marlon Brando, Harrison Ford, Kurt Russel, Malcolm McDowell, Arnold S.

Francis Ford Coppolla, Stanley Kubrick, John Carpenter, Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Troy Duffy.

25. (Patrick) Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out. Do you have any final comments for the readers?

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