Image by Rehab Regime
ON THE FLY
WITH R ZILLA
NM: Why did you start 100 Barz Magazine?
R Zilla: Well, 3 years ago, I started off doing a magazine that only covered one artist at a time. It really didn’t get much attention, So I decided I’d do one covering the culture as a whole.
What was your first issue of 100 Barz Magazine and How did you piece it together?
The first issue was with B Magic, and I actually did the whole issue myself, it had like eight people in it. I don’t remember everyone in it . I’m a graphic artist first so I took the pictures, designed it, I did all the interviews, I reached out to people to feature adds in it, and it took about two months to put it together. After I was done, I was like fuck.. I got thirty days to do another one. I was like this ain’t gonna work. So I reached out to some people and gathered a team and that took some stress off of me.
What was the reaction from the first issue?
It was cool. I don’t think a lot of people knew what it was, they thought it was a website. But as the months went on , I’ve been getting great feedback and interviews have been blowing up so that’s good.
On average, how often does someone reach out to you for a feature?
Everytime I drop an issue it’s at least like thirteen people who reach out to get in the next one.
I know you’re a fan of battle rap or else you wouldn't have this magazine, So What was the first battle you saw that really peaked your interest in the battle rap culture?
I would say Mook versus Millz. Yeah that was the first battle I saw on tape. After that battle, I had to get more S.M.A.C.K DVD’s.
So where are you from?
I’m from the Bronx, born and raised.
So are you focused solely on battle rappers for your magazine?
No, I’m looking to reach out to other artist outside of battle rap.
You stated earlier that you were a graphic designer first, Do you still do graphic design or have you decided to walk away from that?
I still do graphic design. I first came in with Vague for King Of The Ring. I saw the event and they had a flyer for the next event, and the flyer was kinda trash so I reached out and I did some work for them, then I just kept going from there. So I’ve been around for a minute. I just like to be behind the scenes.
What else have you done behind the scenes?
I have done work for Straight Stuntin’ Magazine, a whole lot of artist mixtape work,
Queen Of The Ring, etc.
So what are you looking to achieve in the Battle Rap Culture?
There’s a few things I have planned that I don’t want to put out there just yet, as far as 100 Barz Magazine, I want to start putting out limited amounts of issues. Also I’m working on clothing to go along with the Magazine. I’m just expecting to enhance 100 Barz and the culture.
What can you say to sum up 100 Barz Magazine in one sentence?
100 Barz Magazine is the future, it’s our XXL for the Battle Rap Culture.
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