The Jet Life Tour which features artists such as Curren$y, Fiend, J Dolla and Monsta Beatz performed at a sold out concert at the Irving Plaza, Monday, June 6th. The sold out concert had fans even outside the venue trying to buy tickets quadruple the original prices. The Jet Life tour which consisted of mainly southern artists appealed to chronic smokers, dope boys, hipsters and B-Boys throughout the Tri-state area.

Jet life Tour is like the Hip Hop Woodstock right now. The environment, the energy, the sweat and the dedication of this tour and the lineup is something to admire and the combination of weed, women and music makes this tour more than just stereotypical but it comes alive and you feel like you’re part of the show.

Backstage was very animated and occasionally I felt like I was catching contact from the cloudy atmosphere I was in which looked similar to a cumulus cloud I found myself catching serious contact. I caught up with some of the other artists that have been traveling with Curren$y for the past 6 months and they were just crunked. I have no other way other way to describe their attitudes about their tour and their attitudes towards each other. Even though I couldn’t visually see the concert, I could hear it and I was told backstage the cops stopped their bus in Jersey (reasons are unknown, but it’s a tour bus and cops were probably just hassling them). Big shoutout to Mousa (He manages all of the artists and the show) who made sure I got backstage.

Fiend, whose mixtape “ Life Behind a Limo Glass” talked to me about his current attitude with his career and his future plans in music.

Eryka: Is Hip Hop your first love?

Fiend: No. My family is, but I love music.

Eryka: How is Fiend right now in front of me different from the old Fiend?

Fiend: Now, I can control my sounds, my voice is more mature, I’m able to produce and control what I want to record and I’m not as young.

Eryka: How do you feel about this tour, all of you all are from Louisiana (New Orleans) and I’ve been following you on twitter (www.Twitter.com/Fiend4daMoney) and you have been non-stop, this tour has been going across the country. Are you tired?

Fiend: I feel good about this tour, I really appreciate the love from different cities and to have sold out shows is a blessing. No, I ain’t tired this is the Jet Life.

Eryka: Who is one producer you would love to work with?

Fiend: Quincy Jones. Because people take him serious and he has been in the game for a minute.

www.Fienddigital.com

I also caught up with Monsta Beatz Deelow and Jean Lephare who are not just producers but they are also artists in their own rights. Monsta Beatz produced “Famous” (off of the Monsters on Mars album) and their upcoming album “ Monsters vs. Aliens” is even more anticipated. Monsta Beatz (twitter.com/monstabeatz Twitter.com/dee_low twitter.com/jeanLephare www.monstabeatzdigital.com) If you doubt their talent or don’t believe they are dope, Olamide Faison ( actor/songwriter and younger brother to Donald Faison), vouches for them immensely.

Eryka: What is the craziest city you’ve been at since this tour? Where is the one place you didn’t believe would be live?

Jean Lephare: Tempe, Arizona.

Dee Low: Tempe, Arizona was live, I don’t even remember everything, it was like a dream. I was able to chat with J Dolla ( who is also from New Orleans, Louisiana) who told me this was his first tour and that he was added to the show only a few weeks ago. He told me he was excited being on the Jet Life Tour and that seeing all the shows being sold out is going to give him the motivation to create more greatness.

Eryka: What would you tell struggling and up and coming artists that wants to be a part of a tour like this?

J Dolla: You have to work hard, network with the right people and be able to grow as an artist. One thing I can say about the Jet Life Tour is that the fans known there every song, these are real fans that enjoy watching this lineup so if you are lucky enough to catch them in your city you should. Weed not included though. -Eryka Hardison

Credit:Villiagevoice.com Curren$y ending show Irving Plaza NYC June 6th 2011

Curren$y and Fiend Irving Plaza NYC June 6th 2011