G.O.A.T.
(G.rades O.f A.bsolute T.ruth)

UDC: Name. Background information?

G: I go by G.O.A.T. and I'm from the DFW area. I've lived here my entire life, so I'm pure-bred. Some previously released projects involving me include a solo album called "Tats" that I released in 2000. In 2002, Triple Optical, my crew at the time, released "Sample of Sound Volume 1" and a promo. Also in 2002, I was a featured artist on The DFW All-Stars release "Betta Ask Somebody" and Biogliphic's release "The Journey to Electric City." I engineered and mixed an album for a jazz-influenced rock band called By Starlight in 2003 entitled "A Portrait of Heartaches and Never Agains." I also recorded a portion of Nev.r.land's release "This is Wakin' Up..." in 2003. In 2004, I released a few solo promos and worked on various projects that are coming out this year. Yeah, I've been at it for a while. I was in and out of rock bands from the time I was 13 to about 20. As far as credentials go, I've gone to school and done the education thing. I have an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. I'm certified in audio engineering and production by The Recording Workshop. I just received my Bachelor's Degree in Music with a Minor in Education from UNT. Of course that does not define me as an artist, but it does show my work ethic and I feel that's important.

UDC: Give us some insight to any current releases or shows?

G: I have scattered shows throughout the summer, mainly in Dallas and Denton. Check my website for upcoming events. I'm grinding and trying to get on every project possible. I'm working on a solo album right now entitled "Absolute Truth." I'm planning on releasing it this summer, probably in August. I'm attempting to clear two samples right now. I want to come as professional as possible. Other than the sample clearance pending, the album is finished. Some featured artists on "Absolute Truth" include DJ Ricky C, WORD SL, IZK and Dtox of Blunt Force Crew, Maty Doja of DFW Entertainment, Kewal and Oni. I produced the majority of the beats on the album, but I did get two beats from Steve Wick of Blunt Force Crew and one beat from Jack Boyce of DFW Entertainment. There are a couple of other albums getting released throughout the next few months that I'm featured on. Steve Wick is releasing a project under the name, Leaf, that should be out within the next two months. My homeboy SL is releasing a mix tape, "Munstar On Da Hill", that is coming out this month. I'm also featured on this rock project being released by J.R. Byrd in July, so I get down with whatever-not just hip hop.

UDC: What are some of your musical influences?

G: As far as musical artists, I'd say Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Incubus. I grew up listening to rock, blues, and mainstream rap. I also like Organized Noize. I'm lyrically influenced by Talib Kweli, Jay-Z, Mos Def, Cee-lo, and Nas, mainly because of the meaningful content and style that they display in their music.

I'm an emcee, but I'm not just an emcee. I'm a pianist, I'm a guitarist, I play drums, and I can get down on the mixing board. Having all that inside of me, it helps me reflect my lyrical intentions better than the average lyricist because I can attack things from different angles instead of just writing lyrics on paper. Not only can I speak with my voice, I speak with instruments also. When I say voice, I'm referring to rhyming and singing.

UDC: How do you feel the internet has affected your music and hip hop in general?

G: I would definitely say that the internet is a positive thing. I'm thankful for it. As an unsigned artist, it has opened so many doors for me. Just by putting a website up, people can hit it all over the world. That is a beautiful thing. Just like you contacting and discovering me. We did not meet personally; you were just digging up things on the internet.

UDC: Do you have any words of advice for indie artists?

G: I don't feel like I'm in a place to give golden advice. I do feel like I am on a one way road to success, but I'm not where I want to be yet. Mainly I'd say don't give up, study, and have a plan. Don't just jump in and try to attack. Know the date that you plan to attack and play hard-keep your eyes on the prize. Constantly critique. If you're hungry, then eat.

UDC: How important do you think that it is for indie artists to take advantage of the overseas market?

G: I'm not really familiar with the overseas market, but I do know that there is a demand for hip hop almost everywhere. I hope I get the opportunity to travel overseas and take advantage of the market. If you're an artist and you want to be successful, you must take advantage of every possible thing. Being exposed to different cultures will help progress your artistic abilities too. It's extremely important to take advantage of every market.

UDC: Describe G.O.A.T. five years from now?

G: Hopefully I'll be alive. As far as music goes, I hope to have at least four or five more projects out. I'll be at the top of my game. If I'm not where I want to be, I'll still be pushing. Giving up is not an option.

UDC: Do you have any words for your fans or any shout outs?

G: I appreciate you listening and reading this interview. I'll be around so keep snagging albums if you see my name on them. I keep polishing my game, so every album will be beyond the last-progression's the key. Keep a third eye out for "Absolute Truth." Check out musicbygoat.com, I'm always updating info on the site and letting people know what's up with me. Shouts go out to DJ Ricky C, Heartless, SL, IZK and Dtox, Steve Wick, Maty Doja, Kewal and Oni. Love to all.

G.O.A.T.
Email
www.musicbygoat.com
Visit His Undevco Site!
www.myspace.com/musicbygoat
214.212.5763

Interviewed By Lejend@undevco.com
Photography By Lesley Lawson