People are starting to want more from artist, more than just a top ten single, they want good projects.

You can say what you want about the rap game now, but what you can't say is that the Midwest isn't coming with it. With producers and rappers alike coming even harder than before, Add-2 is at the forefront of it all and deserves to be heard. With acclaim and production from such producers as Slot-A, Jaguar Skills, Twilite Tone and others, the backing and company that Add-2 keeps should tell you a lot about how good an emcee this guy really is. We had the pleasure to sit down with Add-2 in between his busy recording schedule to discuss the game and his future projects, and after you listen to the joints below you will hear exactly why this dude is what the game needs right now.

Arize: So Add-2? One could come to many conclusions on what your name means but can you give us a quick bio or explanation for your name and how it came to be?

Add-2: My rap name came from my initials that my dad gave me and each of my brothers, A.D.D and he always said if there's anything you get in life never take away from it, just add to it. And I always had coincidences dealing with the number two like both of my grandfathers passed before I was born, I was my parents 2nd child, I have two brothers etc. After I found a few things that I could rhyme off of it with I was set. But don't get it twisted I'm horrible at math.

Add-2 - The Menace Returns

...artist who are on some traditional hip hop stuff haven't been getting the most love lately. But I know that we're slowly coming back to the forefront.

Arize: Wow yea, sounds like more than just a coincidence though. So with your last debut mixtape entitled "Tale of Two's City" how did it come to get so much buzz and recognition in the game? Alot of people hadn't heard of Add-2 before this. And how did people react to it?

I had been dropping songs here and there that the blog sites were picking up. I decided that I should go ahead and drop a project that felt like an album to showcase more than just the way I rap and the usual mixtape stuff. I had dropped a few songs off it that turned some heads like 'Deconstruction Freestyle', 'Black Amerikkka' and 'Pride' as well as 'The Dating Game'. People started to hear what type of artist I was and the music I was making and started giving me a chance. The reaction so far has been really positive.

Arize: Took some balls to step out like that though. And actually see return on it?

Hell yea cause artist who are on some traditional hip hop stuff haven't been getting the most love lately. But I know that we're slowly coming back to the forefront. People are starting to want more from artist, more than just a top ten single, they want good projects.

Arize: Yea that single shit is getting old, as well as the whole numbers game that the mainstream THINKS makes a good artist.

Yea it won't mean shit in the next few years because the internet is killing it. Which is going to make artist become artist again, cause you're going to have to love music again and pursue it without any incentive of major financial gain which is what kinda got us lost in the first place.

Arize: Exactly. The real hip hop heads understand that. How do you think the mixtape game has changed things?

Its changed the game in a way where as it can provide new artist an outlet in order to establish their buzz and build a loyal fanbase based around their sound. Plus its usually so much more unfiltered compared to albums which can be censored if the labels don't like certain things about it or if samples can't get cleared and things like that.

I think its time for the Midwest...We can party and still kill you on the verses or switch the flow and spit at a crazy pace so we're real versatile.

Add-2 - Pride

Arize: Which brings me to ask you whats next after your last mixtape? Any more collabs on the next one? What should we be in store for?

I haven't decided if I want to do a Vol.3 just yet, its still early so I may change my mind. Right now I'm currently working on a project/EP with Jaguar Skills which will be crazy in every sense of the word. I'm also working on new music with the legendary Twilite Tone and of course my core group of producers like Slot-A, JP, Caliba, Keeynote and Poppi. The next project is on its way though and I know the fans will love it.

Arize: Dope. Can't wait to hear it! It seems like the midwest is on the come up within the mixtape game and even on a major label since with such artists like Common, Kanye etc etc. What makes people pay attention to the music out of the Midwest nowadays?

We're bringing something different, every area generally has its reign. The West had theirs, the South just had theirs and is still holding it and the East had it since waaaaay back but I think its time for the Midwest. We got a different type of style and message and its refreshing too. We can party and still kill you on the verses or switch the flow and spit at a crazy pace so we're real versatile.

Arize: Right, I'm glad people actually get to hear the REAL midwest-No Nelly-lol

Yea Nelly went elsewhere, he lost me when he did the country song with that cowboy. I was like 'fuck is this?'

Arize: hahah..."Ova and ova again" hahahha

Yea we can do without some of that but to each his own i guess

Arize: So any collabs with any artist that you would like to plug for your new mixtape? And by the way what's the title going to be?

No lie, I'm a real selfish dude when it comes to tracks haha. There's a few people I wouldn't mind collabing with though, like Blu, maybe Charles Hamilton. I like people who are legit emcee's so I may see if I can reach out to them. Right now the project isn't titled but we've been brainstorming. We got the single so if all else fails name it after the single haha

Arize: Whats the single titled?

Its called 'Luxury' and its produced by Jaguar Skills and Ant Man Wonder. All i'd say is when it drops, its gonna be lovely.

Add-2 - Declaration

Arize: Yea so what do you think about Charles Hamilton breaking his balls to come out with a mixtape every day, lol, naw every month right? A full mixtape too.

Yea that takes alot to do full length mixtapes with themes every month. I would of stopped 2months into it! lol

Arize: hahah..yea kind of a burnout. I like the idea on paper but once you sit down and really think it out its like...why would I do that?

Its definitely worth the buzz he's been getting off it, so in that sense he's winning. Hopefully he got alot more to back it all up when this is all said and done

Arize: So before we get outta here give me your thoughts on Barack Obama being our first African American president? I know you voted for McCain so don't even start with the ranting. haha

I'm a die hard republican so you know I was pissed hahaha, naw for real I was excited as hell cause I been following the race since he said he was running. And my life's been consumed with CNN, MSNBC and anything politics. It went from wondering if this was even possible to assuming that they jerk us like they did before to actually seeing history, that was the beauty of it. Now theres millions of kids who may come from less who actually see anything is possible. More power to Obama and may God bless him as he takes on this crazy economy

ADD-2's The Dating Game (NEXT) music Video:

Arize: YES, he's got alot to fix but he definately will have to be like the homie Add-Two "The One Man Duo" right?

Maaaan Add-2 is trying to get like dude. I bet he get everything from Michelle now, no asking, no back talk, nothing haha

Arize: hahaha damn right, we know who is really running that Oval Office. Thanks for sitting down with us homie. Chi-Town stand up!

No problem fam, anytime.

Download 'Tale of Two Cities' Mixtape Here