Get to Know “5 Star Generalz”

This whole 5 Star Generalz movement began when Base’Rox and Ruckole flew out to Philly to visit King Kosh. Kosh was living in Philly for about four years and was desperately trying to get his “Town Bound” friends to visit him on the East Coast. It wasn’t until Mr.Kosh decided to throw a “Going back to Cali” Bash, out in Philly, his homies finally visited.

The night that Base’Rox and Ruckole touched down the vibe was instantly on. Straight to the lab they went. Mr. Kosh had a bottle of sky Vodka, Ruckole pulled the make shift swishers that he had pre-rolled, filled-up with purple from Oakland. The first track they recorded was “Fever for a Bunny”, and then it was the infamous, “Slap Nasty”. When King Kosh returned home to Oakland, the three dynamic-trio decided to make it official and formed a group.

“You extra sensitive you remind me of a diva/ I’ma 5 star general with stripes like a zebra.” That’s where our name came from. Kosh heard me spit those bars on “Sick 16s” and said we should roll with 5 Star Generalz. Me and Base was with it” -Ruckcole

What’s the first thing you would say to someone when they ask you to describe yourself as an artist?
Base’Rox: First thing I would say: I’m an artist, stylist, entertainer, I live and breathe entertainment not just music! Media and fashion are a big part in my artistry.
Kosh: Creative! Unique! Collaborative!
Ruckcole: Determined!

Listen to: Not Tonight – 5 Star Generals ft. Famsyrk and C. Shaw

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How long have you been in the industry?
King Kosh: Wow… it seems like forever. Usually I tell people “as long as I’ve been growing my locks”. But when they ask how long that has been I tell them, “I can’t even remember, I stopped counting years ago”. I just know I’ve been recording music and performing for quite some time now. Dues have been paid.
Base’Rox: About three years heavy but music have always been in my blood. My pops played the guitar in a band.
Ruckcole: Roughly 15yrs

Do you have any projects out now?
Base’Rox: Fa’Sure we do!
Ruckcole: Our first project out is called, “The California Gold Rush”.
King Kosh: Which is available on-line at www.reverbnation/5stargeneralz.com go and copp that fastly.

What inspires your music?
King Kosh: Man, my music is inspired by my life struggles and experiences and whatever it is that I’m going through and feeling at the moment.
Ruckcole: My daughter & my son both are an inspiration to me. I just want to do things for them that I didn’t have the privilege to do as a child.
Base’Rox: Life! Celebrations! Struggles! Good times and bad times!

Listen to: I’m a Ghost – 5 Star Generals

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Where are you from?
Ruckcole: I’m from Oakland. Tha’ Town is my headquarters.
Base’Rox: The City of Pimpin’ & Pandering Oakland, Ca. So sad but it’s so real out here.
King Kosh: I’m originally from Belize, Central America, touched down in New York first and soaked up a lot of hip hop game in the Bronx. I’ve been living Oakland for over 15 years and I consider it my second home. I lived in Philly for a few years too; met some influential people and made a lot of hot music while I was there.

What artists in the industry inspire you the most today? Why is that?
Base’Rox: It really varies, from Eminem, to Young Jeezy, Green Day, Kanye, and M.I.A (I like her work). That’s just naming a few. The reason why is because these artists have developed a style that’s like no one else and it’s presented in their work and craft.
Ruckcole: Puffy/P.Daddy/Sean Combs whatever else he call himself today. I think its kinda dope that a person can make so much money off an artist & jus do add-libs, but I’d rather write my own lyrics though.
King Kosh: As far as being inspired by music, there are too many artists to name. I’m inspired by the business mentality that some artists have today. For example, I’m inspired by the business moves of Hieroglyphics Emporium, 50cent’s G Unit movement, and Lil Wayne’s Young Money. Artists are now creating a brand for themselves that includes much more than just rap. Songs come and go but If an artist create a brand name for themselves they will be able to market and sell anything; clothing, movies, jewelry, and fragrances to name a few.

What makes you different from other artist today?
King Kosh: My individuality, my personal back ground and community work. Aside from music and operating Gemstone Official Media Group, I teach the youth everything I’ve learned (and still learning) on my journey to success in this entertainment industry. When I’m not recording, performing or networking, you can catch me teaching Hip-Hop History/Education 101 in the Oakland schools.
Ruckcole: My creativity! I’m not just a rap artist I’m also a visual artist. When I’m not writing I do a lot of crafting & actual artwork (check “General Status” T-shirts).
Base’Rox: I’m different from other artist because my life is in HD! Every day is like a movie with no scripts, no actors, no cameras, just me living creatively. I’m a visual artist/fashion designer.

What do you want your future fans to know about you?
King Kosh: I want our fans to know that 5 Star Generalz are loyal, dedicated and driven. We have so much in store for them, movies, clothing, more Gemstone Official acts….the list goes on!!!
Ruckcole: That we will always be faithful to them… & never cheat on them.
Base’Rox: 5 Stargeez are here to stay! We’re going to make the “game” fun again! We’re going to put a heart beat back into the music!

How can we connect with you online?
Base’Rox: twitter/5stargeez, myspace/5stargeez, cdbaby.com/5stageneralz
King Kosh: twitter/king_kosh, www.reverbantion.com/5stargeneralz, facebook/stargeneralz (without the number “5”) Ihusslemediamedia.com/5stargeneralz, facebook/gemstoneofficialmediagroup Come see us!!!
Ruckcole: Bra you got all my lines & links!!! Twitter/ruckcole but mostly important check out our clips “youtube/5stargtv” … Peace out yO’!

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May 2013 Issue
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