Get to Know Oktayne

Albert Devon Tatmon, A.K.A. Oktayne, born in Berkley, CA – moving to Oakland as a youngster and long-time friend, Eugene “G-Funk” Bentley reunite to create his two-and-half-year project, “Self-Explanations,” released Feb. ’09 on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, Napster and other online stores. During the long production time, Oktayne produced and released a mix tape, “Self-Explanatory, Vol. I,”self-published under the name, “The Publishing Kid” that has over 1000 online downloads with little marketing on www.thatcrack.com. If listeners are into LL Cool J, Lupe Fiasco or Fabolous, they definitely want to listen to Oktayne.

“The style of production originated from the musical roots I have, from the Dirty South to the Midwest to West Coast, to the East Coast but all the beats speak to you, letting you know I am what I say I am in my lyrics,” says Oktayne.

Oktayne’s family moved him out of Oakland to Rodeo, CA when he was three-years-old. In Rodeo he fell in love with hip-hop in the early ‘90s. Picking up a microphone when he was in 8th grade, this to-be emcee began recording music with his father’s DJ equipment and a couple friends. His second love is rhythm and blues; Oktayne took voice lessons and a class about contemporary music.

“My dad used to do parties for years when I was younger. All ages of people would contact him to play music at their parties. He still to this day asks me what’s hot to young people,” Oktayne explains.

It has been a struggle and a long process but Oktayne’s determination and love for what he does is already paying off. He has been growing as an emcee in his community with the support of his people.

“Self-Explanations,” produced by Beat Catererz, Kajmir Royale, G-Funk and Sap Da Beat Man’s hottest single, “California Soul” which has a cool, summertime beat along with clean lyrics, keeping it real. Other singles, such as, “Neva Thought,” “Sun Up” and “The Dreamer have been gaining popularity. The mix tape was created to promote the actual album, “Self-Explanations.” The album is made up of songs that are easy to dance to and made for hip-hop lovers, especially the ladies. Oktayne is in the studio working on a new album.

What’s the first thing you would say to someone who asked you to describe yourself as an artist?

1. I’m an artist that stays true to Albert Devon Tatmon. Because if I don’t stay true to myself then I’m fooling myself. I’m often compared to LL Cool J because of the type of songs I choose to do. So I would say if you like LL Cool J, Lupe Fiasco, Wiz Khalifa and Ludacris then you will love my music

How long have you been in this industry?
I been in the game since 2008, I dropped my first album with no promo because I felt it was so good, but if people are not aware they won’t buy.

Do you have any projects out now?
I got one album out online called Self-Explanations, and I got three mixtapes out online; Self-Explanatory Vol.1, Tell Em’ I’m On I and II. I been featured on a few mixtapes by some DJs I know.

What inspires your music?
Listening to everything that is out there even if it sucks, because I want to know what not to drop, and still be myself in the process.

Where are you from?
I’m from Rodeo/ Hercules, really the East Bay in California. It’s time the industry respect the bay because we have lots of good talent here, it just people got sidetracked with that hyphy movement nearly five years ago.

What artist in the industry inspire you the most?
Curren$y because he been through so many situations as an artist, with labels not wanting to put him out, so he went out on his own gained fans by grinding hard on his own, much respect to him.

What makes you different from other artist?
I’m not afraid to be me, regardless what people say or think about me, I will always be me. Then I will see where to market myself.