As Hip Hop continues to change, we have to continue to keep our eye out for the individuals contributing to the change. As Orka Entertainment artist Matrix continues to rise up charts fast, he's taking Hip Hop to a new level as he inspires to make what he calls "Powerful Positive Music" in a path to grow along with Hip Hop instead of just sitting back and watching. With his chart topping hit "Getcha Life Back" steadily climbing, check out this exclusive interview HHNLive.com writer Dani T did with upcoming artist Matrix.

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Dani T: Matrix how's 2008 going for you so far?

Matrix: 2008 is going great for me so far! I'm right where I wanna be at this point. Thanks for having me.

DT: What do you have planned for the rest of the year and do you have any new music projects coming out soon?

M: I have a list of a million projects that I'm executing by the minute. This interview is just one of the many interviews set up for this month. There's a billion more for every month this year. Just to name a few things, I'm trying to knock out as many mixtapes, shows, radio & magazine interviews, appearances and studio time as I possibly can. Plus do a video or 2 or 3 and smother the world with the name ORKA, (Original Rhythmic Kingpin Association) and my ORKA apparel. Also try to drop my debut album before the end of the year.

DT: So you write all your own music?

M: Yezzur! ALL DAY EVERYDAY!

DT: How did you get started in the music game?

M: I've been "Rappin" since the 5th grade, But I considered myself as really being a part of the "MUSIC GAME" when my big brother (from another mother) Melvin Brown and his partner Akon came up with the Label (Konvict Muzik). In affiliation with that, my foot was in the door.

DT: How has your past life and present life influenced your music? Lyrics?

M: Everyday I'm allowed to wake up from a good nights sleep plays a major part on my music and lyric influences. I always use the term "THIS IS NOT A MOVIE! IT'S REAL LIFE!" Because when I put that pencil to that paper, most of the time I write about what I've learned or have been through in life or what's going on in my life now and around me. Music is just another form of expression. What is written and documented can never be forgotten. When I'm old and grey I wanna look back to see if I wrote any history.

DT: How easy is it for you to go into the studio and lay down a track? And what's your main focus?

M: I can go in a studio and lay down a "no-brainer" with ease, but my main focus is to make thought provoking music which requires more time.

DT: You're doing the independent thing right now with Orka Entertainment, so does that allow you to have full control over your creativity?

M: Yes. 100% creativity control! But I'm always open to collaborating ideas with my ORKA Ent team.

DT: Now "Getcha Life Back" is climbing up the charts right now everywhere, are you surprised of your song's fast rise or did you have faith it would happen like that?

M: I have faith in my music because I put my blood, sweat, tears, brain and heart into those songs like "Get'cha Life Back." But at the same time, I'm surprised, excited and thankful!

DT: It's seems Orka Entertainment and Konvict Music coincide with one another, have you gotten a chance to work with Akon? If so how was it working with him?

M: I've been fortunate enough to have had some of Kon's production work thrown my way. I gotta give a shout out to Akon! He's one of hardest working recording artist that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and also one of the most talented producers in the music industry.

DT: So who have you worked with, continue to work with, and want to work with in the future as far as artists, writers, and producers?

M: I'm always down for a collaboration with just about any artist, signed or unsigned. We are all searching for that niche to get ahead and the more artists you link up with can only help get your name out there more. Not only in the United States, but overseas and other countries as well. I've worked with producers that have done some things on G-Unit Records, Dipset etc. I only "name drop" when it's very necessary, but I do give props to everybody that contributed to the making of my album and other projects of mine.

DT: Who are some of your personal favorite artists? Any of them have any influence on your music?

M: I'm a fan of music in general. I'm influenced by all genres of music. You can catch me listening to anything that's rap or hip hop, all the way to classical and everything in between. But I can honestly say that Public Enemy's "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" had a major impact on some of the music that I prefer to write. I call it "THINK MUSIC". Most people call it controversial or even conscious rap but I feel it's just necessary music.

DT: So what's an everyday routine for you like? Are you in the studio everyday or every so often?

M: I eat, sleep, and shit music. That's my routine. I gotta be in the studio at least a couple of hours a day if not all day. Because even if I'm not working on music, I still have to do radio and mixtape drops etc. If you're a "slacker" on the drops, they'll pile up on you quick and the Dj's ain't gonna wait on you to put out their mixtapes. You can either put in "WORK" or go to work in a factory!

DT: So we see and hear Matrix now, but what do you see and hear from Matrix in 5 to 7 years?

M: I got my standards and goals set high! Maybe too high for me reach them, but I'm a "GO GETTA" and I'm gonna keep knocking on that door of success until my knuckles bleed and continue to knock until I get a key to lock! I can't predict what the future holds, but as long as I stay positive on the direction I choose to take, within about 5 to 7 years I should be well established either in music or in my business endeavors and contributing to the humanitarian society.

DT: Now every artist has a voice, and a lot of times we don't get a chance to hear it, so I want to know what you think of the condition Hip Hop is in today? Better or worst since the past 10 to 15 years?

M: Hip Hop is thriving! It's not just the music, it's our culture. It's condition is based on us artists embracing that hip hop culture and protecting the true meanings behind it. I get torn between the 2 worlds of hip hop though. We got the underground hip hop and then there's the flashy "bling bling" hip hop. I can honestly say that I love them both! I look at the flashy hip hop as entertainment while the underground hip hop stays dedicated to the roots. If you rewind hip hop to when it started and then fast forward it to today, There's no doubt in my mind that you would obviously see some change. But it's just growth and without growth, there's no evolution. As long as we balance out the consciousness with the entertainment of Hip Hop, it can only get better.

DT: What are you as an artist trying to bring to Hip Hop?

M: As an individual of the mega billions of hip hoppers, I'm hoping to bring more consciousness to the world hip hop. I'm just one of those people who would rather use my power of voice (if given the chance) to improve our society. I think hip hop needs more of that "Powerful Positive Music."

DT: How has your growth as a person and as you continue to grow reflect on your music?

M: Life itself is a learning experience for me and my music is no exception when it comes to interpreting my personal life lessons. Being a responsible individual is what I've strived to become, and you can hear maturity in my music. The messages in my songs are a reflection of what inspires me to continue to persevere.

DT: What's the most important piece of advice you've been given or have learned through experience in the music industry so far?

M: I've learned that to have a promising career in the music world, you can't just be "THE RAPPER." You have to study, learn and gain extensive knowledge of the music industry in order of really setting yourself up to succeed in your venture.

DT: So where can fans buy and listen to your music? Catch you performing?

M: You can check me out at www.myspace.com/orkamatrix. Keep checking the page for future performances and shows. You can also request my single "GET'CHA LIFE BACK" on your local radio stations. Look out for the "Don't Watch Me Watch TV" mixtape, coming soon! For inquiries, contact Marcus Reed at mreed1@ntelos.blackberry.com or orkaceo@gmail.com

DT: Is there any advice you can give to artists trying to do what you're doing?

M: Have faith in yourself and put God first. Stay true to the origins of hip hop. Know where you're going and never forget where you came from. Put 110% into everything you do in life and do your homework on the music industry before signing your name on any dotted lines.