Awfull Soundz
aka Carlton Banks
By Fredrick Rachell
In my 2011 music topic, I introduce to you all a rapper who has been getting it in for quite some time. With over 50,000 downloads in ringtones last month on funformobile.com, he defines what it takes to make money locally in the rap game. "I was seeing about 200% growths on downloads every week, which was my doorway." Read my interview with rapper Awfull Soundz aka Carlton Banks.
Q: How did you get started with music?
Carlton: I have always loved to listen to and make music as a kid. I joined the band in school where I played the trumpet and then later on switched to the drums. That's where I get my production traits from. As for my lyrical side, well you could always catch me in every lunch period during school. We were the ones beating on the lunchroom tables, in a circle battling it out with half the school watching and everybody screaming out "oooooow" (lol). Even after that, after school, you could find me on my block, in the alley hustling all night, gettin money, and going hard perfecting my flow.
Q: What can we expect from you in 2012?
Carlton: I got 2 mix tapes and an album coming out. First up are the "BLOODSTONE" mix tape, part 3 to my "Jewelry Box Collection" it's coming out Feb. 14th, and the album "GET IN LINE" coming soon after that. I also got plans to form an elite new group starring some Indy's favorites, and I can see us doing a few videos and promos, so it's going to be a pretty big year.
Q: What do you like most about making music?
Carlton: the best thing about making music for me is to finally make money off it. It happen easy though, my first royalty check was for (and I'm not afraid to say) .15 cent. I was determined that I was going to make some kind of cash flow with my music, and it later grew. I was seeing about 200% growths on downloads every week, which was my doorway. Unfortunately, a lot of rappers have been in the game for years, but have yet to see a return on their investments. Aye, I'm getting music money; the rest is sweat equity…..
Q: What's it like listening to AWFULLSOUNDZ?
Carlton: Awfull Soundz is like Lyrical soul food, it's like that breath of fresh air you need in tight situations, or that little bit of sunshine that finds its way through a dirty jail cell window ya dig, necessary….It's new Gucci or Louie, at the same time, it's like bustin your gun or pulling up in the car of dreams, that first big eight, or a fresh pair of Jordan's. But for the most part it's a reenactment to the hood, relavent…… it's a rush to listen to. A lot of people didn't think I was capable of that.
Q: Tell me about the "Black Onyx" mix tape?
Carlton: I named it after the actual black onyx stone. It was written, produced and performed by yours truly. I had just got back from sitting down (being locked up) when I made most of this one. I won't go into details about its content, but furthermore, if you Google the meaning behind the stone, and listen to the album, you'll see where I get off naming it "BLACK ONYX". Still, it set the stage for "blueberry diamonds" and "bloodstones", what I like to call the "Jewelry Box Collection"
Q: What is your ultimate goal in the music industry?
Carlton: to make good money would be the ultimate goal, but my primary objective would be to work hard and make good music.
Q: Any shout outs to anybody?
Carlton: yes, shout out Indiana, Atlanta, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, New York, California and the whole universe. Oh I can't forget Broward County, FL., they all love a G!!! Oh yeah, the haters! Hiiiiii haters, byyyyy haters.

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