MistaMil: Definitely One in a “Mil”
At the age of 12, 22-year old L22 Records CEO/founder, Rammil Lim, brought to life his love for hip-hop by forming the L22 Fam and, then a year later at the age of 13, founded L22 Records in 1997. Since then, Rammil, a.k.a. MistaMil, has done it all: recording, writing, and producing. Within the last ten years, he has worked with other great recording artists and has done a great amount of production work, and in 2005 Lim released his first solo album, Off Center of Attention. Unfortunately, he has announced that he will be disbanding L22 Records, but is set to release his last album, Lost in Chinatown, this August. Asiance Magazine talked with MistaMil about the history of L22 Records, his thoughts on L22 Records over the past ten years, the unfortunate push to let his creation go, and what he has planned for himself in the future.
ASIANCE: Who were your musical influences growing up?
MistaMil: Well, I was first exposed to Hip Hop and R&B from my older brother’s collection of cassette tapes (Kool Moe Dee, Fresh Prince & DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bel Biv Devoe, Mary J. Blige, etc.). A lot of my influences are from the 90’s Golden Era of Hip Hop & R&B and the whole Westcoast revolution that was going on. Up until now, it’s still emcees like 2Pac, Big L, Common, and Nas that I admire. My production influences are Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and DJ Quik (I think any one would agree with me that those four producers are geniuses haha). I grew up on the 90’s, so that’s my style!
ASIANCE: Hip-hop has different meanings for different people, what does it mean to you?
MistaMil: It’s still an expression of freedom to me. It’s a culture that we live, consume, and breathe. A lot of kids out there always try to define what Hip Hop is and what it isn’t. For example, even though I don’t listen to what’s on the radio these days, I can’t hate on it. And why? Because that’s their culture. That’s their life and their music. I can only respect that. Hopefully some people can start opening their minds a little bit. Talk to KRS-One and he’ll teach you a real lesson.
ASIANCE: You started L22 Records at a young age, at the time what made you want to start your music venture?
MistaMil: Yup! I was only 12 years old. It started off as a small crew with me as the emcee/producer and my boy DJ Flipstyles and another emcee Obscene. And I ain’t gonna lie, we were whack haha. But that’s the business you know? We all start somewhere, and as long as you remember where you came from, that’s how you keep a humble mindstate. I started the label to give me and the homies something to do. I always have something to say, so music gave me that freedom to express myself exactly how I wanted. All business aside, it’s a different kind of feeling when you write a dope verse or produce a hot track. When you’re young, you think you can do anything! And I’m someone that believes nothing is impossible.
ASIANCE: What is L22 Records vision?
MistaMil: Our main objective has always been to keep our fans happy, and always give a good show! We know that you can’t please everybody, but we always give our best in whatever we do. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget what you’re really trying to do when you’re distracted by the business of things. Music will always be our main focus, and my vision for the label is still the same as it was 10 years ago.
ASIANCE: Being CEO of L22 Records for nearly ten years, I’ve read that unfortunately you have decided to let L22 Records go. What were some factors that gave you the push to make your decision?
MistaMil: Unfortunately, it’s all true. A lot of people in my circle were pretty disappointed when I decided on this a few months back. I really got this label going 5 years ago. Our first 5 were pretty rocky. But I just graduated from Cal State Fullerton last May and I’ve decided on trying to go out & find a good job for myself. After 10 years, I personally believe that this is as far as I can take the label, the name, and myself. I’m not giving up at all though, don’t get me wrong, I’m no quitter! What people forget sometimes is that behind every artist is a real person with a life. Life always manages to get in the way sometimes, and all we can do is do what we must. I’m still young at 22, but I don’t see myself doing this forever. I will miss it though!
ASIANCE: I also read that Jason Lalunio, a.k.a. Def J (co-owner), wants to keep L22 Records alive, but you refuse to accept that offer. Do you still feel the same way about that decision?
MistaMil: Yes, I do. It’s just a personal thing. If I’m out, so is the name. Nothing is ever certain though, I’m sure I might change my mind haha. Oh! And for those who don’t know what L22 means … it stands for my last name (Lim) and my lucky number (22). Eventually we had 22 crew & family members. It’s a big family! I don’t know, I think it’s a lame name for a record label, but I was young and it caught on with everyone I guess.
ASIANCE: If in the future people were to ask you about L22 Records and what L22 Records meant to you, what would you tell them?
MistaMil: It means everything to me. The deuce fam is family for real! We all come from humble places, and I always wanted to keep it that way. Everything we’ve done and accomplished are experiences I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Doing a tour in Japan with XL Middleton was like a dream come true. Big up to Japan by the way! I never had to make it big to tell my kids these stories one day. I’ve accomplished more than I ever expected back when I started 10 years ago. Definitely a beautiful thing!
ASIANCE: You’ll be releasing your last album, Lost in Chinatown, in Spring 2007, can you talk a little bit about the album?
MistaMil: Oh yes! I have a lot to say about the album actually but I’ll sum it up good haha. Lost In Chinatown will be my last one so I’m going out with a bang. I usually don’t make outrageous or arrogant and overconfident claims, but this album will be big … a classic! I can’t believe I said that, but I did haha. I’m 50% through the album, and so far it’s sounding real good (I can’t even compare this to my first album). My first album was horrible. This one will definitely blow it out the water. I have production from XL Middleton from Crown City Entertainment (guy is a genius, you’ll hear more about him pretty soon), Skwirm of Soul Mechanix, Mr. Clean from L22, and myself of course! Lost In Chinatown represents the dilemma we all face in life. In the 1940’s to the 1970’s, a lot of America’s soldiers and shining heroes would go to a world of escape when they came back home from war. The Red Light District was always at the heart of Chinatown. Drugs, alcohol, and prostitution were the second life of escapade. We all face that kind of dilemma everyday, and we all live two lives (sometimes three!). This album will focus on the beauty and grime of everyday life. I want people to think, feel, and even hate me after listening to this album. I want to provoke emotions. I even have a track lined up titled “God is Dead”. No one ever said making a classic would be easy!
ASIANCE: After the release of your last studio album, what will you be doing, in terms of a professional career?
MistaMil: Well, I got a B.A. in Communications/Advertising so I’m seeing where that will take me. I’m always open to doing new things. Currently, I’m working for Spots Production (nightclubs and events). Just want to say what up to my Spots fam! SPOTSPRO! I’m also working on Meesh’s album Take You Higher, so watch out for that! You can check more of her out on the website.
ASIANCE: Do you think you will miss being in the music spotlight? Why or why not?
MistaMil: Oh, very much. I never thought I was in any spotlight, but the way fans have embraced me I definitely feel special haha. I can only be thankful for that.
ASIANCE: Looking back over the last 9 years, what are some interesting things, or probably lessons, you’ve learned from being in the music industry?
MistaMil: Listen. Listen to your music. Listen to other artists and other artists above you. Listen to your piers, your boss, and listen to your parents. A good listener is a good communicator. If you can communicate, you can do anything! Learning how to do that was the most valuable thing I ever gained over the last 9 years.
ASIANCE: What is some advice you’d like to give to those musicians, such as yourself, especially those in the Asian American community?
MistaMil: Be yourself. Just because you’re Asian or Filipino or whatever, that doesn’t restrict you from being more than that. It shouldn’t restrict you as an artist either. Don’t be another stereotype and try putting yourself out there like you’re not even Asian. It’s a beautiful thing when someone can listen to your music and not judge you by your race or color. Do you, simple as that.
ASIANCE: Do you have any words for your fans and fans of the L22 Records family?
MistaMil: Oh yes! Big shout out to the deuce fam and all of our fans and supporters! We’re doing it big in ’07, no doubt. And make sure you all come out to the L22 Records 10th Anniversary party on March 16th at Club Vegas in Costa Mesa. We’ll also be having a 10th Anniversary show with performances in April so stay posted at L22RECORDS.COM! Peace & one love.
Check out MistaMil’s album, which will be out in August 2007! For more information on L22 Records and Rammil Lim, visit www.l22records.com