Right now, it seems that cookie-cutter Hip-Hop is becoming the entire norm. The stereotypical artist that gets signs at the moment is usually a late teen-to-early 20 something equipped with a manufactured image created by their support team. But in the case of Gabson “Kertasy” Augustin, what you see is what you get.

The young MC is fresh of his appearance of the 'Vibe Magazine College Tour 'where he shared the same stage with names likes Juelz Santana, Little Brother, and Fabolous all the while making headway with his single ‘Fresh 2 Def.’

The newcomer also had a chance meeting with R. Kelly that left the superstar R&B singer/producer impressed with his talent. Now as he makes the rounds with his newest mixtape, Kockback and Reloaded: Leave A Message vol.2, the New Jersey native is sure to have his inbox flooded with more voice mails than he can handle. 

SixShot.com: How was it like growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey?

Kertasy: It was just like any other ‘hood. You had the hustlers and all that. But a lot of the people are into the party scene, and people party real hard out there in Elizabeth [New Jersey]. Every place has a ‘hood, so I’ve witnessed some of the same stuff other people have.

SixShot.com: When did you first get into Hip-Hop?

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. ONG>Kertasy: I would say around ten years old when I was living with my uncles, and they used to watch Video Music Box. I was small then, so I was into watching cartoons, but when they would come home, and I had no control over the TV, so I had to watch what they were watching. So after watching Video Music Box, and all of my uncles buying vinyl and cassettes, that’s what really got me into the music.

SixShot.com: So when exactly did you first start making a name for yourself?

Kertasy: I would say my 7th grade year. There was a project for Black History Month, and I did a song about Harriet Tubman. After I performed it, I got into the newspaper, and that was my first real recognition.

SixShot.com: Was it difficult for you at first to break onto the scene?

Kertasy: It was at first because I was trying to find the right person to believe in me, but I started making my industry push at the age of 18. That’s when I really starting getting recognized, and I started doing major shows, like opening up for other people. 

SixShot.com: Speaking of that, you had an opportunity to perform on the Vibe Magazine College Tour. How was that experience like?

Kertasy: That experience was really good, because I had a chance to visit other states I never been to before. I got a chance to kick it with celebrities I only seen on TV, and rocking the crowd was just crazy. That was my first time rocking a major crowd, and that’s how I knew I had something going. I had a great response, I never got booed, and I was getting a crazy reaction. 

SixShot.com: So with so many new artists coming out, why should fans listen to “Kertasy”?

Kertasy: It won’t be hard to get people to listen to my music, because I already have the people’s ears. My stage presents is so crazy, and I have a style with me. And with my energy on stage, I grab attention from the rip. I just know how to catch people’s ears and I know how to pick the proper production.

SixShot.com: So what kind of obstacles have you come across so far being an up-and-coming artist?

Kertasy: Well out here in [New] Jersey, I’m known for throwing a lot of college parties, so a lot of people know my face from just being on flyers. So that’s another way I’m getting my name out there, and that’s a great marketing plan, and I’ve been using it since high school.

SixShot.com: You also worked with R. Kelly. How did that come about?

Kertasy: Well I was working with another company before, and they had moved me out to Chicago. But things weren’t working out, but I was in the right place at the right time and I met him at a basketball game. I knew I was about to leave and go back to New Jersey, so thought that I might as well make another connection. So then his people put me on the spot in front of him, and R. Kelly was like, “Okay then, let me hear you spit.” Then I ended up shutting it down for like 30-minutes straight.

After that, he gave me his number, and all the rest of his contacts. So the next day at the airport I was flying out, and then I gave him a call. Then he had someone come and pick me up from the airport. So from there, I was rolling with him for a whole year, but because of his court case that was going on, it took awhile for him to try and put me out. So he said that he didn’t want to hold me back, and if any label wanted to sign me, that he would co-sign me. So I did end up getting his blessing.