Meet the executive producer and recording artist behind the web series Life, Love N Struggle: Toronto. Alize.S has not only released multiple web shows via youtube, he has also released multiple mixtape and EP projects included his latest project Superman On Weekends. He recently sat down with MMXProductions to talk about the show, comparisons to other reality shows, and the politics behind the grind. 

 

What made you want to produce your own independent reality show?

I’ve always loved reality shows. I may not always tweet about them but I promise I have one set for everyday of the week. I find them to be a great escape from real life especially when I’m going through things. You get to see someone else’s trials and triumphs which you can use as a lesson or a distraction from your own turmoil. Like scripted shows, there are characters you like and dislike…its just fun! Once I realized I could make my own, it was really only a matter of time. I got some friends together, found some locations, and made it happen. I still love doing it.

 

 

How does your show compare to shows like Love & Hip Hop or The Real World?

I don’t think Life, Love N’ Struggle compares to either. We focus more on the music and business side of things as opposed to the drama and fighting. Most of the cast wants to reach some level of success in the real world so I think that’s at the forefront when we film. When I was working on the pilot project of Life, Love N’ Struggle two years ago, I thought the drama would help bring viewers in but it was REAL drama. It was stress that I never thought I would have to deal with working with friends and I would never do that again. This show has drama though; we just deal with it differently. I can’t say anymore than that though, you have to tune in!

 

 

Is it difficult to produce film and music projects while dealing with other things in life?

It is a lot more difficult than people like to give us credit for. With LLNSTO for example there is planning, location scoping, organizing, filming, editing, etc. The cast and I work together to make it all happen, but it is still a lot of work. It definitely took up the bulk of our summer but I was happy to invest my time and efforts into something I was 200% behind. For months I had wanted to make it happen and I’m just happy that it’s being released and received now. Music is a whole other thing because people seem to think it’s easy for me to put out songs and Mixtapes. I write, record, and edit all of the songs I put out. Plus, I like directing shoots for my covers and promo shots. It is far from easy, but I love it!

 

 

How hard is it to keep up with friendships in the city, especially with your music career and other things you have going on?

That’s also hard for me. There are people I know that I would like to talk to more or spend time with, but I just don’t have the time. Because I work on all of these projects, I tend to stick to my ride or dies and leave it at that. If someone were to make the effort to spend time with me and I wanted them in my life, I would definitely try to make time. I’ve been blessed with friends that understand my work ethic and creative process but if the right people came into my life, I would make room for them. I’m a lot to handle though! An artist’s mind is never calm, I’m the type of guy to change gears mid-thought, come up with a plan of action I want to complete in a month or two and your role in it may already be established before I even mention it. That’s just T.Y.S. (The Yung Superman) for you.

 

 

How has the reception for Life, Love N’ Struggle: Toronto been so far?

It’s been great! I’m so thankful people are tuning in and giving me feedback! I’m always working on different ways to promote the show and let people know about it. There are so many politics though! The blogs and magazines here just don’t want to show me love. I know that if I had a co-sign from a big Toronto artist or TV star, people would give me a chance. I think that’s kind of silly, but I don’t make the rules. Also, I know a lot of people watch the show and then pretend they don’t. It’s funny because they speak to my mutual friends and those friends come back to me with the tea and I just laugh. People never want to co-sign something unless it’s already taking off, but I know LLNSTO will be successful. No one is doing what we’re doing in this city and I plan to make even bigger moves in film and music so it’s okay.

 

 

Towards the end of Life, Love N’ Struggle: Toronto do we get to see you ‘resolve’ through your struggle/hardships?

Some of them? My storyline is my music career this season so that’s an ongoing battle (laughs). What I like is that my struggles are so open on the show you’ll be like “Damn, he goes through that?!” I don’t complain publicly about the things I deal with because that’s not a good look, but on the show it will be hard to deny that other things come into play when I’m not recognized. But other things will be wrapped up like friendships and stuff like that. I care deeply for my friends so I want us all to get along. However, some things aren’t meant to last forever and you’ll see that on the show. It’s a great show though, just tune in and see! ​

 

Tune in to Life, Love N' Struggle: Toronto every other Sunday and stay tuned for more content from Alize.S, Dominique, Keisha, Ese & Lynn!

Follow us on twitter: @ThisIsAlizeS & @MMXProductions