„Poverty surrounds me on a daily basis.“ Can you tell how your surroundings influences your music?
My surroundings and the environment I grew up in are definitely the prime influences to my general attitude and of course my musical output. Without a doubt if I had grown up under different circumstances, the content of my music would be different, but then again, I probably would not have been rapping at all because I would not have the same drive and desire. Like many artists coming from the ground up, music not only symbolized a means of expression but also a means of elevating myself in the societal totem pole and escape the harsh realities of my environment.
Aren´t you afraid that putting Biter´s Block on the album can close you some of the industry doors?
Releasing this project from an independent standpoint allowed me to not have to censor myself with the subjects addressed on the album. Theoretically, it would seem like a bad idea to include a song calling rappers out because of unoriginality but Biters Block has actually been one of the songs that has gotten the most positive feedback. That’s probably due to the fact that the sentiments expressed on the song echo a lot of pre-existing criticisms about certain rap artists and surprisingly even The Source Magazine gave the song props, awarding it a mention in the Fat Tape Section in May 2007, alongside songs by 50 Cent, Bone Thugs, Timbaland and others.
In your eyes, how is Fabulous´ and Banks´ style similar to Mase´s one?
Nice question man, you’re actually the first interviewer to get real specific with the questions….Based on my observation of the rap industry for over 10 years, I am able to pinpoint certain bases of originality like biting lines, swagger jacking and other flagrant rip-offs. In the case of Fabolous and Lloyd Banks, their entire style is based on what Mase brought to the game: Lazy-sounding flow, filled with punchlines and surprising compound rhyme structures, while still retaining the teddy-bear sensibilities that cater to the ladies.
Do you realy think that DMX wouldn´t have made it if Pac had been alive?
You know, I’m actually a fan of DMX and own a few of his records. His first album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot is without a doubt classic, introducing the world to the Ruff Ryders collective, among other things. However, in terms of imagery and subject matter, DMX is definitely an extension of the Tupac Shakur tree, and if 2Pac was alive X’s impact would undoubtedly not have been as impressive and he probably wouldn’t have sold as many records. The same can be said about Ja Rule, who ironically had beef with DMX over who bit who’s style but at the end of the day, they are both students of the 2Pac Thug Life school of rap.
Why don´t you like Dipset?
I have nothing against Dipset and anybody coming from the hood getting money, but to me, Dipset is part of the generation of rap that lowered the bar for emceeing in terms of creativity and substance. Back in 95 you had collectives like Wu-Tang and Boot Camp that had the whole industry stepping their game up meanwhile Dipset made it okay to be lackluster.
How would you describe your relationship with Domingo?
Domingo is my mentor in the game of hip-hop. He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes to the industry as well as putting me in positions enabling me to work with some of the best lyricists of all time. Me and Domingo will always be 100 percent and we will continue to make incredible music throughout my career.
How many people didn´t understand the Sean Price „dissing“ Rugged Intellect video?
I think most people understood the video was a joke when they see me enter the picture and poke fun at individuals that thought Sean was really dissing me in that video. The whole thing was a prank, and I’m glad the haters got mad when they saw the joke was really on them!
What´s it like wotking with RA The Rugged Man? Any crazy stories?
Working with RA was a dope experience as I have a lot of respect for his status in the industry as one of the first Caucasian MCs to bring skills to the table. We’ve done a bunch of shows together as well and that’s always dope too. The craziest shit I seen him do was take a girl on his shoulders in the middle of his set and continuing to rap all the while unintentionally banging the girl‘s head against the ceiling…That was hilarious!
Do you think that Canadian hip hop gets respect it deserves? Which canadian hip hop albums are in your stereo?
I don’t think Canadian rap gets as much respect as it should, but at the same time, the respect is always there for artists that actually deserve the respect. Aside from my own album, my favorite Canadian albums include Maestro Fresh Wes‘ „Naaah This Kid Ain’t From Canada,“ Saukrates‘ first album and Choclair’s „Ice Cold.“
Since we are a Czech website and border with Germany. Can you tell us about your time spent in Germany?
Unfortunately most of my time spent in Germany was when I was very young so I don’t really remember much about Germany. However, from what I been able to see and hear, the scene in Germany is in full expansion and I can’t wait to go out there and connect with the German hip-hop community and rock some shows. Hopefully that will happen soon….
The album gets great reviews. Do you read them? Do you care about the ratings?
It’s definitely a blessing for the album to have received such positive reviews thus far. Although ratings are not the ultimate measure of success, it’s always dope to see the media outlets appreciate the music I’ve worked so hard to put together. I appreciate all the love the album’s been getting and all the heads that have contacted me with their thoughts on the project.
For those that don’t know, my album is called „Renaissance Music: The Introduction“ and it’s available now. The album features Kool G Rap, Ras Kass, Heltah Skeltah, AG and Party Arty, RA The Rugged Man, Rustee Juxx and Solomon Childs as well as production from Domingo, Buckwild, Adam Sampler and more. The album is available everywhere, like HHV.DE, Groove Attack, Mzee.com, Amazon and Audio3.cz. One Love!
