How did you get into the game?
Well I started rapping when I was like 5 after I saw kriss Kross and Raven Simone doing it I was like "aww man this thing isn't just for adults" and I grew up with and around some of Detroit's most talented lyricist, guys like 40 Da Great and K.Illa, the group I.R.S. just to name a few. K and 40 recognized my talent at a young age and kind of took me under their wing giving me advice and stuff ya know? I was always the lil dude running around trying to prove I was a dope emcee.
Who inspired you?
I would have to say first and foremost my Pops inspired me , he was heavy into music I mean all the funk bands, soul, I'm from Detroit so of course all of the Motown joints got heavy play in our house, and most especially Hip Hop. That kind of made it acceptable to me, the fact that my father listened to everything from the golden era, and I mean everything from EPMD and Krs-One, to NWA, 2pac, and the Geto Boys. I later found out before my Grandma passed in 2006 he used to write music when he was younger so I guess its kind of in my blood. Till this day I dont even think he knows he's the reason i got into music. Another person who inspired me is my homeboy K.Illa, he told me to just be true to myself.
What is your favorite song of yours?
Hmmmmm thats a tough one, my favorite song by me, everything I do is hot (laughs). But umm seriously its between "Chance 2 change em" and "Daddy's Here". I say "Chance 2 change em" cause that was the first song I had completed where everything was true to me and straight from the heart. One night me and my homeboy JJ was listening to T.I.'s "still ain't forgave myself" and I connected with what he was saying. I felt like if I could relate to him then there was someone in the world who could relate to my story, and I went home that night and just let my heart bleed through my pen. The response from people was crazy and inspired me to continue to grow in that direction. And I say the song "Daddy's Here" cause if it were not for my daughter I wouldnt have taken my lyrical talent serious and would probably be dead or in jail right now. That song is a love note to my daughter from my heart, we shot a low budget video for it and had mad fun!!!! Shoutout to Kurt Norris who directed the video.
If you could make a track with an rapper dead or alive who would it be and why?
Aww man thats a tough question too, what rapper would I like to work with dead or alive? Hmmmmm I would have to roll with Big L what up Harlem!!!!!!!!!!! Big L was an amazing lyricist and didnt get the chance to take it to the next level. But the proof is in the pudding, for all you young cats who dont know who he is Google him or check him out on Youtube, the boy was the definition of ill!
How do you feel about the current state of hip hop?
I feel real good about the current state of Hip Hop. Its alot more opportunities for artist these days most especially if you're business minded and you utilize the internet to its fullest capacity. I think people within the industry got spoiled from records going triple and quadruple platinum and everyone is up in arms, but if you look at the musical landscape from the 50's, 60's, 70's and even the 80's artist would pray for a gold record. As far as the dance music, dance was always incorporated into Hip Hop look at Rob Bass "it takes two" EU's "doing the butt" and even artist like Kid N Play. They all made timeless music that when you throw it on at a party it gets bananas!!!! I dont do all the dance instructional music (laughs) but I dont knock it, and that doesnt mean I wouldnt try it, if it was genuinely something I was in to ya dig. I think anything that takes kids off the streets and helps them stay away from negativity is great. And everyone knows right now in this era some of the dopest music is from the up and coming artist cause were so hungry and we have so much to prove to the world.
What do you bring to hip-hop?
I bring that Complex shit to Hip Hop (laughs). No but seriously I bring a fresh point of view to the game. I was watching MTV before they threw Hip Hop into heavy rotation so i grew up listening to everything my father listened to as well as groups like Sum 41, Nirvana (was the shit & still is especially on Rockband & Guitar Hero, laughs) Green Day, & Alanis Morrisette ( Ironic is one of my favorite songs). So I try to incorporate different genres into my music to appeal to a wider audience. Im working on a song right now with this crazy Bryan Adams sample of his song "Run to you" thats going to be crazy!!!! The song is called "This womans life" and its loosely based on someone I know. other than that Im bringing dope lyrics and storytelling to the table. I feel like Detroit artist haven't had the privillege of enjoying the success of the Hip Hop industry on a large scale so were just like New York was in the early days so to speak. Hungry and we have a story to tell.
Any new Projects you working on?
I'm currently working with different artist and producers across Michigan and a few out of town Artists. I'm trying to create a cult following and a buzz( bigger than insects in Texas, laughs) that way no matter what I know I have a fanbase to speak to. I'm also working on my solo debut "Hip Hop since 1986" which I'm trying to craft into a classic and I've been thinking about putting out a mixtape as soon as the buzz grows a lil larger, that way people will have something to look forward to and I'm not just putting out product thats not being heard.
Anything ells you wanna say?
I just wanna say thanks to BasxMusic for taking the time out to holla at me. and oh yeah ITS YA BOY!!!!!!!
Any Shoutouts?
First and foremost I wanna shout out my daughter Mea daddy loves you baby, my fiance Nakea, the 7mile Eastwood Boys, the NBA, all of Michigans music artist who are pursuing their dream, my business partner J.Jackson, L. Change, & my Mom and dad and all my fans. FREE TONE & FREE JJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ps.my mans M Zeezy, Merlin, and you J.
