From the Bronx, New York emerges an extremely talented emcee with the cadence and presence to take the music world by storm.  He dropped a free for download LP/mixtape entitled “Heaven’s Fallout,” on his Myspace page with opening songs such as “Vietnam” and heart-wrenching songs such as “There’s Nothing Left.” This cat proves that a hip-hop emcee is eclectic in the music they listen to and also the music they make.  Freestyling over electronic bands such as Royksopp and the Prodigy and even Fueled by Ramen’s Fall Out Boy, this Bronx-raised emcee shines on his song choice.  Who else could I be talking about?  Who else rocks Supras and spit a clean freestyle for the mainstream masses on BET’s “Rap City” a month ago? Mickey Factz, people; if you don’t know who he is, you will by the end of this interview.  I sat down with Mickey Factz to get more incite on who he is, and what drives him to make music. 

First and foremost, man I would like to thank you for thanking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with me.  I wanted to ask you man, why did you pick the name “Mickey Factz?”  Is there any significance behind the name? 

Mickey:

The name Mickey comes from Natural Born Killers. He was a ruthless killer who loved Mallory Knox to death. Mallory is Hip Hop to me. Facts are all I talk about in my music, but since I have an edge to me, the 'z' is added. 

Do you feel any stress on your shoulders being an emcee from the birthplace of hip-hop, Bronx, New York?  Who were and are some of the emcee’s from New York that you grew up on and look up today? 

Mickey:

No stress at all. I feel honored to be from this borough. I grew up on Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Biggie, KRS-One, Big Pun, Big L etc. Any lyricists who could tear you apart in a cipher [as well]. 

Is “Heaven’s Fallout” an album or a mixtape?   

Mickey:

It’s a conceptualized album. It’s my 3rd actually. The first one was “In Search of the N.E.R.D.” The second was “Flashback” 
 
How would you define your music?   

Mickey:

My music is the fork in the road to greatness. Everybody usually makes the right when you get to the fork. But if you want to be daring and feel like you’re REALLY getting somewhere, make that left and experience something life changing. 
 
The internet is a powerful tool man for independent artists, and I can say that I would not even know who you were if it wasn’t for the ‘net.  How do you feel about using the internet to promote and market yourself?   

Mickey:

It’s a blessing for me. I have access to tons of people who surf the net and go on to blogs to find some of the hottest talent out. I use it to my advantage because I'm thinking outside the box when it comes to marketing and promotion. 
 
When you were featured on BET’s “Rap City,” how did that feel to know that you were gaining more exposure to a grander and more mainstream audience? 

Mickey:

It was amazing because the goal is to be seen by everyone's eyes. I can't wait for the next installment. 

Brah, I can hella relate to “There’s Nothing Left” on the “Heaven’s Fallout” release; I wanted to ask you if that was all truthful accounts of what happened to you? 

Mickey:

Yes. That was one of the realest songs I ever wrote. Every word is the truth. It’s one of my more favorite songs on “Heaven’s Fallout.” Really touching…. 
 

I had no idea what Supras were until I heard your song, “I Love Your Supra’s.” I had to go cop a pair after I seen them.  Are you sponsored by Supra and how would you define your style of dress? 

Mickey:

Supra and GFCnewyork have a continuous growing relationship. They understand the direction I'm going towards, and they support it 100%. My style of dress is definitely one to admire. Quite frankly, I'd call it breath taking. 

I know that the Bronx is your hometown, but do you have any other place or city that you can call your second home? 

Mickey:   
The studio. [Laughs]. Homesweet home. 

You are the only emcee that I have heard to use rock and electronic bands instrumentals to freestyle over.  A lot of cats do not realize that hip-hop is a gumbo pot and is mixed of different types of music to make hip-hop.  What bands do you listen to? 

Mickey:

Currently it’s diverse. Vampire Weekend, Janelle Monae, Chester French, Aerosmith, Daft Punk, Telepopmusik etc. I try to broaden the sound that I listen to on a daily basis.

If you could work with any artist, band or composer (dead or alive), who would you want to do a project with? 

Mickey:

I'd work with Jimi Hendrix. [He’s an] absolute monster when it comes to letting music embody him. 
 

Are you touring this summer?  How do you feel about the line-up for Rock the Bells?  Man…I know you’re going, right? 
 

Mickey:

Yeah, I’ll be doing a couple shows here and there. Keep your eyes open. I'll make a surprise appearance at Rock the Bells as well. 
 

Are there any last words that you would like to leave with the HipHopRemix.com heads? 

Mickey:

”The Leak” is available every week for free on my Myspace page at www.myspace.com/itzmickey. 
 
”The Achievement” LP will be due out at the end of the year as well. 

Mickey Factz has all of the charisma and talent to push him into the high-level plateau that he is destined for.  Thanks, Mickey for taking the time out of your schedule to do this interview with me; “Heaven’s Fallout” is a free download on Mickey Factz’ Myspace page.  Make sure you go download it and support this cat. 

Being from the Bay Area where recently the Northern California region’s local hip-hop scene has been slated with the moniker of “hyphy,” there is a truly exceptional producer hailing from Alameda (an island just off the coast of Oakland).  He has made a solid name for himself by remixing songs such as “Tell Me When To Go” by E-40, “Never Be The Same Again” by Ghostface Killah, and even Jill Scott’s “Golden”. Trackademicks might not be a household name yet, but he has the talent from production to do great things in the music world.  I seen Trackademicks at a show he had with Zion I in January here in San Francisco, and I was really blown away by his production and live set!  After meeting DJ Tap 10 (his DJ) and talking to him for a bit, Tap handed me Trackademicks’ “[RE]mixtape Volume 1.” From the first listen of this mixtape, I knew right then and there that Trackademicks would become a producer that I would be looking forward to hearing new material from on a regular basis.  I got the opportunity to talk to Trackademicks about his latest release, “The [RE]mixtape Volume 2,” his formula for remixing, etc:

Being from the San Francisco Bay Area, what local bands, rappers, etc. have been influences on you in the way you formulate your production?  What equipment do you use for making your beats, and do you play live instruments?

The Bay is so prolific when it comes to music. In terms of artists from the Bay that have directly influenced my style, Raphael Saadiq, Hieroglyphics, and the Khayree’s production have all been very important. I think the most important thing I’ve taken from the region is the overall laid back feeling in the music, the classic overarching theme and elements of cool and chill in the music. Khayree’s productions for Ray Luv, Mac Dre, and Mac Mall were what made me fall in love with lead synth lines and beat switch ups in a Mobb music format. Hiero did hip-hop that was so quintessentially west coast that I fell in love with everything from the way the samples were flipped to the enunciation in their raps.  Raphael Saadiq is just amazing. His work everyone from the Roots to Kelis has been important to the soul aesthetic in my music. In my opinion, he’s the best producer out of the Bay…

As far as my weapons of choice, I learned to make beats on an Ensoniq ASR-88. That has remained the centerpiece of my production process. I also use Roland Juno 60, a Nord Lead, a Seil DK 600, Reason, Pro Tools and a gang of records. I played the saxophone from the fourth through the twelfth grade. All that time spent in the school band was extremely important for my development as a producer, as it gave me a background in music theory.

What is the group, Honor Roll?  How did all of you guys come together to create this group?  How did you meet DJ Tap 10?

Most of us came up together.  I’m a proponent of crews getting together organically as we did. There are seven of us in the crew: DJ Tap.10 (DJ/A&R), Mike Baker the Bike Maker (MC), Spank Pops (MC), Moxmore (MC), 1 O.A.K. (Artist/Producer), Josie Stingray (MC), and myself (Artist/Producer). I went to high school with Mike Baker and Moxmore. We joined Youth Radio, a Berkeley based youth organization, and met DJ Tap.10.  1 O.A.K. was also part of Youth Radio. Spank Pops and Josie came to be part of the crew through a close friend. We were all into the same music and understood the importance of making well-informed music for the Fre$h generation to bridge gap between old and the new, infusing it with artistic influences from all genres.  The Honor Roll is here to turn the ideal into reality. 

Your latest release, “The [RE] mixtape Volume 2” had hella songs on it that I was feeling!  My favorite song on there was with Little Brother’s Phonte, “Halfway.” Which songs on the mixtape are your favorites?

“Halfway” is a great song. Phonte is an amazing artist. I hooked up with him after doin’ the Windimoto Remix (he’s the vocalist on the song).  I shot him a few beats and he banged this out with Carlitta Durand. As far as my favorites, I have to say that I love the whole project.  The whole reason I make music is for my own listening pleasure.  I hate to say it, but you might catch me slappin’ my own project on more than one occasion. This love I have for my own music is what keeps me making more. It’s about drive, not vanity.

Growing up, what genres of music were you exposed to that you now can say has helped mold your production style?

Before I was even into hip-hop I was into 80’s pop like Wham! and Tears For Fears, CTI Jazz like Grover Washington and Bob James, and R&B like Cherrelle and Bobby Brown. I would say that my musical sensibility is very rooted in the 80’s, with the prominence of synth-driven soundscapes.  In high school, I really got into electronic music across the board, from deep house, to soulful drum & bass, to trip-hop, to broken beat. I love to mix rhythmic, melodic, and textural differences between all of these genres to create a new hybrid music. I’m biracial, Filipino and Black. I strive to make music how my parents made me… Mix it all up!

You have a very unique sound to your beats, man.  I would describe it as ambient club lounge music or even chill-out at the crib music.  How would you describe your music in your own words?

I usually let the music speak for itself instead of trying to describe it for artistic reasons.

However, taking a cue from the BEST group in hip-hop, Outkast, I call my brand of music “WesternSlapademickTenderSmobbinCosmicMusic”. The music is just that; Super-Sonic-Sensual-Soulectronic- Futuristic-Vintage-Synthetic-Classically-Intellectual-Slap! [This is] the soundtrack from the Fres$hcoast from the Fre$h Generation.

Are you currently working on any projects for anyone else or even yourself right now?  What artists can music heads expect to hear that you have worked with in the near future?

Right now I have a lot on my plate.  I have a 12” coming out on Fool’s Gold Records for “Enjoy What You Do”/”Topsidin’”. I did a couple beats and I am featured on Lyrics Born’s album that just dropped. I also did a song on Kid Sister’s upcoming debut album.  On the remix tip, I just got commissioned to do a remix for Platinum Pied Piper’s first single off their upcoming release.  I’m working with everyone in the Honor Roll on their respective projects. I am also finishing up my album and shopping it as we speak. We takin’these habitual truants back to class!

Are there new up and coming artists currently that you are feeling?  I saw that you did a remix for the Carps’ song “The Tumultuous Adventures of JJ Iscariot & the Insatiable Booty Fanatic.” That shit was hot!

The Carps are the homies!  As far as new artists, there are a couple that I’m feeling. I’ve been on Janelle Monae for a minute. She’s out of Atlanta and just got signed to Bad Boy. She’s about to make a crazy impact.  Santogold is also a monster. I’m feeling her project real tough right now. I’m also anticipating J*Davey’s upcoming project.

Lately, hip-hop has been labeled by media heads as this being the “age of ringtone rap.”  How do you feel about this?  How do you feel about the whole playing field of hip-hop as a whole right now?  Do you believe that your influence can be a great impact on the music world?

It’s funny because the very term “Ringtone Rap” is telling of where the game is. In its current inception, mainstream hip-hop is largely dictated by commerce and not art. Much of the music that surfaces is a reaction to what is popular, an attempt by labels with artists and producers (read “indentured servants”) trying to jump on the bandwagon (which is now sitting on 24”s, of course!). That sounds harsh considering I like some of this “ringtone rap”.  I feel that music production tools have become more cost effective and user friendly.

Now aspiring beatmakers can make music cheap and fast. I think this is a good competitive environment because it forces the cream to rise to the top. The only issue I have with the current state of hip-hop is the lack of importance placed on originality and musical legacy. It seems that newcomers are just making music, disregarding unspoken rules because they haven’t been educated on the game. I believe that this is my primary function. I believe any  sound has the ability to make an impact;  its all about it being relevant to the audience. I chose to lead by example. I make music for people like me. People who love all kinds of food and aren’t scared when it touches on the plate. Funny thing is, I’m finding a whole lot of people who have the appetite and just need a suggestion on where to dine.

What are your top five favorite producers of all-time; who are your top five favorite bands and who are your top five favorite bands?

This is a super hard question… My answers change from week to week, with the same revolving casts and players… There are just too many strong frontrunners to name…

In no particular order:

Top Producers: The Neptunes, Dilla, DJ Quik, James Murphy, The Soulquarians…

Top five Artists: Outkast, N.E.R.D., Sade, Prince, Tears for Fears

If you could work with any musical band or artist (dead or alive), who would you want to work with? 

This is a hard one… Stevie Wonder, Raphael Saadiq, Todd Rundgren, Dilla, Big L, Stereolab…

 “The [RE]mixtape Vol.2” is a free download on Trackademicks’ Myspace page and it is definitely the most complete release I have heard this year so far.  He remixes artists such as Snoop Dogg and Pharrell to even bands such as the Editors.  Make sure to look out for any production slated by Track; it’s sure to keep your ass dancin’ and your head noddin’ the whole musical experience.  Thanks, Track for the opportunity, brah.  You have one hell of a bright future ahead of you. 

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{mosimage}The Maryland/ Washington DC area has never truly been known as a hotbed for producing hip-hop emcees on a national scale, but after attending a CunninLynguists show and seeing this young cat, Substantial (hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland) I realized that I could not have been more wrong.  I went to college out in Maryland and I had never even heard of this cat Substantial from any of my peers from the Mid-Atlantic region.  In fact, the first time I had heard of Substantial was on Nujabes’ “Metaphorical Music” LP; Nujabes remixed Sub’s “Blessing It” and “Think Different.” On his latest solo release, ‘Sacrifice” Substantial displays the essential elements of extreme cadence and epic production within the 16 songs on the LP.  You can catch Substantial’s two videos for the songs, “It’s You (I Think)” and “Resurrection of the House Party” on YouTube.  He sat behind a merch table at the CunninLynguists show when I walked in and seemed like a truly humble dude.  Substantial and I talk about his latest album, “Sacrifice,” his collaborations with Nujabes, and what he views the plateau of hip-hop at this present time.

First and foremost, I would like to thank you Substantial for taking time away from your busy schedule with your touring with CunninLynguists to conduct this interview with me.  First things, first.  Tell the readers why Substantial is bringing true substance to the hip-hop game.

The substance I bring comes from my everyday experiences.  I am constantly trying to be the best “me”.  So as long as I stay true to myself, I’ll always have a somewhat unique perspective because there’s only one me.

Being from the Mid-Atlantic region of Maryland/DC, a lot of our readers do not know too many rappers/emcees from the region.  Frankly, man, the only hip-hop cats I can name from the area are Wale, Spank Rock, Kev Brown, and you.  Who are some of the big names in the Maryland/DC area that most of the readers might not have heard of? 

My man Oddisee has been doing the damn thing for a minute.  He’s down with Kev Brown, who you mentioned before.  Then of course, there’s Ken Starr who’s also down with them.  There’s folks like Asheru, Storm the Unpredictable, Kokayi but a lot of times around here, we’re overshadowed by the local Go-Go bands.  It’s all love though.

Are you working on any projects right now?  What is keeping Substantial busy nowadays?  Are you apart of any hip-hop groups or crews?  What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m mainly promoting my album, “Sacrifice ” right now, but I’m trying to wrap up this EP with a producer named Burns from Pittsburgh.   It’s gonna be a 6 song project and [going to] keep the listeners wanting more.

I’m apart of Extended Famm, [With]The Joe Brothers and The Plague so of course, my pen gets little to no rest.

In my spare time I do graphic design, martial arts, and watch movies.

I met you touring with the CunninLynguists cats in San Francisco; what other artists have you toured with?  How is it going touring with CunninLynguists?  What city has been the most hype crowd so far on this tour, and what city do you most like performing in front of?

I have also toured with other members of QN5 Music (Mr. SOS, Pack FM, Session, & Tonedeff) and Nujabes.  Most of the time when I’ve toured, it’s been solo.

The tour with CL has been great.  They are some of the coolest folks you’ll ever meet and very professional.  The city that was the most hype was definitely Eugene, OR.  When I saw our tour schedule, I did not expect them to be that hype. But, they were pretty damn “awesome” (That was our official tour word).  The city I had the most fun performing for was tied between Victoria, Canada and Bend, OR.  All of the shows were a lot of fun, but it’s rare to see crowds so hyped about an artist they’ve never heard of.

Are there any other genres of music that you draw you’re musical influences from? 

Although I listen to everything, I tend to draw most of my influences from Jazz & Soul Music.

How did you end up with being on QN5 Music with the likes of hip-hop cats such as Tonedeff and CunninLynguists?

I’ve known a lot of the artists on QN5 Music for years and had been featured on a lot of their releases. It was only a matter of time I guess.  Once I was close to finishing “Sacrifice”, Tonedeff offered to help finish and release it.  We’ve been labelmates ever since.

How did you end up with working with the Japanese producer, Nujabes?  That song “Think Different” on his Metaphorical Music LP was hot!

Thanks bro.  I met Nujabes through my friend, Sphere of Influence.  The next thing I know, I’m in Japan recording my first full length LP.                      

I heard you mention that you were cool with Kool Herc.  How did you end up meeting him and have you ever worked with him on any songs, parties, or shows?  How does it feel to be acquainted with a hip-hop giant?

I met Herc through my wife’s college professor and not too long after that he ended up spinning at my wedding.  We’ve worked together a few times.  While I was working on “Sacrifice,” I recorded him and used his vocals for the hidden track on my album and I also do fliers for his parties occasionally.  He’s a truly great brother.  It’s rare that people get to meet the person who had a hand in creating what you’re passionate about, so I know it’s a blessing to be able to call him a friend.

On the song “A PG Boy,” you talk about growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  For the cats that are reading this right now, can you please explain to them a little more about your area?  From growing up in Maryland, is the local go-go music a big influence in what you listen to?  I know you got some Backyard Band and CCB songs in your iPod, man.

Ok surprise #1, I do not own an iPod.  Surprise #2, I don’t listen to Go-Go that much.  [I] gotta keep it all the way real with y’all.  I still fool with Chuck Brown and I used to listen to a lot of Rare Essence and Northeast Groovers when I was younger, but I haven’t been following it as much these days.  I do mess with a few of the new bands like LISSEN, UCB, and Mambo Sauce though. 

As far as what it’s like around here… it’s everything.  Wild sometimes but laid back.  A lot of minorities are doing really well for themselves out here, but the hoods here are nothing to sleep on.

You had a real smooth, jazzy tone to your latest LP, “Sacrifice.” Did you produce anything on the LP?  Who else produced on the album?

I didn’t handle any production on the record.  I left it to folks like Kno & Deacon (CunninLynguists), Tonedeff, Fero Navi, Burns, Von Johnson, Donnan Links, Studio Steve Wallace, Final, Definition and my man Algorythm.  Algorythm handled the most production on the project.

Since the title of your current album is “Sacrifice,” what do you feel like you had to sacrifice to get to where you are today?  What would be the ultimate goal that you would like to accomplish in your lifetime?

I sacrificed a lot of rest, money and time with my family. The ultimate goal would be to raise and support a healthy family while doing what I love.

I was watching your video for the song “It’s You (I Think)” and I wanted to know if there was a female that was inspiration for the song.  Was there a muse in the female form that made you decide to write the song?  It was a great song by the way man, and if you haven’t checked out the video, readers…go do so on YouTube!

Thanks again.  There were actually 3 females that inspired the song.  Each verse is about a different girl I dated when I was younger.

I was looking on your Myspace page and seen that you were coming out with a clothing line.  Where do you get inspiration for your fashion designs?  I heard you say that you did graff (graffiti); do some of your designs come from this?  What’s the name of the fashion line?

Well I used to really want to have my own clothing line, but I don’t really think about it as much anymore.  I do have my shirts and hoodies that I push to promote my name, but that’s pretty much it for now.  Yeah I still do graff (in my black book) here and there and I definitely use some my graff skilsl in some of my designs.  I had a few different names I threw around back in the day, but nothing official right now.

If you could do a collaboration with any bands, artists, producers, or composers (dead or alive), who would they be with?

Wow, we could be here all day with that one. 

OK, well for those still with us:

Amy Winehouse, Common, De La Soul, Dr. Dre, Dungeon Family, Elzhi, Erykah Badu, Guilty Simpson, Jill Scott, Kanye, Lord Have Mercy, Lupe, Mint Condition, Neptunes, Pharoah Monch, Portishead, Radiohead, Sean Price, Stevie Wonder, The Roots, and Timbaland (Just off the top of my head)

For those that have past:

J Dilla, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Stan Getz (This is my short list because I could turn this into some marathon shit easily.)

I would like to thank you Substantial for taking the time to help me put this interview together so the hip-hop heads can get to know you better as a person and emcee.  Are there any other things that you would like to say to the readers? 

Thanks.  And to the readers… Buy my album!

Substantial is a hella humble cat with extremely tremendous potential; go do yourself a favor and buy his latest LP entitled “Sacrifice.” You will not be disappointed.  Make sure to check out Substantial on his Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/substantial).  Defining Substantial in a short synopsis: Substantial brings the raw aspects of a true emcee to life in a hip-hop landscape currently that is infused with cliché acts.  Sub, thanks for the time!

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{mosimage}Dubbed East Coast rapper this MC is far from the normal when reppin' from where he's from. As we mentioned before when we spotlighted him Sir Aah is far from your everyday mc so our own Rebecca finds out more about him. 

Before we start would you like to introduce yourself?

Sir Aah- What it be like?! Yao, it’s ya man Sir Aah checking in with Hip Hop Remix. Live from Washington DC and the DMV area, ya dig?! DMV is DC, Maryland, and VA.

I wanna big up UrbanElite for holding me down in the UK… shoutout to John, Stuckee, and Rupinder!

How did you first begin in the music industry?

Sir Aah- Where I’m from, everybody freestyles for competition. So it was just natural from high-school ciphers to making it a reality. I stopped battling and starting writing rhymes around 2001/2002. I got my first big break on the Adil Ray show on BBC Asian Network back in 2004.

What was it like coming over to the UK?

Sir Aah- The UK response has been phenomenal. They dig me cuz I’m Pakistani, but I’m from DC too, so my voice is what they want to hear in a hip-hop record. The UK is a great place to visit, I could see myself relocating there in the future.

Did the UK welcome you’re music as much as you thought they would?

Sir Aah- The UK has been a bigger fanbase than my own hood has. At least until this year when I dropped the video. DC gets it now. I’ve had like 20+ songs playlisted on the BBC since 2004. People like Adil Ray, Bobby Friction, Nihal, Panjabi Hit Squad, Mentor Kolectiv, and the Mic Check crew.

It’s good to have that audience, man. I hope they continue to support what I do.

What was it like working with MC R.E.U.B?

Sir Aah- R.E.U.B. is like the one guy in the DC area that everyone goes to. He’s always helping somebody out. I’ve known him for about 4 years now, and everytime I’m with him I’m picking his brain for some knowledge. Dude has it all, from the music, production, business hustle, and life lessons. He’s been a real mentor to me in this game.

The single is coming out in June, with artists such as MC R.E.U.B starring on the album is that set to be a massive hit for you?

Sir Aah- No doubt. If every song I did was as dope as Break Ya Waistline, I would be a superstar. I did both Muhammad Ali and Break Ya Waistline in REUB’s studio. I haven’t had a studio session like that in a loonnngg time. I do have some more bangers coming for you tho, don’t worry about that!

But look out for the Break Ya Waistline joint and the Mr. Ahmad album.

You were already at number.1 on the Billboards video hip hop chart, what gave you the idea for the video?

Sir Aah- Malik Pollard of MadFlavorTV and Elan Extreme magazine is one of the biggest DC music video directors. So I really just gave Malik a bunch of tracks one day and told him, “I need a hot video”.  He did everything, planned the shoots, got the girls, booked the auditions. All I had to do was show up and cut the check!

What other artists or influences are we going to be hearing on the new album?

Sir Aah- You’re gonna hear a lot from my producer/ right hand man, DJ Shihan. Hot, hot beats. The homie Sureet Sandhu of DigitalDesi is still rocking with me, you know our chemistry is like that.

As far as MCs you will hear R.E.U.B., ROE, and Jon Bland on there. Not too many industry features, DC isn’t big enough yet, so I want to get the hometown crowd some love.

As far as the music itself, I’m such a new ingredient to the flavor of hip-hop. My whole thing is to bring new sounds, new values, new messages, and themes to the music you know. I rely a lot on my culture, religion, and travels to give me my swagger.

Some people won’t like it, but if you’re looking for a new taste, I think I got what you need.

With the album set to be released later this year, will there be a tour to accompany it?

Sir Aah- If the single really pops off like that, I am coming to the UK, for sure.

Are you planning on coming back over to the UK?

Sir Aah- I heard August is the best time to come over there, I’d like to be there in August 2008. Nihal told me to rock the melas out there, ya dig?!

What else is in the pipeline for 2008?

Sir Aah- Just more videos, the next single is “What It Be Like?!”… Hopefully we can get a couple more videos done before the album is ready!

Any shout outs?

Sir Aah- UrbanElite, ya dig?! John Delday, Stuckee, Rupinder. Tax Free Records. Made Bond. Embassy Gang. Street team holding me down: Shihan, Stretch, Trini Black, Kaiser aka DirtbagProducers: REUB, Sureet, The Clinic, Olawale and Proverb. The whole DC, DMV, and 703!

Go over to Sir Aah's Myspace page and check him out for news on this talented artist: http://www.myspace.com/siraah  

For those that don’t know but should,  who is “Dame Grease?”

DG: I’m a producer who has produced for almost everyone.  DMX, Nas, Jay-Z, Freeway, Mary J. Blige, Kelis, Cam’ron, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, the LOX, Nore, Scarface, Yukmouth, LL Cool J, T.I., Juelz Santana, etc.

You are a multi platinum selling producer, what inspired you to get where you are today?

DG: My surroundings as a youth, everything I’ve put into my music and production is something I’ve experienced so that is really what influenced me.

How difficult was it to break into the mainstream hip hop scene?

DG: It was hard but everyone has to pay their dues.  Once I established myself working with the LOX and DMX I was able to break out.

Who was the first artist to give you that chance?

DG: Probably the LOX, working with them in 96/97 is really what first established my buzz as a producer.

You produced the LOX's dedication to Biggie Smalls “We'll Always Love Big Poppa’” and the DMX track "Get At Me Dog" did you expect both singles to go so well?

DG: The Biggie song we didn’t really expect to do as much as it did.  It was a really sensitive time, but when they let Puff hear the song he was crying. They actually thanked us and said it really helped.  It also inspired them to do “Missing You” which was the A-side to the tribute single. “Get At Me Dog” was crazy because I actually produced “If You Think I’m Jiggy” for the LOX, which was the last big song of what people described as the jiggy era.  Then I produced “Get At Me Dog” which set off that whole new era of Hip Hop, it was definitely a risk at the time but it paid off.

At what stage of recording a track do you realise it’s a hit?

DG: It’s crazy because sometimes you know it as soon as you think of the concept for the song.  Sometimes it’s just that strong that you know what the concept is capable of doing. From there all you have to do is put the song together and physically bring the idea together.

Your name is appearing in credits all over at the moment with the likes of Jay–Z, and Nas. How important is it for you to keep you’re name known?

DG: To keep it real with you, I wasn’t as concerned with it as much during the early part of my career. But now it’s everything because it represents credibility, good business, and solid hits.  At the end of the day all you really have is your name and credibility.

It has been rumoured that you will be stepping back into the studio to record a new album as an artist.

DG: The new album I have coming out is called “Goon Muzik,” it’s actually done and will be dropping May 27th on Babygrande and my label Vacant Lot.  On this one I’m on a lot of the songs, but I don’t consider what I do rapping. I look at it as hood narrating, almost like the narrator of a story.

Your mixtape on myspace has created quite a buzz is it going as well as you first anticipated?

DG: I knew the Respect the Producer instrumental mixtape would be big because everyone from fans to artists have been asking me for it for at least the past five years. Because when you look at it as a whole each song is like a piece of the puzzle that describes my career. There’s hits I’ve had on there from 1998 all the way up to this year.  To give you an example, I gave Max B a copy when he was at the studio and he was telling me that he’s gotta go in on all of these joints *laughs*.

Could you speak a little more on you’re project hiphopworld.tv?

DG: All I can really say is that I have my own separate site HipHopBrain.com that will be launching soon.

What else have you got planned for 2008?

DG: Other than Goon Muzik on May 27th, hopefully I will have my other album Sour Diesel out by summer.  Sour Diesel is more of a compilation with artists over my production.  I also have Max B’s mixtape coming soon, Meeno’s new single dropping, and mixtapes across the board from my artists at Vacant Lot.

Before you go is there anything you’d like to add?

DG: Be on the look out for the Dame Grease brand.

If you haven't heard the name then you are seriously missing out and not JUST beacause of the skills but for the simple fact this cat is a triple threat – from being a dope emcee, knowing how to act, and ready for the leadership that stardom puts out. Yet if your still doubting Stimuli's skills {audio}images/mp3s/Stimuli_I_Put_it_Down_freestyle.mp3{/audio}

Doubt no more – lets jump right into it! 

You’ve been in the game for a long time now yet a lot of cats don’t know you – what’s your official background?

When I was a teenager my brother was doing stuff with Masta Ace and the whole Juice Crew so I was just a little kid following around seeing what was going on. Hanging with Craig G, Masta Ace, G Rap, watching that whole movement. From then I was writing as a kid but nothing serious. When he started doing things for Biggie – he did 3 tracks off his first album “Ready to Die”. I’m in the studio – always around hip hop. I was on the Masta Ace album doing ad lips and choruses. It was always in me and around people that had chosen rap as a career. So back in my mind it always seemed something real – it didn’t feel like a dream. So after school I went to college and did the whole basketball thing music was all I really wanted to do. So in 2000 I never got a job after school I focused on music. I did what I had to do to get better in the craft. In 2002-2003 I started in the mixtapes and magazines. Got my team together got in Unsigned Hype.

You mentioned mixtapes but I noticed you were doing the film thing along with an album – what exactly are you working on?

In an independent movie called “Gotta Get Mine” been doing an extra’s on some major films just trying to get mine. Getting my acting skills together – working on an independent album called “Cinderella man: with Jay carter, an upcoming producer. It started out as mixtape but some of the music just had a real soulful inspective feel so we just tried to get distribution for it to make it an album. Besides all that working on a major release called “Emotion Picture” which was scheduled to come out on Virgin in 2005 when I got signed.

Now is acting something that you always wanted to do or did it fall into your lap?

Naw it was my minor in school and when I was doing it helped me with music. It symbolosis a character that I portrayed. It’s apart of me but I have to become that person on stage or in booth. When I first learned about acting and techniques a lot of things to get that character across found that it was synominis with music. I found it easy to jump into certain characters. When I’m on the stage or in the booth the same rules apply you can’t lose sight of where you are. I don’t know if that makes sense. When your acting and you become that character its something you can’t slip out of. You got to stay focused you gotta have your objective together. Being that I do that so much in music like when I’m in the booth when I’m spitting that verse there’s no drifting off. I know I’m within that verse and in the studio and I see what’s in front of me and see what I’m saying. It’s the same thing as acting. It’s something I enjoy and have a passion for. It’s not something I jumped because it cool – I respect the art.

You mentioned the release from Virgin and I know you got some deals in the works that you can’t speak on yet. Yet, can you say that in 2008 will be that year everyone will know about you?

I definitely can say that. I think in this business that I learned that it’s more important to get the people to feel what you’re doing behind you. The whole game has changed. If you had asked me when I first signed to Virgin I would’ve done anything to get national exposure like I would’ve put out any kind of record that didn’t really represent me but as long as I got the ringtones and people behind me I would’ve been content. Now I’m more so enjoying this underdog feel to where people are really looking for something and when they hear it they are more drawn to who you are. It’s like you solidify your fan base and your kinda happy with it. I do want everyone to know ‘me’ but I want everyone to know "ME” – not just the name or hot song or hot record. I don’t think longevity is something that comes with that.

So, you don’t want to make that ‘hot’ record – you’d rather just stay in game?

I want to make a hot track but I want to stay in the game as well. I want people to feel what I’m doing. I don’t want to just make a good record or a get on a hot song and have people know my name for a year and ask, “Yeah, what happened to that guy that had that song that one time.” I don’t think I’m that kind of artist.

A little bit more serious question – you just blogged about the “N” word controversy . What are your personal views on all the attention is received lately?

My personal views I think I voiced all them on that song. I really did that song hoping it would help stop saying the word. I think I can be put on both sides of the fence – if we disempowered the word from a “-er” to an “a” and yeah I use it in my regular speech around my people. Yet, at the same time when I’m around Caucasians and people that I’m not as comfortable as using the word that’s how you know something wrong. If I’m comfortable using here I should be comfortable using there. If they use it I’m thinking twice. So in my mind it doesn’t seem like a fad because it’s been around so long. I think hip hop has definitely played a factor in it. I’m not one of judge to say if something is good or bad but you know when something doesn’t feel right. I’d rather not use it so in the song I try to come up with other words, “dude” or “brother” but it didn’t have the same schematic feel. I always defend certain words in hip hop like “nigga” “bitch” like the schematic of those words are so strong and it goes along with aggressive music. Me being an artist I have to take responsibility so I was like if someone like Jay-Z put it out there we’re going to stop saying the word I feel he would have more of an influence than me. I joked around about it but it’s real. I just feel I want to stop using it and hopefully I can make strides to. At this point it’s a constant inner struggle because it comes out so easily when people around me use it. I don’t know if it’s hurting anybody I just know that sometimes that it doesn’t necessarily feel right.

…which is understandable – now, getting away from all that. What artist are you listening to now?

Right now I’m listening to a lot of R&B. I’m not even going to lie I listen to a lot of R&B. R&B inspires me because I think the emotion and the feeling that they put into the music it hits me a little more and sparks more topics. I listen to J. Holiday’s album. I listen to a lot beats mostly.

Was R&B a major influence in your rap – I know you basically grew up in this but you could’ve gone a lot of different ways. What are some major influences you put down the pen and pick up the mic?

Biggie passing was one of the things that wanted me to do it. I felt that I couldn’t be a fan as hard as I was like before I was I cool who sat there and listened to the music. When he left I felt a real big void. R&B definitely influenced me because I feel like rap music is a genre that you can say things and get away it. The thing about R&B is that it has more feeling and more soul. I felt that if I could combine the two and say things that R&B can’t say and using rap as an emotion to find that comfortable medium. I could’ve played ball, A&R but I just feel like rap music has such a powerful voice. We reach so many people with words. I couldn’t just sit back and do something else and not touch so many lives. I’m not even popular and people come up to me and tell me that I reached them. There’s nothing greater than that.

Is that something you’d like to do – once you get established – being looked at as the leader?

Definitely. I’m not even sure what I want to do with it. That’s how fast it is I have no concrete set plans. Wherever it takes me. If you listen to what I do I really don’t have one mission. I’m just some conscience emcee that beats politics into your head or somebody who always speaks negatively. I’m the regular human: if my day goes this way I’ll take you this way. I’ve been in the streets – I’ve been in school I’ve done it all. I represent a large group of people. So at the end of the day I definitely want to use this to be a leader. To show people that there are ways out the hood and there’s a lot more to life.

Right now – who’s on the top of your list of MC’s to take over the game?

 I’m just gonna big-up my peers because that’s who I want to see on top. I like what Joe Budden is doing. Joell Ortiz is my boy.

What about producers to take over?

I like Kayne. I always liked Kayne. I like Just Blaze. Dj Unk is doing his thing right now. I heard some new big stuff on the new Free way album. My boy J. Cardim is going to be force to be reckon with.

 In your eyes – what makes a well rounded emcee?

I think one of the first things is knowing your history. I think once you pick up a microphone or once you do anything you need to know the history of what came before you. I think what that does is allow you to see where you fit in and what you can bring to the game that’s missing. For me to be a fan of Big Daddy Kane that’s somebody who flowed differently on every kind of beat that had word play and was witty, comical and a quick tongue. So I’m thinking how I use what I learned from this person to bring to the game and add on. I think a well round emcee has to have stage presence. I think people can hear you but they don’t know how many takes you took in the booth. You’ve could’ve came up with a hot verse but took you 60 takes to get that one verse out but punched in 12 times. When you’re on the stage you got one shot. You got make everyone in that room believe what you’re saying. I think that’s one of the things I had to learn. Always delivery. Delivery is very important. Being that I’m gifted with some good lungs to get the words out and I’m saying the words as if I’m seeing what I’m sayin’. So you feel what I felt when I wrote them. Also being clever. I think people are taking the wonderment out of being an emcee by saying, “you gotta be real”. You look on the DVD’s and you see the cars and the jewelry and that’s cool but what it’s done is downplay being clever. I’m not saying you gotta be the wittest or the best lyricist, like me, but it’s cool to have some lines. Its cool for someone like Wheezy you know he ain’t gonna flow you to death or be the craziest lines in-depth but yet still he takes time to put some wordplay in there to where you’re like, “ok, he thought about this.” Don’t give me 5 lines of the same words at the end of the line you don’t care but you real so I could just listen to you anyway because you really do what you say you do.  Being real helps too, I think maintaining the game and authenticity like crazy priority.  If you stick with something you gotta really be behind or else people are going to try to expose you.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Wow – the funny thing is I think about this because this is one of the reason I started I always thought about the end and being gone.  And if I chose another profession what would I leave on this earth?  This music that I'm leaving behind is a representation of me and it’s not just me because everything I lived, that I've seen-like mini movies that I've put together and when I'm gone I really just want people to say that he was a voice for everybody you could pick up a song and it could take you somewhere and it may be my story but it’s not just my story because you can identify with it. 

Any last words to share?

This is not a fly by night thing, I’m gonna be here and it’s probably gonna be a take over of the game in the next year, I don’t wanna hurt anybody’s feelings.  Go online google me, I’m not stopping if you’re just hearing me get used to it.

…and we can't wait – peep his stuff over on his myspace

What’s good with you P?

Doing good man.

How hyped are you now that you’re releasing this new lp now that your off Interscope?

I feel great – I feel great with this album. Just ready to get at ‘em, ya know?

Speaking of the release date – December is a heavy month – how you feeling on the release date schedule?

I feel great man. I got promotion this time around, so I’m chilling. The single “Blow ya Mind” is doing great. I just shot the video and I didn’t have anything last time. No video – no promotion.  

I saw the video trailer for “Blow Ya Mind” and it looks fly. How’d you come up with that?

I really don’t know to tell you the truth. I just know the things that blow my mind – things that keep your mind far out.

How’d you come up with the name of the album because it is pretty common?

I named it after the individual I am. I was going to name it "5 Star General" but found out that Baby had that. So I had to figure out what best suits myself. I am what I am –  gangsta and a gentleman but I felt I stepped it up a little bit as far as gangster and being a gentleman. I’ve matured in a lot of ways. The way I carry myself is much better. So that’s why I’m a super gangster not just a typical gangster.

What’s the difference between this drop and “Time is Money” – besides the label change-up?

I would say the vibe of it. You can hear the straight hip hop vibe I really wasn’t worried about the politics being on the major. I was just cool. I just wanted to make what I wanted to make. Felt comfortable about doing it and not worry about shit. So that’s exactly what I did.

What track on this album best describes your life at this point?

I don’t know. I couldn’t tell you that specifically. I would have to say the whole album in general. I made this album to give all of me. I would say, “Alone in the streets”.

Why “Alone in the streets”?

That’s where I’m at a lot. Once you hear the content of song you’ll be able to dig it. From how you roll and the things that are going in your mind and you think about certain shit. Shit like that.

You been in the game in the long time and you have such a loyal fan base – what’s the future hold for P and the LOX in general?

I think we are a 110% straight hip hop group. We do what we do we make music, our business is just beter as the years go on. We are straight forward with dudes we don’t bend over and kiss ass. We do what we gotta do. When we leave out we’re gonna leave a  hell of a legacy and a hell of a catalogue. That’s how I look at it we’re leaving a mark on hip hop. I think it’s a time where it’s a lot of emcees that won’t be remembered in history.

Speaking of being remembered – is this the album you want to be remembered by or by everything?

Everything man. You never want to be remembered for one thing. Well, not me, I never want to be remembered for one specific thing. I want them to remember me by my audio work not just a certain body of work. My work in general – my catalogue from where I started to whenever I decide to leave. This album is definetly showing a pinnacle in my carreer. I’m making decisions I want to make – making albums I want to make and making music I want to make.

On the rap game – you have the same love for it – or feelin’ it needs something…?

I think it needs more emceeing. I think everything goes in cycles. It just need to go back to the cycle when people really started worrying about finishing their lyrics. I hope it goes back to that. But I’m happy the way its going because a lot of black men are getting paper. Let the chips fall where they lay.

On the album you got some great guest appearences on this album from Common – Black Thought – how’d that happen?

Just reached out to him.

He was eager to do it?

I speak with Black everytime I see him and got a lot of respect for the brother. Everytime I saw him I’d be like, “yo we need to do a joint together” and finally found a joint that I felt was right and called Black Thought told him about it and it was cool.

I gotta ask about the whole J-Hood dissing D Block – is there any love lost there?

Naw, I wish him the best. I don’t fuck with him but I wish him the best. I think what he did was unnecessary but he’s still a talented artist and hope he finds a home that’s suitable and good for him. I just feel what did was ignorant and wack but I wish him the best.

You think in a couple years you’d ever do a track with him?

I don’t know. I look at today and tomorrow. I ain’t really looking at a couple years. As far as shit like that I look at today and tomorrow and shit if it happens it happens If it don’t – I don’t know.

Switchin’ back to the label situation – what do you think has changed for artist between then and now for todays artist?

Decline of sales. With the internet and mp3’s, ipods and all that shit. I think last year T.I. was the only dude to go platinum. That’s part of the nature of hip hop. You give someone an album before it comes out on the internet – you can’t really expect anyone to sell anymore. Just gotta do your best and hope you survive.

What’s the future hold for you personally?

Album – I got a dvd coming out for called “Phantom Gangster Chronicles” rather a series of DVDs. Where I’m interviewing other rappers getting into their life. Actors – balls players – all sorts of entertainers – athletes. Also I got a carwash stepping that up as well and expanding. Just trying to keep it moving. Trying to land a couple realty shows and mini films.

Are you going to be more in the boardroom now that your’re basically on your own?

Yeah, I’m in the board room right now as we speak right now.

How’s that feel now that you’re the one behind the big desk?

It feels fucking great. It feels great. I can’t even describe it. Its like one day your working at the factory and next day your running the factory.

Any last thoughts for the public?

December 4th – 4th of December “super gangsta – extrodinary gentlemen” D-Block/Koch – be on the lookout for the Phantom Gangster Chronicles DVD’s  and cop it and make sure you cop the phantom gangsta mixtape. It’s on and poppin’ – I’m off to the races. If you get the bootleg cool – just make sure you get the real one to.  

We recently broke the news on CAUSE and his remix's of 50/Ye's singles "Stronger" and "Ayo Technology". We were so impressed we had to get some more info on the emcee – so you all heard it first on hiphopremix.com. Respect game and respect the CAUSE!

CAUSE is a pretty unique name – how did it come about?

Actually, a friend of mine that gave me the name. It was back in high school there used to be these freestyle ciphers and every time I would share a freestyle or a poem it would be about something. Compared to all my friends who would talk about guns and all this other nonsense I would always come with these issues that would come in my life. So, a friend of mine was like, “yo, you always rapping about a cause, I feel your name should be CAUSE.”  Ever since then I just adopted it.

Growing up – whose behind your inspiration to become an emcee?

Actually, Tupac. Tupac Shakur. Just because he took his issues from life to the microphone and back into life. He was a full artist. He was impressionable to the people and that is something I admired – from any artist. Those not only are they artist but how are they off the microphone and how they treat people and how do they treat the movement.

Favorite song from Pac?

*laughs* There  are so many.  At this point its “Changes”. “Changes” is probably number one. “Dear Momma” is number two. I just feel those are his most honest songs.

Pac inspired you but when did you decide to actually rock the mic internally?

Wow. I think the first time was when I went to the studio and messed up. *laughs*.  Honestly from that point I realized how hard it was. I realized how much of a challenge it would be. Its one thing to be in a cipher and to clown around then to actually go to a studio and create something you’re proud of. It’s a lot of hard work. I felt it was going to be easy because I did freestyle ciphers so easily. It became naturally for me. So, the first time I actually went to the studio with a friend and messed up. I was like I gotta make this full time thing and I gotta work hard it and its actually going to be a challenge. That’s what made me have to push full force. Ever since then I’ve been trying to repeat that. Every time I step in the studio I try to repeat that.

On the track “More than Music” – you speak on how rap / hip hop is more than music. Yet, how did you come about that at such a young age?

A lot of it was how I grew up. Hip Hop is suppose to be about your experience. You can’t blame someone who has money and they talk about money in their music because that’s what they know. Or somebody who dances a lot like Soulja Boy you can’t blame them because that’s their culture. My culture was my mom came from Columbia and went to Columbia, the University, and my father went to Columbia University. I come from an educated household. So, that’s how I grew up. I grew up observing the different struggles not only  in America but back where I’m from which is Ethiopia. So it was just something that’s always been with me. My life has always been it’s a lot more than music. The world is a lot more than where we are.

 Speaking on the Soulja Boys – what’s your view on the “mainstream” rap?

People expect me to hate on it. But I like where its at for the simple fact at this point I feel artist are doing what they want. I feel like everyone is starting their own movement. Even if people are feeling like its in a bad place I feel like from the downs in life you really have a bigger appreciation when life is up. It also gives you more motivation; more drive more inspiration to bring it back up to the level you’re happy with. So, I feel it’s beautiful because its coming full cycle about to get into the real hip hop because people miss it.

Who are feeling on the underground circuit that is getting ready to “blow up”?

Actually, I don’t look at artist as “underground” or “commercial” – I just look at artists who are more popular than others within their community. I respect Immortal Technique whom remains underground and has pretty good following. I just got put onto Blue Scholars and respect their movement. I’m very selective. Wordsworth. I respect few artists and I listen to a few artists. Being an artist myself I like zone out and I listen to different genres of music as well.

So who all do you listen to on the side then?

Oh, Otis Redding. I listen to Stevie Wonder. I listen to old Ray Charles. I love Amy Winehouse. I like soul music. I like Daptones. Even some Dave Matthews – Dave Matthews is on point.

The EP is definitely a banger but what else are you currently working on?

At the time I’m actually working on a mixtape and an album. I never wanted to do a mixtape but I feel like people wanted it from me so I decided to do it. It more like a remix tape, like redoing the hooks and stuff like that.

When should we expect the LP to drop?

Well, actually the mixtape will drop this fall I’m looking around November. The LP will  be around in the spring.

How close are you to finishing the LP?

Oh, still recording it.

If you could collab with any artist – right now – who would it be?

I would have to say Joell Ortiz. I would love to work with Joell Ortiz. His technique and how he rhymes and his flow and his delivery are so on point to my style I like it. I would love to work with him

What about producer?

I would have to say Midi Mafia. Midi Mafia makes some good tracks. Sabzi from Blue Scholars.

When it’s all said and done what do you want to have accomplished in this industry?

I would like to gain the respect of the people. I would like create a good catalogue that people can always go back to and always relate to. Music that is timeless. That’s really what I would like to accomplish. To be a good leader and a good role model at the same time. That’s my goal in this industry.

What can new people coming to your music expect?

A different sound. They can expect an artist that is not afraid to speak about issues that are still going on. I noticed that there are limitations on what people can say when they get to a certain part in this game. I never want to get to that point where I’m restricted. So I think for the person listening to me for the first time is someone going against the grain. Controversy lyrics.

You can peep more info on CAUSE at his myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/causenewyorksfinest

What’s going on…?

A little bit of everything (laughs) 

Starting in the beginning when and how did you decide dancing was going to be a part of your life?

I put it like this – I never decided it. It was something that was already that was decided for me. I never took dance classes. Never went out to be to be the best dancer or the best choreographer. I just could dance. But as I grew up it seemed like it was always the hobby I did. Then when I got to my teens it took over. It was like the most important thing in my life.  

During that time was there anyone you looked up to? 

Well, I had a friend of mine Keith Spurlings who was really the first person to teach me choreography. We were in dance crew together. A far as somebody famous there was a guy called Poppin' Taco from the movie Break Dance.

What actually made you want to connect with "So, you think you can dance?"

Actually Nigel connected with me and he saw "You Got Served" a said he wanted the choreography of that movie. Which was a couple choreographies but I was the one he chose. He went to my agent and said "I want to have a meeting with Shane Sparks," which was crazy to me because the concept of what he was talking about was the next level for me. It was perfect. So we met up for like an hour and the rest was history. 

So, you knew automatically that this was going to be the next big thing?

Oh my god! Me being a dancer and knowing the success of American Idol and knowing this was the guy that created American Idol was trying to do a dance American Idol. I KNEW this was going to be the biggest show in the world.

No doubt. And it is. But now that it’s blown up do you feel that it’s helped the hip hop industry?

Actually it’s helped every industry. Every dance genre in the world. Before this show I never really paid attention to ballroom dance and all the different styles: Quickstep, Foxtrot, Latin, Samba. I never really knew what were about. There are a lot of people out there that do that stuff for a living and never had the respect like Hip Hop. A lot of people do hip hop but don't have the respect. That show has put all dance styles to life and a lot of people respect that. All styles of dance are just important as any style of dance. They're all beautiful styles. That show has brought it to life. Now, people are making money of Ballroom classes, Samba classes, Salsa classes, Hip Hop classes.  

Switching it up – music-wise: 50 and Kayne. Did you cop one yet?

I didn't get either one but I’m going to get Kayne today. I was talking to a couple people today and they said Kayne's CD is the best by far. Even though I'm a 50 Cent fan. But a lot of people are saying it’s dancing oriented or cruising in the car. So, yeah I think I'mma go pick it up today.

Who are you listening to you now?

Actually I’m still listening to NEO. And there's a new song out called "Low" by a group called Flo-rida. The song is so dope and that’s about all I've been listening to the last couple weeks.

I heard you came up with this new thing: "Freak Nasty" that you came up with? 

Yep. Well, Freak Nasty is a dance that I came up with. It’s actually 2 dances. It’s a dance I did back in the day called the "Calvin Klein" where you shuffle your feat in and out – left to right. Then you’re jerking your fist and your hips at the same time. It’s something you have to see but your hitting them all at the same time. Its one of those things where walking, talking and chewing gum. You're doing three different dances at one time.  

How did you even come up with that? 

Just at rehearsal when I was working with Marques Houston. I was doing the feet and I was thinking, "I wanted a chorus that was gonna stand out and be different than any chorus anyone would do." So I started doing the feet. Then I started feeling another rhythm. So I started snapping my arms, and popping my hips at the same time and it just came together. And the dancers were behind me and they started feeling it and we were saying "Damn, this shit is tight!" Then it just turned into that dance. And I called it the "Freak Nasty" because "Freak Nasty" is anything that’s done to slow music but real quick and sexy.

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Speaking of Marques Houston – is there an artist out there that you would like to work with? 

Yeah – Neo is one. Chris Brown. I love what Chris Brown is doing. I would justs like to a project with him – a single with him.  

Did you get to catch him at the VMA's? 

Yeah yeah yeah. I wish he wouldn't have lip synced honestly but I did like the show.

I hear you got some side projects going on as well? 

Actually, I got a couple deals going on right now where someone wants me to be an artist. I've been recording a lot of music. So, we're just going to see what happens with it. Nothing serious right now. The potential of the project is really really big. 

Now, is that something you've always wanted to do? 

Well, actually that’s why I came out to California doing. I was in a 5 man singing group. I like all types of music. So I’m not coming out as a rapper I'm coming out as an artist. So I’ll be a little bit of everything IF this project took off.

What would you say to the readers who want to dance but in all honesty can't?

Like I said before in any interview – anybody can learn to dance. It’s all about how persistent and determined you are. I've seen kids come into my class with no dancing ability at all and within a year or two dancing with tours, other TV shows – it’s because they took every style of dance and were consistent with it. They really really wanted it. Dancing is basically moving to a rhythm and expressing yourself. Once you master those principles of the rhythm and controlling your movement then you can do anything. I hate people who say, "I got two left feet – I can never dance." Dancing is not just what you see in the video – Dancing is moving to a rhythm and a beat.

I know as a dancer you gotta stay in shape – what’s your regiment like?

Honestly, in hip hop dancing you have to be in shape to do a lot of dancing that we do. I work out at least twice a week – watch what I eat because I want my body to be strong. I'm not saying dancing keeps me in shape but I do other things that keep me in shape because there's nothing worse than doing hip hop dancing and being out of breath. I kind of prepare before I even dance.  

What’s the future of Shane Sparks? 

The future of Shane sparks is to have his own TV show. To be hosting shows. I'm actually writing an animated feature film right now that’s going to be so so beautiful. I'm a man of many talents. It’s just right now my talents are being respected. So you can look forward to a lot things – I got my own shoe that I just signed with "Bloch” and they are 100% behind me. I'm working with Jennifer Lopez on a "Secret" deodorant campaign which I'm actually looking for a hot female to be in the studio. I'm traveling around the world now looking for a hot girl.

When are the Bloch Shoes going to be ready? 

Well, they are actually in the process of being created. When it does it will be posted everywhere and I am going to be the spokes-person for Bloch. They are letting me do a shoe that is more hip hop oriented but yet comfortable for the foot.  

I appreciate the time – any words you would like say to readers out there? 

If you’re coming in this world to be a dancer know who you are before you get out here. Don't settle for anything – always strive for the best and get control of your career and your life. That should be your goal. To get control – don't be a puppet in this world.

Taking it back to 93-94 – what have you been doing since then?

Just working – always making music during that time. I'm always working wether people are hearing it or not. Just doing the same thing everyone else is doing trying to pay that rent and keep the babies feed.

During that time did you ever get tired of people in the street asking when the new album was going to drop?

I never get tired of that. Sometimes you have to ask yourself as an artist – i could never get away from the music. I tried to get away from the game in terms of the business and say i'm always going to make music. I've been grateful for what music gave me or potentionally gave me. In terms of me living doing this – I tried my hand in other stuff but still with verses in my hands. Still, the people saying where's the record. They want it. Thats inspiration. That never gets annoying.

Now that your done with Sony Music – how do you feel with the new label?

I'm Amalgam Digital man. I feel great over here. These guys work hard over here. Its a symbioric relationship. I know its business but we relate to each other so its even better.

So, how'd you connect with them?

I actually connected with them through my boy Block City.

Its been a decade plus – what can fans expect this go round?

I don't know what they can expect. Thats up to them. What I give them is myself and where I'm at now. You'll see some of that kid that made "Constipated Monkey" but your going to get more in terms of what that kid became.

Speaking on "constapated monkey" re-releasing in September then the MF Doom project in 08…

Its not a MF Doom project, I keep hearing that. I got a couple of doom beats and production on the record. Its not entrily doom project.

Aight cool, I appreciate the clarification. What are you feelings on todays hip hop?

I think there's so much hope now. You know back in the 90's you had – i just went to the screamfeast – you see a lot of kids from the urban area dress better with a much more positve outlook. When i was coming up in the 80's and 90's that shit was rough. Dudes didn't have that much hope. Now, with the commercial success of hip hop you got a lot of young people inspiring to be ceo's. Guys are more trying to be fresh. When back then there was a lot of hoodies and anger, "fuck that – i don't got that i'm taking it." The whole attitude is different now.

Lyrically now, the people say, its dropped from the goldens ages when people were rapping, it was a bit more lyrical and lyrically in-depth. In terms of the game its in a much better place right now. Talking rhymes and quality of mc's = I'm not going to say that. In terms of the game itself and how the youth is being affected and everything. Even though there might be a lack of conscience in the lyrics. OVerall I think there is a lot more hope and a lot more potentional to make a living for themselves.

Everybody branches off personally my shirt company. Back in 93 even though some people were doing it it didn't even strike me as doing this. but now i got some real interesting shirts…thats going to be in the next interview coming.

What type of shirts we talking here?

We going to go from t-shirts to button down to polo shirts. All kinds of shirts. Shirts for your mother, father, shirts for you, the kids – everybody!

Who you feeling in the game right now?

Now my ears hasn't been to the underground much lately due to being in the studio making my music. In between there i'm listening to the radio Hot97. I keep myself seperated from the game in general i just write rhymes from my perspective and my time.

I like some of these new guys. I like the Jeezy's, T.I., Juggernauts are fresh. My man Castophe is fierce. I went to the scream-fest and I liked Young Joc and T-Pain. My man Doom is crazy. So, you know I get my little taste of the underground but not as much as I should now that i'm in that circuit performing but i'm going to get educated. There's a lot of cats out there with skills and have a lot to say.

Is there anyone that you wanna do a record with?

I would love one with Bizzy from Bone Thugs in Harmony. That would be sick.

What about producer?

I was just at Kayne's listening party. Shit sounds ridiculous. He's off the hook. The track themselves sonically sound. Kayne or Pharrel.

You been in the game during its peak and now your a little bit older and wiser. What are say 5 things that you learned that you could pass down to these mc's just getting into it?

In terms of passing down I think some of these guys have it. Now and the way it is today artist have more of an insight to the business side of the game. When I was coming up you didn't have anyone teaching you anything. Now a days in music, soundscan reports are said on records. People in the street said, "oh this guy sold 1.5 million" when back in my day the average consumer didn't even know how much you sold. Now the information to the business itself is so much more accessible and people watching other peopls example realize how much they can own things. In terms of merchandising everything. The entruepenal spirit is much stronger. The 1st thing I would say is become more aware of the business-wise. In terms of lyrics – know your history. For real.

I like those new rappers that have that sense on where this thing came from. If you weren't born from the begining man go back and get that stuff. Read up and talk about it. Now, you don't have to have knowledge on the history to have hip hop in you as an artist. I think it only helps. the more knowledge you have the more understanding you have. Especially the history on the craft you're trying to pursue. its only benefits.

…damn you said 5 things (laughs)

Aight man…lets break it down to 3 things

I would have to say – yo be yourself. One thing I don't like about the game is that i feel like a lot of artist are limiting to what they portray. Back in the day when i was so youthful and so much of a fan, i'm still a fan, when I grew up it was krs one, de la soul, nwa, jungle brothers. dudes that represented totally different things. they would all be on the bill and everything would be cool. But now I feel people are scared to be artist. There are very few artist that come out and are themselves. you have like 50 clones of 1 successful rapper. You have like 50 jay-z's out there, or 50 naz's. The cloning thing is ridiculous. I think people should be encouraged to be themselves. to not only be themselves but to paint an iller picture. anything in entertainment you have to make it even more than what it is. so don't be afraid to try something different and bring a concept out there. Rhyme style wise I feel like a lot of dudes don't get into tune what their style is and they piggy back on someone else's style. I think their selling themselves short.

Speaking on styles – who all were your main influences coming into the game?

man, all those i dudes i mentioned but it goes on. Epmd – i grew up with all of them. from all the groups i mentioned – its too long to even list. Everything i heard it was an influence. Not even the big names. I would say everything i heard on the radio as a whole. the first hip hop show i saw was grand ceramony with grand Puba back in the day. there were a lot of influences.

The future looks good for your man. The re-release, the new one dropping and now the clothing line. When can fans expect to see you on tour?

I want to do a lot of shows. I feel really adiment about the things i'm saying on my record. I really enjoy getting that out. I really enjoy interacting with fans. It feeds me. Recently going out to scribble jam. Its been a minute since i been at an event like that. it was business but for me, going thru my head, it was a total time machine. It fed me being on stage with these young cats. These guys who are into graffiti, breaking, they keeping the core of the culture alive. it was great to around that and a lot of them even remembered me. Even for those that didn't it was great being out there.

On the re-release theres going to be 5-6 songs digitally. There's going to be digitally version as well. On the regular version you gonna get 2 bonus tracks, "Mansion in the yacht" and the "I'm kurious remix", but if you get the digital version you're going to get those 2 tracks with 5-6 demo's – things that never even made the album. Obscure shit. I mean its 89-90.

Dope shit man, can't wait to check it out. Last words from Kurious?

Don't be afraid to express yourself. hip hop is beautiful and for us to enjoy and we have to respect it too. don't let what a lot of times these big media portray as – its up each person to own hip hop.