Interview conducted by Hugo Lunny
MVRemix took a little time to speak with Vancouver rapper e.d.g.e. (Eternal Determination Grants Everything). Heavily rooted in the local scene, his next project is a compilation of EP’s called “The 48 Laws of Power.”
MVRemix: Over the past several years, Vancouver has changed a lot. What have you noticed alter in the city since we last caught up with you?
e.d.g.e.: It definitely has, and initially music wise, I’ve noticed that the number of MC’s seems to have jumped exponentially. In 2002 when I released my first mixtape, there weren’t nearly as many battles, open mic showcases, or as many outlets for lyricists as you see now. By no means is the city where we need it to be in any of these aspects, mind you, but it’s a definite improvement. The only drawback I find is that nowadays the amount of MC’s leaves a lot of room for individuals who think that everyone should rap. Quite the opposite is true.
MVRemix: Compare a day in the rap life of e.d.g.e. five years ago, versus that of today.
e.d.g.e.: 2005: Alcohol. Alcohol. Studio. Club. Hangover. 2010: Baby daughter on the way. Head Chef position coming soon. Responsibility. Studio. Focus.
MVRemix: How did you end up working with Rel!g!on on the “Revelationz” album?
e.d.g.e.: He contacted me originally for one verse on a song Emotionz had already recorded on (“Auto Pilot”), and from there it turned into 3: “Lucid” with Moka Only, and “Evening News” with J. Pinder & Jasiri X. He’s become a good friend as of late, and he is one of the producers I respect the most because his work ethic is always on point.
MVRemix: I had only heard of you as a rapper, but I see you also produce. How did you get into producing and what do we have to look forward to from you next in that department?
e.d.g.e.: I always wanted to learn how beats were constructed, so I learned the basics from Jason Garner (Roswell), and just took it from there. I’m far from being considered a full-fledged producer though, I am still learning and I don’t really make beats for other people yet.
MVRemix: “Superiority Complex” was your last mixtape, how do you feel it was received?
e.d.g.e.: It hasn’t received the recognition it fully deserves yet. To be completely honest, it’s the result of a year’s worth of writing and planning. I consider it my most complete and coherent project to date, and if you listen to it front to back, you’ll understand why. It has started to catch on in the States lately though, and it has been featured on KevinNottingham.com (One of XXL’s Top 100 Hip-Hop Blogs), and FreshKutAve.net, a popular hip-hop blog based in Los Angeles.
MVRemix: What gave you a superiority complex?
e.d.g.e.: I don’t have one. That title was spontaneous and random, it actually has nothing to do with my personality.
MVRemix: What are you currently working on rap wise?
e.d.g.e.: My next project is a collection entitled “The 48 Laws Of Power”, and the premise is simple. 8 different 6-song EPs produced by 8 different producers. Headspace, Moka Only, Bigg Knock, Jimmy The Bang?, Jeff Spec, Beats Me, Religion and Savage Beats. I’m releasing them all separately, and at the end as a package which will contain all 8. In between this, I’m working on a project with Moka Only, and an EP with an MC named 3rd Degry from New York.
MVRemix: What are your thoughts on the book The 48 Laws of Power, do you draw from the theories within the book in your own life?
e.d.g.e.: To be completely honest I haven’t read the book, I just used the title due to the number association. Eight 6-song EPs equals “48 Laws Of Power,” where each song represents a law in my theory.
MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – “If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight”?
e.d.g.e.: Really? Next question.
MVRemix: Thus far Canada has rarely been able to compete on a larger scale in Hip Hop music without some American affiliation. Why do you believe that Canadians don’t pick up on their own talent until after the US gives the co-sign?
e.d.g.e.: The reason for that is simple. Canadians in the music industry generally look to the U.S. as the standard with which to measure success, and rightfully so. If American artists who have much more pressure to succeed in the industry recognize Canadian talent, it automatically becomes a green light to the rest of Canada that said artist has achieved a certain level and is ready for the U.S. market.
MVRemix: Do you believe it has anything to do with the accent?
e.d.g.e.: Ah… the accent. Well aside from the fact that Canadian MC’s, including myself, usually don’t carry the same cadence or vocal inflections/mannerisms as our American counterparts, it can be said that this will hinder our ability to break into a market where our voices will be perceived differently than everyone elses. I’ve been told that I “sound Canadian” before, which makes perfect sense considering where I was born and raised.
MVRemix: When the Olympics begin in Vancouver, what will you be up to?
e.d.g.e.: Waiting for the birth of my baby daughter, preparing to release projects on Headspace’s independent Jellyfish imprint, more on that coming soon… Working, writing, and trying to avoid the chaos that a world-class event is going to bring to Vancouver.
MVRemix: Any last words?
e.d.g.e.: http://edge.bandcamp.com, http://genius1981.wordpress.com, http://twitter.com/edge1981, 81chef@gmail.com
MVRemix Interviews Vancouver rapper e.d.g.e.
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