Great Kanye West interview on The Wake Up Show with Sway and Tech

Cam’ron interview with Miss Info promoting Crime Pays

French Montana – Welcome To The Breadshop video featuring T-Bird and Duly

conducted by Hugo Lunny

Mr. Lif Interview

MVRemix: Now you’ve been rapping for quite some time now, describe a day or memorable event back when you first tried to record your music and get it out there.

Mr. Lif: The first thing that comes to mind is sacrifice. I remember sacrificing the holidays with my family to sleep on a cold stone floor in Rochester New York. My friend knew this producer who said he’d make a beat for me and provide studio time to record. Nothing about the arrangement was definite. In fact, the producer flaked on me a couple times. So I just kept going back to Rochester and sleeping on that stone floor until I finally linked up with dude and made my first song. It was titled “Da Whole 9″.

MVRemix: How does that compare to today?

Mr. Lif: There are many links to that era for me right now. This is an era of humbleness. Due to the economy, all of us have had to scale back somewhat. I have faced so much adversity between “Mo’ Mega” and now. My hunger is completely renewed. I am more focused on reaching my goals than I’ve ever been.

MVRemix: You went through a pretty serious tour bus crash a couple of years back, how did that change you?

Mr. Lif: That crash changed so many things for me. I went through some hardcore bouts with depression. The physical anguish I’ve tried to work through still and is a constant reminder of the incident. It took me a long time to figure out how to go about being a musician again. I couldn’t finish any songs for about 2 years. So much shit hit the fan for me I couldn’t possibly sum it up in this interview. The most important thing is that all the tough times have made me outright ferocious now. I’m a much stronger man than I was before the accident.

MVRemix: Tell me about “I Heard It Today.” How did the title come about?

Mr. Lif: “I Heard It Today” is the album that guided me out of the post accident dark era. The title came about as I was writing a song to a Willie Evans Jr. beat. The song was about the housing crisis, which was the #1 topic on in the news at the time. Things seemed to be collapsing so fast with the economic crisis, housing crisis, energy crisis, etc., I felt compelled to make music that reported on current events to document one of the toughest eras in American history. So with “I Heard It Today” as a title, I’m saying you can hear my perspective on world events right now. I’m bringing you the hardworking, blue collar, people’s perspective of the modern day.

MVRemix: How long did the record take to record?

Mr. Lif: I always find it impossible to quantify how long an album took. Much of the material was written between mid September and…

MVRemix: Are there many songs which didn’t make the final album?

Mr. Lif: No. I don’t really make extra songs. I focus in on what I’m trying to convey throughout the scope of an album, draft an outline, and write until I feel the poetry gives a vivid depiction of the topics chosen.

MVRemix: Any videos planned?

Mr. Lif: I’m planning on doing videos, but I can’t say for which songs until everything is done.

MVRemix: The album is heavily influenced by this election. What are your thoughts on Barack Obama being the next president?

Mr. Lif: I think it’s wonderful that America has made enough progress to choose a Black man as president. Historically in American films, the Black man has had to play to role of a servant, a criminal, etc. Seems like they’ve got Obama playing the role of “the janitor” for the next 4-8 years because they left him a fat mound of shit to clean up.

MVRemix: Do you believe that the “change” which has been widely spoken of will take place?

Mr. Lif: America’s focus is global domination. No one man with a great slogan will stop that. Obama has us focused on changing things within a fundamentally unsound system. So basically, he will make life more bearable for us as we spiral into oblivion. I hope I’m wrong and people will start to treat each other and the planet with more care, but capitalism doesn’t exactly bring out the best in people from what I’ve seen.

MVRemix: You’re planning to release the album on inauguration day, why the decision for then?

Mr. Lif: Actually, we are looking toward rescheduling the album release for March. Initially, I chose that date because it’s going to be a historic day. The date is changing because I’d rather have proper promotions prefacing my album than rush it out there just to stick to a date.

MVRemix: Tell me about the liner notes and artwork?

Mr. Lif: Much like inside the artwork for “I Phantom”, the liner notes are there to guide the listener through the links between the songs. This album is quite enjoyable without reading the liner notes, but the meanings behind certain subtleties are revealed once the listener reads my perspective.

MVRemix: How does it compare to your previous releases?

Mr. Lif: In my opinion, this is the true follow up to “I Phantom”.

MVRemix: America, and the rest of the world have been heavily publicized and “informed” that we are heading into a recession. As an artist, what does this mean for your life, plans and the product you try to sell?

Mr. Lif: It means tough times across the board. Everyone will be more conservative with their money. All I ask the listeners is if you believe in what I’m trying to accomplish with my music, please buy it. If you don’t want to buy the album at a store or online, come to a show and buy it directly from me. I gave it my all on this album, so at least meet me halfway.

MVRemix: Out of your vast discography, which songs are you most proud of and why?

Mr. Lif: I’m proud of some of my research songs like “Home of the Brave” or “I Heard It Today”. I love the oldies like “Madness in a Cup” and “Elektro”. “Ol’ Crew”, “Live From the Plantation”, and “Because They Made it that Way”, seemed to strike a chord in people where they related to those songs on a profound level. “Be Out”, “Jugular Vein”, and “Inhuman Capabilities” display a real raw zone I get into when I produce my own tracks. For that matter “Hatred” is one of my favorite tracks on the new album.

MVRemix: What’s the biggest misconception people have of you?

Mr. Lif: People think I smoke way more weed than I do. I believe in moderation. I smoke from my bong. I pack a bowl and it lasts me all day. I don’t smoke every day. Also, people think my hair is fake. It always astounds me. If anyone out there knows a grown man with a dread weave, I give you permission to smack the shit out of him.

MVRemix: You’ve been rocking the same/similar hairstyle for a long time now, would you ever cut off the dreads?

Mr. Lif: If I felt like it, I would cut them off. I just don’t feel like it yet.

MVRemix: In a sentence or less, what do you do to relax?

Mr. Lif: I watch my dogs run around in the park, hang out with my beautiful woman, watch NFL Football. Honestly, I don’t like to spend too much time relaxing though. I’ve got work to do.

MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – “If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight”?

Mr. Lif: I would fight Puff Daddy hands down.

MVRemix: Would you win?

Mr. Lif: No. He’d have someone shoot me.

MVRemix: What next do we have to look forward to from you?

Mr. Lif: The “I Heard It Today” album is the main focus now. I’m cooking up lots of other stuff too, but I want “I Heard It Today” to be a landmark record of this tumultuous era.

MVRemix: Any last words?

Mr. Lif: Any fans or potential fans out there who want to hear some of my exclusive tracks or be involved in productive conversations about important topics should visit www.myspace.com/mrlif I’m on there daily, talking with my listeners. Thanks!

Mr. Lif Interview

conducted by Hugo Lunny

Mr. Lif Interview

MVRemix: How did you begin making beats?

Teflon: I began making beats one night that my father came home and said ‘lets go’ and took me to buy a synthesizer because he knew that I liked being in the studio listening to music. That was my first step towards becoming a producer.

MVRemix: Did you have any formal teaching about chord progression and things along those lines or did you learn it all by experimentation?

Teflon: Everything I learned was basically through constant repetition. You know just banging on the keyboard every day until I developed my own unique style.

MVRemix: Do you remember the first beat you made?

Teflon: No I don’t, that shit was so long ago, but I’m sure it sounded like bullshit [laughs]. One of the first beats I do remember making was made using a Kawai keyboard. It had about a million sounds in it because I didn’t know how to properly put together instrumentation.

MVRemix: What about the first beat you sold? What’s the story behind that?

Teflon: The first beat I sold was to an R&B group on Universal – I forget their name. I sold it for $3,500, but the song never came out. I was happy though.

MVRemix: How did you end up meeting with Darrin Dean and hooking up with Ruff Ryders?

Teflon: Well I met with Darrin through my boy Big Mike from Mt. Vernon, who introduced me to Darrin’s brother Wah first – Darrin was in the streets more at the time and Wah was always in the studio. I let Wah hear my material and eventual it got back to D, who signed me and put me around Swizz as well as other experience producers to develop my talent. It was like a Ruff Ryders’ training camp.

MVRemix: How did the name Teflon come to be?

Teflon: My real name is Sheldon and everyone would call me by it at first. One night I was in Sony studios with Swizz and he said I needed an alias. We came up with the name Teflon because he felt that my sound was impenetrable – something like a superhero [laughs].

MVRemix: What made you decide to start C.P.R. Entertainment?

Teflon: I started C.P.R. because I felt bringing my own entity in the game would add to the greatness of music. A lot of what we hear today is cliché and I believe my sound is distinctive and needs to be heard.

MVRemix: What inspired the company name?

Teflon: C.P.R. is an acronym for Cash Pulls Respect because if you don’t have any cash you don’t have any respect. Everyone knows money makes the world go round. The name is also a metaphor for breathing life back into the game.

MVRemix: Tell me about the compilation you’re working on.

Teflon: So far we have Baby, Tego Calderon, Elephant Man and we are talking with Juelz Santana, Loso (Fabolous), and Kevin Rodolph, who is signed to Lil’ Wayne’s Cash Money. I want the album to have versatility I don’t want it to sound like everyone else’s albums.

MVRemix: How far along are you?

Teflon: Everything is looking good right now – I was just in the studio with Wyclef [Jean] and Makeba; who’s the number one song writer in the country now. I’m looking at a mid-summer release. It’s going to be a hot summer.

MVRemix: Are there any videos in the works?

Teflon: No not as of yet but when I do it’ll be in your inbox.

MVRemix: Tell me about the songs you’ve been working on with Fabolous and Jadakiss for their new albums.

Teflon: Unfortunately I haven’t heard the tracks yet. That’s how the industry is right now – labels don’t let producers hear their tracks until they’re on the official album.

MVRemix: In a sentence or less, what do you do to relax?

Teflon: I like to cook. I like to be creative in the kitchen; that’s my form of therapy.

MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – if you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight?

Teflon: I’d fight myself because there isn’t anyone else for me to fight. You know like Edward Norton and Brad Pitt did in the flick. I’d fight my alter-ego; there’s Teflon and then there’s Sheldon Michael.

MVRemix: Would you win?

Teflon: One way or another I’d win, although I’d have to whip my own ass too I guess [laughs].

MVRemix: What are your thoughts on the current state of the economy and how as a producer do you feel it will affect you?

Teflon: I’m not an economist but I hope it don’t get any worse because people are hurting as it is. As a producer I’m affected because music labels and companies spend less money on everything including production for their artists’ project – they become very restrictive about their budgets. I’m glad Obama was elected into office though; I’m looking forward to him turning things around.

MVRemix: Do you have any non musical aspirations?

Teflon: Yeah, I’d like to start my own blogging network site to provide people with a creative and diverse avenue for them to express their thoughts and opinions.

MVRemix: Any last words?

Teflon: Yeah, I love music so keep on the look out for me because I’m continuing my journey to the top. Shout outs to MVRemix.

Teflon Interview

conducted by Hugo Lunny

Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks Interview

MVRemix: Do you remember the first song you wrote?

Vinnie Paz: I’ve been writing rhymes for awhile. I don’t remember the first actual song. The first material that I let out to the public was through the first incarnation of JMT (Jedi Mind Tricks) called Soulcraft. We handed out our little demo tapes around Philly. That was 1992 – ‘93, I think.

MVRemix: Tell me about the album, “A History Of Violence.” How did the title come about?

Vinnie Paz: Explaining titles sort of diminishes them. I think people should be free to take their own meaning from. It’s kind of a statement about American imperialism.

MVRemix: Did you see the film?

Vinnie Paz: Yeah. It’s a dope movie. I like David Cronenberg’s work.

MVRemix: How long did the record take to record and how planned was it – ie did you set out with a track listing and stick to it or record a number of songs and chose a select amount leaving the rest on the “cutting room floor”?

Vinnie Paz: We usually work the same way each time out. It takes Stoupe longer to do his part, so he’s usually working on beats for 6 months to a year before I record. Before we cut vocals, we get together and listen to beats and talk about which beats we think fit the vibe of the record we’re trying to make. We’ve always been the type of group to make albums, instead of singles, so we’re always looking for a collection of songs that fit a vibe.

MVRemix: Any videos in the works?

Vinnie Paz: We have our DVD, “Divine Fire,” coming out in early 2009. We spent a good year putting that together. We’re real proud of that. It gives our fans a chance to go behind the scenes of our career from ’96 until now.

MVRemix: Which song on “A History Of Violence” took you the longest to complete?

Vinnie Paz: “Death Messiah” took longer. Concept joints usually take me longer to write.

MVRemix: Which was completed in the shortest time?

Vinnie Paz: This is strange, because I usually do the concept songs last, but I wrote “Trail of Lies” the quickest. That was an idea that was floating in my head for awhile, so I knocked that out as soon as we got started.

MVRemix: You’ve been rapping now for quite some time, how has your career changed as time has gone on?

Vinnie Paz: I’ve just tried to remain consistent. A lot of groups have disappeared from when Stoupe and I came into the game in the 90’s. We’re real fortunate to still be doing this for a living, but we’ve always approached our careers from a different mindset. We never set out to be a flash in the pan type group. We set out to carve out a niche for ourselves and that’s what we’ve done. We’ve been fortunate to find a big enough fan base to support what we do.

MVRemix: Do you pay attention to indie Hip Hop or do you typically listen to another genre of music and simply compose indie material?

Vinnie Paz: I don’t pay attention as much as I once did. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a fan of music in general. I’m probably one of the last people that still buys CDs. There’s just a real glut of bad music out there these days whether you’re talking indie rap or any other genre. The internet is a blessing and a curse. It gives talented people a forum but it also gives a lot of untalented people a forum.

MVRemix: What are your thoughts on Barack Obama being the next president?

Vinnie Paz: I’m happy, man. Hopefully, he does bring the change we desperately need. We’ll see.

MVRemix: America, and the rest of the world have been heavily publicized and “informed” that we are heading into a recession. As an artist, what does this mean for your life, plans and the product you try to sell?

Vinnie Paz: It’s tough on everyone. We’ve always run our business with our fans in mind. We try to price our show tickets and merchandise fairly. Some things we have more control over than others. We’re going to try to do more of our own ticketing for future tours to keep those prices down. We don’t like seeing our fans taken advantage of. That’s why the music business is where it is… too many years of taking advantage of fans.

MVRemix: What’s the biggest misconception people have of you?

Vinnie Paz: I’m not always angry.

MVRemix: Out of your vast discography, which songs are you most proud of and why?

Vinnie Paz: I think more in terms of albums than songs. Violent by Design was a milestone and a turning point for us, but Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell is probably our most complete record.

MVRemix: In a sentence or less, what do you do to relax?

Vinnie Paz: I watch boxing. I just got back from tour, so I’m catching up on the Sixers now too.

MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – “If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight”?

Vinnie Paz: Kanye [West], maybe Usher.

MVRemix: Would you win either of them?

Vinnie Paz: Yep.

MVRemix: What next do we have to look forward to from you?

Vinnie Paz: We’re about to get in the studio and work on AOTP 3. We also have our DVD, “Divine Fire,” coming out in January.

Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks Interview

conducted by Hugo Lunny

Jupiter Rising Interview

MVRemix: As songwriters, who have influenced you?

Spencer Nezey: As a songwriter I am influenced by classic songwriters and producers… Like John Lennon, Bob Marley and The Neptunes.

Jessie Payo: I’ve been influenced by Tom Waits, Linda Perry, Diane Warren, Joni Mitchell, Prince, and the Beatles.

MVRemix: Do you remember the first song you wrote?

Spencer Nezey: The first song I wrote was in 2003 called “Summertime.” Kind of and old school rap record about growing up.

Jessie Payo: The first song that I wrote was called “Look at the Rain.” It was kind of a Paul McCartney sounding blues song. I wrote it when I was fourteen.

MVRemix: Spencer, how did you first get into beat boxing?

Spencer Nezey: I first got into beat boxing at the age of 17 inspired by The Roots come alive record. I heard Rahzel and Scratch and had to be apart of that. I taught myself by listening to the Roots records over and over again until it became as natural as breathing.

MVRemix: How did the name Jupiter Rising come to be?

Spencer Nezey: Jupiter Rising was named after the definition of Jupiter the planet. It was the most accurate description of what we were trying to do.

MVRemix: Tell me about “The Quiet Hype.” How did the title come about?

Jessie Payo: Spencer thought of it and asked me what I thought if that would be the title of our album. There was no question. I thought it was perfect for our second album.

Spencer Nezey: “The Quiet Hype” came about from how I felt was going with our journey in the industry. I felt that we have put in a lot of work in the music business and yet we still have much to say and do.

MVRemix: How long did the record take to record and how planned was it – ie did you set out with a track listing and stick to it or record a number of songs and chose a select amount leaving the rest on the “cutting room floor”?

Jessie Payo: We recorded all throughout September and October. We had previously recorded a few of the tracks in February. Songs like “Flip my Switch,” “This Is What It Sounds Like,” “LA Girls,” and “Quicksand.” After those songs were recorded we started pre-production where Spencer would give me a track and idea to write to and the other songs came about slowly until we had to record in September.

Spencer Nezey: The blueprints to “The Quiet Hype” were already planned 6 months in advanced. So when we went into the studio we knew exactly what we were workin’ on. It took us about 3 months to record the album.

MVRemix: What do you wish to achieve with the album?

Jessie Payo: I am hoping that this time our album reaches a bigger audience. I want us, Jupiter Rising, to come off as a group that can make good music that spans all age groups.

I want people to be touched, inspired, moved, dancing, and feeling sexy by our songs.

Spencer Nezey: I wish to achieve some serious touring with this album. I would love to share these songs with the rest of the world.

MVRemix: How does it compare to “Electropop.”

Spencer Nezey: Compared to “Electropop,” this album is more of me and Jessie. The sound is much more focused.

Jessie Payo: This album is different [from Electropop] because our last album was a throw back to many old school sounds. The only song that was current was “Electropop” so we thought that we would make an album that was closer to the sound in the song “Electropop.” There was so much love for that song why not make an album influenced by that sound? So we did.

MVRemix: In a sentence or less, what do you do to relax?

Spencer Nezey: Playing X-Box 360 in my condo – the fortress of solitude – is the most relaxing thing in the world.

Jessie Payo: Yoga

MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – “If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight”?

Spencer Nezey: I would fight John McCain. just to see how much a maverick he is. I would win of course.

Jessie Payo: Conan O’Brien.

MVRemix: Would you win?

Jessie Payo: Are you kidding? Of course I would win.

MVRemix: Do you have any non musical aspirations?

Jessie Payo: To be a go-go dancer.

Spencer Nezey: I am really into cooking. I enjoy it just as much as making beats.

MVRemix: What next do we have to look forward to from you?

Jessie Payo: In December we will be releasing a digital EP of some of our songs on the Album. Also, we just shot a music video for our single “Fallen Away”, so look for that.

MVRemix: Any last words?

Spencer Nezey: Go hard! or go home and play X-Box.

Jessie Payo: Thanks MVRemix! Album comes out in February and Happy Holidays!

Jupiter Rising Interview

conducted by Hugo Lunny

Prinz the Pistoleer Interview

MVRemix: For those that are now hearing about you for the first time, tell us about yourself.

Prinz the Pistoleer: I’m from Queens New York. My music is aggressive. I’m down with the Black Hand family.

MVRemix: How did the name Prinz The Pistoleer come to be?

Prinz the Pistoleer: My name has always been Prinz.

MVRemix: How did you hook up with Black Hand Entertainment?

Prinz the Pistoleer: Chaz is my uncle. He started doing the music thing while I was incarcerated and when I came home I stayed focused on the music because I knew hip hop could change my life and I wouldn’t end up back in the pen.

MVRemix: The company/gang has quite the reputation. Any thoughts/comments on their reputation?

Prinz the Pistoleer: No comment.

MVRemix: As a songwriter, who has influenced you?

Prinz the Pistoleer: Nas, Tupac, Rakim, Biggie, Jay-Z.

MVRemix: Do you remember the first song you wrote?

Prinz the Pistoleer: I never wrote a song. My music comes from within.

MVRemix: How does living in Queens shape your attitude towards music, art and culture in general?

Prinz the Pistoleer: Living in Queens was great because I was able to explore both cultures; the street and the music. On the music aspect I got the chance to embrace LL Cool J, Nas and on the street aspect I got the chance to embrace Chaz, Prince – from Baisley, Gerald Miller and both has influenced my art form which we call Hip Hop.

MVRemix: What are your thoughts on other Queens artists, are there any in particular that you look up to?

Prinz the Pistoleer: The people I look up to are no longer here. Malcolm X, Che Guevara , George Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, The Weathermen, Matula Shakur, Asata Shakur, and a host of others I won’t name for political reasons.

MVRemix: What are your feelings on Obama winning the presidency?

Prinz the Pistoleer: It was long overdue. Don’t get it twisted. Racism still lives and breeds in this country. Obama is a major stepping stone. I know Martin is happy that we are living his dream.

MVRemix: Tell me about the mixtape, “Poverty Breeds Crime.” How did the title come about?

Prinz the Pistoleer: Gallic Wars came up with the title. The title speaks for it self.

MVRemix: What do you wish to achieve with the mixtape?

Prinz the Pistoleer: Reaching as many people as possible… I want people to enjoy the music and receive the message. If you want to get the message download the mix tape.

MVRemix: What separates you from other rappers? Why should I opt to listen to your music above others?

Prinz the Pistoleer: I can’t tell you to listen to my music above others, but when u listen to my music it’s guaranteed that you will feel it. If you ever dealt with pain or oppression, drugs, violence, poverty, relationships, lost loved ones, politics and even what’s going on in suburbia.

MVRemix: In a sentence or less, what do you do to relax?

Prinz the Pistoleer: Read.

MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – “If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight”

Prinz the Pistoleer: I don’t want to fight any celebrities

MVRemix: Do you have any non musical aspirations?

Prinz the Pistoleer: Yes, I would like to make movies and write books.

MVRemix: What next do we have to look forward to from you?

Prinz the Pistoleer: A whole slue of mixtapes, album coming out soon, “Angel With A Dirty Face,” DVD appearances, just grinding.

MVRemix: Any last words?

Prinz the Pistoleer: Zaire I love you.

Prinz the Pistoleer Interview

conducted by Hugo Lunny

Necro Interview: The Sexorcist

MVRemix: Few artists have had the success that you have had independently with Psycho Logical Records. Apart from your talent, what do you think both your and the label’s success is due to?

Necro: Drive, ambition, persistence, believing in myself, dedication… All that stuff in the basement

MVRemix: Do you remember the first song you wrote?

Necro: Not really, was probably a demo called, “Check Out The Demo” with Ill Bill. That was one of my first official demos

MVRemix: What’s the current situation with your relationship with Cage? Is there anything there?

Necro: I haven’t worked with him since I produced his first 12″ in like 1997, so its been over 11 years since we did anything. Our relationship ended very fast, it was monumental at the time and it made its mark, but he didn’t wanna rhyme over any of my beats anymore, nothing I made was good enough, I think it was more about the fact that we didn’t click, our personalities clashed. It is what it is.

MVRemix: Tell me about the album, “The Sexorcist.” How did the title come about?

Necro: I don’t remember exactly, but I am the first person in hip hop to ever rock that name. I guess I just felt it was evil, a cool way to rap about sex but make it brutal at the same time, its a flip off the movie the Exorcist, I found out later that their was a horror by the same name, regardless, that’s one of my sex aliases.

MVRemix: How long did the record take to record and how planned was it – ie did you set out with a tracklisting and stick to it or record a number of songs and chose a select amount leaving the rest on the “cutting room floor”?

Necro: I don’t remember how it all came about exactly, but I know I made the beats in 2003 basically around the same time I made the “Pre-Fix” beats, maybe even 2002, and so I had so many porn beats made that I just recorded all the concepts. What’s funny is, I was gonna start the album off with “Pussy Is My Weakness” and then the last song I made for the album was “Who’s Ya Daddy?” and it was so sick. You knew it was a hit ‘cause everyone stopped talking when it played and just listened in awe, it had that powerful effect where just that song itself destroyed you. That’s why it starts off the album; many girls have gotten naked to that track and will continue to.

MVRemix: Any more videos planned?

Necro: I’m always planning shit, right now I have a lot of moves being made, like the re vamp of my www.necrohiphop.com, by the time you read this my site should be up updated, so click that link and peep the sickness.

MVRemix: Which song on “The Sexorcist” took you the longest to complete?

Necro: Hmm… not sure, let me think, none took longer than another, same flow, everything got done pretty smoothly.

MVRemix: Which was completed in the shortest time?

Necro: “Who’s Ya Daddy” got done real quick I would say, ‘cause I wrote both verses right in the studio and boom laid them down right there, no sitting on the verses for weeks, straight from the oven to the press to the speakers.

MVRemix: Describe the first memory that comes into your head of a typical day in the life of Necro the artist ten years ago.

Necro: That would be 1998, I was gathering up my press clippings, making press kits, I didn’t even have a website yet, so Fat Beats was very important to me, because they were the biggest thing going on in my career. They were selling and pressing my Necro EP and selling my movies on VHS, so I was getting money on a small level from that. I was dealing weed at the time still if I’m correct, and was still trying to get signed in hope of that big record deal. Barely doing shows but when I did I’d get banned, like Wetlands banned me that year I think… I was into making movies and thought I would get somewhere in that world from my low budget experiments. Just hungry, ambitious and proving myself with every verse. Still rapping live on radio shows, dropping exclusive verses…

MVRemix: Now contrast that with one from today…

Necro: Today I’m still working to make things happen for Necro. It never ends, new goals, now I have a catalogue though, I have dropped a lot of sick shit since then, but its always about some new shit. So my goal is drop new sick shit and also be rich. I’m on my way there.

MVRemix: What’s the biggest mis-conception people have of you?

Necro: That I’m angry all the time and an asshole every minute of the day, and that I’m not cool because my music is so brutal… That I’m a trouble maker bully, when really I’m the guy that knocks the bully the fuck out.

MVRemix: You’re one of the few artists who participate or mix rap with another genre and receives praise for the outcome. Did you have any reservations in trying out mixing the two genres? I know you used to be heavily into metal growing up…

Necro: I did at first because I didn’t know I could do it good, I assumed it was crap because in the past it was done terribly. I didn’t think it would be different with me. I used to use bass guitars and keys to make beats, but that was just to make dark beats not some metal shit. When I was fucking some metal industry people it seemed logical to make something like that, which fused both genres. I thought my creations were great, but they didn’t believe in it they’re closed minded.

MVRemix: What’s currently going on with you with regards to film?

Necro: I’m taking classes on acting and honing my skills in the acting department. Soon I’ll write a screenplay, and eventually direct it or something else but right now I’m focusing on acting, as well as new Necro.

MVRemix: What are your thoughts on Barack Obama being the next president?

Necro: I don’t mind. It’s cool. I hope he does a good job.

MVRemix: America, and the rest of the world have been heavily publicized and “informed” that we are heading into a recession. As an artist, what does this mean for your life, plans and the product you try to sell?

Necro: It sucks, I sold way less merchandise on this last tour, but still in a recession and with me doing bad, I made more money than most. Not many can make $40k in a month touring, that’s because I built my own business.

MVRemix: Out of your vast discography, which songs are you most proud of and why?

Necro: Too many to name, I love so many and everyday I change.

MVRemix: In a sentence or less, what do you do to relax?

Necro: Have sex then go to sleep.

MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – “If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight”?

Necro: I’d fight Michael Jackson.

MVRemix: Would you win?

Necro: I would, I’d kick his face in until his skull broke in two, then I would piss on him and laugh.

MVRemix: What next do we have to look forward to from you?

Necro: Necro Thug album, new Sexorcist, new Death Rap records

MVRemix: Any last words?

Necro: Yeah, thanks and check out www.necrohiphop.com and www.myspace.com/plr

Necro Interview: The Sexorcist

conducted by Hugo Lunny

Visual Interview The Working Class Legend

MVRemix: For those that are now hearing about you for the first time, tell us about yourself.

Visual: Well, I’ve been making music since about 2000. I featured on a bunch of local artist projects and put out my first mixtape in 2002. I worked hard… did a bunch of local shows, featured on more projects and finally put out my first album, “Figured It Out” in 2006 on my own label, Community Service Records. After dropping that album I started doing shows out of town in places like Virginia and DC. I also was featured on a couple Molemen projects around that time. “This Is Now” with Scheme of the Molemen and “The Resume” volume 1, a collection of a bunch of my previous material, are two mixtapes that I dropped in 2007.

Here we are in 2008 and I’m getting ready to drop my second full length album, ‘Working Class Legend” The album has production from Domingo, The Molemen, Rashid Hadee, in house production from my homie Infinite Beats and some international cats that I ran into all over the net. I also have guest appearances from Capital D of All Natural, Sharkula who is sort of a local legend. Google him and you will see what I mean… [laughs] My homies Rios and Dism from my label, Scheme and Astonish from the Molemen camp and Wes Restless and Ale Nova with some ill soulful hooks.

MVRemix: As a songwriter, who has influenced you?

Visual: Good question. I’ve got a bunch of influences. In the rap world Slick Rick, Krs-One, Scarface, Nas, Common, Outkast and Ghost Face Killah are major influences. But I also have others that have made a major impact… Mainly Bob Marley, John Lennon, Marvin Gaye and Zach De La Rocha of Rage Against the Machine.

MVRemix: The Molemen clearly inspired you, what with Panik being your brother. But they’ve been making music for quite some time, what was it that made you opt to join in with the craft?

Visual: Yeah man, I would say that Panik bringing home record after record when I was a kid put hip hop in my life in a major way. It was too much to deny. It was every day life… I can’t remember a day that me and Panik didn’t watch Krs-one’s “My Philosophy” video in our parents basement back in the day. It was a constant thing. It got so bad that I would wait for Panik to bounce just so I can grab all the CD’s he had so I can listen to them by myself. It was then that I started analyzing what these cats were saying and how they would say it and I knew I had to start to write and eventually rap. “Illmatic”, “Return of the Boom Bap”, “Enta da stage”, “Sun rises in the east”, “36 chambers” and “Hard to earn” were the albums that had me going crazy.

MVRemix: Do you remember the first song you wrote?

Visual: Wow… No, I actually don’t. Because I know it had to be something that I never actually recorded but I do remember the first verse I wrote ! [laughs]… It was hilarious because it was sort of a diss to Snoop Dogg… [laughs] It went something like “Why? Why you wanna be a “G”/Do you know what that shit does to me?/It pisses me off!” [laughs] It was so wack. What’s even funnier is that I always liked Snoop and “Gangsta” rap in general for that matter so I don’t know… I guess I was trippin’.

MVRemix: How does living in Chicago shape your attitude towards music, art and culture in general?

Visual: Being from Chicago is a major impact. I grew up in Logan Square, a neighborhood that was very diverse and it influenced me in a major way. I grew up around black, white, Hispanic, Asians etc. Race or where you came from was never an issue so I hung out with everyone and it exposed to a lot of different music, food, art and culture in general. Also, living in Chicago is just crazy… From the people and situations you find yourself in to things you can’t control like weather, police and politics. It’s wild out here. You have to be real ass person to make through all the bullshit out here… At the same time all the good people, dope places to go to and just the vibe in general make Chicago a place that affects anyone that lives or even visits here

MVRemix: How did the name Visual come to be?

Visual: Visual came from the name I originally chose for myself which was Ndvisual.
Ndvisual basically meant “In the Visual” like everything was in what you see.
People use to butcher the name with misspellings and misinterpretations (people thought my name was individual and that to me, was wack ! [laughs] So I simplified and changed it to Visual.

MVRemix: How did you hook up with Domingo?

Visual: Funny enough, I linked up with Domingo through Myspace. You’ll be surprised how many artist on Myspace handle their own page. I would see Domingo send out a shit load of bulletins and I would read them and say to myself “This is either him right now posting this or he typed it up and emailed it out to his PR people and they copied and pasted this shit” so I said, “Fuck it, let him this man up and see if it’s him and I asked what was good with beats… He personally hit me back and I copped two beats from him. One I used for “Pay Day” which is joint I did with Scheme and Astonish of the Molemen and one I still have that will end up on a future project. Domingo is a real dude and mad cool. He was humble from the start and that made me respect him 100% more than I already did because it’s dope to know that someone is talented and is bringing something to the table but when you interact with them and they understand your situation and don’t act “Hollywood”, it’s a big relief.

MVRemix: Tell me about the album, “Working Class Legend.” How did the title come about?

Visual: “Working Class Legend”… It’s what i am. It’s what you are, it’s what most of us are.
Whether it be school, a 9-5, or in my case a 10 pm – 6:30 am, music, art etc. We all work hard for what we need and want and it’s our right to be considered “Legends” for that. It’s like “Hollywood” status for regular people. Know what I mean?
What some of us do and go through to get ours is crazy. Check it out, I’m in management for a Fortune 500 company and I work 10pm-6:30 am.
I come home, shower and try to eat something. I wake my kids up, change them, feed them and I’m with them until about 4pm or 5pm (sometimes later) because wifey is a teacher and is off to work. So between 7am when I get home and 4-5 pm when wifey gets home I have to shower, sleep, eat, send out emails, make phone calls and try to write something new or come up with some ideas all while I have twin monsters – cute, but monsters! [laughs] Crying, screaming and running around. And of course I have to feed them, play with them and pretend I’m not tired as hell in between all of that. And this is not including my weekend.
I think I deserve to call myself a fuckin’ legend for that! [laughs]

MVRemix: How long did the record take to record and how planned was it – ie did you set out with a tracklisting and stick to it or record a number of songs and chose a select amount leaving the rest on the “cutting room floor”?

Visual: The album was supposed to be a mixtape with the same concept and was originally called “Grinders” and the cover was going to be a play off of the “Rounders” – Ed Norton, John Malcovich, Matt Damon DVD cover. But after recording a bunch of songs that I wanted on an album instead of a mixtape and the word “Grind” and all other uses of the word became more and more played out, I decided to make the project an album and change the title. I recorded a bunch of joints and cut out a few when it came to finalizing.

MVRemix: What do you wish to achieve with the album?

Visual: I want people to get a good Idea if not a complete Idea of what I’m about.
This album comes from the heart and I just people to appreciate the honesty in the album. I want to reach more people with this album than I did with my last album,”Figured It Out”. I’ve worked very hard up to this point and I want to continue to see progress with each project as far as gigs and opportunities that come from this album are concerned

MVRemix: How does the album compare to “Figured It Out”?

Visual: I had more time to work on this album. The rest of my life didn’t allow me to put so much time into music and it first it was very frustrating but after being realistic with myself, I chilled out and decided to just take my time with this project. This album is better planned out. I have better production and a better grasp on the concept of this album.

MVRemix: Any videos planned?

Visual: Yes. I have a video for ‘What I’m On” that can be seen now at Youtube.com/visualcs and Vimeo.com/visualcs. I also shot a video for “We Gonna Fly” back in August and I plan to have that out by the time the album comes out on 1.27.09. I also plan to shoot a video for the joint I did with Cap D of All Natural called “Never Sold Crack”

MVRemix: In a sentence or less, what do you do to relax?

Visual: I relax by watching football, sleeping or doing absolutely nothing !

MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la “Fight Club” – “If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight”?

Visual: Honestly, I would fight Kanye right now! Don’t get it twisted, Kanye is fresh and one of my favorites, but right now, Kanye is being a big pussy! [laughs] He’s so emotional and soft right now that I know I would whoop his ass. I mean, the dude is a genius and has made some dope music but his new shit I am not feeling and it’s so soft that it makes me want to fight him. I mean, he is talking about a chick that broke up with him right? I don’t know man, a whole album? Ye, lets fight! But after I whoop your ass can we build on some music? [laughs]

MVRemix: You sure you would win?

Visual: I would whoop his ass!

MVRemix: Do you have any non musical aspirations?

Visual: Yes! T Shirts have always been a passion of mine. I love copping shirts that are rare and no one has. Even though I don’t design, I have tons of ideas and I plan to start a T shirt company in the near future. I also plan on starting up a PR/Consulting firm at some point to help artist get connected with the right people and to make sure their music is heard. Getting my music out there has always been the biggest challenge for me because of all the time and research that it takes and I feel that with my experience I can help new artist out with that. I also plan to start shooting pictures and directing videos in the very soon so artist get at me!

MVRemix: What next do we have to look forward to from you?

Visual: A lot more music! I fee like I finally got out everything I needed to get out that kind of carried from my last album into this new album and their are lots of new styles, ideas and approaches that I want to take with the music that will be totally new for me. And like I mentioned in the last question pictures and videos are two things I will be doing very soon so look out for that.

MVRemix: Any last words?

Visual: I just want to thank you for the opportunity to let people know what I’m about and a chance of gaining some news friends and fans. Also I would appreciate it if everyone reading this can check out Iseeitall.com, Myspace.com/visual, Vimeo.com/visualcs and Youtube.com/visualcs.

Visual Interview: The Working Class Legend