What are we gonna do when the gay rapper pulls a Lance Bass on us?
Earlier this week, they tried to lay the title on Ne-Yo and alot of people were "So Sick"...sorry, I had to LOL.
In truth, with the way homosexuality is not tolerated in the Black community or the hip-hop community, who'll be the one individual to say the words "I'm Gay", either while in the spotlight or after their 15 minutes is over?
While personally detesting the labels applied to brothers, time is starting to make me understand that this whole "down low brother" theory is not some conspiracy theory or phenomenon. When AIDS first came on the scene, its increasing infliction was attributed to drug users. Now, it's said to spread more because of homosexuality and unprotected heterosexual intercourse. And in the Black community, it's hittin harder than an 808.
So if my favorite rapper is playing both sides of the fence and fuckin a different broad in every city...and then I happen to run across the smut...yeah.
So will hip-hop accept the idea of a rappin Karamo? A media personality? Someone who's cds I bought? Who's video I saw and maybe picked up style cue? Who's lyrics I rapped during the course of my day? Who's show I bought a ticket for?
Will I buy their discs anymore?
I doubt it.
On a surface level, doing so leaves you open to alot of comments that you're condoning or glorifying the gay artist. "Yo...you got that aggin _______ disc? Aww man!" You don't want to be that dude in the lockeroom trying to convince your boys that MC DigDug is the best when he was just on the cover of a mag tongue-kissin his lover.
On a deeper level, for some reason, I truly don't think so because homosexuality is still a seedy issue for all of America. Yes, the media is trying to portray it as a lifestyle that's more prominent than middle America is willing to admit. Still, personally, I don't find too much fascination in watching the various portrayals like Will & Grace or Queer Eye episodes.
So while American culture may be open to accepting homosexuality, its subcultures aren't.
Rock-n-roll is American as you can get & they have Elton John. That's mainstream culture.
Subcultures, such as rap and country, will most likely never have those types of artists. Like country, hip-hop forms alot of it's base around the male bravado, "manliness."
Gay does not equate manliness.
No answers.
Just ideas and questions.
In the end, perhaps we need to focus on how we treat each other as people.
What another man does on his private time really ain't my issue anyways honestly.
The one who doesn't talk much when everybody's around but really starts saying something when you're one on one with him.
I've been slowly accepting the art of spoken word more as my man Aubrey has been asking me to come out and support him.
In turn, I've noticed, and I'm generalizing here, spoken word artists come in a few forms...
Those fast-talking cats so closely akin to pimps, talkin fast but not saying much...
Psuedo Love Jones dudes trying to get @ females via the mic hehe...
Bemusingly angry chicks...
And then those individuals who have the true talent and presence with their words to captivate and motivate. This last group is the one I admire most and find myself pushin up my lighter for when we're @ the events. Admirable for their ability to impart wisdom and intellect, a concise worldview and mesh it all into a blend of words and voice that is plainspeak...
So when this showed up @ my e-doorstep, I figured it'd be worth sharing.
The Wire is that show for being cutting edge and hauntingly realistic. Every season thus far has been top notch and shined light on a variety of issues effecting many downtrodden communities, giving a dramatic portrayal to the "we sell the dope but we don't own no planes to bring it here" theory. Politricks and dirty business. This season should be no different as it will focus on the Baltimore public education system, or the lack of education perhaps.
And since that last group of spoken word artists usually have something to say when they speak, it looks like a nice alternative twist that should fit like a glove with the premise of the show. A nice platform to share your thoughts one might say.
While some my deem it a form of explotation, but I always think it's good when the powers that be embrace both the internet and hip-hop. At a certain point, we have to realize the power our culture holds with music as the medium. As well, we have to branch out and let the world officially know that we're not just on the corner rappin anymore. So when given a stage, we should seek to seize the moment for our benefit. It's quid pro quo - "you scratch my back; I scratch yours." Somewhere, some lucky cat is gonna benefit from the exposure and that's always a blessing.
Scarface is a hip-hop and hood staple, as proven by the countless times seen on MTV Cribs.
Everybody "admires" the idea of being the ballsy toughguy who goes after it all.
But not everybody wants to take the pen chances or go out in a blaze of bullets.
Fear no more. You too can still be Tony Montana courtesy of Scarface: The World Is Yours brought to you by Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, available on XBox and PS2 on Oct. 8.
Peep the trailer for the game by clickin the pic below...
Unless you've been under some sort of rock, we've all heard various takes on what the hell happened to Dave Chappelle and his critically acclaimed show. In recent months, Dave has slowly but surely been making his way back into the public eye and doing standup.
What you'll read below is a friend's recant of what Dave said @ a recent standup he performed @ Warner Theater in D.C. this past Saturday, as a small part of his comedic routine. It was too engaging not to pass along and there was no need to try to restate it because it was said good enough in it's original form.
Respect to MJPapa for allowing us to share it with you.
First off, Happy Birthday to Dave. He turned 33 last night and performed at the Warner Theater in DC. His wife and two sons came up on stage and the Howard University Marching Band surprised him at the end of the show.
His comedy was on point and he related his $50M contact to the life of Iceburg Slim, a Chicago pimp, who wrote a book about his life called, aptly, "Pimp".
In short, he told the story about a prosititue who was good for 2,500 tricks. She was called the "bottom ho". After about 2000 "miles", she wanted to quit--said she was all used up. Slim had to make a decision whether to cut her loose or ride her out for all she was worth and he called to meet her in a coffee shop.
Slim told her that he couldn't work with her anymore and that they needed to part ways. He asked that she turn one final trick for him tonight and she agreed. His instructions were clear--go to the motel across the street and knock on the door to a room where a man will be waiting. Slip a bit of this powder into his drink before doing the business and wait for him to pass out. When he does, take the briefcase on the table and come back to the restaurant.
The bottom ho does exactly as Slim tells her and heads off to the motel. Minutes later, she returns to the diner in a panic and tells Slim that something went wrong--she gave the man all of the powder and he was unconscious. Slim tells her he never meant for the business man to take the whole dose and they proceed back to the hotel where Slim checks his pulse. He then dials a phone number and soon later, a doctor shows up. After a few moments, the doctor pronounces the man dead. The bottom ho starts getting really scared and says, "We killed him!!"
Slim corrects her and says, "No. You killed him. And I'm here to help get us out of this." He tells the doctor and the prostitute to wait inside the room and he goes out into the night. An hour, or more, goes by and both the ho and doctor are terrified that Slim may never come back. Just then, Slim returns--now with two more men and a carpet. It's then that Slim opens the briefcase, which is filled with money. He pulls out two large wads and hand one each to the men. They take one look inside the room and know what to do, rolling the business man off the bed and up into the carpet, haul the body down a flight of stairs into the trunk of a waiting car and drive off.
Slim the pulls out another stack of bills and hands it to the doctor who thanks him and leaves. Slim then tells the bottom ho to grab her things and they exit through the bathroom window so as not to be seen by anyone. On the way out, the hooker is still stunned and what just transpired. Slim leans in real close and says, "That just there was a secret that you can never tell to anyone. Ever. We now have a bond that is unbreakable."
The hooker understands this and Slim allows her to keep working for him. She works for another year and ends up giving him 3,500 tricks - a thousand more than she was worth.
In the end, the whole scene was made up. The doctor was a friend of Slim's who happened to have a lab coat. The two cleaners were taxi drivers he met on the street. The money and briefcase belonged to Slim and the dead man was very much alive--Slim staged the whole thing. He closed his show with this story and said, "This is THE GAME. And when you can figure out what happened, you'll understand why I went to Africa".
Back to school and fall are always cherished for school kids and grown folk alike.
For one, it signifies the end of summer.
Fall and winter > summer
True indeed, in summer, the barenaked women rule and you can rock colorful outfits.
But any coolmotherfucker knows, fall and winter are about layers and accessories. A nice tweed hat. Matching leather and boots. Skullies. For some of you flyer folk, a scarf. TNF's in adundance and 'Lo knits.
For two, it gives you a justified reason to have to blow some cheese and splurge a little.
School kids get a shopping spree, be it small or large, courtesy of mothers or summer hustles.
Grown folks start scrappin together extra dollars to get that new-new butter leather or, for the ladies, those particular boots.
But sometimes, cats do it all wrong or follow the script to hard.
This is for those of you looking to be on the frontline of the cutting edge and what cats on the screen are doing. Seen on various videos and print worn by cats like the whole G-Unit crew, Jae Millz, Papoose, Busta, Chris Brown, Gino Green Global is the actual name of "the shirts with all the 9's on it." FYI - Those are actually lowercase g's. Now you know.
Peep the video footage by clicking the link...
Why rock it? One because from the ground up, the brand is street orientated. From the designers to the clothes they produce, they symbolize some of the gaudiness and one-up-manship that it is hip-hop - the colorful assortment and unique placement of the logos are just enough to catch the eye of anyone without looking awkwardly absurd while doing it...and now you know those aren't 9's so the shirts make more sense.
Fresh, innovative, hip-hop influenced. Quality materials used, graphics that won't fade, affordable. And instead of focusing on flooding the market with designs, they only plan to drop a few pieces each season while making sure to maintain quality control of the joints they do decide to drop.
So in other words, visit streetdreamsnyc.com, get on now, cop and be one of the few around your city doin it in these. Plus this shirt featuring the AZ lyric is quintessential hip-hop and is shittin on 3/4's of the materials in stores now.
Now I know, if you're like most, the idea of rockin Ecko prolly hasn't crossed your mind. Matter of fact, I think all I've ever owned from the label is a pair of jeans LOL.
Nothing too over the top; decent execution @ best. But I think it's appealing more because it's paying tribute to one of the most influential directors of the past twenty years.
If you've stepped your clothing game to apparel a little more gentlemanly than puffy coats and New Eras, but you're still a hat fanatic, there's still a way you can cover your dome without looking like conflicting generations are battling for placement on your body via your clothes.
www.stilllifenyc.com has a dope collection of hats that will allow you to accomplish the stylistic flow you want. Yeah, they cost more than the standard Lids joints, but as with anything, sometimes doing outside the boundaries takes an investment.
No matter how old I get, I will always rock sneakers. And ten times out of ten, they won't be standard fare bought from Footlocker. It's rarely mentioned here but I always like to mention that years ago, my homeboys Matt, Ahmad and myself were a part of the originators of this online sneaker craze, along with several other sites. So if you hate hypebeasts, resellers and eGay, etc., we proudly take some of the blame for that. Because while it has it's drawbacks, there's nothing like copping a pair of shoes that, previous to the emergence of online sneaker culture, would've only been a European or Asian exclusive or that original version of a shoe that you were too broke to buy when you were young. Now that you have the money to play, play hard.
Your easy-to-follow, online guide to a variety of sneaker websites, blogs, retailers, etc.
One thing that has hurt the sneaker collecting and wearing is the overabundance of fakes/variants. If I see another pair of clear Jordan VII's in a white/________ (insert one of the seldom used colors out of the Crayola 64 box with the sharpener on the side) I think I might shed a tear.
Rick Ross feat Kiotti and Memphis Bleek - Push It (Remix)
50 Cent - Ghetto Superstar
Justin Timberlake - My Love, Futuresex/Lovesounds, Chop Me Up (ft. Timbaland and Three 6 Mafia), Chop Me Up (ft. Timbaland and Three 6 Mafia)and Damn Girl (ft. Will.I.Am)
It's been fun but...I'm glad to kiss the bitch goodbye.
I've been lusting after fall and winter anyways.
So what the fuck I got clapped on for my truck Then I laughed cause fuck the cash I just wanted my tape bacckkkk...
"Noorotic"..."Bobyahed2dis"...."Wuditlooklike"
Red prolly could've been a wrestler in another life...but I'm glad he decided to rap because Funk Doc went ape on this album. He may have actually reached his epoch here because the dark beats meshed perfectly with his subterranean flow.
I should've discussed shorty's album with you previously.
The same day we happened to post it on here there was a discussion poppin off about it on Okayplayer.
German born, Joy Denalane's album is bubblin...
Guest appearances by Lupe, Raekwon and Governor mix it up on a few of the songs and add to the album. But, shorty can hold it down solo. Solid mix of soulful singing with a strong hip-hop influence and presence, seldom since since MJB hit the scene. Not to compare the voices though because Joy's isn't as strong as Mary's but she still carries it well over tracks. Plus, you always gotta give credit to an artist who strikes out with a touch of activism on tracks, esp during this time when others are either nuetral, too timid to speak out or caught up in the glamour and glitz.
Standouts... "Stirrin Up Something"
Smooth Smokey Rob and The Miracles type groove... "Change"
Easily recognizable sample with Joy riding high on the track... "Heaven Or Hell"
Are singers now going to start covering rappers' songs? At least she's successful and makes it sound like rap covers wouldn't be a bad thing...
(Position/ Name-title/Last Week/ % Change/ Release Before Last Week/ RTD) #2 JENNINGS*LYFE PHOENIX 135,582 999 480 136,065 #4 CHERISH UNAPPRECIATED 90,733 999 165 90,900 #7 ROSS*RICK PORT OF MIAMI 78,724 -58 187,269 266,571 #8 TRICE*OBIE SECOND ROUND'S ON ME 73,850 999 297 74,150 #11 GNARLS BARKLEY ST. ELSEWHERE 50,091 -7 53,747 772,226 #14 CASSIE CASSIE 40,814 -59 100,065 141,188 #15 PUSSYCAT DOLLS PCD 39,496 0 39,576 2,006,292 #20 LETOYA LETOYA 33,926 -23 43,879 308,225 #21 YUNG JOC NEW JOC CITY 33,789 -14 39,240 605,874 #22 RIHANNA GIRL LIKE ME 33,327 -8 36,384 887,291 #25 DMX YEAR OF THE DOG AGAIN 28,120 -40 47,147 201,849 #28 FURTADO*NELLY LOOSE 27,438 -14 31,757 647,941 #33 NE-YO IN MY OWN WORDS 24,840 -7 26,663 1,220,369 #36 PHARRELL IN MY MIND 22,941 -26 30,904 247,499 #38 INDIA.ARIE TESTIMONY:VOL.1,LIFE & RELATIO 20,703 -17 25,038 408,898 #50 BUSTA RHYMES BIG BANG THE 16,301 -10 18,059 503,487 #53 CHAM GHETTO STORY 15,264 999 111 15,375 #66 E-40 MY GHETTO REPORT CARD 12,787 7 11,900 398,567 #67 BROWN*CHRIS CHRIS BROWN 12,776 3 12,405 1,506,894 #76 T.I. KING 11,753 -20 14,732 1,442,740 #77 CHAMILLIONAIRE SOUND OF REVENGE 11,701 -14 13,618 1,148,000 #83 BLIGE*MARY J. BREAKTHROUGH 10,660 -10 11,888 2,527,893 #84 ICE CUBE LAUGH NOW CRY LATER 10,587 -19 13,125 408,515 #85 PAUL*SEAN TRINITY 10,535 -6 11,194 1,164,958 #93 JURASSIC 5 FEEDBACK 9,612 -10 10,734 70,651 #95 BLACK EYED PEAS MONKEY BUSINESS 9,220 2 9,067 3,928,816 #98 PIMP C PIMPALATION 8,992 -23 11,734 176,632 #115 OMAR*DON KING OF KINGS 7,921 -17 9,553 245,471 #125 COLE*KEYSHIA WAY IT IS 6,672 1 6,632 1,346,561 #128 JONES*DONELL JOURNEY OF A GEMINI 6,475 10 5,896 134,535 #134 ISLEY BROTHERS BABY MAKIN' MUSIC 6,312 -9 6,949 329,271 #135 EMINEM CURTAIN CALL 6,267 -4 6,539 2,503,367 #139 THREE 6 MAFIA MOST KNOWN UNKNOWN 6,018 -9 6,641 932,936 #146 FRANKLIN*KIRK HERO 5,580 -3 5,730 615,689 #148 AVANT DIRECTOR 5,522 -14 6,388 357,380 #149 LIL' WAYNE CARTER II 5,503 2 5,421 1,023,161 #152 BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY GREATEST HITS 5,434 -1 5,471 595,414 #153 SHAWNNA BLOCK MUSIC 5,406 -22 6,930 123,971 #163 CAREY*MARIAH EMANCIPATION OF MIMI 4,965 3 4,825 5,691,350 #173 FIELD MOB LIGHT POLES & PINE TREES 4,620 -22 5,892 159,356 #193 MARY MARY MARY MARY 4,089 -6 4,348 460,182 #197 MARLEY*DAMIAN WELCOME TO JAMROCK 3,977 7 3,701 559,308
Damn. Obie coming in at Number 8? He had multiple videos, and solid tracks on the album only to sell a little over 70k? Maybe his radio promotion is to blame. Not that I listen to the radio all that much, but I haven't heard shit about his album dropping or of any radio appearances in my area.
Lyfe getting his just due, pulling in 136k or so. The dude is talented as hell, and free of the bubble gum style that most of today's R&B artists seem to adopt to sell.
RAAAOOOOSSSSSSS is doing his thing, reaching gold in 3 more weeks or so.
Crack Man X just popped 200,000, and although I didn't like his album, I'm glad he's at least doing modest numbers.
Cham dropping a little something for the reggae-minded folks, his first single a duet with Alicia Keys. Not a bad look, and a decent album, but I don't think anyone really thought he was going to blow up.
A lot of other hip hoppers hanging tough in there, good to see some representation in the top 200.
But seriously, can someone PLEASE cop Masta Killa's album? All I'm askin for is for the least known Wu member to break 30k.
Also, go cop that Method Man joint next week. I gave it a spin and it's got depth. Help a salty MC out, and let's all collectively pray that he smacks that fake ass hair off of Wendy Williams' head.
Noz over @ XXLmag Online cooked up an Outkast/Dungeon Family 101 for those of you you've been under a rock since '94.
And with the frenzy around Idlewild, we figured we'd go ahead and sucuumb.
The soundtrack drops today, Tuesday 8.22.
The movie hits theaters on Friday. Annndddd...we've got some goodies to pass along...
The Tooth Fairy says we can have 5 copies of a Limited Edition 10" Outkast vinyl. Side A has "Morris Brown" and Side B has "Idlewild Blues".
And we're passing those along to you all...since I haven't had my 1200's since like '98. Plus, we like the idea of "rewarding" you for making us noticeable enough to recieve goodies from labels.
DJ's, you can use'em to spin. Collectors, you can save them for posterity. Ebayers...well, we know what you'll do...but nevertheless...
The skinny?
The first FIVE people to answer these ten questions correctly win.
It's that simple.
The Questions
1. What high school did Big and Dre attend together and eventually meet?
2. What hip-hop star was to be a member of Outkast, but ended up signing with another group?
3. What was the first single Andre produced?
4. What was the name of Dre's and Big Boi's first group?
5. Before progressing to the limelight, what occupation did Outkast share in high school?
6. What is Outkast's DJ's name?
7. On Speakerboxx, which song did Big Boi's son appear on?
8. What was the name of Dre's character in the movie The Four Brothers?
9. From what song did the title of today's post originate?
10. Name your favorite Outkast track.
Remember, first five folks who respond with the correct answers win.
Well, last nite I was scrambling around the crib, doing various things and needed a disc to provide the soundtrack.
And I stumbled across this joint.
Today, I'm glad I did.
If I remember correctly (and I could be wrong), this was after the Down With The King tape that knock everybody on their collective asses. The key with Gangsta Grillz XI and XII was that they focused more on Drama as a DJ instead of the artists who would later follow. Me and my lil brother were riding in the whip listening to both XI and XII when it hit me "this dude is about to take over if he keeps lacin shit like this."
He eventually did and the rest is history in the making because he hasn't stopped.
Key points on this tape...
Mike emerged as a beast. The pissed off Mike we see today? This tape was the first time we saw that version.
Stat Quo (has he dropped) stepped into the spotlight...
Wayne dumbed out on the beat and we glimpses of what was to come...
Too much heat. All the tracks would have prolly caught a little buzz on their own.
But sequenced by Dram, this tape was choke full of potential explosives.
To detonate, download and press play....
T.I.P, DJ Drama, Cyndi - Intro Killer Mike - Bad Day Worst Day Slim Thug, Big Kuntry, Twista - Overnight Celebrity Bun B. & T.I.P - Is That Your Chick Stat Quo - 1 Dope Boy in a Cadillac Killer Mike - Wheres The Love? T.I.P. & Lil Scrappy - Tipsy Revisited Greg Street - Gangsta Grillz Radio Slim Thug, Bun B, Chamillionare - In Money We Trust Paul Wall & Bun B & DJ Drama - Jesus Walks Lil Wayne - Wayne is Here Stat Quo, Bonecrusher, DJ Drama - In The Streets Big Kuntry & T.I.P - Throwback 2004 Jae Millz & Aphilliates - Generation Now Killer Mike - Road Story!! Stat Quo & Killer Mike - More Problems T.I.P, Slim Thug, Bun B - 3 Kings Bohagen, Playboy Tre, DJ Drama - 25 Niggas Willie The Kid - In Society (Cannon Music. Bun B, Lil Jon, Banner, Baby D, Kay Slay - Drama Bleu Davinci & Young Jeezy - Rich & Rock Ice Sean J of Field Mobb - Guess Whos Back Juvenile & Souljah Slim (R.I.P.. - Slo Motion Paul Wall - Chick Magnet DJ Drama - Outro Big Floaty - Give it to Em Bleu & Young City (Da Band. - Real in Here
When my dude asked did we want Smitty for a Session, my first thought was "Diamonds On My Neck" Smitty?...Yeah, that's cool.
But things changed quickly...first thing was I looked @ his disc and noticed features and production credits that stand w/the best of them - tracks with Kanye, Jae Millz, Scarface, John Legend, Joe and Akon and beats by Jazzy Pha, 9th Wonder, Hi-Tek, Buckwild, Streetrunner and Scram Jones. I knew there was more to the story of Smitty than what appeared on the surface. Listening to the album, I was floored by the consistency and ruggedness of it, his gravelly voice, and stark subject matter.
More research ensued and showed that my dude had credits writing for cats who's names have plastered billboards and marquees - Will Smith, Dre, Diddy...he also recieved credit for "Shake Ya Tailfeather" with Nelly and Diddy and "Bump Bump Bump" for B2K...and I thought, "huh?" because that's the antithesis of his style on the album. Diversity and adaptability come to mind when you think of Smitty because anybody capable of writing hip-pop and flipping to create a album as raw as The Voice Of The Ghetto has true talent and showing his Little Haiti roots.
So, to say the least, everybody on this side was waiting to see what my man had to say. And he did not dissapoint with the colorful flavor and knowledge he dropped....
"Smitty, we now you you fully responsible to keep this gangsta shit alive..." Scarface
TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With Smitty
Words by AWalsh aka YIKES Editing by Paola Mendoza and John Gotty™
TSS> How long you been rapping for and how did you start out?
Smitty> I’ve been rappin since '97. I always had the ability, and not everyone was taking it as serious because not everyone could freestyle like me. I always had the ability so it just naturally progressed from there. I started writiting for Will Smith, went to Dr. Dre, then to Puff, and others. It got me behind the scenes which lead to an inside look at the industry and the way things worked.
TSS> Previous to dropping your album, or even have a major deal, whats it like to be the man behind the pen to some of the most successful songs in America, but get no shine from it while these other cats are gettin major radio/video radio burn off your words?
Smitty> It was a breath of fresh of air to find that someone thought I was good enough to offer something to the game that people enjoyed. It gave me confidence and showed me that my words could succeed commercially. They actually taught me about myself as a rapper too and helped me learn a lot about how to make a hit record for myself when the time came.
TSS> “Diamonds On My Neck,” you know we gotta address this. It’s a good song for the clubs and MTV but after listening to “Voice of the Ghetto,” it doesn’t sound anything like the rest of your music. What does that song mean to you and how does it fit in with the rest of your work?
Smitty> “Diamonds On My Neck,” it was more of an image or lifestyle record. It was what it was, being a businessman before an artist; it gave me the national exposure I needed to put out the music that I felt was a closer reflection of who I really am. It’s far-fetched from what I have to offer, but it gave me an opportunity to show people who first heard my name from that song to show them who Smitty really is and what else I have to say. Its similar to Webbie, another artist whose radio joints are far from the music on his album. It’s a Catch 22 because it gives opportunity to the artist to be who we need to be but at the same time the first impression people have of you is something you really aren’t, and you don’t know how people will respond to that.
TSS> Rick Ross, Pitbull, DJ Khaled and other artists from the same area are doing a lot to put Florida back on the map in a way that it hasn’t been really since Luke was doing it with 2 Live Crew. What are you doing to carve out your place in this renaissance?
Smitty> Really, I stand out like a sore thumb in this project. Of course they success is my success, because we rep the same place, but I come from a different fabric than them. No disrespect, but I come from under Scarface, Dame Dash, Puff, my shit is on a whole other level. I have more obstacles to climb because I’m from Little Haiti, representing for the Carribeans and alla dat. I carve my niche by bringing the the passion. A lot of artists lack the passion and lack the truth in they music. Like the club joints, we all do that shit, that’s a lifestyle. But I’m trying to make songs that may aren’t just for the clubs. I’m talking about those greats songs on the album that may never be released as a single but the shit that the streets will remember you for. Songs like “Smile” from Scarface that make money, but aren’t just hot for a minute. I come from artists who don’t need one hot single keep the buzz in the streets. Like Nas was from Illmatic to It Was Written, that was 5 years without one hit single, but he was still my favorite for the entire time because of what he gave on the first album. I’m really trying to have album live through me, not me through the songs, I want my music to live on beyond me. Like 2pac’s gone, but we still got “All Eyez On Me.” You gotta make music to outlast the movement, not just live for the moment.
TSS> You mentioned Scarface…on your song with him and Kanye, Face says “Smitty, we now hold you fully responsible to keep this gangsta shit alive.” What’s it like for a kid who grew up in the south to hear that?
Smitty> It really touched me and put me in the position to be marked. A lot of artists didn’t know how to take it, a lot of artists came at me to check the pedigree because most people don’t know our relationship. I’m in Facemob. Us two used to chop it up together on life and shit, not even talk about rap, so his words came because what he knows me personally. He’s telling me what he sees, his ideologies, his perspective and also where he wants the game to be. So it wasn’t even based on his respect for me as an artist, but more so as his respect for me as a man. No one in rap is really providing what we need as a man; I have the ability to do that. His holding me fully responsible is to put out that real shit. Even when I’m putting out mixtapes, I’m trying to make real records. He was telling me to get cha money with “Diamonds On My Neck,” shit like that, go ahead and get your shine, but also don’t’ forget the independent side because that’s the real shit and that’s what the game needs.
TSS> Damn that’s crazy. I didn’t know ya'll were down like that. What influences has he had on you not just as person, but as an artist?
Smitty> I just wanna see what he sees, reflect the shit around him the same way that he did. As an artist people say I am like Face because I could write my life through my lyrics the same way the most beautiful storytellers can.
TSS> I noticed that too. Listening to “Voice of the Ghetto,” the songs that had the biggest impact on me are the songs for just the average man trying to make it through the day. It seems like you excel at writing those type of songs, do you focus a lot on writing those type of songs?
Smitty> Yeah, definitely. I’m an old school cat, no disrespect like cats to fans of Cash Money, they are legendary, but I come from a different era of legends. MCs like Ice Cube, Common, Rakim, KRS-One, Nas, Biggie, even fucking Father MC. I express myself for who I really am because I am the average man trying to make a dollar outta 15¢. It’s not me to brag and boast; I mean I do it because we all do it. But I’m more concerned with what it took to get that shit. Sure I got diamonds on my neck, but that’s not who I am, I’m more than that. I’m here to represent for the everyday person. Whose gonna speak for the average man? Pac is gone, no one speaking for the average man anymore. Outkast does it the best, they may have the most country, gangsta shit on their songs. But if you listen, they teaching the most necessary shit on how to be good people. Its alright to have those songs to inspire the average man to get up and get out and do what it take to get their shit together.
TSS> You mentioned Cash Money and those type cats, what are you doing that’s different from their style of music?
Smitty> I’m all about the art of making an album. There’s no way you gonna make a classic album in 2 months. There’s just no way. A lot of majors will try to put pressure on you to get your album out while your name is hot in the streets off the single, but that’s not what I’m about. A lot of these artists, they go to the club pop bottles and fuck hoes, and that’s cool, I do that too, but that’s not what I’m all about. I do perspective writing. Not enough artists can go back and take a point in they life and write about it make it relevant today. There are not enough writers and too many rappers. Like when Biggie said “It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine…” that shit could been today but it was really written in '93. I’m about reflective records, giving you insight to who I really am. I’d rather have you know what I am from my album rather than who you think I am from my single.
TSS> So you did the major label thing, but your newest album is being released independently. Knowing both routes, what one do you suggest for the up and comer who is weighing both options?
Smitty> The independent is the only route you can go to for those who NEED to be themselves. It’s for those that are better than the average and bring something new to the table that maybe the majors might not want to get behind. I encourage those who are serious about the art to go out and hustle your shit, if you are just in it for the cash, clothes, and hoes, I’d suggest that you stay away from it and maybe consider shopping yourself to a major and staying away from the independent game. I’m in this shit because I love it, I don’t need you over here stepping on my toes.
TSS> You mentioned perspective writing and that’s something I find really intriguing. Who are some others you consider perspective artists?
Smitty> T.I. with songs like “Motivation,” Outkast cuz of shit like “Bombs Over Baghdad,” 8 Ball & MJG, Kanye…definitely Kanye with his work on giving his ideologies on “Jesus Walks,” Young Buck remind me of myself in a lot of ways, that’s just off the top. When I say perspective, it’s not a self proclaimed title, it’s the way I write. If I go to the studio and spit 100 bars: 50 bars might be the standard, but at least 30 of those 100 bars is that reflection of myself, the insight to who I am.
TSS> What are you aspiring to be outside of a rap star?
Smitty> You know, that was never really my goal. I started off wanting to be a rap star and ended up wanting to be anything but a rapper. I wanna continue to be a songwriter, wanna make 3 or 4 albums, wanna put new artists in the game and teach them how to be write songs and survive in the game to feed their family. I’m a provider and I want to teach others the same lessons I’ve been taught. Dame Dash taught me to use rap as a stepping stone to move onto other venues for young men who never had that chance otherwise. I wanna be business man who happen to put out a street classic record. I got shoe coming out through Dame Dash that’s coming out around the same time as the album and some other ventures I’m working on.
TSS> So you are on that Jay Z shit, “I’m not a rapper, I’m a hustler, it just so happens that I know how to rap.”
Smitty> Yeah, exactly. Hahaha, I just happen to be able to rap, but I would still have the same interests and goals if I didn’t.
TSS> So it seems to me you ain’t trying to be in the game to the point that you have been in the game so long that people are telling you to hang it up like some of these legends still lingering in the game for a paycheck. What point would you like to be at by age 50?
Smitty> Yeah, I’m not trying to be that. Not enough rappers put themselves in a position where they don’t have to rap. I plan on doing that. The way it’s going now, it looks like there are gonna be tons of 50 year old rappers. I just wanna get my 3 or 4 albums in, train the next generation, succeed in other places than rap and get out. I just want to be well respected and loved, known as an individual who cares and remembered as a good guy.
TSS> You went to school right? That’s something that not a lot of rappers can say about themselves, what was that like for you?
Smitty> It was cool but I realized it wasn’t for me. No disrespect to those who go to school, if that’s for you than cool, I just felt I had another calling. Though it did put me in the position to accomplish things that I never thought I could. I was going to school to be a studio engineer, but got worked into broadcasting which somehow turned into journalism. I was sitting over here like what the fuck? I was trying to do something completely different. So when I got that opportunity to make it to LA to potentially pursue rapping, I jumped at it. But journalism did teach me how to write better, taught me phrasing and how to use the right word and the right time, and it also taught me breath control and timing. It’s those small things that most don’t understand but separates the greats and that’s something I try to pass onto the others I’m trying to teach aswell.
TSS> How did your family react to that? What did you tell them?
Smitty> I snuck it in. I told them I was leaving for LA, they couldn’t say shit about that because I am my own man, so they supported it. But I just didn’t come back.
TSS> I feel that. But we been on some serious shit for a minute, lets lighten it up a bit.
Smitty> Yeah, my cell phone is dying too, so let’s do it.
TSS> Alright, rapid fire style, whats the first thing you do when you get off tour?
Smitty> Oh, I gotta hit the little Carribean seafood place for the ceviche mix, you know, eat the delicacies of my hood and then I sleep and hit the strip club to relax.
TSS> For sure. What was your favorite album growing up?
Smitty> Shit, that’s hard. most influential or favorite?
TSS> Favorite…
Smitty> NWA’s “Efil4zaggin,” definitely.
TSS> Alright, “Illmatic,” “Ready To Die,” or “Reasonable Doubt?”
Smitty> “Illmatic”
TSS> What’s the strangest thing part about being a rapper, something that before you got into it you never imagined happening yet one day you found yourself experiencing it?
Smitty> Having people tell you what’s hot and what’s not when it’s your lyrics. When you writing things from your heart and your mind, and they are telling you they are wrong. Its like helping Michelangelo draw the Mona Lisa, feel me?
TSS> Oh fa sho. As a writer myself I feel that, I’ll do a whole piece and then have a fucking editor tear it to shreds. Its like “if you know so much, the fuck do you need me for? Go ahead and write this shit yourself.”
Smitty> Haha, you feel me then pimpin
TSS> Alright, out of all the herb you want, which one would you choose to blow a pound of?
Smitty> You know Kryp, presidential, all that purple is the hype right now. But I’d probably pick that chronic, that’s the strongest. I spent some time in Cali...that purple might creep up on you, but that Chronic go straight to the head.
TSS> You know whassup. I’m from Humboldt originally, we got that shit the hippies grow over here that’ll blow your mind.
Smitty> For real man, I’m all about that Cali chronic
TSS> On one of your songs you say something like “trying to pick me like Ed Pickney…”
Smitty> AHAHAHAHA, yeah, that’s my boy. Ed Pickney, not many people know about him because he might not have had the pro career, but he was bad. Shout out to Ed Pickney.
TSS> Hahaha, I had to rewind when I first heard that, like “no way did he just make an Ed Pickney reference.” So I take it you are a sports fan?
Smitty> Yeah, I’m watching the Eagles game right now, I got that season pass at my house.
TSS> So you hype on that Madden release then?
Smitty> For sure, I love Madden. Thing is, I’m good at it and I’ll beat all my boys when we first get it and then they’ll take it home and practice it and kick my ass. I don’t got time to play like that so I’ll play it for like the first 2 months and then they get too good and I can’t keep up.
TSS> Alright man, it’s been a lot of fun but I’m gonna wrap it up with our signature question here at TSS. Whats the first thing you tell the first girl that broke up with you?
Smitty> Oh shit, that’s a hard one! I’d probably drive by playing that Fiddy like, “I know you don’t love me.” Hahahaha. Nah, really that’s not me. I’d take her out to eat, drive her around in my car, take her to the house and subtly show her what she’s missing. I’m not a vindictive person, I’m not the type to explicitly tell her that she fucked up, I’d rather show her.
TSS> Hahaha, for sure man. It’s been fun, thanks for taking the time to share some words, be easy kid. PEACE.
