How closely do you think hiphop is addressing the reality of African-American life today?
Hip Hop has always been the news from the streets. That’s where most of us come from – nothing. Hip hop artists have been stepping up to the plate when it comes to real-life issues like Mike Brown, Trayvon Martin and many more. I think artists are using social media to stay close to events and things going on in the world and in our society.
What’s the situation in Detroit these days? There’s been a lot of news stories talking of a Detroit urban renewal. What are you seeing?
I haven’t seen any “renewal” yet, but we will see. The one thing I like is that the city is auctioning a house off everyday to get people to move back and rebuild. Don’t know how well it’s doing but at least it’s something. We have a long way to go in Detroit but we will get there. It starts with the people first. We have to do a better job of being a better community and take responsibility for our own, whatever that may be.
What was your inspiration for your recent album Laugh Now Laugh Later?
My inspiration for this album was life struggles. I was going through just about everything imaginable, and instead of giving up I wrote about it and used the negative energy for something positive. I had a few things on my chest and I had some beats I never wrote to so I just put the album together when I had a feel for the music. I picked tracks that had a similar feel to them to set a curtain type of mood.
What’s your favorite song on the album and why?
I like the “Joker” Intro to the album. It starts the album off right. You hear the Joker and his insane laughs then that crazy guitar comes in and sets it off. I love the guitar riff and just the overall demented feel of the quotes I used. If you’re a hard rock or metal person you should enjoy it, it really starts the album off right!