“Your hip-hop flow is one of the most impressive in history. How did you cultivate its rhythmic elements? Are there any parallels to be drawn with free jazz? – Baroqsaverio”
Throughout my career, others have consistently praised the distinctiveness of my flow patterns, and it is truly gratifying to hear. Big Daddy Kane even mentioned hearing me utilize between seven and 10 different flows on a single track. However, I want to clarify that this is not a deliberate choice on my part. I do not write my songs until I am inspired by the music itself, as I believe it is important for my flow to perfectly complement the music. As a result, the flow I use for one beat will never be identical to the flow for the next beat.
The genre of free jazz serves as a perfect illustration. I appreciate it, my friend. I have come to understand the importance of not overanalyzing the creative process and simply going with the flow. In fact, I stopped physically writing songs with a pen about 15 years ago, as I discovered that thoughts can be captured much faster if they are spontaneous.
I saw you on the Area 2 festival tour alongside Moby and David Bowie. I remember watching you jump up and down offstage during Bowie’s performance of Fame. Was that experience as good as it appeared? jlivechii
I grew up listening to David Bowie’s music. When I was a young boy, I had the opportunity to visit England and stay in towns like Morecambe, Preston, and Blackpool. Artists like Wham!, Culture Club, and David Bowie were very popular at the time. During summer vacations, my mother would often send me to spend a month with our family who had moved from Jamaica to England. This was also a way for me to stay out of trouble in Brooklyn.
During my time in England, I witnessed my first interracial couple publicly. While on tour with Bowie, I expressed my admiration for his beautiful interracial relationship with Iman. To me, Hunky Dory is the greatest thing ever. I was curious about Bowie’s recording process for songs like Space Oddity, the studios he used, and how he made money back then compared to now. Bowie was always willing to share his knowledge and answer questions. I remember asking him about his makeup, eyeliner, and unique fashion choices. He simply replied, “I am a free spirit and I enjoy doing things that others wouldn’t.” His persona of Ziggy Stardust was like putting on a superhero costume.
Did you enjoy jumping around in a straitjacket with Ol’ Dirty Bastard in a padded cell, as shown in the music video for Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check? Haemodroid
Many individuals believe that Ol’ Dirty Bastard was simply crazy, but he was also remarkably intelligent. It is not possible for a crazy person to appear intelligent; only a truly intelligent individual can portray craziness – and that is exactly what ODB did. He was a brilliant mind, particularly in the realm of advanced sciences. Unfortunately, he had his flaws and ultimately succumbed to them. However, whenever I was in ODB’s presence, I could feel a powerful and positive energy emanating from him. At times, this energy could be overwhelming, but when he turned it on, it was infectious. Even now, no one else can replicate his unique sound.
Can you recall when you mentioned your fondness for Benny Hill? What was it that you found humorous about his work? From Stockportman
Benny Hill is the funniest motherfucker ever to me! We grew up watching Benny Hill’s shit. It wasn’t just an England thing. Benny was huge here in Brooklyn, too. He wasn’t just funny – he pushed that envelope, unlike anyone else at that time. So, it was shock value, but it was also funny.
Can you describe your time collaborating with J Dilla? How did his studio methods differ from those of other producers? Were there any unreleased collaborations between the two of you?
There is simply no one like J Dilla. He wasn’t very talkative in the studio, but he loved making jokes. Whenever I was around him, his energy was always positive. At one point, Dilla stopped visiting New York, and instead, he would send me CDs with 20 to 25 new beats. However, most of them would only last for 30 seconds before fading out. I have a large collection of those CDs. Some of the songs we worked on together were created by looping those 30-second clips.
Q-Tip was the one who first introduced me to Dilla from A Tribe Called Quest. He had a cassette tape with six of the most amazing Dilla beats I have ever heard. Even now, I can still hear those beats in my mind. Unfortunately, I misplaced that cassette tape. However, Dilla gave me so much incredible new music that I completely forgot to mention losing the old stuff to him. We never even had a chance to talk about it. Our collaboration, as described in our song “Show Me What You Got” which sampled Stereolab, was perfect and unrefined.
It appears that Missy Elliott has been absent for some time. What is your perspective on the representation of women in rap music today? – TheRemedy
Currently, there is a substantial representation of women in the music industry, which has had a positive impact on the overall culture. There are many incredibly talented female MCs who have not received the recognition they deserve in the past. I have always disliked the lack of balance in this regard and am thrilled to see the strength of women’s presence in music at the moment. Some of my personal favorites are Scar Lip, Coi Leray, Bia, and Little Simz. I am currently collaborating with Simz and am excited for what we will create together.
Do you enjoy the movie that the song Gimme Some More samples from, Psycho? It features music from Bernard Herrmann’s soundtrack. Are you a fan of this classic single?
When I was younger, during the holidays, there would be marathons of the movie Psycho on TV. They would show multiple movies in a row. This usually happened around Christmas. My family and I would gather in our home since I wasn’t allowed to go out late, and we would watch Norman Bates in action. It was thrilling for my brother and me, especially with the eerie music playing.
I did not originally come up with the idea for Gimme Some More. The producer of the track, DJ Scratch, brought it to the studio and it completely amazed us all. As soon as I heard the drums, I knew I could create something that would elicit a strong reaction from live audiences.
The genres of horror and rap have always had a connection. I am grateful for the chance to physically defeat Michael Myers in the film Halloween: Resurrection. I had hoped that the Black character would not be written to die, and fortunately they did not, allowing me to survive and showcase some impressive Bruce Lee-style kicks on Michael.
Do you long for 2Pac? noamericano1
I long for Pac’s presence as my friend, sibling, a talented individual, and an MC. I possess knowledge about 2Pac that is unknown to the public, as he was a cherished friend and we experienced incredible moments together through our shared passion for music. He was truly a great person.
I deeply long for my brother, the legendary Notorious BIG, as well. Biggie, Jay-Z, and I were classmates in high school, did you know that? I just wish the events between Biggie and 2Pac had unfolded differently. They should still be alive.
Is it necessary to have constraints on artificial intelligence (AI) advancements?
I am deeply worried about anything that the government and those in authority may develop in an attempt to act as God. I believe that tampering with anything that replaces the functions of the mind, body, and soul and reduces their value is a grave matter.
We were given these devices that can store all of our data and even anticipate our thoughts while we communicate. It suggests words based on our typing, making it easier for us to text. However, this technology is also taking over our thinking process and becoming a part of us. It’s unsettling to think about how advanced AI may one day become and potentially turn against humanity. We need to be cautious when playing with such powerful technology.
What motivates you to keep growing and changing, even after many years have passed? Have you ever considered stopping the creation of new content? mr_bert
All good things must come to an end, but I could never bring myself to call it retirement. I have a deep love for hip-hop culture that has allowed me to see the entire world. Even if I am no longer releasing music publicly, I will always record for my own enjoyment, even as an old man. The studio is my sanctuary; it never disrespects or betrays me. It is where I can escape from all the negativity. Inside those four walls, I can be anyone I want to be – whether it’s Thanos, a dragon, or a gentle giant. My passion for rapping still burns strongly in my spirit and soul, so for now, I will continue on this path.
Source: theguardian.com
