BLACK SILVER
Q: What inspired you to do “Hood Narrators”? Was there a moment or experience that brought out the way that song unfolded?
To be honest once we got the Kool G Rap feature approved, all I was thinking is I have to do some street life shit. As far as the final product goes, That’s what you get from these 3 artists on that topic.
Q: You say something in the verse about extorting jewelers. Is that symbolic, speaking of power in the streets, or is there a deeper meaning?
Not really. It’s more of a point of view. In my eyes it’s common sense. Why robb a rapper when I can make 3 times as much from their jeweler?
Q: There’s a lot of urgency in your lyrics, especially with lines like “by any means necessary get it and go.” You think that mentality is crucial for survival in the streets?
Absolutely. There are several rules in the streets and lingering around too long is a big no no. Always do it moving.
Q: You also name figures like Slick Rick and Malcolm X in your verse. How have icons of that caliber influenced your music and views of the world?
I’m not easily influenced. Never been a follower in my life. With that being said I’ve also always been extremely inquisitive. I like to research information for myself. Slick Rick is one of the forefathers of Hip-Hop and Malcome X was a powerful force in our culture, so there’s great respect to both of them.
Q: In your lyrics, you mention keeping the pressure low so you ain’t “busting pipes.” So personally, how do you manage the stress derived from street life and the music industry?
I don’t run the streets like I used to. I don’t find any praise in always being “Outside” which for some odd reason has become extremely popular these days. But when I move, I move a certain way to avoid conflict. But I’m always prepared for it if it comes.
Q: “Hood Narrators” certainly doesn’t pull punches on some of the grimmer realities of street life. Is there ever a sense of responsibility to represent those realities truthfully within your music?
I only speak from an experienced perspective. You won’t catch me glorifying ignorance.
Q: The line “My life is lacking in shenanigans and tomfoolery” seems to imply the seriousness of your lifestyle. How would you keep your feet on the ground in such a nutty environment?
There are people in this world who are always angry. I prefer to live a happy lifestyle. With that comes a “Dont play with me” type of disposition that I’ve been told I give off.
Q: Street politics seem to arise pretty much throughout most of your releases. How do you feel codes and rules of the streets have influenced you as an artist?
I grew up in South Central Los Angeles. So understanding hood politics is something that was an everyday learning experience. Naturally it’s deeply rooted in who I am as a person. Hence it’s reflected in my artistry.
Q: Some of your lyrics, like those of “Hood Narrators,” have this edgy grit. Is that raw factor important to keep consistent with the development of you as an artist?
How I come off on the mic is who I am. If we met you would say oh wow that’s really his energy, Oh wow that’s really how your voice sounds. I’m not playing a rapper role.
Q: You say in the song, you have to work a double shift. How do you balance the hustle of the music with everything else in your life?
I’m an entrepreneur. Music is a major part of my life. I have my own label, Sterling World Records, I have distribution via Empire, I write and record in my own studio and it pays my bills. So I’m always technically working it seems. I’m just lucky I love what I do.
Q: Do you feel people outside of that street culture can actually understand what is being told, or do you think there is just some level of authenticity to the dialogue hard for an outsider to grasp?
As artists we are challenged with painting a picture with words. It’s just like the theory of an audio book. People understand whatever they try to understand. So yes I think the average Joe can grasp what I’m saying.
