Q. Tell us about your early hip-hop influences…there were some legends recording in your brother’s studio, right?
Yes correct I grew up watching dudes like Das EFX, Mos Def and Talib Kweli and so many others recorded right in my basement with my big bro Goldz da mayor and Self. I got a serious hands on crash course about making music before i was even a teenager but my true influences were KRS-One, Big Daddy, Ghost face, Nas, Kane, Dela soul — my list is too big to name so I suggest you check out my video 10 favourite rappers, it’s a remake of B.I.G’s 10 crack commandments you will get an idea of who my influences were from that.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOm83EZBK9w[/youtube]
Q. Out of everyone that inspired you, does anyone really stand out?
Yes KRS-One was able to make dropping knowledge cool for a while but if a MC test he had some of the hardest to kill em with plus he brought that reggae dancehall vibe to hip hop with The Bridge Is Over and so many other of his hits, all around versatile true emcee
Q. What was the experience of getting into the hip-hop world at such a young age like?
It was cool… more fun than anything. I didn’t understand the business part much but the shows were amazing. To me performing and recording the actual music was all I cared about and the traveling was fun too.
Q. What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Hmmm that’s hard its so many accomplishments I am proud of like for 3 weeks straight a joint I got with Ruste Juxx, Grand Surgeon and Wyld Bunch produced by Big Bob called One Time has been getting play on video music box 3 weeks in a row. I grew up on that show but that’s just one of many accomplishments. I would say just getting recognized by the greats I grew up listening to; like Easy Mo Bee has worked with me and personally told me he likes my music, Dj premier was scratching my vocals up live right in front of my face interviewing me Live From HeadQCourterz also I remember performing 10 favorite rappers in front a packed house and Sadat x and Planet Asia telling me how dope my performance was! Too many to actually pick just one I could go on and on for days.
Q. How have you seen hip-hop change over the years?
It went from having such artist as a Tribe Called Quest, Kool G rap, Mc Hammer and NWA coexisting on the radio to just pretty much one type of sound running mainstream air waves. It’s no more balance this is how all music with substance became underground.. smh.
Q. How do you feel about current commercial hip-hop?
My last answer pretty much sums that up, I don’t like the fact that there is no balance, I am not hating on anybody just think the audience needs a choice not just forced fed the same old shit over and over again just recycled a bit.
Q. You also founded the super group Bankai Farm…does the creative process differ working as a group rather than on your own?
Yes it’s a headache lol keeping up with all these different personalities no one member is the same so I have to work with each one differently but the finished product makes the hassle all worth it.
Q. Tell us a bit about your new record ‘Back By Popular Demand’…
It’s a banger filled with exclusives plus live commentary through the whole thing with myself and Dj premier. Check it out when you get a chance you won’t be disappointed www.skankstherapmartyr1.bandcamp.com
Q. There’s several guest spots on the album…do you have a favourite?
No everybody came on and killed it producers and artists. I had Napolean Da Legend on there, my Bankai fam – Shabaam, Sahdeeq, Ruste Juxx, F.O.D and so many other talented artist on there it was fun creating!
Q. Who would be your dream collaborator?
Dj premier, M.F Doom And Ghostface Killah
Q. What’s next for you…are you taking the record on tour?
Yes about to be overseas by the December with Ruste Juxx and Gstats, So look out for us!
Micky Roots