What’s the science behind your name?
Or Is there any?
Answer: I was watching Sanford & Son about 10 yrs. ago, and one of Lamont’s poker pals had the name and I thought it was versatile and fit me as an artist.
What do you think of Mainstream Hip Hop?
Answer: I have nothing against any artist that I feel is being genuine. I dislike just as many underground artists as I do mainstream.
How was your upbringing?
Answer: I had a normal childhood being raised by both parents. I was, and still, just your average square.
What inspired you to become a hip hop artist?
Answer: My best friend at the time(and 1st DJ) Triple 6, knew I was an avid fan of Hip-Hop and I could quote most of the songs we heard so he figured I had the talent to be an MC. Also my two cousins, Michon & Pap, inspired me to try my hand at it as well because I had a group w/each of them.
What other hip hop groups do you listen to?
Answer: Hip Hop artists that inspired me were G-Rap, Rakim, The Beasties, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Just-Ice, Furious Five, and Ice-T.
As of recently, Hip Hop artists I’ve been enjoying for the past year or so are Blackalicious, DJ Screw (R.I.P), Trina, Trick Daddy, Bus Driver, Digable Planets, Gang Starr, Smoothe da Hustler, Freestyle Fellowship (group and solos), LL’s 1st 3, Organized Konfusion, Cash Money Millionaires, O.C., ODB, Black Moon, Redman, The Pharcyde, Deltron 3030, E-40.
How would you describe your music?
Answer: I do what I feel at any given time.
How would you describe yourself?
Answer: I feel I’m a genuine, sincere person, though I don’t take myself too seriously. I try to be a man of my word.
What are your future musical plans?
Answer: I hope to release at least 4 more albums that will be available in retail chains around the world. I want my music heard by as many people as possible w/o necessarily being a household name. I do hope to do shows overseas one day, though.
Out of the songs you’ve created, what is your personal favorite, and why?
Answer: I personally like what I do as an artist. But I would have to say when I wrote “Smak Dem Foolz” back in ’94, it summed up what I was, and still am, about as a lyricist. I also feel the same about “Lab Rats.”
Where can fans listen to some of your music?
Answer: hiphopinfinity.com, redlineproductions.com, and urbansmarts.com. I haven’t really gotten a chance to post material up anywhere else.
Have you ever rocked events, if so, what was your favorite event you rocked?
Answer: I’ve just done local shows here in Houston. I’ve been performing sporadically since ’93. But the performance at a club then called Deep Fat back in ’95 was the most memorable because of the energy from the crowd.
Have you ever found Jesus?
Answer: I believe Jesus exists, but I’m not what would be considered a religious person. But I do believe in a supreme entity I refer to as The Most High.
How long have you been rhyming? How do you see hip hop, and you? Do you see Hip Hop as a religion, art, culture, a career, job, or just a hobby?
Answer: I’ve been rhyming for about 15 yrs. I see Hip Hop as a form of expression whether it be through dance or audio/visual presentations. So in essence I would consider it a culture and a hobby pertaining to me.
As far as a career, if I can capitalize off being a lyricist I would be grateful. But to actually make it my livelihood would cheapen the artform for me. I’d rather make music w/o having to deal w/the politics of the music business. But I would sign a deal to present my material to the public if it was to my liking.
Do you have any hip hop quotables that you live by? Any song lyrics ever touched you?
Answer: “Geto Boys & Girls” by the Geto Boys was a song I really felt. “Squeeze the Trigger” by Ice-T, “Hypnotical Gases” by OK, “Follow the Leader” by Rakim, “The Truth” by Beanie Siegel, “U Mean I’m Not” by Black Sheep, the entire Step in the Arena album by Gang Starr, “Don’t U Know” by ODB and a few others I can’t think of right now.
Give fans five reasons why they should listen to you, over any other given artist?
Answer: The only reason I can really think of why anyone should listen to my music is because they might find something entertaining, or something they’ll be able to relate to no matter how far-fetched. I think most artists have at least one song that different people can feel in some way.
Do you have any player haters? Or any words you would like to make to player haters who frown on your music? Or is there any?
Answer: I think everyone has the right to express their opinion even if it is unfavorable towards me. I don’t really dwell on negative comments towards me because I make them towards others. So it’s only fair that I get it back.
As an independent artist, how do you find the music industry? What resources online have lent their support to you, and your music?
Answer: From my observation, the music industry cheapens music only because the artists allow it. And then when many signed artists don’t like the way they were portrayed, they blame the industry. If you’re in a business venture, you will have to make compromises. Just make sure you’ll be at peace w/them in the future.
Online resources that have extended themselves to me are hiphopinfinity.com, urbansmarts.com, and redlineproductions.com. I appreciate their feedback and the exposure they have given me.
Do you have any shot outs you would like make?
Answer: There are too many, but at this time I have to thank DJ Hei$t, Remi Blais, Jay Seagraves, tadah the byk, The Fly & DJ Witness, Shon, and thanx 2 ya’ll for allowing me to express how I feel.
Interview By DaHipHopPlace.Com
