Taken from: YearOfTheBlackSmith.com. Gotta support that real hip-hop, and Term has been killin’ it for the last few years. Shout out to Dan Green.
1. When was the moment you believed that hip hop could be a career for you?
I’m not sure, I have been rapping since I was 9 years old so I just never lost the dream.
2. Your first break seems to be your record with DJ Premier who you met at a Gangstarr video shoot. How did you find out about the shoot?
Yes “Watch How It Go Down” was my break out record. That was my first joint with Preemo. But I was running with my man Krumbsnatcha, who’s also from my hood (Lawrence,Ma) and he was in Gangstarr. So he gave me the opportunity to roll with him to the Bronx and meet Gangstarr. That was in 2003 during the Ownerz album.
3. You have worked with ‘the greats’ as far as producers go. Who do you think is the best?
The best producer I ever worked with? WOW! That’s a hard one. DJ Premier is my favorite. Everyone is the best in their own way.
4. ‘Heaven Is A Mile Away’ is a tribute to Dilla. There have been many, from those who knew him and those who did not. What sets yours apart?
I feel like I really brought a street feel to his beats. Most people hear J Dilla and think of ‘A Tribe Called Quest’ or ‘Slum Village’. I came at his beats more like a Wu Tang or Mobb Deep type feel. Preemo called me on the cell yesterday and said he listened to the whole cd and he loves it. That helped reassure me I did the right thing on the beats.
5. For an artist from Boston, you have made a lot of connections and a lot of artists respect you and get down on your joints. How do you make that happen?
Just staying motivated. I would get on the Fung Wah bus from Boston to NY every week. Statik Selektah would be like “I will put you on a song with Talib Kweli and Consequence, just come to my house right now”…and no matter where I was I would drop everything and go. I would do any show, any mix tape, any drop, any interview. I think a lot of people took notice to that and got behind me. I think the co-sign from DJ Premier also made people take me more seriously.
6. What set backs have there been for Latino MCs that you’ve experienced? What are the benefits?
It is very tough for Latin MC’s. If I was to tell you all the funny style, racist shit I got from these labels while I was trying to get a deal, you would be shocked. It can also be an advantage at times, because since I get put in that (Latin rapper) box, there isn’t too much competition. I bet you can’t name me 20 Puerto Rican rappers…
7. Your flow is impressive. Who are your influences and whom do you think we should look out for, flow wise?
My biggest influences as a kid were Dr.Dre, Snoop and Cypress Hill. As I got older I got more into Fat Joe, Big Pun, Wu Tang Clan, M.O.P., Gangstarr and groups like that.
8. You have ‘We Killin Ourselves’ with ‘Pete Rock’ out at the same time you are on the Beyonce remix. How do you maintain your balance?
I believe all the greatest rappers were both underground and commercial i.e. (Biggie, Pun, ect.) I am just trying to follow in their footsteps.
9. What’s cracking with ST. Records and what do you have cracking for the future?
I have a group called ST. DA SQUAD we are working on an album right now, Executive Produced by Buckwild. Also my DJ, DJ DEADEYE is wrapping up his album SUBSTANCE ABUSE.
10. What advice can you give artists on moving independently?
Don’t sit around and wait to get a deal, just get your shit poppin.
