You worked with D.I.T.C. and received co-signs from heavy hitters in the industry like DJ Premier. What lessons did you learn and apply from these industry greats as you prepare for the release of your “BX-Roc” project with producer, Kidd Called Quest?
I learned a lot. It’s kinda hard to just single things out, but off top from D.I.T.C’s Showbiz, I learned to sit with something ’til I love it because sometimes I’ll rush and write 5 songs in a day or a song in twenty minutes, and Show was like ‘imagine what these songs would sound like if I took my time.’ He also taught me that “people with plaques respect people with plaques!” I never forgot that. DJ Premier taught me just keep grinding. The way he grinds after all his accomplishments is inspiring. It shows me I have a long way to go. Kool G Rap told me, “Don’t hold back on nobody! Try to kill everything moving on the mic!” O.C. taught me a lot because we build often, but mainly about LIFE and MAN topics really, like staying grounded and family.
The sonic groundwork for your project is being carefully laid out with tracks such as “They Need Security,” “Gangstas & Hustlas,” and “Want Me To Fall.” Will the EP contain any cuts that deviate from this style or are you mainly focusing on music that’s hardcore?
Ummm, that’s my style to a certain degree. There’s a joint on there that could be considered for the ladies titled “Feeling You,” but sonically it’s right in line with the rest of the project. “BX-Roc” plays a little like a story so even hard rocks, gangstas, hustlers, pimps, or whateva could understand hollering at chicks right? (laughs) But mainly this project is hardcore, hard hitting, rattle ya trunk music. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a versatile MC, but on this project we wanted it to have a certain cohesive sound, especially with the homie Kidd Called Quest’s gritty production!
How did you and Kidd Called Quest initially meet and decide to collaborate in the studio? What was it about his particular style that made you want to work with him?
We initially were just friends on Facebook and had a mutual acquaintance at D.I.T.C., so when he came to D.I.T.C.’s Beats Per Minute event at D.I.T.C. Studios and we built, we just clicked on some Hip Hop shit. His production style is actually my favorite type, for real! To me he has a new age Preemo sound, and Preemo’s my fav producer of all time so it only made sense.
Your father, Guy Fisher, is an uptown legend who has been both feared and revered as a member of the Harlem organization, “The Council.” He was also the first black man to take over the ownership and operations of the Apollo Theater. How has his legacy influenced your life and career? Also, what does he think about your music? And, are plans in motion to accelerate his release date?
Hold up, first respect the man’s doctorate! He’s Dr.Guy Fisher now (laughs). I don’t really talk about him because things end up turning into a Guy Fisher story but yeah, I love dude and all those things you talking about are allegedly to me. I don’t know nothing about that but we’re cool. I love him. He’s influenced me a lot. I just want to be great through any circumstances. He’s positive and maintains his dignity and high spirits. I even aspire to get my doctorate one day. Now him and my music image, etc, is a different story because of my personal background life and subject matter that could be perceived as negative. Sometimes he doesn’t agree with it because of his life and the fact that he’s a totally positive person now. He doesn’t understand some things but I’m empathetic to that. One thing I know is he wants me to win. Hopefully he’ll be home soon. FREE DR GUY FISHER.
How has being a father changed your perspective on your life and career? Do you find yourself altering your lyrics because of your children or would you rather they hear life’s realities raw and uncensored?
It changed everything! I talk about having 5 kids a lot. What’s crazy is I just had another son which brings it to 6. It made me a totally different dude. I used to want money so I can be fly. My future…Me, Me, Me. Now I don’t really care about myself. I’m doing all this to set my kids up to take over the world. Whatever they want to do, if they have a plan, I’m going to bet and invest in them. Another thing about being a parent that changed me is I used to not really care about things. Now I worry about everything! (laughs) Like I’m always worried about them or staying safe myself so I’m around for them. I’m literally thinking about them 24-7 and in this world I worry about they future, feel me…It’s getting crazy.
Who are your musical influences and in your opinion what makes your lyrical style as distinct or unique as those particular artists?
Jay Z, Tupac, Nas, Scarface, and Snoop on an MC level but also Curtis Mayfield, Willie Hutch, Gil Scott Heron, Marvin Gaye, the classic pianist, Art Tatum…a lot of people…because I study music for real. I think my voice sets me apart a lot and my style is hard to pinpoint cause I usually use like 2,3 flows per verse and say things you might not catch for a year or two.
What career plans do you have beyond the “BX-Roc” project? And do you have any final thoughts and shoutouts?
I’m trying to build Enterprize Entertainment into a fully integrated Multi Media company that’s on the cutting edge of the entertainment industry with all the moving parts to go with it. Shouts to the whole Enterprize Entertainment team; D_Dave, Beadz, 1st, Khair, Sha Mecc, Pinky, and everybody that got love for me. Most definitely shout to the Bronx 163rd, Gunhill, Highbridge, and NYC in general, and all my peeps in Baltimore.
– Interview by Kevin Keith
