Is Hip-Hop Dead?
No, I don’t think that HIP HOP is dead because I’m still alive. LOL. But for real, what I mean by that is, as long as people like me are putting their hearts and spirit into the music/culture, then it will continue to grow and prosper, even though it may not seem so apparent on the mainstream level. Hip Hop is very young and has a long future ahead of it.
What is your vision of Hip Hop’s future?
My vision for Hip Hop is for it to remain. Simply put. I want people to recognize it as a “TRUE ART FORM” and stop this talk about “people using samples and saying words over samples” doesn’t make it music or culture. I would like to see a lot more PEACE in this though, honestly. Too much madness in the world, let this culture be a place where expression can take place, but PEACE be the forefront of it all. Nothing major as far as my vision is concerned, just would like to see our future generation growing and thriving spiritually, mentally, and financially off of what we leave behind for them.
Do you listen to other forms of music outside of Hip Hop?
My radio stays on WBGO 88.3 fm, local Newark based Jazz Station. My daughter loves it and sleeps to it daily. I listen to Afro beat rhythms, Rock, Pop, Latin Jazz, classic Soul. Long as it sounds good to the soul, I’m on it and open to it.
Who were your artistic/musical influences growing up?
I grew up listening to a lot of 80’s Hip Hop with my aunt and uncles. They both Dj’d, so I would get my daily treatments of Rakim, Run DMC, Kane, BDP, LL, and all that. Then when they weren’t jamming, my uncle and Mom would be spinning the 70’s classics. So I had a lot of Parliament, James Brown, The Stylistics, Kool & The Gang, Isaac Hayes, and others spinning constantly in my house hold. My older brother use to pick up all the maxi singles, and I would just rock out with him, when I didn’t have money…which was always… and I would pretty much get everything based off of his purchases. Wu, Deadly Snakes, The Roots, Black Star, BCC, Nas, ATCQ, and too many others to name, all had heavy influences on my development.
What is your music background?
The drum…the heartbeat of the Universe. I don’t read music, I took a class in College in Afro musicology, a class or two in High School, but aside from that, I guess I just have an ear/feel for it. Years ago I use to play the sax, but I don’t think that counts. I make beats occasionally, but predominantly emcee. The Drum, guitar, & piano will be my future weapons of choice.
How do you describe your music to people?
I normally tell people i just do heartfelt music. I dislike saying I’m a conscious emcee, even though I get put into that category, but I go back and forth. I’m Human still you know, so it’s a constant battle, and whatever the beat tells me to write, I write. So I do my perspective/view music. I do V music. Today I may feel like doing a song about how my life is all messed up, next day I may want to talk about world issues. I may want to talk about how blessed I am. I may want to slay a wack rapper; it’s always changing, so for me to say I do ONE type of music would be a lie. I just rock what I feel in the moment. I do NOW music.
What image do you think your music conveys?
SPIRIT!
What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
Record industry, I’m assuming you mean labels and all that. Right now it’s open for independent artists like myself to really make a decent living off this music if done right, without the support or help from any label. I think the advent of the internet and these social and music sites have done a lot of good and a lot of bad to the industry as a whole. Labels are losing sales. Shops are closing down- downloading is a major issue, but even still, artists are doing more of the groundwork themselves. Pressing up their own CD’s, making their own videos, booking their own shows; linking with international musicians on their own…it’s really amazing when you think about it. As far a mainstream stuff is concerned, it may sound ignorant, but I honestly don’t listen or follow it much. I hear what’s going on every once in a while, but I keep it moving. I have too much of my own stuff to worry and deal with, then to be overly concerned with what they are putting out and doing. They are going to keep putting out whatever is selling, whether it’s “conscious” or “street” or “sexy” or whatever. I say to anyone and everyone, do what comes truly from the heart and good music will live on.
What inspires you to do what you do?
The smiles I get from people man. It’s like I’m still amazed that people actually feel good when they listen to a verse or a song I put together. I don’t take credit for it because I still believe that I’m just a vessel conveying a message. I guess that’s why I’m still so surprised by the responses, positive or not. I get a lot of influence now from my daughter. If she likes a song I made, then I know it’s a good one. She has a natural ear for good music. She’s my inspiration, not to mention that I just wouldn’t be right if I couldn’t create this music at this point in my life. So just knowing that, I have the ability to create something meaningful that’s appreciated by people, keeps me inspired. I just pray that it will continue.
What project or projects are you currently working on? When will they be released?
I have a project with DJ Priority entitled “FRESH, AMAZINGLY” with appearances by JOHN ROBINSON, LIFELONG, SILENT KNIGHT, CYMARSHALL LAW, THAIONE DAVIS, and many more. I also have a project I’m wrapping up with producer Kingshon entitled, “Still Connected,” which is part two of a three album project we’re putting together (pick up “Universally Connected” at www.Venomous2000.com for free). Then there’s the “PATH OF LIGHT” album I’m doing with U.K. based producer LAYZEE D. And I just linked up with my man from Indianapolis, Jeff CHOPZILLA Oligert, and we’ll be working on an EP together as well. Aside from those, there’s a ton of just side things I’m doing, too many to name. None of the projects have a scheduled date, but the people could stay posted by visiting Venomous2000.com for updates and all that.
If you had an opportunity to collaborate with ANY artist or artists (dead or alive) in ANY genre of music/art, who would you choose? And why?
Wow. James Brown, Michael Jackson, B.T. Express, Fela Kuti, Hamilton Bohannon, and a monster collab song with Black Thought, KRS-ONE, Talib Kweli, and Inspektah Deck.
I just feel their spirits in the music! And that’s where I’m aiming to keep mine!
Check out V2000 at www.Venomous2000.com for updates and all that. In the meantime, check out these dope vids by Venomous2000:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekccd0-7Cls
