I've always wanted to do my 1st solo with a true purpose behind. I def wanted to give my people(fans, supporters, comrades, etc.) the solo they've been waiting on, but it had to have purpose. I personally felt it was time for a "HARD!" Hip Hop album. It's been far too long since I heard something that was just "HARD!". Everyone doesn't do it & a lot can't, but I can & it my 1st SOLO was answer.
A title like "Rap Monster" creates almost larger than life imagery. I feel that your presence on stage commands that. There was one time I was at a show and there was this group opening for Keith Murray. (I don't remember who) They had you drop a verse on one of there songs and honestly you murdered their entire set in that ONE verse you dropped. THIS is what I think of when I think of your title. Was this some of the thinking behind "Rap Monster?"
I remember that gig! Keith Murray's great people! That group was/is my guys Sleeper Cell & that track was/is "Microphone Killers". (Side Note: I did I track w/them & C-Rayz Walz "Outcome" that's killer!)
Rap Monster's an actual title that I've carried since 1998 when I was exclusively wormusic w/Justice League. It does sound colossal for I AM A TITAN! "I tried to explain before unleashing the pain/I'm a mastadon trapped inside a 5'9" frame"
Indy is in many ways the crossroads city to Chicago, Cincinnati, the East Coast and the South. In my opinion you've been able to capture that in your style. You've got the look and energy of Mos Def/Yassin Bey, the gruff drawl of Willie D and verbal acrobatics of many great East Coast emcees... basically your style has a universal appeal to MANY listeners without being TOO East Coast, TOO Southern etc. When you were trying to find your voice as an emcee, was this something you were trying to be aware of or is this an example of your life and influences shaped your style? (And... where do you find your inspiration?)
Some emcees like writing in the studio with the beat, some people, like GZA, take ages with tracks slowly developing their rhyme... or you have cats, like Jay-Z, pretty much just spit in the booth. What's your style of writing?
No matter the location; I love the damn near lost art of writing! I admit that I've done quite a bit of typing on the ol' mobile here in the last few years though. I've actually practiced all of those writing styles you mentioned, but I don't prefer to make up on the spot. It's a gift no doubt, but I feel that myself & my rhymes are more focused & put to better use when I write/type/text my words. It's my X-Men theory. All mutants are powerful when unfettered, but in most cases that powers better used & with more impact when channelled & focused properly.
To follow up that question, do you just write and then find a beat that fits what you're saying or does the music/beat speak to you 1st as inspiration to what you write?
I do write many titles, hooks, verses, & even complete songs before ever hearing a beat; if the muse leads me to. I've heard many beats & knew exactly what rhyme's been waiting for it. Some of my production guys have actual built beats around rhyme's I've wrote & rhythm's I've thought of. I'm forever down to write to, or with a beat! There's nothing like the melding of rhythm & rhyme!
Speaking of style, but on the flip side... you've got some dope ish that only you can pull off and look so fresh. Example: that DOPE A$$ jacket you got? Another thing my wife always brings up when I mention your name are those ill bracelets. My wife is honestly envious of those joints. Where do you get these things and is your fresh style a reflection of you as an emcee?
Wow! The "Brown Bomber" gangster coat I got from "Dope Fiend Carl"! That dude was my guy! He always used to come by pad & try to sell me shit he boosted, but it always the most useless & random shit! HA! He'd try to sell me tampons once, but he knew I didn't have a girl! It was crazy! He borrowed $5 off me once & disappeared for a few months...LOL...when he came back around he was trying to fleece some shit & I asked for my $5. He didn't have it so, he gave me legendary coat. I've always dug bracelets, cuffs, wristbands, gauntlets, etc. I feel I have a true warrior spirit & I've never been uncomfortable outwardly showing it. "Right here, right now I'm takin' a stand/A.C.E. O.N.E. in my Conan B-boy stance". They're a true reflection of me as an individual. I'm always on the hunt for new pieces to my puzzle of madness.
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| Rap Monster Release Party |
Who helped develop, record and produce this record with you? Did people help direct you or did you just go IN?
I developed the Rap Monster only, because I am the Rap Monster, but I didn't build the album alone. I recorded 98% of the album with my Proforms/Cut Camp brethren Joe Harvey. All the producers did a bang-up job! There were some beats I heard & had to have, but many were made specifically for me. I helped build on a handful of beats i.e. samples, arrangement. I got awesome input from Joe Harvey & DJ Spoolz, but I already had most of the album's sound in my head.
You're a very busy man in the Indy scene, what do you have on deck along with this project?
I've talked to my friend Devon Ashley, drummer supreme, about forming a live band for the Rap Monster. I'm mad excited about me & DJ Spoolz The Doo Doo Browns aka The Dookie Bros.! Work with The Proforms, Cut Camp, wormusic, The Breakdown Kings, Dead Man's Switch, s.a.i.n.t RECON, & Mic Sol never stops.
Finally and most important... where can people find your debut LP?I'm gonna need everyone to start following Ace One the Rap Monster on Sound Cloud http://soundcloud.com/
http://aceoneindy.bandcamp.com, & get acquainted with me & my fam at CutCamp.com, TheProforms.com, & wormusic.com. It's time to take over the world...WHO'S COMIN' WITH ME!?!
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