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This next artist is driven by a sense of honor, passion, and extreme love for music. He is a mad genius when it comes
to his lyrical flows and his pop appeal has been generating thousands of loyal fans who all are dedicated to this artist's
musical journey. Our webzine would like to introduce to the online readers of this magazine the extremely multi-talented entertainer
known as Bau Down. He candidly speaks about his humble beginnings to his personal philosophy about fame and fortune to his
influences in this super hot exclusive. Enjoy!
Q: Thanks for taking the time to complete this interview with our magazine. I wanted to first ask
you a little about your upbringing. I read in your bio that you were born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 11, 1982. You were
born as a twin. What happened that caused your family and you to move to Birmingham, Alabama and later to Chicago, IL?
A: Thank you for having me my man, honored to have this chance. Yeah I was born in Memphis with my twin brother
Carsten. He was born with a complicated heart condition and God took him home 8 months later. I really feel like
he was and still is my other half, and this week actually had our initials tattooed on my arm. I am not big on the whole
tattoo thing personally, but doing that was something very important to me.
As far as moving a lot over the years,
my father was and still is a Lutheran Pastor, and in that profession you really do bounce around a lot from church to church.
Both of my parents were originally from Illinios, had family around there, and wanted to make their way back up around there
when they had the chance to.
The summer heading into my 1st grade school year they got that chance at a church
outside of Chicago, and took it.
Q: I read in your bio that your experience in music goes
as far back as when you would hang out in your grandfather's studio in Skokie, IL. How did this exposure help shape your love
for music?
A: Yessir! My grandpa was big into music and art. I mean big. When he was young he traveled
and performed in a barbershop quartet. As he got older…he put together his own studio in the basement of his
Skokie home. There he recorded everything from kids sing along music to original music.
I will always remember
being a little kid on trips to visit from the south and hanging out in his studio amazed at everything I heard and saw.
My grandpa used to sit me down at his keyboards and turn on one of the programmed songs and I used to think I was playing!
As I got older I really got attached to him and appreciated who he was. I always called him my “Hero”…cause
he could literally do everything, and do it great. Better than anyone else in the world.
However, being so
young I wasn’t really all there yet, and that really didn’t jump start my love for music, but it did get my feet
wet as a youngster. Unfortunately I didn’t fall in love with music, and develop a real skill for it until a couple
years before my grandfather passed.
He was always buying the new and latest equipment and so excited to show me.
I really wish he could hear my music and see what equipment is out there now, he would be amazed.
Q: While in grade school, you continued with your interest in performing, acting in musicals, and auditioning
for movie roles. Describe one of your fondest memories while you were discovering your love for the arts?
A: Yeah, as a youngster I was in all sorts of plays and musicals in school. The funny thing about it is I didn’t have
a choice! My mom was a teacher at my school, and in charge of that kinda stuff…so she made me and my siblings…usually
with the main roles! I will never forget being in a high school play when I was in 3rd grade, performing in front of so many
people. It was a awesome feeling…and I looked up to all my high school castmates.
At first I wasn’t
to fond of that kinda stuff to be honest, but over time it became something I loved.
As far as movie roles, I never
really got into that. It just never interested me…but…if you have ever seen the movie, “Rookie Of The
Year”, I made it to the top 10 for the lead role…not that I cared…and my brother actually made the top
2. It was between him and that jeweish kid for the lead of the movie, and they picked the other kid.
Q: What do you believe was the one pivotal moment that made you decide that you wanted to perform?
A: Good question. These are the kinds of things I never really think about. I can’t really say there was ever
one pivotal moment at all. It was definitly a series of many things which would take a long time to explain.
Q: But, to put it in a nutshell, I really got into writing and performing my own music after I started
listening to B96, the Chicago radio station in the 90’s.
A: As a kid I had always listened to Oldies,
and loved them so much. But once I heard this new age fun up beat 90’s music like Ace Of Base, K7, Coolio and all that
kinda stuff…I was blown away on how it could alter my mood.
I learned all the songs, sang along, and over
time figured out I wasn’t so bad.
Q: Elaborate a little about the origin of your name
Bau Down.
A: The name Bau Down basically came from my last name. Back when I got my first car, I couldn’t
think of a cool vanity plate to match my awesome car, and my best friend came up with BAU DOWN. Taking Bau from my last name,
“Bauman”, and Down.
Over time, that became my nick name…people would always say…”here
comes bau down!”…and then when I started taking music seriously…it was only natural.
Q: When you were introduced to Hip Hop, how did this introduction changed the way you wanted
to make music?
A: I was first introduced to hip hop back in the 90’s. When I first heard music like
K7, Shaggy, Ini Kamoozie, Naughty By Nature and Coolio…I was blown away. It was awesome. A couple of my brothers
friends always played stuff like 2Pac and initially I wasn’t feeling it. It wasn’t until I spent an entire
day playing the video game Mortal Kombat with my brother and his friend, with 2Pac’s album “All Eyez On Me”
playing over and over again til really took a liking to him. I was like 10 or 11 then. After I got into Pac I was always
searching for other good stuff.
Like a lot of people, I never really even thought about writing my own hip-hop
music until I heard Eminem. I just never thought it was for me…but he changed my mind…and really motivated
me to write. Not just cause he was white, but because his music was so different from every other hip-hop artist ever.
I guess it has influenced me in a big way…cause it got me into this music thing. But I really feel like
I am such a developed musician now, I can venture beyond the hip-hop world, and do any kind of music I feel like at a given
time…sometimes with a hip-hop twist.
Q: What do you think is
the main reason why you are drawn to Hip-Hop music in particular?
A: Like I said before, I was always drawn
to hip-hop music because of the mood it put me in. Most of the time it was always upbeat and put me in a good mood or
brought me back to a time or place. I always liked to feel that way...sooo it was only right.
Q:
One of the main reasons why I have enjoyed listening to your music over the years is your lyrical flow is top notch. I can
tell you are putting your heart and soul into the music you make. What do you say to those people who did not believe in what
you are doing?
A: Awwww man I really appreciate that. I mean it, that means a lot to me. I can’t
speak for everyone, but I work real hard on making my music stand out from everything else you hear…and always try
my best to put my heart in it…never just write just to write.
If I could say something to people who did
not, or do not believe in what I’m doing with this music thing…I would tell em it isnt about them, and never
was. I do this cause I love doing it, and for no other reason. Not for the money, not for the fame, not for any
other reason that being my outlet and something I love doing. I will always be my own biggest fan…and feel so
lucky to be able to express myself in my music. God has been really great to me. Sometimes some people in this
world just know what they are born to do…and I really feel like this is what I am here for.
Q:
Who would you say has been your biggest influences?
A: Man, I have so many. Where do I start? Ive talked
a little about them already…but I would say my biggest influences musically are ones peope would never guess.
To name a few, musicians like Michael Jackson, Robert Miles, Coolio, Skee-Lo, Phil Collins, Will Smith, Ja Rule, Nas, Eminem,
groups like Peter, Paul & Mary, K7, Ace Of Base, The Real McCoy, Fun Factory, Naughty By Nature, Green Day, Tag Team,
Boyz II Men, All-4-One, The Fugees…even NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. I could list hundreds. I love so much music,
and have been influenced by so much its crazy.
I love 90’s music…and the musicians that defined it.
Most likely cause those were the years I really came of age.
Q: You
released your first L.P. back in 2003. What can you tell me about the feedback you have received from fans about this release?
A: Yeah man…my very first album. Man its crazy to even think about who I was back then…let alone
who I was musically. But, I named that album, “Another Perspective”, mainly because I wanted people to see
who I was from my view…and let em know not every single rapper in the world was the same.
Im big on album
names…and that album will always mean a lot to me.
As far as the fans…back then they loved it…and
by fans back then I mean my friends. That was before things like myspace and stuff…so the only people that ever heard
my music was my friends, and their friends. I wasn’t really trying to get it out there, it was more for me.
Q: You are super talented artist especially since you write, produce, engineer, and record your music.
How important is it for you to have a big input in the music that comes out to fans?
A: Man I can’t
tell you enough how much I appreciate you saying that. It is very important to me…and I wouldn’t trade
it for anything. Trust me when I say life would be a lot easier if I had other people make my beats, write and produce
my music, and mix my tracks…but that isnt being a musician.
So many musicians limit themselves and their
creativity just like that. I love doing all that stuff, cause it makes every record so much more important to me, and its
an awesome feeling thinking that I was responsible for every single thing the fans hear.
Q: As hard of a worker as you are Bau Down, are you upset over the fact that you have not secured a major
record deal?
A: I get that question at least 4 times a day. Literally…either people in real life
asking me…or people messaging me on myspace trying to find out my deal.
To set the record straight…I
truly could careless about a record deal. My experiences with major labels have all been negative ones. Either
they want to sign me and change who I am musically…or they try and screw me over.
Like many musicians…I
wanna be successful. Unfortunately the way the world works today…they easiest way to make that happen is by signing
to a major and letting them do what they want to with you.
However, I would really like to break the mold.
I have already been one of the only musicians ever to turn away a major…and unless they can respect me for me and the
music I make, I’ll continue on this way with a smile on my face.
Q:
What advice do you have for other entertainers/artists out in the industry who are struggling to gain recognition?
A: Ha! Trust me they won’t want advice from me, I am not the guy to ask for recognition advice.
People have been sleeping on me since day one…and for some reason still are. But like I said, I could careless…I
don’t do this for them.
The only advice I can give is never try to imitate or be anyone else. Real
people can see right threw that stuff. Make your mark making music that portrays you…believe in yourself…and
in time you’ll get the respect you deserve.
Q: You recently
graduated from Valparaiso University, Indiana - in December 2006. How has obtaining an education helped you musically/professionally
in your opinion?
A: You know…I never really thought about that too much…but it really has
had a huge impact on me and my music. Not only the music I make…but my music career as well.
I
feel like my experiences with school have really developed me intellectually. It has also given me a great perspective
and a backbone to stand up to people at record labels trying to screw me over with stupid contracts and reading people who
are trying to waste my time.
Bottom line is graduating from a University was huge in molding
me into the person I am today.
Q: Elaborate a little about your
record label, Bau Down Records. What is the main goal that you wish to achieve with your record label?
A:
Bau Down Records was a label I founded in 2003 under my Grandfather publishing company. Back then the only reason I
founded it was because I needed to have the publishing rights to my music.
However, over time it worked out very
well as I started producing music for other people, and starting working with other musicians as well. It made things
a lot easier to legally own the music I composed and produced.
As far as the future, my brother and I recently
joined forces in the business sense…and renamed Bau Down Records to TrendSettin’ Entertainment. Over the next
few years, we look to work with and sign new musical talent…and ultimately create a label that does things the way
they are supposed to be done.
Q: Another project you are involved with is fanfound.com. What
can you tell others about this site?
A: Yeah…for sure. FanFound is a music company that my
brother & I started back in 2006. I could talk for hours about it…but basically…it is a music site
that links musicians, fans and venues together on one site. Enabling fans to check out music…make mixes and stay
in touch with musicians. Musicians obviously get their music out there, gain new fans and can actually get booked for
shows directly by venues.
The site is awesome I must say…we also are very involved in the Chicago music
scene, sponsoring shows everywhere from Logan Square Auditorium and the Metro, to Congress Theater.
If you love
music, you need to check out what were doing for sure.
Q: What is your ultimate goal with
your music career?
A: Man my goal with music has always been nothing more than just making it, and helping
others make it…and enjoying every second of it. I was never the guy to stand on the corner selling my CD’s…I
think that’s corny. Good music sells itself…and now with the internet, I have gotten so many opportunities
to turn this into a career without having to sell out.
Like a lot of people, my ultimate goal is to someday be
making enough money from music and what I love doing to pay the bills…but I hate even saying that cause so many people
have given that a bad name…and unfortunately that’s all they care about.
Ima big Christian, and know
God has a plan for everyones life. I feel like I have become very talented through hard work and it will pay off one
day. If it was up to me…I’d wanna be touring the world and on the radio now…but I’m not.
Theres a reason for it…beyond my comprehension with God…and all I can do it keep movin and working hard at what
I love. If it is meant to be…itll happen. I really believe that…and if it doesn’t every happen…I
will still be just as happy cause I’ll still be making music doing my thing.
Q: What
has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
A: Jeez,
I have had more obstacles in my way than I can count man. I am a very persistent person. When I first started
out…I wasn’t very good. I didn’t know how to write a song…make a beat…anything really.
Teaching that all to myself was a huge obstacle.
I could sit here and name hundreds literally…but I think
the two I’m most proud of would be my album BELIEVE, because it was the first full length album that I did everything
on.
The second would be last fall a huge storm hit the Chicago area and completely ruined my studio. I was
outta town, and came home to a mess. I was in the middle of so many things. Most importantly to me…my newest
albums, “Beginner’s Luck” and “Thy Will Be Done”. Needless to say I lost everything and
had to start from scratch.
Recovering from that…was hard…but made me a lot stronger of a person.
I’ll never forget really thinking about giving up right then…but I came back stronger than ever.
Q: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians
like you?
A: To be honest, no I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. If someone is looking
to make a career outta this, I wish them luck…cause it is pretty much one of the hardest things in the world to make
happen.
I feel like I am among the hardest working and talented musicians in the world, and every day is still
always a struggle.
But, on the other hand, if they are just trying to be a musician, in the very essence of the
word, and wanna make music for the fun and accomplishment of making music...then yes…I recommend it.
Q: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
A: Man, my homeboy and great friend Kevin Rivera, better known as “Bassick” has taught me so much about
this music thing. If I had to pick one piece of advice from him, it was back when we lived together at school, and were
in his room one day making beats. I was writing some song, and he stopped me and told me to start being me.
At first I was like, what the? But after a good talk…I took it to heart…and to this day…will
always be me in my music.
Q: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
A: Ha! It’s funny you should ask me that. I ain’t gonna lie, a few years ago I might have gotten
upset about that question.
Reason being, I started out and always thought I was a hip-hop artist…and got
mad whenever people didn’t respect it for that…but nowadays I really don’t think so.
If I had
to pin myself on one genre, I would have to pick Pop. Just because I ain’t the average rapper, and don’t
make any certain kind of music. I have been influenced by so much and Pop is a very very general genre. I rap,
and sing…and love doing both.
Q: What has been your favorite piece of work?
A: Man every record I make it my new favorite. But, If I had to pick one or two, I would have to pick my records “Heart
Of Stone” & “March 6th, 1983”.
I wrote “Heart Of Stone” this spring when I was
really feeling down about my love life, and all my experiences with girls. I composed the beat, wrote the song and recorded
it in one day. Needless to say it turned out amazing, and in my eyes is a timeless song.
“March 6th,
1983” is prolly my favorite song I have ever written, ever. Anyone who knows my story will know why…and
to sum it up…that was the day God took my twin Carsten to Heaven.
Oddly enough, I never really listen to
that song…it gets me way to emotional.
Q: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
A: Yeah, I got websites and ways to find out more
about me for days. My official website is www.baudown.com, my official myspace is www.myspace.com/baudown and at my
website fans can check out everything from my music discography, to lyrics to where to buy the music, and I always have new
and free music to download on there too.
One of the things I have taught myself with this music thing is graphic
and web arts…so I do all that stuff for myself too. Websites, album covers, you name it.
Q:
Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
A: Man I have so
many people to acknowledge out there it would take all day! But I will shout out one, and that is my daddy. Yeah,
I call him daddy, cause he is the single most important person in the world to me. He has always been there for me,
emotionally, and financially. I would not be anywhere near who I am or where I’m at without him.
Q: Any last words?
A: Thanks so much for having me…and thanks to everyone for taking
the time to find out about me and my music! God is love! -Bau
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Bau Down & FAM's hit single, "Take Me Out" radio premiere
In Bricks &
Ivy Radio Episode 44, Bau Down & FAM's hit single "Take Me Out" featuring Harry Caray is aired for the first
time. Hosts discuss the cubs season, and how great the song is. download episode |
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Q: Welcome to The Beat, I'm Cindy, nice to finally meet you. I don't know how many of these you
have done, but you don't have to be nervous.
A: Thanks, nice to meet you too...and don't worry, I'm not.
Q: Alrighty, lets start off with a bang, shall we…Where did the name “Bau Down”
come from?
A: (Laughs) I don’t know what kind of bang your expecting…but to put it simple,
the name “Bau Down” was first a vanity license plate on my first car when I was 16, a 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula.
My best friend came up with it when I struggled to come up with something original for it. It took the beginning of my last
name, which of course…is Bau, and combined it with Down, to make the saying…Bow Down, but spelled different.
There’s your bang.
Q: Interesting, so why is it your rap name?
A:
Well...it's mainly because of my car, Bau Down quickly became a nickname for me with my friends and at my high school. I was
really into cars, and everyone knew me by my car…cause it stood out everywhere. Since, I never really took up a serious
interest in making music until Senior year of high school, it was something that was just a given for me. It was my name,
my alias - so I just ran with it when I started making music. Over time I realized how good a choice it was since almost everybody
nowadays tries to rap and all use the same names. There isn’t another Bau Down, I can guarantee that.
Q: So, you are into cars are you…what car do you have now?
A: Well, as much as I
loved my first car, and it hurt to get rid of, I sold it to my best friend and got a newer one. A 1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula,
white with a blue stripe. It’s bomb.
Q: You like Pontiac Huh?
A:
Firebirds yeah.
Q: Not the others?
A: They’re alright, I thought
this was supposed to be a music interview?
Q: I’m just trying to get to know who you
are a little better.
A: I see.
Q: Okay, when did you start making music
and why?
A: Well, I have always been into music my entire life. As a kid I was always hanging around my
grandpa who had a music business and a recording studio. He used to record me singing in his studio and it was a lot of fun
to me. Still, as a young kid I wasn’t the best at it, and my grandpa liked working with my brother and sister more than
me. As I grew older, I really took an interest in acting in musicals and stuff like that. I never took any lessons or anything,
just learned by watching my mother and grandpa do what they did. After grade school, I really moved away from the musical
stuff and got into sports and cars. I never got back into it until Senior year of high school when out of nowhere I would
find myself inspired to work on my own material.
Q: Wow. That's cool. Why did you start
then?
I really couldn’t tell you why I started if I tried. Looking back, I think I was just really
inspired by what I heard around that time that led me to want to do the same in my own way.
Q:
So, you don’t know why you started out making music?
A: I really couldn’t tell you. Everything
happened very fast. I started making beats and recording one day my Senior year of high school, and everything just kind of
happened. I mean I really didn’t have any support of my friends to do it. Back where I’m from, the suburbs of
Chicago, it isn’t really excepted to do anything out of the ordinary with your life. Everybody will judge you right
away before they even know anything about it. Back then, it wasn’t even that bad with everyone trying to be a rapper
yet. They just didn’t understand, and never did until I got good.
Q: Are you saying
you used to be bad?
A: I mean, everybody starts out somewhere. I have come a very long way. So far from
who I used to be that if you heard some of my original stuff you would be like…that isn’t you. I have grown a
lot. When I first started out, I wasn’t good. I made music just to make music. I didn’t know how to format a song,
have any musical skill, producing skill, or anything. Now I do it all. Everyday when I work, I get better at what I do, and
that is how it really should be. If I came this far and couldn’t get any better, I wouldn’t keep going…there
would be no reason to.
Q: Lets talk a little more about where you are from.
A: What do you want to know?
Q: Word is, you went to high school with Fall Out Boy lead
singer Patrick Stumph. Is that right?
A: Yeah, but I don't like to talk about that really. Alot of people
around my neck of the woods love to brag about it.
Q: Did you know him?
A:
I knew him yeah. We weren't friends or anything...he took Chemistry with me one year, other than that I just saw him around.
Q: Neat. I just had to find out about that.
A:
It's all good. I get asked that all the time.
Q: What inspired you to start rapping?
A: I havent always liked rap. I’m not gonna lie. I used to love rap like K7, Naughty By Nature, Coolio, LLCoolJ
and Ini Kamoozie from the 1990’s, but I never loved people like 2Pac, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G as I do now. I acquired
a love for them around 8th grade and moving into high school. Before then it was all oldies and other things I used to listen
too. As I learned more and more about them and listened over and over to their music, it inspired me to make music myself.
Q: I have listened to both your albums, and I would say you are very good
at what you do…what do you think?
A: (Laughs) Well I’m glad you think so…I hope
others do to. But on a very real level, I used to care what people thought, and it limited my creativity. When I was strong
enough to not care, that is when the real Bau Down came out, and I was able to become very good at what I do. But the thing
is, I did not come this far to sit back and be like…I’m good how I am. I am always looking to get better at what
I do…and until the day comes when I can’t tell growth by comparing something new to something from before, I
will keep going and getting better.
Q: You are the executive
producer on your both of your albums, I am not too familiar with the lingo, what does that mean?
A: It means
I am the executive producer…(Laughs)
Q: Okay…what does that mean?
A: It means that I produced the entire album. I put together every little thing you hear on the entire cd. I had my
boy Bassick produce four tracks on the album though, and that means he created the general instrumental for the song, and
I made it sound the way I wanted it too.
Q: I get it. So you must know what your doing then…because
your album BELIEVE is very good. In fact, it was voted the 5th best album of the year from an independent artist by the IMWS
in 2006, and was strongly supported by the critics at MP3.com.
A: Sure was.
Q:
Were you happy about that?
A: Yeah, I was. But at the same time, I try not to get caught up in that nonsense
too much, cause it gets to a lot of peoples heads. I don’t want it to get to mine. I still have a very long way to go
as an artist and a producer.
Q: You say you have a long way to go…where do you want
to be in a year or two?
A: Well, I just graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana with a Bachelor
of Arts Degree, but I really don’t want to use it. I would love to be making enough money from my music to be able to
do this without having a another job. Because to me, this isn’t a job. It is a passion I have. That is where I want
to be. I really don’t want to be signed to a major record deal because they have you by the strings when you do that,
and I am not going to be some industry puppet. I will do big things without them.
Q: What
big things do you want to do?
A: The music industry is filled with stupid people nowadays. Not only the
artists, but the radio station DJ’s who play the same stupid music all the time, up to their bosses who make them play
the music because the labels pay them to do so. I want people to know that there was a day when the music industry was not
run like it is now. That it was free from all the bull that goes on today. It is sad to me that an artist such as myself really
can’t reach the people they look to reach without becoming part of the circus. it’s a disaster and I really don’t
want any part of it. I am a very Christian guy, I look for God to guide me in my life, and I feel this is what I am meant
to do. It really doesn’t matter how many records I sell, or how many fans I have. What really matters is the kind of
person I am and what I can do for other people.
Q: I saw that
you have a cross in your logo, I figured you were a very big Christian. Not to dig too deep, but what can you do for people…as
you said?
A: I really think that I have the ability to make music that will be appealing to the masses and
still be embraced by those looking for something deeper. Someone that does not know about God, can learn a lot and take from
it what they may from my songs. For those who do know him, can take refuge in the fact that there is someone out there like
them having a hard time living life everyday as a Christian, because of how difficult it is at times.
Q:
Why did you name your newest album BELIEVE?
A: Wow. I have answered this question hundreds and hundreds
of times. To make things simple, again, I am a very strong Christian above everything else that I am, so I believe in God
and his plan for my life. Also, in order to be successful, you have to believe in yourself before you can make others believe
in you.
Q: Was there a time you did not believe in yourself?
A: After my
first album, I was very confused. I took a step back, and looked at what I was doing, and where I wanted to go. I really didn't
believe I could do it, until I really gave my life to God. Then everything just sort of happened. The title was a given, and
inspired me.
Q: That is very cool. I really think I might be
your biggest fan.
A: Im glad. I think you might a have a few that would fight you for that title though.
Q: I would say by interviewing you, that you know who you really are…and let me tell
you, you are the real deal. I have interviewed many people, especially musicians and they never seem to confident in their
responses, or have good answers. They just seem shallow, and I can tell you are genuine.
A: Thanks…it
means a lot to me. I won’t talk bad about other artists right now though, I do that too often. People know how I feel
about them.
Q: I forgot to mention you are very handsome. I
bet you have the girls all over you.
A: Naaa, I don't have time for them right now. But thanks...
Q: I bet. Is there anything else I should know, or you want the people
to know?
A: Just to really find out who people are when you start listening to them. Figure out what inspired
them, and what makes them tick when you listen to them. It is the best way to be a fan. 99% of the musicians on myspace and
these other sites are fake, and only care about being famous. Learn how to distinguish between them and the real ones. Also,
I guess, if they could take anything away from this interview is to know that they should know I will never be fake, I know
who I am, and that as you said, I’m the real deal. Never expect anything less. Thanks so much for having me, I’m
sure well see each other again.
Q: The pleasure is all mine. You are
wonderful.
A: (Laughs)...Thanks again.
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Q: What does hip-hop culture mean to you?
A: Hip-Hop is wack. Everything about
it is wack. Just kidding! Hip-Hop is very important. I mean, without it, I personally would not be the same person I am today.
It has molded alot of aspects of my life. It is more than just a music form that you listen to, it is almost a lifestyle.
That doesnt mean you have to be thugged out, like alot of stupid people think. It simply means having fun, being confident,
and having a good time. I really dont know how else to explain it. It is not easy to define, but like any culture though,
in order to truly understand it, you have to know its history.
Q: How do you feel about white
rappers coming on to the hip-hop scene?
A: They need to pack their bags, and bounce. Kidding again. But
for real, I mean, it was bound to happen someday, meaning the large numbers of white rappers trying to make it. But if you
know anything about hip-hop, you see they have always been there. The Beastie Boys were three of the founding fathers
of rap. As corny as Vanilla Ice was, he was around in the early 90's, which was the biggest break through time of mainstream
rap. We all know Eminem broke down huge barriers, and set an example for alot of these clowns to imitate nowadays. I hate
to rant and rave, but it is sad to me that alot of these corny underground white guys think they are gonna make it big imitating
Eminem and how he came up. The reason he came up is because he was unique, and there wasnt anyone like him. That is
why he made it, and that is why I will make it. All these corny white dudes trying to copy him are stupid, and it is funny
to me. Back to the subject, it was inevitable that someone like Eminem would cause such a stir, but again, The Beastie Boys
were, of course, White, and go back almost all the way to the roots of hip-hop. Holla.
Q:
Do you think young white youth see Eminem as an icon? If yes or no, please explain?
A: Of course. I mean,
so many kids in america look to rappers and hip-hop, as who they want to be. I aint gonna lie, a few years ago in 1998 or
1999 when i first saw Eminem perform at MTV Spring Break, and he performed My Name Is, and people saw him for the first time,
after
it was a radio hit for some time....I was like...woah, that guy is cool. I wanna be like him. Its a natural reaction
to want to be something that is hyped up to be soo cool. When all you see on MTV and BET is rap, and that is all you see,
characterized as cool, than you wanna be it. So yeah, white youth def see Em as an icon. No doubt about it.
Q: What do you know about the hip-hop culture?
A: What do i know...not much. Matter fact,
i dont know anything at all. Next. KIDDING ONCE AGAIN. I mean look at me, if you saw me, would you think...dude knows hip-hop...or
dude doesnt know hip-hop? Alot of time, you can tell when someone is puttin on a front about something,
or they are being
real. I think we already talked about what hip-hop is...but what i know about it is most likely alot different than
what someone that lives in gary. Or what they know about it from some white kid in the suburbs. Hip-Hop means diff things
to different people. I know cats who hate mainstream music. They can only listen to rap like atmosphere and anything else
underground that is there taste. I know people who know not a dam thing about underground hip-hop, or the history of it. All
those people know is 50 cent, which to me is sad. 50 sucks, and he is a perfect example why people say hiphop is dying.
Q: What meaning do you think white middle class youth get out of rap today?
A: Most white middle class people will take different things out of hiphop. Just like anyone else. Some will
use it to get drunk and party too, other will lock themselves in their room and analyze every lyric. Everyone gets out different
things.
Q: Why do you think that the hip-hop culture has grown so quickly over the past few
years?
A: I dont think it has grown any quicker in the last fews years at all to be quite honest. I think
it has changed alot since 1999. I think 1999 marks the end of real hip hop and the beginning of something else. Kind of like
evolution. It evolved into something else, what it is today. Just like evolution, it was neccesary, but might not have been
the best thing. It changed to complete commercialism. People dont rap to rap...they rap to get money and be famous. In order
to do that, they need to make radio songs, that girls can dance too, and people can listen to at bars.
Q: Do you think that rap has become more commercial in relation to
what it was like in the 1980s?
If yes, please explain how?
A: I cant even listen to the radio anymore.
It sucks. MEET ME AT THE CLUB...ITS GOIN DOWN!!!
Q: Do you think that
rappers like Paul Wall and Eminem are living up to the standard of what true hip-hop is?
A: First
off, I dont think we can even say Paul Wall and Eminem in the same sentence. Wall aint been around long enough yet. I like
him, but he aint been around enough yet. But, Eminem has surpassed the standard of hip-hop if I do say so myself. He is one
of the only rappers from the 1990's that has not sold out, and has gotten better every song he makes. It is amazing to me
sometimes...matter fact it amazes me all the time.
Q: Why do you think that white you have
become one of the largest consumer groups for buying rap music?
A: Who knows. Prolly because it is everywhere.
I mean, there was a time many people could live without listening to hip-hop, but not anymore. It is everywhere, and that
means that everyone listens to it. EVEN THE WHITE PEOPLE. haha.
Q: Do you think white rappers
such as Vanilla Ice and Eminem has open doors for other white rappers to emerge?
A: All these white people
questions. Hmmm....Vanilla Ice did not open any doors. The only thing he did is make it harder for white rappers to emerge
after he flopped. And dont get me wrong, I aint gotta front, Ice is my boy. Back in the day that was my man, but he made it
hard for people like eminem and kid rock to make it. Kid Rock was turned down at 5 major record labels for the sole reason
they though he would become another "VANILLA ICE". Didnt happen, did it. But many people were scared it would from
any white guy they signed.
Eminem...we all know he set the stage for myself...and also for all these geeky corny
white dudes to try and make it. I aint gonna lie, without him as much as I wanted to, I would have never picked up a mic.
Q: Do you feel that white rappers have to
work twice as hard to get their music heard? If yes or no, please explain.
A: No. The only reason
they would have to work twice as hard now to get their music heard is to people who are stupid and judge them by the color
of their skin and not by what they hear. But those people really dont matter anyway. I have plenty of them dudes hatin on
me everyday. Flip em.
Q: Why did you decide to be a rapper?
What people or instances stood out that made you want to be a part of the hip-hop culture?
A: You serious?
This could be a 100 page paper. But, to make things simple...I would say the reason I became a "rapper", and started
to make hip-hop music is cause I was inspired by 2Pac back in the day. I used to listen to music, until I heard him. Then
I lived it, and breathed it. Then events unfolded...Eminem came out...and made it possible for me to be heard. Before then,
I would have been just another VANILLA ICE in many people eyes.
It was a series of events that took place, not
just one single instance. A few years into it, and even now i wish i never would have picked up the mic. Cause i wish i would
have carried out a normal go to college and do you schoolwork life, rather than go to class come back and write rhymes and
make beats all dam day. Being in class, and having your mind making beats while your trying to take notes aint the funnest
thing in the world. Neither is telling your girlfriends parents what you do, and what you wanna do with yout life when you
rap. I tried countless times to quit, and when i tried to lay it down a few years ago, I couldnt do it. It drove me crazy.
Thats love.
Thanks for havin' me...be sure to go to www.baudown.com. |
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