Can you talk about what the Hip Hop scene was like growing
up in Wilson, North Carolina?

The hip-hop scene in Wilson, believe or not, was just like Common describe it in “I used to love H.E.R.”. I remember a lot of days whenever I walked to the corner store. I would see graffiti everywhere, on store walls, trains, even on the sidewalk pavement. There was always someone outside with the huge boom box bumping Whodini or Cool J. I had a cousin who used to break dance everyday after school and girls would throw him money. We used to have this club called “The Orange Crush” where all the emcees would go and battle every weekend. I was too young to go then but this is where the deejays and emcees brought it to each other every week. There were a few dope emcees in Wilson during those times but only two really standout, this cat named M-Survive and this other cat named Iyatollah. They were like the Jay-Z and Nas of the late 80’s as well as my influences.

How did your Grandmother influence your music?

Good question. Up until last year, I was blessed with the honor of having two living grandmothers. They both influenced my writing in a special way. The grandmother that passed was actually a songwriter. I used to watch her write gospel songs at the kitchen table every night I lived with her. I thought it was something that she did as a pastime but ironically, during her funeral, I found out that she had actually cut a “45” record in her lifetime. That’s why I feel like I have a certain responsibility to further her unfinished dream. My other grandmother, who still lives, instilled all of the spiritual values in me that you will hear in a lot of my music.

When did you start rapping and what made you start?

I started rhyming at age 12. The first two albums I ever purchased were “The Greatest Entertainer” by Doug E. Fresh and “Long Live The Kane” by Big Daddy Kane. These albums made me want to rhyme. There was this local crew in my hometown called “Black Radio”. They recorded an entire demo over the “DJ Mark The 45 King” instrumental album. When I heard this I knew that this was what I wanted to do.

You met up with L.E.G.A.C.Y and then 9th Wonder, both of the Justus League, how did that come about and what happened?

Wow...To sum it up. I knew Leg for a few years before he inducted into the JL. We used to run in the same crew. When the crew fell out due to bullshit management and etc, we still kept in contact. When he joined the league, he introduced me to 9th Wonder. 9th gave me tips and lessons on my beat making tactics and he blessed me with a few tracks as well. I can honestly say that if it weren’t for L.E.G., I would’ve given this up a long time ago. His progress pushed my ambition.

You've opened up for a lot of acts, whats your most memorable performance?

Opening up for the Lost Boyz was the most memorable. It was my first major show. It was the first time I heard my voice and my tracks come through the speakers the correct way. It also marked the first time I witness how people attitudes switch once they suspect that you might have a chance at being successful.

You just released a 12", what's good with that?

Yeah, got a 12” entitled Da Instigator produced by Nick da 1da. This will be the first single from “The Definition” compilation by Neblina Records. I’m on side A. On side B- “The Rebirth” by Chapter 13 and “Dreams” by Medinah General and DJ Resident.

How did Neblina Records come about?

Ricardo, one of the label’s partners, hit me up one day and asked to use the song for a compilation. Me being game for any type of promotion, I agreed. I never thought in a million years that they would use it for the lead single. Plus, it’s not my usual format of songwriting but I still appreciate the recognition. Neblina is a young label that has a lot of grind, ambition, and brains behind them. If they put the same amount of energy in every release like they promoted this 12”, they are going to do well in the future no doubt.

What's your next move?

Next move is to feed off of the benefits of having a 12” on the scene. Fellow NC artist, Kaze and I recorded a track with Nature (Queensbridge) called “Move Ova”. The 12” for that is also coming soon. Next, release my project entitled “Memoirs of A Premature Legend”. More details at www.kick-a-verse.com

How can Heads cop the vinyl and get in touch with you?

As of right now you can pre-order the 12” at www.neblinarecords.com. You can get in touch with me at prematurelegend@yahoo.com .

Shout Outs:

Crazy shout out to hiphopgame.com for taking the time out for this interview.

All who looked out:
The Neblina Staff/Forum, Kaze/Soul Dojo, L.E.G, 9th Wonder/Khrysis, D.O.X, Mastamind, Dan Johns, K-Slack, Bumrush (not only did he give me a dope show but he didn’t mind paying my ass either!) Comanche, DJ Forge, Chela #1, A-Beats & Lynch, DJ K.O., DJ Resident, EA Floe and DJ Flash and all supporters.