100 BARS MAGAZINE 007 Mar/Apr 2014 | Page 45

Although Nuff Said and Danja Zone are brothers, they are most certainly not the same person or battler. Fighting to emerge from Danja’s shadow — where some have placed him — Nuff Said is on his way to the top. He may be a part of the battle rap crew My Brothers Keeper, but he most certainly is his own person — both in and out of the realm of battling. Novie Blendz: How long have you been rapping? Nuff Said: Over 20 years. I should have a rap 401K. Novie Blendz: That’s a long time rapping. What initially sparked your interest in battle rap? Nuff Said: My family is very musically inclined, so it’s in my genes. My moms and pops used to blast hip-hop in my younger days and it just stuck with me. Novie Blendz: Out of all the music played while you were growing up, who was your biggest influence? Nuff Said: Wow. Age alert! I would say Kool Moe Dee and Slick Rick. Novie Blendz: OK. So you’re a vintage rapper. (Novie laughs) But those are some classic and timeless artists — nuff said DONT SLEEP Novie Blendz: How did you feel during your very first battle? Nuff Said: Yeah. So when I got involved with the battle culture of today, I had to adapt; and I am still changing with the culture as it grows at this rapid pace. I could go on forever about the culture and what it means to me. Nuff Said: On camera, or in general? Novie Blendz: Was it awkward for you in your first on-camera battle? Novie Blendz: In general. Nuff Said: No. It was kind of crazy, the way my first battle happened. At that time, I was done with battling and was purely there to support my brother when he started in GrindTime. Then I was called out; and labeled a d**krider; and was asked, “why should anyone listen to me?” Then it was said that, “I don’t rap.“ I had to show them that I actually could rap. Then I met Shaka Pitts of Pitfights; he gave me the platform and opportunity to show what I could do. My first on-camera battle was me versus Krhyme Kills. Nuff Said: Yeah, I grew up at a pivotal time in hip hop. Nuff Said: I was nervous, but got comfortable as it progressed; it’s like football — you’re nervous until that first contact; then you know the strength of your opponent, and how you handle it, and how you and your opponent match up. Novie Blendz: True! Great analogy. How many off-camera battles have you actually had? Nuff Said: There are a few. I honestly couldn’t tell you; and it was different then. You know, just spittin’ until the other guy was out of bars. Novie Blendz: Well actually, I know a lot about the pre-camera era. (Novie laughs) That’s when freestyling was totally in; there weren’t any time limits; and battling was more raw and street. You are correct though, because most battle fans nowadays are more familiar with pre-written material and on-camera presence. Novie Blendz: How did you feel after your battle with Krhyme Kills? Nuff Said: I felt good after my first battle. The funny part is, the first guy I battled in Pitfights — Krhyme Kills — was someone who my brother also battled as his first opponent in GrindTime. 45