Vader: Alright, let’s get into it;
state your name and where you’re
from.
Prez Mafia: Prez Mafia. Bronx,
NY.
Vader: Where does the name “Prez
Mafia” come from?
Prez Mafia: When I started
rapping, I always named myself
“Prez”. I don’t know why,
but one day I watched a JFK
documentary — I think that
n***a is cold. He had ties with
the mob as well, and he was one
of the youngest, most known
presidents. I’m young, I’m smart,
but I too have a dark side. Hence
the name.
Vader: Very interesting. So tell us
how you got into battle rap.
Prez Mafia: Well for those who
don’t know, I’m heavy in the
Bronx. I’ve been around many
known individuals; to where
I’ve seen so many styles that it
came natural to me, once I took
it seriously. A battle rapper by
the name of Push Pax — from
my home team, Body Bag Gang
— battled Show Off on Bluudy
Nuckles’ Spittaz League, which is
where I started. Shoutout to Pax.
I went with Pax, and July Streets
was on the card. His opponent
was a no-show. I told Pax, “I
want in.” He told Bluudy, and
by mistake — but on purpose
— I was a battle rapper on the
spot.
Vader: So that was your first
battle?
Prez Mafia: Yes. “July Streets vs.
Prez Mafia”.
Vader: That shows that you’re
pretty good with moving on
the spot. You battled Big Jinya
impromptu as well; how different
is your performance when you
battle on the spot versus when
you prepare for your opponent?
Prez Mafia: Very different. I have
a presence in each performance,
but when I prepare it’s more
complex and direct which
makes my angles and punches
way sharper.
Vader: Word. Your presence and
performance is very strong in
all of your battles. I love how
you use a lot of imagery in your
rounds; like when you said, “bars
over your head, like no more
seats on the train” versus Bandana
Boogie. What’s your preparation
like for a battle?
Prez Mafia: When I’m in my
zone it’s very strict and wellformatted. I have a lazy way and
an OK-Prez-quit-bullsh**ting
way, but I am very different in
the sequence and perspective
of things. When it comes to
writing, I have a formula that
prez mafia
rising star
I can’t say now, but soon I will
give out a hint or two.
Vader: We see that you rep
Innuendo —
Prez Mafia: Shoutout to
Innuendo.
Vader: The Innuendo squad is
looking very nice and Bonnie
Godiva just put out a great battle
with Shooney Da Rapper.
Prez Mafia: I love Bon Bon.
That’s my sister for real.
Vader: There