Who were some of your biggest influences that are in the same field you are in?
Most roads lead to Big Daddy Kane and mine is no different. From a technical standpoint, Kane is the reason many of us find ways to rhyme multiple syllables in our verses and even rhyme-within-rhyme possibilities. From the storyteller's perspective, I look up to Slick Rick, who was someone that give you something great from beginning to end. In terms of hometown heroes, I have two: since I'm from Staten Island, the Wu-Tang Clan is the first (If you look in the credits of Method Man's "Tical" album, he shouts out the building that used to live in). Living in Raleigh, the Justus League would become my second.
Compare yourself to some one that is more established, who would that be and why?
I don't like comparing myself to anyone that is well known. However, I have heard Rass Kass get thrown around by a few friends of mine. I guess that in their minds, Rass is one of the artists that are true to the art and the culture and that's something that we have in common.
What made you want to get into the business?
Everything else but the business. This includes the comraderies, the connections, the stories, the collaborations, the late nights talking about everything and nothing in front of closed venues.
What is the most difficult thing you have had to endure in life or in the industry?
The most difficult part for me was getting my closest people to either listen to my music, come out to the shows, or support my process in any manner. Much of those same cats I hardly have time to kick it with due to life changes, but I hope all is well for them. On the other hand, much love to my boys, Lil Lue and B. Cannon, for coming to check me out at shows. Personally, I'm more at ease performing in front of a bunch of strangers because that is really all I've seen from the beginning. Since the aforementioned show in Seattle, no one knew who I was. I always heard "who?" anytime that I was introduced, but always had their attention by the second song in the set - at the maximum. By the time I finish, they're no longer strangers as I'm greeted with hugs, handshakes, and inquiries on where music can be found.
What is The Verified?
The Verified is a group like Jamla or Mello Music is a group. It's a group like A Tribe Called Quest or Run DMC is a group. By majority rule, we are a Hip-Hop trio based out of Los Angeles. The group consists of Jabez (Seoul/Koreatown Los Angeles), Kenny L'amour AKA Neighborhood Kenny (El Plano/Koreatown Los Angeles), and myself (Staten Island/Raleigh). I met those two on the now-deceased website, aznraps.com, when they had formed the group, Native Tongue. I like their style and they like mine while I was still representing Philosophy, so they decided to get me on a track with them. Much of the board really liked the chemistry between the three of us and this prompted Jabez and Kenny to welcome me to the fold.