The Resource January 2014 Volume 1 Issue 001 | Page 12

Introducing Nataanii Means a up and
coming native american hip hop artist
born and raised on the Navajo Nation
by way of Chinle,AZ. We had the opportunity of interviewing him about
performing what he calls human music and about his new debut album entitled “2 Worlds”.
THE RESOURCE -What made you
first realize you wanted to pursue a
career in music?
I first realized I wanted a CAREER
in music, when I was a sophomore in
college. I was involved in music, and
around that time, I heard a new artist that was becoming well known, J.
cole, who’s music I could relate to so
much. After that I wanted to get my
voice out there and have people relate
to me and my stories.
THE RESOURCE - How did you
become involved in the type of music you do now?
I grew up listening to hip hop, it was
always around. My cousin Isaac Grant
was in a group called Tribal Live, they
were well established, I looked up to
them as a role model including other Indian rappers like Supaman, and
Redcloud. I didn’t know Indians could
do things like that until I heard their
music.
THE RESOURCE - If you had to
categorize your music, what genre
would it best fit?
I really don’t like categorizing myself because I feel like that’s limiting
myself. I do human music, relatable
music that hits your conscious as well
as showcases good word play. But if I
had to name one, it’d be just hip hop.
THE RESOURCE - What are your
songs about?
My album is titled “2 Worlds” where
I cover subjects such as indigenous
empowerment, I bring reservation life
into the verses, how it is to grow up
on the reservation, what I seen as a
kid, what my friends seen as kids, and

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January 2014 issue 001

things we’ve faced like alcoholism,
growing up with it, watching meth and
crime rise. I talk about being traditional, knowing our culture, and that’s
one world. The second world is off the
reservation, I went to college, experienced a lot, partying, girls, and regret.
THE RESOURCE - As a child
growing up, music surrounds us;
what type of music did you hear the
most back then?
As far as hip hop, I grew up with a lot
of influence from east coast, wu- tang,
nas, etc. Where the rhyme schemes
and the metaphors were huge. And
other artists from the west coast such
as Kurupt and 2 Pac, they were all mellow but still had substance. Nowadays
there are not a lot of good lyrics, just
the “I’m rich, what about you” type of
lyrics and I can’t relate to that. But I
can relate to J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar because they talk about relevant
issues, things an average person goes
through. I also grew up with powwow
and ceremony.
THE RESOURCE - Who are your
biggest musical influences?
J. Cole, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar
THE RESOURCE - What do you
attribute to your “drive as an artist”?
My people. My ancestors. Everyone
living today that lives on the Rez that
don’t realize how genocidal this government is, and all the kids in school
who aren’t being taught our language
or history. People who don’t know
about the 21st century Indian, and the
ones that fight this government everyday.
THE RESOURCE - As an artist, is
there anything special you hope to
be able to accomplish?
I’d like to breakthrough into the mainstream media, though both music and
film, and show them the stories of our
people.
THE RESOURCE - What has been
the biggest challenge for you?

That’s a broad question, I’d have to
say, striving off the Rez, going to college and still maintaining my identity
as a Lakota, as Diné, and as Omaha.
THE RESOURCE - If you had to
change one thing about your music
what do you feel would be the best
change to benefit overall and why?
to change one thing, maybe I’d change
my work ethic, and working harder
and focusing more on it.
THE RESOURCE - What do you
think makes you and your type of
music unique from other artists?
A lot of people have told me I speak
the truth. And that’s what I try to do,
I keep it true. Why tell lies and gimmicks? I come from the Rez, I struggle
to this day maintaining my culture. I
tell stories, and paint pictures. I was
raised by a revolutionary, and I have
that in my music as well.
THE RESOURCE - As an artist,
how would you define SUCCESS?
Being respected by my people.
THE RESOURCE - Has there been
one particular moment in your musical career that you’re most proud
of?
Performing at the Hard Rock Cafe in
Phoenix, AZ.
THE RESOURCE - Where would
you like to see yourself within the
next five years as an artist?
Continue making relevant music. To
finish my degree in filmmaking, have
a well established musical career, and
maybe a film in the works.
THE RESOURCE - What can people expect to see at your live performance?
They can expect to see an emcee putting his heart and soul into the crowd,
and some dope lyricism.
THE RESOURCE - Someone once
said write what you would