Illuminati 2G

IQ INTERVIEW

I2G chopped it up with a dope MC doing the independent grind, IQ, for a exclusive interview. We discuss his upbringing in music and his upcoming projects along with his thoughts on the hip hop game. Check it out.

Illuminati 2G is here with IQ how's it going?

Good. Just settin up the new studio and working on new lyrics

Tell me a little bit about how you got your start in music and who are some of your musical influences out there.

I started writing lyrics when I was 10 years old, making full songs and albums. After I heard Beastie Boys and Run DMC, I knew it's what I wanted to do. Growing up, I was really into Bone Thugs N Harmony and all the west coast rappers. Later on I really got into good east coast rap and underground rap like Nas, Talib, Canibus, then Dilated and J-5, etc.

How did you come up with the name IQ?

I actually did a few 6 senences in LA county jail. I used to rap for all the inmates and wear my little black glasses. One of the brothers befriended me and said I should go by 'IQ' since it fits my image and lyrics. After that, I took some IQ tests and scored very high, so I went with it.

What is the music scene like in Montana where you are from?

I'm not from Montana. I just moved here 4 months ago, but grew up in Los Angeles and lived there all of my life. The music scene in Montana is just a smaller version of LA. You have rappers here trying to make it and setting up shows, and all the big acts come through here on tour.

Do you have any upcoming mixtapes or albums that you are currently working on?

I'm working on a new album right now. My last album was meant to showcase my creativity and get all my old songs out there. This new album will be full of collaborations and different styles of beats.

What are your thoughts right now on the state of hip hop?

I think it's sad. I don't enjoy most mainstream hip-hop, but it's the only place where a new act can break and be at the top of the game. The underground hasn't had any new big names and is shutting down all of the upcoming rappers. You look at Rock the Bells, and it's the same MC's performing there as 10 years ago.

Do you have any upcoming shows or tour dates coming up for you?

Last month I did a show as the headliner and drew 180 people. I'm not sure that was good enough. I'm still trying to decide which direction to go, so as of now I don't have any shows set up. I have to decide which direction to focus on. If you go to a sold-out show with a big name hip-hop artist - Why did the show sell out? Is it because the artist has been touring and slowly building a name and finally has reached success? Or is it because the people have been listening to that artist for years after buying albums at stores?

That is a very good point and question. I would like to think it is a combination of both. Just from a fan perspective I always go for the live effect of experiencing music and also to see what other acts are performing with those artists. The last couple shows I went to the opening acts were better then the big names but I definitely see your point. What is your myspace or website information for people looking to check out your music?

www.IQHipHop.com
www.myspace.com/intelligencerecords

Appreciate the interview. Any last words or shoutouts?

Just want to give love to all the independent MC's that are stuck in the real underground with me. Hopefully we can make a new movement someday. If you think you can work your way up and someday headline rock the bells, good luck with that. Somethings gotta change.