Illuminati 2G

Here is the interview with Kemo conducted 2/3/06. He talks about his latest album, Simple Plan, his thoughts on the Latino Rap Scene on the west coast and lack of exposure, and much more so enjoy the interview. Big Ups to Kemo for taking the time out to answer the questions.

D: What have you been up to since Simple Plan dropped?

K: I've been putting in work marketing and selling and performing behind the album. Along with that I have been working on a follow up video to "La Receta". There should be two new video coming soon. One of them being "Kind of Stories"

D: I have gotten alot of fans on the website hyping up the new album and you
have a loyal fanbase. What is your opinion on how the album turned out and
the vibe you have got from the fans about the album?

K: The fan response has been excellent and I've recieved mostly good feed back from people that hadn't heard of me in a little bit. "Simple Plan" turned out just how I had invisioned it. I like where I took it lyrically on this album.

D: The production and the beats on Simple Plan were very diverse. I like the fact you incorporated alot of horns in the beats and it almost has a live album feel to it. What was the process you went through for the beats?

K: Thanks. I had been producing some tracks for a while toward the album and the feel of the tracks would change from time to time. I seasoned it with lots of different elements this time. It's a good trip.

D: Have you picked a title or release date for your next album?

K: The new album is in the works but no date or title have been locked.

D: Any upcoming tour dates? You have got to come to Las Vegas soon.

K: I'm in studio mostly right now though I'm leaving to Costa Rica next week for a festival then back to the lab. Vegas is alway a dope spot to rock. Soon enough.

D: How is the Joint Clothing line you have coming along?

K: The demand has picked up and the line is flyer than ever right now. Were ready for any retailers that are interested in placing it the there stores. We have a presence in Japan, much of Europe and many city streets in the U.S.

D: Yeah I am liking the hooded sweatshirts and the t-shirts and the women's baby tees. Do you still keep in touch with the Cypress Hill crew and do you have any collabos planned with them?

K: I see my boys and we're cool. No plans fo collabs yet but the album is young.

 D: I always wanted to hear you spit some shit with B-Real over some Muggs beats. What is going on with your label, Dead Silence Records, and what album is dropping next from the label?

K: Jehuniko's album just dropped and is available in stores soon. You can reach out to him on www.myspace.com/jehuniko

D: I think you and Sinful from the Mexicanz are the best rappers when it comes to rapping in Spanish. Could you explain the process a little bit that
goes into it and how tough is it to lay English into a Spanish song as well? 

K: I dont see that it's too complicated if you're bilingual. It come down to the beat and the flow. Some beats take you there as if there was no other way to write the rhyme.

 D: What is your opinion on the state of hip hop today and do you think Latin rap is getting its just due here on the West Coast?

K: There's lots of HipHop to choose from today some good some garbage. No different than any other music as far as that goes. West coast Latin rap for the most part is treated as the stepchild. Things are going to change.

 D: Any last words, comments, shout outs or anything?

K: Dead Silence Family, Sick Symphanies- Psycho Realm, Cypress Hill, Kinto Sol, Q- Unique, Krazy Race, Los Tumbados, Respect homies and keep grinding!

 D: That is all from me. Best of luck in all your endeavors. You are a rare breed and continue to go against the grain with your art.

Kemo The Blaxican album "Simple Plan" is out now. Hit up his website here and order yourself a copy on his website. You can also check out his clothing line here. Here are a couple cuts off the album if ya missed them before.

Kemo- La Receta for the video to La Receta, click here

Kemo- Kind Of Stories