Illuminati 2G

I took the time to catch up with Kemo once again for another interview. His new album, Not So Rich & Famous, will be dropping April 24th and we discuss the making of the album and what fans can expect, politics, his clothing line and Dead Silence Records label so relax and enjoy the interview. Big ups to Kemo for linking back up with us again.

D: Alright, it's good to link back up with you bro. I got a TON of emails and comments on the site from fans praising you for your last album, Simple Plan, I featured on the site and after the interview. Looking back what are your thoughts on that album? Are you happy with it?

K: Looking back on the Simple Plan album, I'm very happy with it. That album did very well for me and it let the world  know how I get down on the solo tip. It was a snap shot of that time in my life. Simple Plan was a rise of vocal spittle and commanding rhymes.

D: You have a new album dropping April 24th called "Not So Rich & Famous." Tell me a little bit about the recording process going into this album.

K: This album was a hella good time recording. There were lots of long nights, drinks and good times.The production is all Symbolix and I got on it one track at a time letting the beat guide me toward the concepts and vibe to each track.

D: The first single is The 5th Of May and it is definitely more of a laid back, party vibe type of track. Is this more of the direction you are going with this album?

K: Yeah, I think this album has alot of variety on it, but it's definitely more a good time record. Not mindless senseless bullshit, but good times none the less.

D:  Yeah that is something that is missing from hip hop these days. Will there be a video for 5th Of May and any other singles?

K: I dropped "5th Of May" first because the album was dropping so close to Cinco De Mayo and I thought I should do it now rather than wait till next cinco. Man if I could I would shoot a video for every song on my album. I really enjoy the process of conceptualizing and creating the visual stimuli to my songs. There are plans for a number of videos, and "5th Of May" could be one. I just released two others from Simple Plan on the net."Kind of Stories" and "Nobody Likes" got very positive reviews.

D: Did you handle most of the production on this one or do you have different producers?

K: Yes, I handled all the production on this album. The beats just kept coming sicker and sicker so I kept on. That's how I am, relentless man, I don't mind working under pressure in fact I excell under it. So producing the entire album and writting too was no big deal.

D: You have a nice stable of artists on Dead Silence Records. Who is on the roster?

K: Dead Silence consist of Sicko Soldado, Jehuniko, Monomainiac, Mostro and myself. All the essential ingredients makings a blend of sick producers and lyrical assasins. We have some other affiliates that branch out from there.

D: Speaking of Jehuniko,  I have been chopping up game with Jehuniko now for the past few months, Shouts Out to J! and he along with Lady Binx and Ikuestion are all very political and socially conscious with their music. What was the factors or qualities that made you sign him?

K: I first decided to work with Jehu because of his unique style and delivery. The dude showed alot of heart and drive in his work ethic and I liked that. The fact that he takes a stand on politics gives you music with substance, I like that too. I had the opportunity to work with Ikuestion on his latest project and both he and Binx are dope MC's. They are not signed to Dead Silence records, but they would compliment any label that had them in the line up.

D: Yeah all 3 of them are very talented mcs. What other projects can we expect to see from your label?

K: The next thing to be on the look out for after "Not So Rich & Famous" is the Sicko Soldado album. His album is dropping soon after mine. Be ready for the battle. We've been promising this record for awhile now, but we had some obstacles to overcome. We're past that nowand the album is more than 90% complete.When Dead Silence unleashes this warrior on the scene the bar will be raised. The next project in development is The Dead Silence collabo record titled "Roll with the Dead." An album that ensures the continuous evolution of hip hop.

D: Since I spoke briefly on politics earlier, what is your opinion on the state of the government right now in the U.S.? Alot of change is going on.

K: I think our government needs to refocus on what is actually good and respectable for the American people. We don't see eye to eye and they don't seem to care to much. I hope these next elections bring big change. Real change. There is allot of shady shit going on and the we the people need to know about it.  I give a touch on this topic on "Not So Rich & Famous" with a song called "Rebel". Open your eyes.

D:  I know you mentioned in another interview that you would be on tour and you are doing a show in Phoenix May 5th. Any other dates you have set in concrete?

K: I'm currently setting up dates for Europe and Japan as well as more in the states. Be on the look out. Promoters can reach me at kemo@kemothablaxican.com or at www.myspace.com/kemotheblaxican

D: Sounds good. If we checked out your ride or cd player, what would you be bumping right now?

K: I been bumping allot of "Not So Rich & Famous" making sure the mixes are tight. I'm very meticulous when it comes to that. Aside from that I been mixing the I-pod up with every thing from Q-Unique and Sick Symphonies, to Snoop and Kam.

D: Yeah Kam has got some shit cooking up with Snoop coming in April. What is the latest on the Joint Clothing line?

K: Joint Clothing is doing well. We'll have a new collection coming soon. It's one of those things that I'll keep nurturing till it thrives like I know it will. Stop by the web site www.jointclothing.com  and pick up something fresh from the Joint store.

D:  Finish this sentence for me. The biggest thing Hip Hop needs right now is _____?

K: Balance

 D: Well that is all from me. Any shout outs or shameless promo you have?

K: Yeah to my fans for the mad support, all the Dead Silence Family and ILLUMINATI 2G for the continued support and allowing me to speak my peace.

D: Anytime

Check out www.myspace.com/kemotheblaxican to hear Kemo's single 5th Of May which is on the album, Not So Rich & Famous in stores April 24th