Illuminati 2G

PUMA BENSON INTERVIEW

I2G chopped it up with Puma Benson for a exclusive interview. Many of you will remember Puma from our last mixtape, The Sanctuary mixtape volume 4 The Prelude on the last track entitled Eye of The Storm. We discuss the making of that track and how he got his start, his plans as far as upcoming albums and mixtapes and much more so check it out. We also have the track discussed above to check out if you have not yet.

Puma Benson- Eye Of The Storm

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

Right now everything is good.

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

I guess you could say I got my start a show in south Philly. a promoter named Rick was putting togather a showcase for local artists and asked me to come out and perform. before then I just rapping on corners. I never even knew my name was getting around. I grew up on the old school so some of my influences was Rakim, Public Enemy, BDP, NWA etc.

How did you come up with the name Puma Benson?

I got the name Puma as a child. My family called me Pune but people had a problem pronouncing it guess so they started calling me Puma and it stuck. Benson is my real last name.

You did the song, Eye Of The Storm, which appeared on our mixtape compilation a couple months ago. Dope track, tell me how it came together for you.

I was going through some things when I wrote the Eye Of The Storm. Baby momma drama, money problems, people was minding my business. I wanted to answer a few questions and explain a few things about the situation from my point of view and being as though hardship is something everybody can relate to I think the thought of the song got across to everybody well. After I wrote the lyrics I got with KC and he had the perfect track to match the words so we recorded the song and put it on "Snowballz Chance In Hell'.

Do you have any upcoming mixtapes or albums that you are currently working on? I know you mentioned Snowballz Chance In Hell.

We just finished Snowballz Chance In Hell so we doing our running around. I enjoy doing doing shows more then recording so I'm having big fun with it. I'm back in the studio this September to start recording The Harsh Reality.

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

I think hip hop is strong right now. Especially for independent artist. I just don't think it's enough versitility in the playlist that program directers put together for radio on major stations. The music is there but some of the people thats in a passion to bring hip hop back to it's glory days is just scared to take a chance. It's a little more difficult for hip hop artists that's not signed to a major label to get booked right now because of the economy and fear of not selling tickets. Overall I would say hip hop the music is strong as it's ever been but hip hop the business is caught in a political mess.

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

We have to shows left this summer one in Williamsport, PA August 22 in the park at Campbell St. and Little League Blvd. The next one is the youth center in Lockhaven, PA. After that I'm going to start recording the next project.

What is your myspace or website information for people looking to check out your music?

Sorry, no myspace. People can check me out on various on line radio stations such as www.maddradio.com, www.southernmix.com, www.urthemovement.com, www.phatfirm.com. If any body need a copy of the full album they can leave a message on any one of them pages or email me at bensonpbenson@aol.com. I'll put up a myspace page soon I just been lazy on doing it.

All good fam. Appreciate the interview. Any last words or shoutouts?

Thanks for the love I appreciate you having me. I got to scream at miz, b2thadot, Najah, Aaliyah, Nasir, KC, Juggernaut music, m.o.t records, syr productions, fam, hobo, ar tha gunn, and everybody at Illuminati 2g and doing the mixtape thing. One