Phife Da
Not only was Phife Dawg in London town for the exclusive premiere of the Beats, Rhymes and Life documentary, he also took time out from his busy schedule for a hotminute with us!
HM: How do you think your UK fans will respond to ‘The Beats, Rhyme and Life’ documentary? I’m not sure, I just know that our supporters in the UK are extremely loyal, so be prepared to laugh, cry and laugh again!
HM: When you were first approached about the documentary how did you feel about the idea? I wasn’t too crazy about it!
HM: Did you think the idea would get the buy in and participation from the other group members?
I would have thought that the others would have said no. I was the last member asked about it; everybody was on board, so I hopped on board as well.
HM: In the documentary trailer Ludacris is quoted saying “they (ATCQ) completely mastered the form and culture of what Hip Hop was supposed to be. How far do you think Hip Hop has moved on from what you created? There was a time when certain artists came out (after Tribe), you’d see that progression, but for the last decade or so, there has been a lot of regression taking place!
HM: The documentary has got the support and following of many high profile artists on the Hip Hop scene. Were you surprised to discover that ATCQ has inspired the music careers of so many individuals? Yes I am, I never thought that it would get this big; we were doing this just to be fly in the hood!
HM: When did you realise that as a collective A Tribe Called Quest was creating more than just music, but a movement? I realised that this was a movement when we broke up in 98! The rap game is very fickle, you can be on top for three weeks or less, then who cares. When we disbanded, there still seemed to be a heavy demand for us to do shows etc. The love we were getting was incredible! Still is, doc or no doc!
HM: Of all the tracks you created, what would you say is your favourite? Check The Rhyme; Find A Way, Electric Relaxation, Verses from the Abstract!
HM: If ATCQ was to reunite how different do you think your sound would be?
Our last album dropped 13 yrs ago, so I have no Idea! I will say when it comes to shows, we fall right in pocket, not a glitch, hitch, nothing!
HM: Many artists have said that Hip Hop today lacks culture, what artists do you think are living up to the right expectations lyrically and creatively? Mos Def, Common, Outkast, Kweli, Kanye’!
HM: In a recent interview with Karma Loop you mention that labels and radio are responsible for the current state of Hip Hop. Rather than rewarding and cultivating individualism, they often breed mass replication. Do you think this boils down to individuals choosing to sell out? I wouldn’t call it selling out, get that money by all means, but show that you care about the art form!
HM: If artists are motivated by mainstream stardom and getting paid, how can we begin to re-educate them that creativity, skill and individualism creates longevity in the industry? Not sure you can, it’s all about making/ creating a lane for yourself! This industry reminds me of the NFL, you have 32 teams in the league & 28 teams will use the same offensive or defensive strategy! We call the NFL a copycat league, that’s unfortunately what the rap game is right now! Pure laziness, with a few exceptions!
HM: It’s been a hot minute since we’ve seen you on the scene, although you feature in the NBA 2K9 computer game, how did this come about? Back in 2006 Tribe was on tour, which was sponsored by the company that makes the game, and being that I’m such a b-ball fan/advocate for the game, they involved me in it!
HM: What other projects have you been involved with?
New LP coming soon: Cheryl’s Big Son: Thee Anomaly, New sports radio show called The Fanalysts, basketball scout for a High School in Connecticut as well as working on my foundation called Phife IV Life!!!!
HM: Lastly do you think the outcome of this documentary might spark a reunion for ATCQ?
I have no idea, keep your fingers crossed, say a prayer!
http://www.myspace.com/phifedawg Interview: Lesley B
Photography: Paul Hampartsoumian 20 hotminute mag
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