I had the opportunity to interview an up and coming rapper, Errion Ali.
1)
So
where are you from? I’m from Cleavland Ohio also known Theivland O’dro.
Specifically uptown Cleavland, Kinsmen the 40s.
2)
What
do you do for money besides rapping? I’m an artist and I’m an activist. So
basically what I do is distribute music, profit off ticket sales, and I sell
merchandise. I’m also and activist so I benefit off of community meetings,
raising donations and etc.
3)
How
long have you been rapping? I been rapping since 1998. I released my first solo
project December 9, 2005. It was called Society’s Filth.
4)
Who
are 3 of your biggest influences as a rapper? (1) Well the first one they tried
to write out of history is my big brother B.A.N.G.O. Essentially he passed away
in 1998. Which was the first time I wrote my first poems. I was in the 3rd
grade. He met a untimely demise at 21 years old. The way the game works is they
will try to write you of history. B.A.N.G.O. stands for Bummy Ass Nigga Getting
Over.
(2) Number 2 is Tupac
Shakur. I don’t have to do to much elaboration on that one. He’s arguably the
greatest and is one of my favorites that mainstream will recognize.
(3) Number 3 is Rakim.
Rakim is the first mainstream artist to reach success and critical acclaim
without using profanity in his lyrics, and also he’s the first hip hop
recording artist to go platinum which is major for our culture.
5)
What
is your favorite song that you’ve done and why? Ah man that’s hard one. I’ve
got nine solo albums that I’ve released but I a plethora of non released
material. So its hard to pick one favorite song that I’ve written in my
life/career.
6)
What
is your favorite rap album all time? Give me a minute lemme see. Imma give you
three: All Eyez Me by 2pac, Blueprint Jay Z, and Reasonable Doubt by Jay Z.
7)
Do
you listen to any other genres of music? I love all music and I create
everything from gothic to gospel. I can give them anything they want. Music is
in my bloodstream. My favorite song of all time is “Moments and Love” by the
Art of Noise. The song is 10 minutes long in direction. Also, the song speaks
to all ages and all genres with no lyrics in the music in the song.
8)
Are
you interested in working with any big name rappers right now? I’m interested
in being independent and distributing music for all pious artists from a black
market level to an international level. (He’s not really interested in signing
with a mainstream label)
9)
How
do you feel about the current state of rap music? Do you like Trap/Mumble rap?
(1) The current state of rap music is monetarily successful on a corporate
level but culturally from a hip hop standpoint very weak. (2) There is a
difference between trap rap and mumble rap. T.I. coined the phrase Trap Music,
however, Scarface, UGK, 8 Ball & MJG could be considered Trap Rap. These
rappers were around before T.I. and he credits them for being his influences.
Mumble rap is not Trap Rap. I’m not into Mumble Rap. Mumble rap consists of
skinny jean wearing, tie die hair having, no substance lyrically having
rappers. Trap Rappers have heart and cannot be compared to Mumble Rappers. T.I.
and Jeezy are Trap Rappers and Mumble Rappers are just a corporate interest for
White America. When they are finished they will discard them.
10) What advice would you give to young black men?
Go out on yo’ shield not on yo sword. Don’t compromise for this sodomist,
secular,world. That’s the best advice I can give young black men.