"This is in my BLOOD. I couldn't quit if I wanted to!"-- alpha.
DBLIi- What got you into hip-hop?
alpha- Man... It's always kind of been around me, even as a kid. I remember my aunt's boyfriend had a record store when I was like, 6, and he let me pick out 3 records, one of which was Run DMC's 'It's Like That'. And I think it was the drums that hit so hard, and how forceful and powerful Run's voice was, it just grabbed me; I'd listen to it as much as I could. And just as I got older, the more I learned about the culture and was exposed to it, coupled with all I was learning in school about poetry and writing (I was quite the geek, especially in English), I was just swept into it all and couldn't NOT be a part of having my voice heard.
DBLIi- How difficult is it (exposure-wise) being a Hip-Hop artist in the Midwest, and to a greater degree, a state not neccesarily known for hip-hop?
alpha-That's a great question, and to keep it real, its a perspective question; half empty/half full kinda. Because, while yes, we are still not as adamantly recognized as a whole in Hip Hop, as a region, (although we've had our blips, from Twista & Common from the Chi, Hi-Tek & BONE from Ohio, Eminem & J. Dilla from the D, St. Louis, etc.) I think that having that underdog mentality of feeling there is something to prove is what drives us that much harder to fuel our passions and represent home more than others. Add to that the fact that we are the hotbed of diverse and unexpected blends of styles because we listen and are influenced by EVERYTHING, I think that works to our advantage as making us unique and diverse as artists. The downside is the lack of representation of any of the larger record labels in major midwestern markets. Yeah, there's Chicago, but they have enough artists there alone looking to get on that they don't waste time combing surrounding areas for pure talent. So its definitely a double edged sword. Your exposure is only limited to your personal work ethic.
DBLIi- How different is the response (if any) between when you perform at home as opposed to out of town shows?
alpha-Wow... Totally different. There are a lot of influences that I reference in my particular style that a lot of people here at home may not be up on (i.e. Dilla, MadLib, Thes One, etc.) But when I hit places or rock with people from different markets that are familiar with those same influences, they 'get' it, and it makes that audience connection that much more live, relatable, and powerful. But all musical relativity aside, whether they get it or not, nothing ever, EVER beats the feeling of rockin for your home crowd. I go hard each and every set I do, but there's always something special about home.
DBLIi- Do you have any upcoming projects? If so, when can we expect them?
alpha-Well, I have my teaser joint, 'the FIXtape' circulating out there now, which features the biography track about Barack Obama called 'Obama 08 (Do the Knowledge)', which has been very well received. The next joint on deck to be released here soon is 'pg. 1', which is less of a mixtape; more of a 'street album' in the fact that its crafted as an album, but not an official LP release. It's in the mixing stages now and will be available in time for the holiday season. Also, my first, original LP, 'Flight' is in the final recording stages; its about 68% complete. I'm also featured as the second lead single off 'The Hurt Game' compilation from Shadowkat Nightson, my manager and mentor. The lead single off that compilation is the title track, from Shadow himself featuring our man Rhymefest. The comp also features Nappyville, Riddles, Sho-Down, Trillogy, and many others. That's releasing soon as well. And I've been doin features on various people's projects, from Hip Hop to poetry to rock and everything in between; so yeah, the kid's been workin. Keep checkin alphaisforever.blogspot.com weekly for updates. I'm reformatting my blogspot and will be updating regularly by months end.
DBLIi- Most journalists and critics try to define an artist's sound and most, if not ALL, get it wrong. With that said, how would YOU describe it?
alpha-And THAT, is THE question. I hate to sound cliche' and say 'I don't sound like NOBODY, son' (chuckles), but in all reality, I really sound like everybody that I've ever heard and learned from, thrown into a pot, and spiced up with a generous portion of my life experiences and what made ME. But I have a penchant for storytelling, vividly giving you a visual, and I deliver it in whatever format helps bring it across best, and that crosses genres from poetry/spoken word to rock to Hip Hop to jazz. I want to make a difference by being a voice to the voiceless, telling storied of life from new and unexpected perspectives, as well as showcasing my lyricism and creativity in creating new stories and rhymes.
DBLIi- Aside from yourself, what can the public expect (in the near future) from artists in Indianapolis and the rest of Indiana?
alpha-A LOT. Man, we are so talented, so underrated, and so HUNGRY to get out and show the world our voice, and all the incredible talent we have to offer, from the streets to the suites. I can't wait.
DBLIi- Now, I remember that you were once a part of 625 Entertainment and the group Trillogy. What happened with that situation, or did you simply feel it was time to move on?
alpha-That's my foundation, more than anything else I've been a part of in life, and I learned and grew so much, both personally and professionally. And I will always be thankful for being blessed to work with those brothers for so long and all the strides and breakthroughs we made. I just got to a point that I was unhappy and dissatisfied in myself, and where I was in my life, plus I had just had my baby girl, so there was a lot weighing heavy on my spirit. So without any explanation, I told (current and founding member) Reddy Rock one day 'I Quit.' And it definitely ruffled some feathers, no doubt. And granted, we all haven't really spoken much at all since then, and I owe them my sincerest apologies. But they're doing great, and I am proud of them for pushing on and all they've done since. I just had to do what was best for myself at the time. I took some time off and just worked a regular job, tried to stay away from music. But like that classic movie line, 'just when I thought I could get away... It pulls me right back in!!' This is in my BLOOD, I can't quit if I wanted to. So here I am.
DBLIi- What do you think it will take for the Midwest to "explode" as seen recently in places like Miami, Houston, and Atlanta?
alpha-It's just like the early days of the rise of the South; we still need more unity, more cross collaborations with each other. We're gettin there, bit by bit, true, but the sooner and the more we work together, the sooner we can ALL eat. WELL.
DBLIi- As a part of Hip-Hop culture, there are aspects that, everyone must admit, promote & condone negative ideals. How can WE (as a part of Hip-Hop) change the public's perception of Hip-Hop (as a culture) and it's music?
alpha-Stop just rapping, and go back to creating ART. Genuine, passionate, 'I'd do this even if I could never get paid for it because I LOVE it', ART. Period. And being more responsible with what we create and get behind. But that's just my opinion.
DBLIi- Where can we see you perform soon?
alpha-The next show lined up I believe is opening for obscure Hip Hop legend Kool Keith at the Vogue on Tuesday, October 14th. Then you can catch me performing at the Indiana Hoosiers for Obama Election Night Watch Party at the Sheraton in Keystone at the Crossing on November 4th, along with Indiana Poet Laureate Nominee Tasha Jones. After that, I'll be finalizing my latest album and gearing up for more paid perfomances for the next year and beyond. (For booking, contact nightsons@gmail.com)
DBLIi- You seem to have garnered a lot of respect here in Nap for, not only your lyrical dexterity, but your feelings towards social change. Which means more to you, and why?
alpha-Change. There's a million cats who can rap circles around you with words, but its going out here and making a difference that really matters. Cuz in the end, those words are just all talk; what matters is what volumes one speaks in actions. I was always instilled that it is in action how a man is defined. And I AM the change I wish to see in the world.
DBLIi- Being from a city that is more greatly known for amatuer sports and R&B music, why should Nap be taken MORE seriously when it comes to hip-hop, in your opinion?
alpha-I actually don't feel we should be taken seriously by anyone else until we all begin taking ourselves seriously. Being on top of our business more, working together more, continuing to put out high quality music, and just keeping it pushing forward, pushing the envelope. Once we do that, the world will take notice; we won't have to 'make' anyone do anything. We will be undeniable.
DBLIi- What made you start "AlphaIsForever"?
alpha-(chuckles)... I was looking for inspiration to motivate myself to keep going when I decided to start back rhymin, so I went back and listened to all the joints I listened to comin up, especiall in high school that inspired me to want to rhyme in the first place. And there's this joint by Cappadonna (of all people lol) on his album, 'The Pillage', called 'Check for a N****a'. And there's this one lil adlib part that sounded like he said 'alpha is forever' (which I actually much later found out was more 'outfits forever' lol). But it struck me at that time like 'that's it!' And along the lines of the DeBeers 'a diamond is forever' ads, it was simple, understated, subtle but stylized, and it represented a lot of where I am at this point in my career; the dark silhouette with something tangible in the foreground. Its like 'yeah, its me, but focus on the art; I'm merely the current, the conduit to get it to you'. So there you have it.
DBLIi-On the blog you post music and some poetry. Do you plan on releasing any literary works in the near future?
alpha- Man... It's always kind of been around me, even as a kid. I remember my aunt's boyfriend had a record store when I was like, 6, and he let me pick out 3 records, one of which was Run DMC's 'It's Like That'. And I think it was the drums that hit so hard, and how forceful and powerful Run's voice was, it just grabbed me; I'd listen to it as much as I could. And just as I got older, the more I learned about the culture and was exposed to it, coupled with all I was learning in school about poetry and writing (I was quite the geek, especially in English), I was just swept into it all and couldn't NOT be a part of having my voice heard.
DBLIi- How difficult is it (exposure-wise) being a Hip-Hop artist in the Midwest, and to a greater degree, a state not neccesarily known for hip-hop?
alpha-That's a great question, and to keep it real, its a perspective question; half empty/half full kinda. Because, while yes, we are still not as adamantly recognized as a whole in Hip Hop, as a region, (although we've had our blips, from Twista & Common from the Chi, Hi-Tek & BONE from Ohio, Eminem & J. Dilla from the D, St. Louis, etc.) I think that having that underdog mentality of feeling there is something to prove is what drives us that much harder to fuel our passions and represent home more than others. Add to that the fact that we are the hotbed of diverse and unexpected blends of styles because we listen and are influenced by EVERYTHING, I think that works to our advantage as making us unique and diverse as artists. The downside is the lack of representation of any of the larger record labels in major midwestern markets. Yeah, there's Chicago, but they have enough artists there alone looking to get on that they don't waste time combing surrounding areas for pure talent. So its definitely a double edged sword. Your exposure is only limited to your personal work ethic.
DBLIi- How different is the response (if any) between when you perform at home as opposed to out of town shows?
alpha-Wow... Totally different. There are a lot of influences that I reference in my particular style that a lot of people here at home may not be up on (i.e. Dilla, MadLib, Thes One, etc.) But when I hit places or rock with people from different markets that are familiar with those same influences, they 'get' it, and it makes that audience connection that much more live, relatable, and powerful. But all musical relativity aside, whether they get it or not, nothing ever, EVER beats the feeling of rockin for your home crowd. I go hard each and every set I do, but there's always something special about home.
DBLIi- Do you have any upcoming projects? If so, when can we expect them?
alpha-Well, I have my teaser joint, 'the FIXtape' circulating out there now, which features the biography track about Barack Obama called 'Obama 08 (Do the Knowledge)', which has been very well received. The next joint on deck to be released here soon is 'pg. 1', which is less of a mixtape; more of a 'street album' in the fact that its crafted as an album, but not an official LP release. It's in the mixing stages now and will be available in time for the holiday season. Also, my first, original LP, 'Flight' is in the final recording stages; its about 68% complete. I'm also featured as the second lead single off 'The Hurt Game' compilation from Shadowkat Nightson, my manager and mentor. The lead single off that compilation is the title track, from Shadow himself featuring our man Rhymefest. The comp also features Nappyville, Riddles, Sho-Down, Trillogy, and many others. That's releasing soon as well. And I've been doin features on various people's projects, from Hip Hop to poetry to rock and everything in between; so yeah, the kid's been workin. Keep checkin alphaisforever.blogspot.com weekly for updates. I'm reformatting my blogspot and will be updating regularly by months end.
DBLIi- Most journalists and critics try to define an artist's sound and most, if not ALL, get it wrong. With that said, how would YOU describe it?
alpha-And THAT, is THE question. I hate to sound cliche' and say 'I don't sound like NOBODY, son' (chuckles), but in all reality, I really sound like everybody that I've ever heard and learned from, thrown into a pot, and spiced up with a generous portion of my life experiences and what made ME. But I have a penchant for storytelling, vividly giving you a visual, and I deliver it in whatever format helps bring it across best, and that crosses genres from poetry/spoken word to rock to Hip Hop to jazz. I want to make a difference by being a voice to the voiceless, telling storied of life from new and unexpected perspectives, as well as showcasing my lyricism and creativity in creating new stories and rhymes.
DBLIi- Aside from yourself, what can the public expect (in the near future) from artists in Indianapolis and the rest of Indiana?
alpha-A LOT. Man, we are so talented, so underrated, and so HUNGRY to get out and show the world our voice, and all the incredible talent we have to offer, from the streets to the suites. I can't wait.
DBLIi- Now, I remember that you were once a part of 625 Entertainment and the group Trillogy. What happened with that situation, or did you simply feel it was time to move on?
alpha-That's my foundation, more than anything else I've been a part of in life, and I learned and grew so much, both personally and professionally. And I will always be thankful for being blessed to work with those brothers for so long and all the strides and breakthroughs we made. I just got to a point that I was unhappy and dissatisfied in myself, and where I was in my life, plus I had just had my baby girl, so there was a lot weighing heavy on my spirit. So without any explanation, I told (current and founding member) Reddy Rock one day 'I Quit.' And it definitely ruffled some feathers, no doubt. And granted, we all haven't really spoken much at all since then, and I owe them my sincerest apologies. But they're doing great, and I am proud of them for pushing on and all they've done since. I just had to do what was best for myself at the time. I took some time off and just worked a regular job, tried to stay away from music. But like that classic movie line, 'just when I thought I could get away... It pulls me right back in!!' This is in my BLOOD, I can't quit if I wanted to. So here I am.
DBLIi- What do you think it will take for the Midwest to "explode" as seen recently in places like Miami, Houston, and Atlanta?
alpha-It's just like the early days of the rise of the South; we still need more unity, more cross collaborations with each other. We're gettin there, bit by bit, true, but the sooner and the more we work together, the sooner we can ALL eat. WELL.
DBLIi- As a part of Hip-Hop culture, there are aspects that, everyone must admit, promote & condone negative ideals. How can WE (as a part of Hip-Hop) change the public's perception of Hip-Hop (as a culture) and it's music?
alpha-Stop just rapping, and go back to creating ART. Genuine, passionate, 'I'd do this even if I could never get paid for it because I LOVE it', ART. Period. And being more responsible with what we create and get behind. But that's just my opinion.
DBLIi- Where can we see you perform soon?
alpha-The next show lined up I believe is opening for obscure Hip Hop legend Kool Keith at the Vogue on Tuesday, October 14th. Then you can catch me performing at the Indiana Hoosiers for Obama Election Night Watch Party at the Sheraton in Keystone at the Crossing on November 4th, along with Indiana Poet Laureate Nominee Tasha Jones. After that, I'll be finalizing my latest album and gearing up for more paid perfomances for the next year and beyond. (For booking, contact nightsons@gmail.com)
DBLIi- You seem to have garnered a lot of respect here in Nap for, not only your lyrical dexterity, but your feelings towards social change. Which means more to you, and why?
alpha-Change. There's a million cats who can rap circles around you with words, but its going out here and making a difference that really matters. Cuz in the end, those words are just all talk; what matters is what volumes one speaks in actions. I was always instilled that it is in action how a man is defined. And I AM the change I wish to see in the world.
DBLIi- Being from a city that is more greatly known for amatuer sports and R&B music, why should Nap be taken MORE seriously when it comes to hip-hop, in your opinion?
alpha-I actually don't feel we should be taken seriously by anyone else until we all begin taking ourselves seriously. Being on top of our business more, working together more, continuing to put out high quality music, and just keeping it pushing forward, pushing the envelope. Once we do that, the world will take notice; we won't have to 'make' anyone do anything. We will be undeniable.
DBLIi- What made you start "AlphaIsForever"?
alpha-(chuckles)... I was looking for inspiration to motivate myself to keep going when I decided to start back rhymin, so I went back and listened to all the joints I listened to comin up, especiall in high school that inspired me to want to rhyme in the first place. And there's this joint by Cappadonna (of all people lol) on his album, 'The Pillage', called 'Check for a N****a'. And there's this one lil adlib part that sounded like he said 'alpha is forever' (which I actually much later found out was more 'outfits forever' lol). But it struck me at that time like 'that's it!' And along the lines of the DeBeers 'a diamond is forever' ads, it was simple, understated, subtle but stylized, and it represented a lot of where I am at this point in my career; the dark silhouette with something tangible in the foreground. Its like 'yeah, its me, but focus on the art; I'm merely the current, the conduit to get it to you'. So there you have it.
DBLIi-On the blog you post music and some poetry. Do you plan on releasing any literary works in the near future?
alpha-Funny you should mention that... I actually have a couple books in the works; poetry and photography, and a book of inspirational anecdotes and wisdoms. I'm also in the process of developing one of my pieces, 'caine & able', into a short stage play. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. I'm just stayin busy, staying positive, and doing my best to not take any of my blessings for granted. I've been given a gift; and if I don't use it, He'll take it from me. I plan to hold onto this and use it to help as many people I can until I can do no more.
Daaaaaaaaamn... right? And THIS is only the BEGINNING!!! Keep checking back, like I always tell you, and maybe one of your future new favorites will be giving you some profound insight.
Til next time, Family
Peace and Blessings
Double Ii
P.S. You can find more on alpha. at alphaisforever.blogspot.com.
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